Scoring System Overview
The Australian Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated) visa uses the SkillSelect Expression of Interest (EOI) points test. Applicants are invited to apply based on points claimed for age, English language skills, work experience, education, and other factors. A successful nomination from a state or territory government adds 5 points. The combined total for overseas and Australian skilled employment experience is capped at 20 points.
Score Breakdown
Age
Age points are awarded based on the applicant's age at the time of invitation, with a maximum of 30 points.
| Condition | Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| At least 18 but less than 25 years | 25 pts | Age at time of invitation |
| At least 25 but less than 33 years | 30 pts | Maximum points bracket |
| At least 33 but less than 40 years | 25 pts | |
| At least 40 but less than 45 years | 15 pts |
Prerequisites: Applicant must be between 18 and 45 years old at the time of invitation.
English Language Skills
English language points are awarded based on the applicant's highest level of English ability, with a maximum of 20 points.
| Condition | Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Competent English | 0 pts | Minimum requirement; no points awarded |
| Proficient English | 10 pts | Equivalent to IELTS 7.0 in all bands |
| Superior English | 20 pts | Equivalent to IELTS 8.0 in all bands |
Prerequisites: Applicant must hold a valid English test result at the time of invitation.
Skilled Employment Experience - Overseas
Overseas skilled employment points are awarded for work outside Australia in the nominated or a closely related occupation, with a maximum of 15 points.
| Condition | Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 3 years | 0 pts | |
| At least 3 but less than 5 years | 5 pts | |
| At least 5 but less than 8 years | 10 pts | |
| At least 8 years | 15 pts |
Prerequisites: Employment must be in the nominated or closely related occupation within 10 years before invitation. Employment means at least 20 hours of paid work per week.
Skilled Employment Experience - Australian
Australian skilled employment points are awarded for work in Australia in the nominated or a closely related occupation, with a maximum of 20 points.
| Condition | Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 1 year | 0 pts | |
| At least 1 but less than 3 years | 5 pts | |
| At least 3 but less than 5 years | 10 pts | |
| At least 5 but less than 8 years | 15 pts | |
| At least 8 years | 20 pts |
Prerequisites: Employment must be in the nominated or closely related occupation within 10 years before invitation. You must have held a substantive visa or Bridging A/B visa and complied with its conditions while working. Combined overseas and Australian experience points are capped at 20.
Educational Qualifications
Points are awarded based on the highest qualification held, with a maximum of 20 points.
| Condition | Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Doctorate (PhD) from an Australian or recognized overseas institution | 20 pts | Only for a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) |
| At least a Bachelor degree from an Australian or recognized overseas institution | 15 pts | |
| Diploma or trade qualification from an Australian institution | 10 pts | |
| Qualification recognized by assessing authority as suitable for the nominated occupation | 10 pts |
Prerequisites: The qualification must be held at the time of invitation. Overseas qualifications may be assessed for equivalence by a relevant authority. Only the highest qualification is scored.
Specialist Education Qualification
An additional 10 points is available for completing a research Master's or Doctorate in Australia with at least 2 academic years in certain STEM or ICT fields.
| Condition | Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Masters by research or Doctorate from an Australian institution with at least 2 academic years in a relevant field | 10 pts | Can be claimed in addition to education qualification points |
Prerequisites: The qualification must be awarded by an Australian educational institution and include study in specified natural sciences, IT, or engineering fields.
Australian Study Requirement
Meeting the Australian study requirement awards 5 points.
| Condition | Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Meet the Australian study requirement | 5 pts | Complete at least 2 academic years of full-time study in Australia |
Prerequisites: You must hold at least one degree, diploma, or trade qualification from an Australian institution that satisfies this requirement.
Professional Year in Australia
Completing a Professional Year in Australia awards 5 points.
| Condition | Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Completion of a Professional Year in Australia | 5 pts | Must be in Accounting, ICT, or Engineering |
Prerequisites: The program must be at least 12 months, completed in Australia within 4 years before invitation, and provided by a recognized organization.
Credentialled Community Language
Holding a NAATI-recognized community language qualification awards 5 points.
| Condition | Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hold a recognized qualification in a credentialled community language | 5 pts | Accredited by NAATI at paraprofessional level or above |
Prerequisites: Must be accredited or certified by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI).
Study in Regional Australia
Studying in a designated regional area in Australia awards 5 points.
| Condition | Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| At least one qualification meeting the Australian study requirement obtained while living and studying in regional Australia | 5 pts | Excludes distance education |
Prerequisites: The study must be on a campus in a designated regional area, and you must have lived there while studying.
Partner Skills
Partner skills points are awarded based on the partner's situation, with a maximum of 10 points.
| Condition | Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Partner meets age, English, and skill criteria (also an applicant for the same visa) | 10 pts | Partner must be under 45, have competent English, a valid skills assessment, and nominated occupation on the same list |
| Partner meets competent English only (also an applicant) | 5 pts | |
| You are single, or your partner is an Australian citizen or permanent resident* | 10 pts | Marital status changes during processing may affect points |
Prerequisites: If claiming partner points, the partner must be an applicant for the same visa and not an Australian permanent resident or citizen.
State/Territory Nomination
Receiving a nomination from an Australian state or territory government awards 5 points.
| Condition | Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Invited to apply for a Subclass 190 visa and the nominating state/territory has not withdrawn the nomination | 5 pts | Nomination must remain in effect |
Prerequisites: You must be nominated to be invited to apply for this visa.