Add up your score for Australia's General Skilled Migration points test — used for the subclass 189, 190 and 491 visas. You need at least 65 points to submit an Expression of Interest.
65 points only lets you submit an Expression of Interest. Actual invitations are competitive and often need 85–95+ points depending on your occupation.
Australia selects skilled migrants using a points test. You claim points across categories — age, English, work experience, qualifications and several bonuses — and need at least 65 to lodge an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect. This calculator adds up the main categories so you can see roughly where you stand. Because places are competitive, the score that actually earns an invitation is usually well above the 65-point floor.
How the points test works
Points come from set categories, some claimed once and some added as bonuses. Overseas and Australian work experience are added together but capped at 20 points combined. You can only claim one age band, one English level and one qualification.
Total = Age + English + Work experience (max 20) + Education
+ Partner + Nomination + bonus points
EOI minimum = 65 points
A 30-year-old with proficient English, 8–10 years overseas experience, a bachelor's degree and a partner who is a permanent resident:
Age (25–32)
30
Proficient English
10
Overseas experience (capped at 20)
15
Bachelor's degree
15
Single/PR partner
10
Total
80 points
Why 65 points is rarely enough
Reaching 65 points lets you into the pool, but the Department of Home Affairs invites the highest-scoring candidates first. For popular occupations, recent invitation rounds have required scores in the high 80s or 90s. Common ways to add points include improving your English to superior level (up to +20), gaining more skilled experience, adding a state or regional nomination, or completing a professional year. Always confirm current requirements and occupation lists on the official Home Affairs website before acting.
Frequently asked questions
How many points do I need for Australian PR?
At least 65 to submit an Expression of Interest, but competitive invitations often require 85–95+ depending on your occupation and visa subclass.
Is work experience capped?
Yes. Overseas and Australian skilled experience are added together but the combined total can't exceed 20 points.
Do partner skills really add points?
Being single or having a citizen/PR partner gives 10 points; a skilled partner under 45 with competent English also gives 10; a partner with competent English alone gives 5.
Is this an official assessment?
No. It's an estimate of the main categories. Official points are assessed by the Department of Home Affairs, and rules and occupation lists change.
Unofficial estimate for guidance only, based on the General Skilled Migration points test. It doesn't cover every rule or eligibility requirement and isn't immigration advice. Confirm current points, occupation lists and criteria on the Australian Department of Home Affairs website, or consult a registered migration agent.
Written by the CalcPine team · Reviewed for accuracy · Last updated 12 July 2026 · Method: sum of official points-test categories with the 20-point combined work-experience cap.
