How the Australian PR Points Test Works: Complete Guide 2026
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What Is the Australian PR Points Test?
The Australian PR points test is the merit-based scoring system used by the Department of Home Affairs to assess skilled migration applicants for General Skilled Migration visas. It is formally defined in Schedule 6D of the Migration Regulations 1994 and applies to three visa subclasses: subclass 189 (Skilled Independent), subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated), and subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional).
Points are awarded across 13 categories covering age, English proficiency, work experience, education, partner skills, and several specialist criteria. Your total score determines whether you receive an invitation to apply for a visa through SkillSelect, Australia's online Expression of Interest system.
The minimum score to submit an EOI is 65 points. However, reaching this minimum does not guarantee an invitation. In competitive occupations, applicants with 65 points may wait years without receiving an invitation, while applicants in shortage occupations may receive invitations closer to the minimum threshold.
Points are assessed at the time of invitation, not when you submit your Expression of Interest. If your circumstances change (English score improves, you gain more Australian work experience), update your EOI in SkillSelect to reflect your current score.
Australian PR Points: All 13 Categories Explained
Source: Schedule 6D, Migration Regulations 1994. All item numbers refer to the official legislative instrument.
Age Points (Part 6D.1): Maximum 30 Points
| Schedule 6D Item | Age at Time of Invitation | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 6D11 | 18 to under 25 | 25 |
| 6D12 | 25 to under 33 Max Points | 30 |
| 6D13 | 33 to under 40 | 25 |
| 6D14 | 40 to under 45 | 15 |
| - | Under 18 or 45 and over | 0 |
Important correction from most competitors
The age bands are not “25–32” and “33–39” as most sites state. Schedule 6D uses “not less than 25 and under 33” (item 6D12) and “not less than 33 and under 40” (item 6D13). A person who is exactly 32 years and 364 days old falls in the 30-point band. A person who turns 33 today falls in the 25-point band. Your 33rd birthday is the exact cutoff.
Age points are assessed at the time of invitation, not when you submit your EOI. If you are currently 31 and expect to turn 33 before receiving an invitation, factor this into your strategy timeline.
English Proficiency Points (Part 6D.2): Maximum 20 Points
| Schedule 6D Item | English Level | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 6D21 | Superior English Max Points | 20 |
| 6D22 | Proficient English | 10 |
| - | Competent English (minimum visa requirement) | 0 |
English proficiency test score equivalents
| Level | IELTS | PTE Academic | TOEFL iBT | OET |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Superior | 8.0 each band | L69/R70/W85/S88 | L26/R27/W30/S28 | A each |
| Proficient | 7.0 each band | 65 overall | L24/R24/W27/S23 | B+ |
| Competent | 6.0 each band | 50 overall | L18/R18/W16/S18 | B |
Moving from Proficient to Superior English adds 10 points to your score. For most applicants, improving English is the single fastest way to increase competitiveness.
Overseas Work Experience Points (Part 6D.3): Maximum 15 Points
| Schedule 6D Item | Overseas Skilled Employment (in last 10 years) | Points |
|---|---|---|
| - | Less than 36 months | 0 |
| 6D31 | At least 36 months (3 years) | 5 |
| 6D32 | At least 60 months (5 years) | 10 |
| 6D33 | At least 96 months (8 years) Max Points | 15 |
Important:Only employment “in the applicant's nominated skilled occupation or a closely related skilled occupation” counts (Schedule 6D, item 6D31). General work experience in unrelated roles does not qualify.
The 10-year window: Experience must have occurred within the 10 years immediately before the time of invitation. Employment outside this window does not count regardless of duration.
Australian Work Experience Points (Part 6D.4): Maximum 20 Points
| Schedule 6D Item | Australian Skilled Employment (in last 10 years) | Points |
|---|---|---|
| - | Less than 12 months | 0 |
| 6D41 | At least 12 months (1 year) | 5 |
| 6D42 | At least 36 months (3 years) | 10 |
| 6D43 | At least 60 months (5 years) | 15 |
| 6D44 | At least 96 months (8 years) Max Points | 20 |
Australian experience receives higher maximum points (20) than overseas experience (15) and is prioritised under the combined cap (see below).
The 20-Point Combined Cap (Part 6D.5)
This is the most commonly misunderstood rule in the Australian points test. See the full worked examples below.
Professional Year Points (Part 6D.6), 5 Points
| Schedule 6D Item | Qualification | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 6D61 | Completed a professional year in Australia in nominated occupation (within last 48 months) | 5 |
A professional year is a structured 12-month programme combining work experience and professional development. It must be in the applicant's nominated skilled occupation or closely related occupation, completed within the 48 months immediately before the time of invitation, and at least 12 months in duration.
⚠ Under review: The 2026 Federal Budget confirmed a review of the points test. The Professional Year bonus is among the categories expected to be phased out. Read our 2026 reform guide →
Educational Qualification Points (Part 6D.7): Maximum 20 Points
| Schedule 6D Item | Qualification | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 6D71 | Doctorate (PhD) from Australian institution or recognised overseas institution Max Points | 20 |
| 6D72 | At least a bachelor degree from Australian institution or recognised overseas institution | 15 |
| 6D73 | Diploma from an Australian educational institution | 10 |
| 6D74 | Trade qualification from an Australian educational institution | 10 |
| 6D75 | Qualification recognised by the relevant assessing authority as suitable for the nominated occupation | 10 |
Note on 6D72:A Masters degree falls under “at least a bachelor degree” and receives 15 points, the same as a Bachelor degree. A PhD (6D71) is the only qualification that earns 20 points.
Note on overseas degrees (6D72):The overseas institution must be “of a recognised standard.” This is assessed by the relevant skills assessment body for your occupation (e.g. ACS or Engineers Australia), not by you or by the Department of Home Affairs independently.
Specialist Educational Qualification Points (Part 6D.7A), 10 Points
| Schedule 6D Item | Qualification | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 6D7A1 | Met requirements for the award of a specialist educational qualification | 10 |
A specialist educational qualification is a Masters degree by research or a doctoral degree in a STEM field (science, technology, engineering, or mathematics) from an Australian educational institution.
This category is separate from Part 6D.7. You may be eligible for both Part 6D.7 points (15 for Masters) AND Part 6D.7A points (10 for specialist qualification) if your Masters is a research degree in a STEM field at an Australian institution. Combined this could yield 25 points from education alone. Most competitor calculators completely omit this category.
Australian Study Points (Part 6D.8), 5 Points
| Schedule 6D Item | Qualification | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 6D81 | Met the Australian study requirement | 5 |
The Australian study requirement means you completed at least one or more registered courses of study totalling at least 2 academic years of full-time study in Australia, leading to a degree, diploma, or trade qualification.
⚠ Under review: The Australian study bonus is expected to be phased out under the proposed 2026 points test reform. Read our 2026 reform guide →
NAATI CCL Points (Part 6D.9), 5 Points
| Schedule 6D Item | Qualification | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 6D91 | Credentialled Community Language qualification awarded or accredited by NAATI | 5 |
The NAATI (National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters) Credentialled Community Language (CCL) test is available in over 30 languages including Hindi, Punjabi, Tamil, Nepali, Tagalog, and Mandarin. To qualify for these 5 points, you must hold a current CCL credential from NAATI at the standard specified by the Minister.
Study in Designated Regional Area Points (Part 6D.10), 5 Points
| Schedule 6D Item | Qualification | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 6D101 | Completed Australian study requirement at a campus in a designated regional area while residing in that area | 5 |
This 5-point bonus applies in addition to the standard Australian study points (Part 6D.8) if the study was conducted in a designated regional area and the applicant lived in that area during study. The study must not have been delivered as distance education. Most competitor calculators do not include this category.
Partner Skills Points (Part 6D.11): Maximum 10 Points
| Schedule 6D Item | Partner Qualification | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 6D111 | Partner applying for same visa, under 45, has positive skills assessment and Competent English Max Points | 10 |
| 6D112 | Applicant has no partner, OR partner is an Australian PR or citizen Max Points | 10 |
| 6D113 | Partner applying for same visa, over 45 or no skills assessment, but has Competent English | 5 |
Critical note on item 6D112
Single applicants with no partner also receive 10 partner skills points, the same as applicants with a fully qualified partner. This is one of the most commonly misunderstood aspects of the points test.
The partner qualifications for item 6D111 require all of the following:
- Applying for the same visa subclass as the primary applicant
- Not an Australian permanent resident or citizen
- Under 45 at the time of invitation
- Has nominated a skilled occupation on the Minister's specified list
- Has a positive skills assessment (not for subclass 485)
- Has Competent English
→ Full guide: How partner points work for singles and couples
State or Territory Nomination Points (Part 6D.12), 5 Points
| Schedule 6D Item | Qualification | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 6D121 | Invited to apply for subclass 190 and nomination not withdrawn | 5 |
These 5 points are awarded when you receive an invitation for the subclass 190 Skilled Nominated visa and the nominating state or territory has not withdrawn its nomination. You cannot claim these points simply by applying for state nomination, you must have received an invitation.
Regional Sponsorship Points (Part 6D.13), 15 Points
| Schedule 6D Item | Qualification | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 6D131 | Invited to apply for subclass 491 and state/territory nomination or family sponsorship not withdrawn | 15 |
These 15 points apply to the subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional) visa. The sponsorship may come from a state or territory government, or from an eligible family member living in a designated regional area of Australia.
The Work Experience Combined Cap: Explained with Examples
Part 6D.5, Schedule 6D, Migration Regulations 1994
The most commonly misunderstood rule in the Australian points test is the combined work experience cap. Part 6D.5 of Schedule 6D states:
If an applicant has a qualification mentioned in Part 6D.3 and a qualification mentioned in Part 6D.4, and the combined number of points that would be awarded under those Parts for the qualifications is more than 20 points: the Minister must give the applicant 20 points under this Part for the qualifications; and no points are given under Part 6D.3 or 6D.4.
— Part 6D.5, Schedule 6D, Migration Regulations 1994
In plain terms: overseas experience points + Australian experience points cannot exceed 20 in total. If they would, only 20 points are awarded.
Example 1 : Total under 20
- Overseas: 5 years → 10 pts (6D32)
- Australian: 1 year → 5 pts (6D41)
- Combined: 15 pts
Example 2 : Cap triggered
- Overseas: 8 years → 15 pts (6D33)
- Australian: 5 years → 15 pts (6D43)
- Without cap: 30 pts
- Result: 20 pts awarded
Example 3 : Maximum Australian
- Overseas: 8 years → 15 pts (6D33)
- Australian: 8 years → 20 pts (6D44)
- Without cap: 35 pts
- Result: 20 pts awarded
The cap works in your favour if you prioritise Australian work experience. If you already have 8+ years of Australian skilled employment (20 points), overseas experience adds nothing further. If you have 5 years Australian (15 points), up to 5 more points can come from overseas experience.
What Score Do You Actually Need?
Meeting the 65-point minimum does not guarantee an invitation. Here is what competitive scores look like in practice.
| Score | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Below 65 | Cannot submit EOI |
| 65–74 | Eligible to submit EOI. Invitations rare for most occupations via 189. Subclass 491 may be viable. |
| 75–84 | Competitive for subclass 190 (state nominated) in many occupations. Subclass 189 unlikely for most. |
| 85–94 | Competitive for subclass 189 in healthcare and some trades. 190 accessible for most occupations. |
| 95+ | Highly competitive for subclass 189 across most MLTSSL occupations. |
Registered Nurse, ANZSCO 254411
One of the most invited occupations in SkillSelect. Invitations have been issued at scores as low as 65 points. Occupation list: MLTSSL.
May be invited at minimum scoreSoftware Engineer, ANZSCO 261313
Highly competitive occupation. Recent 189 invitations typically require 90+ points. 190 accessible at lower scores.
Typically 90+ for subclass 189Accountant, ANZSCO 221111
One of the most oversubscribed occupations in SkillSelect. Subclass 189 invitations may require 100+ points. State nomination (190) is the more realistic pathway.
Subclass 189 very competitiveInvitation cutoffs vary by occupation and change every round. See our invitation round tracker for the most recent data.
How SkillSelect Uses Your Points Score
When you submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect, you are placed in a pool of candidates. The Department of Home Affairs runs invitation rounds (typically once or twice per month) in which the highest-scoring applicants in each occupation are invited to apply for a visa.
Complete your skills assessment
Your nominated occupation must have a positive skills assessment from the relevant authority (ACS, Engineers Australia, ANMAC, Vetassess etc) before you can submit an EOI.
Submit your Expression of Interest
Log in to SkillSelect via immi.homeaffairs.gov.au and complete your EOI. Your EOI is valid for 2 years. You can update it at any time.
Wait in the pool
Your EOI is ranked against all other applicants for your occupation. Rankings are determined by points score, then date of EOI submission (earlier submissions are prioritised in ties).
Receive an invitation (or not)
If you are among the highest-ranked applicants when a round runs for your occupation, you receive an invitation to apply for the visa. You have 60 days from the invitation date to lodge your full application.
Lodge your visa application
Submit your complete application with all supporting documents within 60 days. Your points are re-assessed at the time of invitation, not at the time you lodge your application.
Your points are assessed at the TIME OF INVITATION, not when you submit your EOI. If your circumstances improve after submitting your EOI (English test result improves, you gain more experience), update your EOI in SkillSelect before the next invitation round.
2026 Points Test Reform: What's Changing
⚠ The following information relates to proposed changes that have not yet been legislated. The current Schedule 6D system remains in effect as of July 2026.
The Australian Government confirmed in the 2026–27 Federal Budget that it will reform the skilled migration points test. The reforms are expected to give greater weight to English proficiency and income levels, and may phase out some bonus points categories including the Professional Year bonus (Part 6D.6) and the Australian study bonus (Part 6D.8).
Key proposed changes:
- Revised age bracket weightings
- Greater emphasis on English proficiency (Superior English expected to carry greater relative weight)
- Possible removal of Professional Year points (+5)
- Possible removal of Australian study requirement points (+5)
- New income-based considerations linked to the Core Skills Income Threshold (AUD $76,515)
Detailed legislation has not been published. The current 65-point minimum and all Schedule 6D point values remain unchanged until legislation passes.
→ Read our full 2026 Points Test Reform GuideFrequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum score for Australian PR?
The minimum score to submit an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect is 65 points under the current points test (Schedule 6D, Migration Regulations 1994). However, meeting this minimum does not guarantee an invitation. For subclass 189, competitive scores are typically 85 to 95 or more points depending on your occupation. Subclass 190 and 491 may be accessible at lower scores due to state nomination and regional sponsorship bonuses.
How is the work experience cap calculated?
Under Part 6D.5 of Schedule 6D, if the combined overseas and Australian skilled work experience points exceed 20, only 20 points are awarded in total. For example, if you have 8 years overseas experience (15 points) and 5 years Australian experience (15 points), your total would be 30 without the cap, but only 20 points are awarded. Australian experience carries the higher maximum and takes priority.
Are points assessed when I submit my EOI or when I get invited?
Points are assessed at the time of invitation to apply for the visa, not when you submit your Expression of Interest. This means that if your circumstances improve after you submit your EOI (your English test improves, you gain more Australian work experience), you should update your EOI in SkillSelect to reflect your current score before the next invitation round.
Can a single applicant with no partner still claim partner points?
Yes. Under item 6D112 of Schedule 6D, an applicant with no spouse or de facto partner receives 10 points, the same as an applicant with a fully qualified skilled partner. This is one of the most commonly misunderstood aspects of the points test.
What is the specialist educational qualification bonus?
Part 6D.7A of Schedule 6D awards 10 points for a "specialist educational qualification." This applies to a Masters degree by research or doctoral degree in a STEM field from an Australian educational institution. This is separate from the standard education points in Part 6D.7 and may be claimed in addition to them. Most calculators and guides omit this category.
How long are Australian PR points valid?
Your EOI in SkillSelect is valid for 2 years. Points are assessed at the time of invitation, which means your score is evaluated against your circumstances at that moment, not when you originally submitted your EOI. If your two-year EOI expires without an invitation, you can resubmit.
What score do I need for subclass 491?
The subclass 491 adds 15 points to your score via regional nomination (Part 6D.13, Schedule 6D). This means an applicant with a base score of 65 points would have an effective score of 80 points for 491 invitation purposes. Subclass 491 invitation cutoffs are typically lower than 189 because of the regional requirement. Registered nurses and some healthcare occupations have received 491 invitations at the minimum score threshold.
Do I need a migration agent to calculate my points?
No. The points test is publicly defined in Schedule 6D of the Migration Regulations 1994 and anyone can calculate an estimate using this guide and the calculator above. However, a MARA-registered migration agent can provide an official assessment, advise on occupation classification, and help you build a strategy to maximise your score. This tool provides estimates only and does not constitute migration advice.
Related Guides
Subclass 189 Visa: Complete Guide
Full eligibility requirements, points cutoffs, and application process.
→ Read guideOnshore vs Offshore PR
The differences in processing times, points, and bridging visas.
→ Read guideAfter EOI Submission
What to expect after submitting your EOI in SkillSelect.
→ Read guideHow to Increase Your PR Points
Strategic guide to improving your score across every category.
→ Read guideReady to Calculate Your Score?
Use our free calculator to see your exact points across all 13 categories, with personalised guidance based on your occupation and the latest invitation round data.
Calculate My PR Points →This guide provides general information only and does not constitute migration or legal advice. All point values and legislative references are based on Schedule 6D of the Migration Regulations 1994, current as of July 2026. Immigration law is subject to change. Always verify current requirements at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au or consult a MARA-registered migration agent before making application decisions.