Australia PR Points Calculation Explained (2026): Points Table and Examples

If you are planning Australian permanent residence through skilled migration, your points score decides whether you can apply and how competitive you are. The Subclass 189, Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 visas all use the same points test, which is set out in Australia's Migration Regulations.

Before your points count, you need an occupation on the relevant Australia skilled occupation list and a positive skills assessment from the authority for that occupation, such as Engineers Australia, CPA Australia or VETASSESS.

This guide explains every points category, shows how scores are calculated with worked examples, and highlights the mistakes that most often lead to over-claimed points. Information is current as of 15 October 2026.

What Is the Minimum Score for Australia PR?

You need at least 65 points to be eligible for an invitation under the skilled points test. Reaching 65 makes you eligible, but it does not guarantee an invitation. Invitations are issued to the highest-ranking candidates in each occupation, and state and territory governments apply their own selection criteria for nomination. In practice, a higher score usually improves your chances. For recent invitation activity, see our news on the Subclass 189 invitation round of 15 October 2026.

Your points are calculated at the time you are invited to apply, so the claims in your Expression of Interest (EOI) must be correct on that date and supported by evidence.

Australia PR Points Table

Age

Applicants must be under 45 at the time of invitation. Age points drop at 33 and again at 40. Submitting an EOI before a birthday does not lock in your age points; your age at invitation matters.

English Language Ability

Other tests, including PTE Academic, are also accepted. Required PTE scores changed for tests taken on or after 7 August 2025. For Superior English, for example, PTE now requires Listening 69, Reading 70, Writing 85 and Speaking 88. See our guide on PTE vs IELTS for Australia PR for a full comparison, our overview of English test requirements for Australia PR, or our IELTS and PTE coaching if you want to improve your score.

Skilled Employment

Employment must be in your nominated occupation or a closely related one, within the 10 years before invitation.

Overseas and Australian experience can be combined, but the maximum for employment is 20 points.

Educational Qualifications

Only your highest qualification counts. Overseas degrees must be of a recognised standard.

Other Points You May Be Able to Claim

Partner Points

Read more about skill assessment for your spouse or partner.

Nomination Points

Worked Examples

The examples below are illustrations only. Actual points depend on your skills assessment and evidence.

Example 1: Software engineer, age 29, married

With a Subclass 190 nomination this profile reaches 70 points, and with a Subclass 491 nomination it reaches 80.

Example 2: Accountant, age 31, single

Example 3: Civil engineer, age 38, married

This applicant is below 65. Achieving Proficient English would add 10 points (65 total), and a Subclass 491 nomination would add a further 15 (80 total). After turning 40, the age points would fall from 25 to 15, so acting early matters.

How to Increase Your Points

• Improve your English score. Moving from Competent to Superior English adds 20 points, the largest gain most applicants can control.
• Include your partner's skills. A partner with Competent English adds 5 points; with a suitable skills assessment as well, 10 points.
• Consider state or regional nomination. Subclass 190 adds 5 points and Subclass 491 adds 15. See which state to target for nomination.
• Track experience milestones. Points increase at 3, 5 and 8 years of overseas experience, so update your EOI when you cross a threshold.
• Check eligible qualifications. A credentialled community language qualification or Australian study may add 5 points each.

Common Mistakes When Calculating Points

• Counting experience the assessing authority has not accepted. Some authorities deduct years before your experience is considered skilled. Only claim the period shown as skilled. Read why ACS deducts work experience and how cash salary affects ACS assessments.
• Claiming English points with an expired or lower test result. The score must meet the level in every component, not only overall.
• Missing an age change. If your birthday falls before invitation, your points may drop and your EOI score will no longer be correct.
• Claiming partner points without evidence. Partner skill points require the partner's own skills assessment and English results.
• Counting the same qualification twice. Education points are awarded for your highest qualification only.

Claiming points you cannot prove at invitation can lead to visa refusal, so every claim should be backed by documents.

Is the Points Test Changing?

The Australian Government has announced plans to reform the skilled migration points test. However, as of 15 October 2026, no new points values or start date have been published, and the points table in the Migration Regulations has not been amended. The table in this guide continues to apply until an official change takes effect. We will update this page when new rules are confirmed.

Check Your Australia PR Points

An accurate points calculation depends on your skills assessment, work history, English results and family situation. Peerless Immigration Services can review your profile and identify realistic ways to improve your score.

Contact us at +91-8595010514 or info@peerlessimmigration.com, or send us an enquiry. You can also read more about the Australia PR process, the cost of Australia PR from India and the Australia migration plan.

Discuss Your Australia PR Points

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