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Australian visa resources

The points test for skilled migration

How Australia scores applicants for points-tested skilled visas such as subclasses 189, 190 and 491.

Official guidance Regularly updated

Important

This information is for general guidance only. Meeting the requirements does not guarantee your application will be approved.

Points-tested skilled visas (subclasses 189, 190 and 491) use a points test to rank applicants. You must submit an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect and be invited to apply; you cannot apply directly.

Points are awarded for factors including age, English language ability, skilled employment experience, educational qualifications and other criteria, and additional points can come from state/territory nomination or eligible family sponsorship. To be invited you must meet or exceed the points threshold, and in practice the score needed for an invitation is often higher than the minimum because invitations are competitive.

The official points tables for each visa set out exactly how points are awarded, and a points calculator is available to give an indicative score.

Next steps

  1. Check the documents you’ll needView documents
  2. How to applyStart here
  3. Choose your visaFind a visa

Official sources

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.

Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.