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Skilled Migration Points Worksheet

Use this worksheet to think through every category of the federal skilled migration points test. The point values reflect the current Migration Regulations; the practical notes flag the most common ways applicants either claim too much or leave points on the table.

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Reminder. 65 is the minimum to lodge an EOI — not the practical invitation threshold. The Department publishes invitation round data with cut-off points by occupation; that data is the best source for what you would actually need to be invited.

1. Age

Maximum 30 points. Age band at time of invitation, not at EOI lodgement.

18–24: 25 points
25–32: 30 points
33–39: 25 points
40–44: 15 points
45+: not eligible

Common mistake: not factoring in age progression. If you're 32 and lodging an EOI, expect to drop from 30 to 25 points when you turn 33 — plan timing accordingly.

2. English language

Maximum 20 points.

Competent (IELTS 6 / PTE 50 / equivalent): 0 points (minimum to apply)
Proficient (IELTS 7 / PTE 65 / equivalent): 10 points
Superior (IELTS 8 / PTE 79 / equivalent): 20 points

Where it pays off: moving from Competent to Proficient (10 points) or Superior (20 points) is one of the most achievable points gains for applicants who can do the prep. Each band requires meeting the minimum in every skill, not just on average.

3. Skilled employment — Australian

Maximum 20 points (combined cap with overseas employment).

1–2 years: 5 points
3–4 years: 10 points
5–7 years: 15 points
8+ years: 20 points

4. Skilled employment — overseas

Maximum 15 points (combined cap of 20 with Australian).

3–4 years: 5 points
5–7 years: 10 points
8+ years: 15 points

Common employment mistakes (general patterns):

Skill requirement deductions — most assessing authorities deduct a period from total employment for the minimum experience required at the skill level. Only remaining years count for points.
Pre-qualification employment — typically does not count for points (with exceptions).
Study-overlap periods — work that overlaps full-time study often excluded.
Role mismatch — duties not matching ANZSCO description for the nominated occupation may be assessed as not at skill level.
Casual / short-term work — often excluded or pro-rated.

5. Educational qualifications

Maximum 20 points.

Doctorate from Australian or recognised institution: 20 points
Bachelor (including honours / Master's): 15 points
Diploma or trade qualification recognised by assessing authority: 10 points

6. Australian study (2+ years CRICOS-registered)

5 points.

Requires a CRICOS-registered course of at least 2 academic years delivered in Australia, completed in English.

7. Specialist education — Australian STEM Master's by research or Doctorate

10 points.

Master's by research or Doctorate in STEM, ICT, or related fields from an Australian institution.

8. Regional study

5 points.

Completed 2+ years of study in a designated regional area, satisfying Australian study requirement.

9. Credentialled community language (NAATI)

5 points.

NAATI Credentialled Community Language test or accreditation in a recognised language other than English.

10. Partner

Maximum 10 points.

Single applicant, OR partner is Australian citizen / PR / eligible NZ citizen: 10 points
Partner has positive skills assessment + Competent English + under 45: 10 points
Partner has Competent English only: 5 points

11. State / regional nomination

Maximum 15 points.

State or territory nomination for Subclass 190: 5 points
Regional nomination (state or eligible family) for Subclass 491: 15 points

Putting it together

Add up your score across the categories. If you're under 65, focus on the achievable lifts: English (Competent → Proficient is often the highest-leverage move), partner skills assessment, regional study or NAATI if applicable.

If you're at 65–75, state nomination is often the difference between not being invited and being invited. The 491 adds 15 points and unlocks the regional pathway; the 190 adds 5 and is permanent. Each state runs its own program with its own occupation list and criteria.

Next steps

General information only. Point values reflect the Migration Regulations 1994 current at the time of writing. Rules change — verify current values at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. This worksheet does not constitute migration advice (s 23, Migration Agents Code of Conduct 2022). Outcomes cannot be guaranteed by any registered migration agent (s 15). Migration advice is provided by Keshab Chapagain (MARN 1576536) only after a paid initial consultation under section 43 of the Code, with a written service agreement issued before further work commences (section 42). OMARA Consumer Guide provided to all clients before consultation. PI insurance held under the Migration Agents Regulations 1998. Complaints via our Complaints Policy or directly to OMARA.