Australia PR points calculator (189, 190 and 491)
The points test is how Home Affairs ranks skilled visa applicants for the 189, 190 and 491. It scores age, English, skilled work, qualifications, your partner and a few extras. You need 65 to be invited. This calculator adds up Home Affairs' current table.
SkillSelect
Below 65, Home Affairs' minimum to be invited.
What did the last 189 round invite at? Minimum points by occupation.
Going for the 190 or 491? Which states are open for 2026–27.
Checking your occupation? Lists and assessing authority for each occupation.
Applying to Victoria? Victorian Points Test calculator.
How does the points test work?
You claim points in an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect, and Home Affairs counts them on the day you're invited.
- 189: Home Affairs invites the highest points first. Ties go to the EOI that reached its score earliest.
- 190 and 491: a state nomination (or, for the 491, family sponsorship) triggers the invitation.
- After an invitation you have 60 days to apply.
Each 189 round's results are on Home Affairs' site. Invitation rounds, Home Affairs.
What English score gives 20 points?
| Test (taken from 7 Aug 2025) | Proficient: 10 | Superior: 20 |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS | 7 in each part | 8 in each part |
| PTE Academic | L58 R59 W69 S76 | L69 R70 W85 S88 |
| TOEFL iBT | L22 R22 W26 S24 | L26 R27 W30 S28 |
Competent English scores 0 but is the minimum for these visas. Other approved tests have their own scores. English test requirements.
Is the points test changing?
The government says it will reform the points test (2026–27 Budget; Minister Burke, 17 September 2026). As of 27 October 2026, no new points values or start date are published, so this calculator uses the current table. We'll add the new one when Home Affairs publishes it. What we know about the reforms.
About this estimate
- How many points do I need?
- At least 65 for the 189, 190 and 491. Home Affairs says, "If you do not obtain a score of 65 points you will not be invited to apply," and that not everyone who submits an EOI receives an invitation.
- What's the difference between 189, 190 and 491 points?
- The table is the same. A 190 nomination adds 5 points, and a 491 nomination or family sponsorship adds 15. The 189 adds none.
- What is the 20-point cap on work experience?
- Home Affairs scores work outside Australia (up to 15) and in Australia (up to 20) separately, then awards no more than 20 for both together.
- How do partner points work?
- 10 if you're single, your partner is an Australian citizen or permanent resident, or your partner applies with you, is under 45, has Competent English and a skills assessment in an occupation on that visa's list (so it can differ by visa). 5 if they apply with Competent English only.
- When are my points counted?
- On the day you're invited, so a new age band or more experience before then changes your total.
- Where do these numbers come from?
- Home Affairs' points tables for the 189, 190 and 491, last updated in June and July 2026 and checked 27 October 2026. This calculator adds them up; Home Affairs decides your points when you apply.
- What doesn't this calculator check?
- Only points. It doesn't check your occupation, skills assessment or the other visa criteria. Home Affairs invites people under 45 with at least Competent English.
- Is this the same as Home Affairs' points calculator?
- Same table, plus the 20-point work cap and a breakdown by question.
Age
| At least 18 but less than 25 years | 25 |
| At least 25 but less than 33 years | 30 |
| At least 33 but less than 40 years | 25 |
| At least 40 but less than 45 years | 15 |
English language skills
| Competent English | 0 |
| Proficient English | 10 |
| Superior English | 20 |
Overseas skilled employment (outside Australia)
| Less than 3 years | 0 |
| At least 3 but less than 5 years | 5 |
| At least 5 but less than 8 years | 10 |
| At least 8 years | 15 |
Australian skilled employment (in Australia)
| Less than 1 year | 0 |
| At least 1 but less than 3 years | 5 |
| At least 3 but less than 5 years | 10 |
| At least 5 but less than 8 years | 15 |
| At least 8 years | 20 |
Educational qualifications
| Doctorate (Australian, or of a recognised standard) | 20 |
| At least a Bachelor (Australian, or of a recognised standard) | 15 |
| A diploma or trade qualification from an Australian educational institution | 10 |
| A qualification or award recognised by the relevant assessing authority for your nominated occupation | 10 |
Specialist education qualification
| Masters by research or Doctorate from an Australian institution, at least 2 academic years in a relevant STEM or ICT field | 10 |
Australian study requirement
| Meet the Australian study requirement | 5 |
Professional Year in Australia
| Completion of a Professional Year in Australia | 5 |
Credentialled community language
| Hold a recognised qualification in a credentialled community language | 5 |
Study in regional Australia
| Qualification meeting the Australian study requirement, obtained while living and studying in an eligible regional area | 5 |
Partner skills
| Partner is also an applicant and meets age, English and skill criteria | 10 |
| Partner is also an applicant and has competent English | 5 |
| You are single, or your partner is an Australian citizen or permanent resident | 10 |
Nomination (190 only)
| Nominated by a state or territory, nomination not withdrawn | 5 |
Nomination or sponsorship (491 only)
| Nominated by a state or territory, or sponsored by an eligible family member | 15 |
Australian and overseas work together score at most 20. Table version 2026-07.
More on the points test: The Australian PR points test, explained and Submitted an EOI and not invited?. The visas: 189 visa, 190 visa and 491 visa.
Source: Points table, Home Affairs, checked 27 October 2026. Settledin is not affiliated with the Australian Government. This is general information, not migration advice; a registered migration agent can advise on your situation.