Australia PR Points System Explained (2025–2026)

If you’ve started looking into Australia PR and ended up with twelve browser tabs open, three different “minimum points” answers and a headache… you’re not alone.

The Australia PR points system can feel like a mix of maths exam and mystery novel: age bands, English levels, work experience, partner points, state nomination – it all matters, but not always in obvious ways.

This guide is here to calm that down.

We’ll walk through:

• What the Australia PR points system actually is
• Which visas use it (189, 190 and 491)
• The key factors that make up your points
• How your points are calculated in practice
• Why “65 points” isn’t a magic yes-or-no number
• Common mistakes people make when estimating their score

Along the way, you can use Straaya’s free Australia PR Points Calculator 2025–2026 to estimate your own score and test different scenarios. Think of this article as the “brain” and the calculator as your quick “what does this mean for me?” tool.

What Is the Australia PR Points System?

Australia uses a points-based system to help decide who can apply for certain skilled migration visas.

Instead of looking at just one thing (like your job title), the government looks at a mix of factors, including:

• Your age
• Your English language ability
• Your skilled work experience (in Australia and overseas)
• Your education and qualifications
• Whether you’ve studied or worked in Australia
• Your partner’s skills and English (in some cases)
• Whether you have state or regional nomination/sponsorship

Each of these factors contributes a certain number of points. Add them up, and you get a total “score” – your PR points.

These points are mainly used for points-tested skilled visas, where people submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and wait to be invited to apply based on their score and occupation.

If you already have your details handy and want a rough idea straight away, you can plug them into our Australia PR Points Calculator 2025–2026 and then use this guide to understand what that number actually means.

Which Visas Use the Points System?

The points system is used for several skilled migration visas. The main ones most people talk about are:

Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

The Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visa is a points-tested visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, a state or territory, or a family member.

Key ideas:

• You apply based on your skills and points alone.
• If granted, it provides permanent residency from day one.
• You can live and work anywhere in Australia.

Because it’s seen as the “cleanest” visa in terms of flexibility, competition for 189 can be strong, and points often need to be reasonably high to be competitive in some occupations.

For a deeper dive into this visa specifically, see our Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) guide (coming soon).

Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

The Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa is also points-tested, but it involves state or territory nomination.

Key ideas:

• A state or territory government nominates you based on their skills needs.
• You receive extra points for that nomination.
• You usually commit to living and working in that state for a period.

For some people, 190 can turn a borderline score into a stronger one because of the additional nomination points. We cover this in more detail in our Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) guide (coming soon).

Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)

The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) (subclass 491) visa is a points-tested visa for skilled workers who are nominated by a state/territory or sponsored by an eligible family member in regional Australia.

Key ideas:

• It provides a provisional (temporary) pathway, usually with regional living and working conditions.
• It offers extra points for regional nomination/sponsorship.
• It can lead to permanent residency later if conditions are met.

Many people who feel “stuck” on points for 189 look at 190 or 491 pathways instead. We unpack this more in our Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491) guide (coming soon).

Key Factors That Affect Your PR Points

The exact points and rules can change over time, but the main categories stay fairly consistent. Always check the latest details on the official Department of Home Affairs points test information , especially if you’re close to applying.

Here are the main factors that typically affect your points:

Age

Age is one of the most important and straightforward factors.

• Applicants in their mid-20s to early 30s usually receive the highest number of points for age.
• As you get older, the points for age often decrease in steps.
• There is also usually a maximum age cut-off for points-tested visas.

The main takeaway: if you’re in your late 20s or early 30s, age is likely working in your favour; if you’re closer to 40, the age category may contribute fewer points and you may need to make up points through other factors.

English Language Ability

English is another big lever in your points score.

You can usually show English ability through tests like IELTS, PTE Academic, and several others recognised by Home Affairs.

Broadly, there are levels such as:

• Competent English – often the minimum to qualify for many skilled visas.
• Proficient English – can give you extra points.
• Superior English – can give you even more points.

The higher your test score, the more points you may be able to claim for English. The difference between a “competent” and “superior” result can sometimes be the gap between just meeting the minimum and being genuinely competitive.

Skilled Work Experience

Skilled work experience is typically split into:

• Overseas skilled work experience in your nominated or closely related occupation.
• Australian skilled work experience in your nominated or closely related occupation.

Both can potentially add points, up to certain limits. However:

• Work needs to be in a relevant occupation at the right skill level to count.
• Only certain years of experience may be considered “skilled” for points purposes.
• Some applicants overestimate this category by assuming all years of work automatically count.

This is an area where reading the official criteria carefully or getting advice can be very helpful.

Education and Qualifications

Your highest recognised qualification can also add points.

Examples include (in broad terms):

• Doctoral level qualifications.
• Masters or bachelor degrees.
• Trade qualifications or diplomas.

Sometimes, the field of study and whether the qualification is recognised as comparable to an Australian qualification matters. For some applicants, completing a higher qualification can make a noticeable difference in points.

Australian Study and Regional Study

There are often additional points available for:

• Completing study in Australia that meets certain requirements (for example, two academic years).
• Completing study in a regional area of Australia.

If you’ve studied in Australia, it’s worth checking whether your course and location meet the criteria for extra points.

Partner / Relationship Status

Your partner can sometimes affect your points, depending on the rules at the time and their situation.

You may be able to claim:

• Points if your partner meets certain age, English and skilled criteria, or
• Points if you are single, or your partner is an Australian citizen or permanent resident.

This is one of the more nuanced parts of the points system and can change over time, so it’s especially important to check the latest rules.

State Nomination and Sponsorship

For visas like 190 and 491, you can gain extra points if:

• A state or territory government nominates you, or
• An eligible family member sponsors you in a regional area (for certain visas).

This is often where people who are sitting in the low-to-mid 60s can become more competitive. However, each state or territory can have its own rules, occupation lists and priorities.

How the Australia PR Points Are Calculated (Step by Step)

Rather than seeing the points system as a random number thrown at you, it helps to think in terms of a simple process.

Step 1 – Confirm Your Eligible Occupation

Before you worry about points, you need to make sure your occupation is on a relevant skilled list for the visa you’re interested in.

In broad strokes:

• Check the official skilled occupation lists on the Department of Home Affairs website.
• Find the occupation that best matches your skills and work history.
• Note the ANZSCO code and the assessing authority, as you may need a skills assessment later.

No points are awarded here yet, but this step determines whether skilled migration is even a realistic pathway for your job type.

Step 2 – Gather Your Details

Next, collect the information you’ll need to estimate your points. This will typically include:

• Your date of birth (for age category).
• Your English test results (or expected level).
• Your years of skilled work experience overseas and in Australia.
• Your highest qualification and whether you’ve studied in Australia.
• Details of any Australian study and whether it was in a regional area.
• Your relationship status, and if relevant, your partner’s age, English and skills.
• Whether you are open to state nomination or regional pathways.

It’s worth writing these down in one place or taking a few minutes to think through your history so you don’t miss anything.

Step 3 – Estimate Your Points

Now you can start to estimate your score.

You can do this by:

• Manually referring to the official points tables and adding up each category, or
• Using a tool like Straaya’s Australia PR Points Calculator 2025–2026 , which lets you enter your details and see an estimated score in seconds.

The calculator is not a substitute for official assessment, but it’s a quick way to understand roughly where you stand and how different factors move the needle.

Step 4 – Test Different Scenarios

Once you’ve seen your current estimated score, the next question is:

“What could I change over the next 6–24 months to improve it?”

Here are some scenarios people often test:

• What happens if I improve my English score?
• What if I gain one or two more years of skilled experience?
• How does my score change if I consider state nomination or a regional pathway?
• What if my partner meets the criteria for partner points?

You can use the calculator to play with these “what ifs”. This doesn’t guarantee any particular outcome, but it can help you build a more realistic plan.

Minimum Points Required vs a Competitive Score

One of the most confusing parts of the points system is the difference between the official minimum and what’s actually competitive.

The Official Minimum Points

For many points-tested skilled visas, there is a minimum points threshold you must meet to be eligible to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). You’ll often see numbers like 65 points mentioned here.

It’s important to understand:

• Meeting the minimum means you can lodge an EOI.
• It does not automatically mean you will receive an invitation to apply for a visa.

Think of the minimum as the starting line, not the finish line.

Why Some People Need Higher Scores

Whether a score is competitive can depend on:

• Your occupation (some are in very high demand, others are oversupplied).
• The number of invitations issued in each round.
• The specific visa you’re targeting (189 vs 190 vs 491).
• Government priorities at the time.

In some occupations and periods, invitations may go to people with significantly more than the minimum points, while in others, invitations might be issued closer to the minimum threshold.

What Is a “Good” Points Score?

There isn’t one magic number that suits everyone.

However, in general terms:

• Scores around the minimum may be technically eligible but less competitive, especially for popular occupations.
• Higher scores may give you a greater chance of receiving an invitation sooner, particularly for visas like 189.

Because this changes over time and depends on your field, it’s important to treat your points as one part of a bigger picture. If you’re close to the minimum, it’s worth thinking about whether there are realistic steps you can take to increase your score.

For a deeper dive into the “Is 65 points enough?” question, keep an eye out for our guide Is 65 Points Enough for Australia PR in 2025? (coming soon).

Example Points Scenarios

To make things more concrete, here are a few simplified examples. These are not promises or exact formulas – just illustrations to help you picture how the pieces fit together.

Example 1 – Mid-20s Software Engineer

• Age: mid-20s (higher age points).
• English: strong test results, potentially claiming higher-level English points.
• Experience: several years of skilled overseas experience, starting to build Australian experience.
• Qualification: bachelor degree in a relevant field.

This person might find that age + English + qualifications give them a solid base score, and that gaining more Australian work experience or considering state nomination could make them more competitive over time.

Example 2 – Early-30s Accountant with Australian Study

• Age: early 30s (still strong but slightly fewer points than late 20s).
• English: competent or proficient.
• Experience: mix of overseas and Australian experience.
• Qualification: degree completed in Australia.
• Study: completed required length of study in Australia, possibly in a capital city or regional area.

This person might be able to combine points for age, education, Australian study and work experience. They may also look at whether state nomination aligns with their occupation.

Example 3 – Late-30s Teacher Considering Regional Options

• Age: late 30s (fewer points for age compared with younger applicants).
• English: strong due to teaching background.
• Experience: many years of skilled overseas experience.
• Qualification: recognised teaching qualification.
• Openness: willing to work and live in a regional area if needed.

In this scenario, the applicant might find that while age contributes fewer points, they can potentially balance this with experience, English, and regional or state nomination options.

If any of these sound like you, try entering similar details into the Australia PR Points Calculator to see how the totals change and get a sense of your own starting point.

Common Mistakes When Estimating PR Points

When people first estimate their points, it’s easy to make honest mistakes. Here are some to watch out for:

• Double-counting the same work period
  Counting the same year of experience in multiple ways, or including work that isn’t at the right skill level for your occupation.
• Assuming future experience counts now
  Claiming points for experience you haven’t gained yet, or for a qualification you haven’t actually completed.
• Misunderstanding English test levels
  Assuming your test score fits a higher band than it really does, or not realising that different bands get different points.
• Claiming partner points incorrectly
  Partner points can be nuanced. Claiming them when your partner doesn’t fully meet the criteria (or when rules have changed) can cause issues later.
• Relying on outdated forum posts
  Migration rules and occupation lists can change. Advice from an old forum thread may not match the current settings.

To reduce the risk of errors:

• Treat any calculator (including ours) as a planning tool, not a final legal assessment.
• Cross-check the latest information from the Department of Home Affairs.
• Consider talking to a registered migration agent if your situation is complex or if you’re unsure about your claims.

FAQs About the Australia PR Points System

How many points do I need for Australia PR?

For many points-tested skilled visas, there is a minimum points threshold you must meet to be eligible to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). You’ll often see numbers like 65 points mentioned. However, meeting the minimum doesn’t guarantee an invitation – your occupation, visa type and the number of invitations issued also matter.

Are 65 points enough to get an invitation?

Sometimes 65 points may be enough in certain occupations or visa types, especially when combined with state or regional options. In other cases, invitations may go to people with higher scores. Think of 65 as a baseline, not a guarantee. It’s often worth looking at ways to increase your score if you’re close to the minimum.

We explore this in more detail in Is 65 Points Enough for Australia PR in 2025? (coming soon).

Do points requirements change every year?

The rules and settings around points can change over time, including which occupations are in demand, how many invitations are issued, and government priorities. That’s why it’s important to rely on up-to-date information from official sources and not assume that last year’s patterns will be identical to this year’s.

Can my partner’s skills help increase our points?

In some situations, having a partner who meets certain age, English and skills criteria can add extra points to your application. In other cases, being single or having a partner who is an Australian citizen or permanent resident may influence your score differently. Because the rules can be detailed and change over time, it’s important to check the current criteria carefully.

Do I lose points as I get older?

Yes, age bands usually change as you move into different age ranges. For many applicants, this means fewer points for age once they pass certain milestones. That’s one reason people often feel a sense of urgency around skilled migration – but it’s also why it’s useful to understand what other factors you can work on.

Can I still get PR if my points are low?

A lower points score doesn’t automatically mean PR is impossible. It may mean:

• You need to look at different visa options (including regional pathways).
• You might need time to improve English, gain more skilled experience, or consider further study.
• You may benefit from professional advice tailored to your situation.

The key is to understand where your points are coming from and where you realistically have room to move.

Making the Points System Work for You

The Australia PR points system can look intimidating from the outside, but once you break it down, it’s really a structured way of answering a few big questions:

• How old are you?
• How strong is your English?
• How much relevant experience and education do you have?
• Have you studied or worked in Australia?
• Are you open to state nomination or regional options?
• Can your relationship situation add or change any points?

You can’t control everything – none of us can change our date of birth – but there are often several levers you can adjust over time: English scores, work experience, study choices, and which visas or locations you’re willing to consider.

The most important thing is to understand the system well enough that you can plan, not panic.

Now that you’ve got a clear picture of how the Australia PR points system works, the next step is simple:

Take five minutes to estimate your own score with Straaya’s free Australia PR Points Calculator 2025–2026 .

Once you see where you’re starting from, you can explore options to increase your points, choose between 189/190/491 pathways, and talk to professionals with more confidence.