Scoring System Overview
The points test for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) determines whether skilled workers are eligible to be invited to apply for the visa based on their Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect. A minimum of 65 points is required to submit a valid EOI, but the official source does not specify an overall maximum score.
Score Breakdown
The points test awards points across several key categories: age, English language skills, skilled employment experience (both overseas and in Australia), educational qualifications, specialist education, Australian study, Professional Year, credentialled community language, study in regional Australia, partner skills, and nomination or sponsorship.
Age
Points are awarded based on the applicant's age at the time of invitation.
| Condition | Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| at least 18 but less than 25 years | 25 | |
| at least 25 but less than 33 years | 30 | Highest tier |
| at least 33 but less than 40 years | 25 | |
| at least 40 but less than 45 years | 15 |
English language skills
Points are awarded based on the highest level of English language proficiency achieved in a recognised test.
| Condition | Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Competent English | 0 | |
| Proficient English | 10 | |
| Superior English | 20 |
Skilled employment experience
Points are awarded for skilled employment in the applicant's nominated or closely related occupation within the 10 years before invitation.
Overseas skilled employment –
| Condition | Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 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 –
| Condition | Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Prerequisites: Employment must be in the nominated skilled occupation or a closely related occupation. Closely-related occupations must be in the same ANZSCO Unit Group, consistent with a career advancement pathway, or recognised by an assessing authority as closely related. Employed means engaged for remuneration for at least 20 hours a week. For Australian employment, the applicant must have held a substantive visa or a Bridging A or Bridging B visa and complied with its conditions. The total points for all employment experience (overseas + Australian) is capped at 20 points.
Educational qualifications
Points are awarded for the highest educational qualification only.
| Condition | Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Doctorate (PhD) from an Australian educational institution or recognised overseas institution | 20 | The qualification must be at the level of a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). |
| At least a Bachelor degree (including Honours) from an Australian educational institution or recognised overseas institution | 15 | |
| Diploma or trade qualification from an Australian educational institution | 10 | |
| Qualification or award recognised by the relevant assessing authority for the nominated skilled occupation | 10 |
Specialist education qualification
Points are awarded for a Masters degree by research or Doctorate from an Australian institution in a relevant STEM or ICT field.
| Condition | Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Masters by research or Doctorate from an Australian institution with at least 2 academic years study in a relevant field (Natural and Physical Sciences, Information Technology, Engineering and Related Technologies) | 10 | See CRICOS website for eligible fields. |
Australian study requirement
Points are awarded for meeting the Australian Study Requirement.
| Condition | Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| At least one degree, diploma or trade qualification from an Australian institution that meets the Australian study requirement | 5 |
Professional Year in Australia
Points are awarded for completing a Professional Year in Australia.
| Condition | Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Completion of a Professional Year in Australia in Accounting, ICT/Computing or Engineering, by an approved provider (ACS, CPA Australia, CA ANZ, IPA, Engineers Australia) | 5 | Must be completed within 48 months before the invitation. |
Credentialled community language
Points are awarded for having a recognised credential in a community language.
| Condition | Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hold a recognised qualification in a credentialled community language (accredited at paraprofessional level or above, or certified at provisional level or above by NAATI) | 5 |
Study in regional Australia
Points are awarded for completing an Australian educational qualification that satisfies the Australian Study Requirement while living and studying in a designated regional area.
| Condition | Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| At least one degree, diploma or trade qualification from an Australian institution obtained while living and studying in a designated regional area | 5 | Excludes distance education. |
Partner skills
Points are awarded based on the partner's circumstances. Only one condition applies.
| Condition | Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spouse/de facto partner is an applicant for the same visa, is under 45, has Competent English, nominated an occupation on the same skilled occupation list as you, and has a suitable skills assessment (not for a Subclass 485 visa) | 10 | Partner must not be an Australian citizen or permanent resident. |
| Spouse/de facto partner is an applicant for the same visa and has Competent English | 5 | Partner must not be an Australian citizen or permanent resident. |
| Applicant is single, or partner is an Australian citizen or permanent resident | 10 | If marital status changes during processing, points may not be awarded. This item is not assessed as at the time of invitation. |
Nomination or sponsorship
Points are awarded for state or territory nomination or family sponsorship for the subclass 491 visa.
| Condition | Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nominated by a State or Territory government agency for the subclass 491 visa (nomination has not been withdrawn) | 15 | |
| Sponsored by an eligible family member for the subclass 491 visa (sponsorship accepted by the Minister) | 15 |
Prerequisites: You must have been nominated or stated you would be sponsored by an eligible family member to be invited to apply for this visa.