Scoring System Overview
The points test determines whether skilled workers are competitive enough to receive an invitation to apply for the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) under the SkillSelect model.
Score Breakdown
The points test awards points across multiple categories: age, English language ability, overseas and Australian skilled employment, educational qualifications, specialist education, Australian study, Professional Year, community language, regional study, and partner skills.
Age
Applicants aged 25–32 receive the highest age score of 30 points.
| 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 |
Foreign Language
Applicants with Superior English receive the maximum of 20 points. Proficient English receives 10 points, while Competent English earns 0 points.
| Condition | Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Competent English | 0 | |
| Proficient English | 10 | e.g. IELTS 7.0 in all bands |
| Superior English | 20 | e.g. IELTS 8.0 in all bands |
Overseas Skilled Employment
Overseas skilled employment outside Australia awards points based on years of experience.
| 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 |
Prerequisites: Employment must be in your nominated skilled occupation or a closely related skilled occupation within the 10 years before invitation. Closely related means in the same ANZSCO Unit Group, consistent with a career advancement pathway, or recognised by an assessing authority. Employed means at least 20 hours a week for remuneration.
Australian Skilled Employment
Australian skilled employment awards up to 20 points based on years of experience.
| 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 your nominated or closely related skilled occupation within the 10 years before invitation. You must have held a substantive visa or Bridging A/B visa and complied with visa conditions. Employed means at least 20 hours a week for remuneration. The combined maximum points for all employment experience is 20.
Educational Qualifications
Points are awarded for the highest qualification only.
| Condition | Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| A Doctorate from an Australian institution or of a recognised standard | 20 | |
| At least a Bachelor degree from an Australian institution or of a recognised standard | 15 | |
| A diploma or trade qualification from an Australian educational institution | 10 | |
| Attained a qualification or award recognised by the relevant assessing authority as suitable for your nominated occupation | 10 |
Specialist Education Qualification
10 points are awarded for a Masters degree by research or a Doctorate from an Australian institution with at least 2 academic years of study in specified STEM or ICT fields.
Prerequisites: The degree must be in the following fields: Natural and physical sciences, Information technology, or Engineering and related technologies (as listed on the CRICOS website).
| Condition | Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Masters by research or Doctorate from an Australian institution with at least 2 academic years in specified science, technology, engineering, mathematics, or ICT fields | 10 | Fields include Natural and Physical Sciences, Information Technology, Engineering and Related Technologies |
Australian Study Requirement
5 points are awarded if you meet the Australian study requirement with at least one degree, diploma, or trade qualification from an Australian educational institution.
| Condition | Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Meet the Australian study requirement | 5 |
Professional Year in Australia
5 points are awarded for completing a Professional Year in Australia in Accounting, ICT/Computing, or Engineering.
| Condition | Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Completion of a Professional Year in Australia in Accounting, ICT/Computing, or Engineering | 5 | Must be completed within the 4 years before invitation |
Prerequisites: The Professional Year must be in your nominated or closely related occupation, completed over at least 12 months in Australia, and provided by Australian Computer Society, CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, the Institute of Public Accountants, or Engineers Australia.
Community Language
5 points are awarded for holding a recognised qualification in a credentialled community language from the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI).
| Condition | Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hold a recognised qualification in a credentialled community language | 5 | Must be accredited at paraprofessional level or above, certified at certified provisional level or above, or hold a community language credential |
Regional Study
5 points are awarded if you meet the Australian study requirement with a qualification obtained while living and studying in a designated regional area (not by distance education).
| Condition | Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Meet Australian study requirement and studied in a designated regional area | 5 | Study must not be by distance education |
Partner Skills
Points are awarded based on your partner's skills, English ability, or your marital status.
| Condition | Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Your partner also applies for this visa and meets age (under 45), competent English, and skill criteria (nominated occupation on same list plus skills assessment) | 10 | Partner must not be an Australian citizen or permanent resident |
| Your partner also applies for this visa and has competent English | 5 | Partner must not be an Australian citizen or permanent resident |
| You are single or your partner is an Australian citizen or permanent resident | 10 |