Australia Skilled Migration Points Calculator
Estimate your points for Australian skilled migration visas.
Calculate Your Points
Enter your age at the time of invitation.
Select Level
Competent English (5 points)
Proficient English (10 points)
Superior English (20 points)
Choose your highest recognised English test result.
Select Qualification
Australian Degree/Diploma (10 points)
Overseas Degree recognised in Australia (15 points)
Doctorate (PhD) (20 points)
Select your highest recognised qualification.
Select Years
1 year (5 points)
3 years (10 points)
5 years (15 points)
7 years (20 points)
Years of skilled employment outside Australia.
Select Years
1 year (5 points)
3 years (10 points)
5 years (15 points)
7 years (20 points)
Years of skilled employment inside Australia.
No
Competent English (5 points)
Proficient English + Skills Assessment (10 points)
Does your partner meet these criteria?
No
Yes (10 points)
Have you received a state or territory nomination?
No
Yes (5 points)
Did you complete a minimum 2-year Australian study requirement?
No
Yes (5 points)
Do you have a recognised community language skill?
No
Yes (10 points)
Is your occupation on the STSOL for certain visa subclasses?
No
Yes (15 points)
Is your occupation on the MLTSSL for certain visa subclasses?
Your Estimated Points Total
—
Age: —
English: —
Education: —
Employment Overseas: —
Employment Australia: —
Partner Skills: —
Nomination: —
Australian Study: —
Community Language: —
Occupation List: —
Key Assumptions:
Age: Valid for points.
English: Assumed highest level selected.
Education: Assumed recognised.
Employment: Assumed relevant and verifiable.
Occupation List: Points awarded based on selection.
Points are awarded based on the Australian Department of Home Affairs points test criteria. This calculator provides an estimate and is not a guarantee of visa eligibility.
Points Breakdown by Category
Points Allocation Guide
| Category | Maximum Points | Example Points |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 30 | — |
| English Language Proficiency | 20 | — |
| Skilled Employment (Overseas) | 20 | — |
| Skilled Employment (Australia) | 20 | — |
| Australian Study Requirement | 5 | — |
| Credentialled Community Language | 5 | — |
| Partner Skills | 10 | — |
| State/Territory Nomination | 10 | — |
| Occupation List (STSOL/MLTSSL) | 15 | — |
| Total | 120 | — |
Understanding Australia's Skilled Migration Points Test
What is the Australia Calculate Points System?
The Australia calculate points system, officially known as the 'Points Test', is a crucial component of Australia's skilled migration program. It's designed to select migrants who are most likely to fill skill shortages in the Australian labour market and contribute to the nation's economy. Prospective migrants must achieve a minimum number of points to be eligible for certain skilled visas, such as the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189), Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190), and Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491). The points test is regularly reviewed and updated by the Department of Home Affairs, so it's essential to use up-to-date information when assessing your eligibility. This system allows the government to prioritise applicants based on factors deemed valuable for successful settlement and economic contribution in Australia. Understanding how to calculate your points is the first step towards a successful Australian skilled migration application.
Australia Calculate Points Formula and Mathematical Explanation
The core of the Australia calculate points system is a formula that assigns a specific number of points to various factors. While the exact points awarded can change, the general categories remain consistent. The total points are the sum of points awarded for each eligible factor. The primary factors contributing to your Australia calculate points score include:
- Age: Younger applicants generally receive more points. For example, applicants aged 25-32 often receive the maximum points for this category.
- English Language Proficiency: Demonstrating a higher level of English (e.g., Proficient or Superior) through recognised tests like IELTS, PTE Academic, or TOEFL iBT earns more points than Competent English.
- Skilled Employment: Points are awarded based on the number of years of relevant skilled work experience, both overseas and within Australia. More years of experience typically equate to more points. The occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list.
- Educational Qualifications: Holding recognised qualifications, particularly Australian degrees or doctorates, contributes to your points total.
- Australian Study Requirement: Completing a minimum of two years of study in Australia can award additional points.
- Partner Skills: If your partner (spouse or de facto partner) meets certain English language and skills assessment criteria, you may receive additional points.
- State or Territory Nomination: If you are applying for a visa subclass that requires nomination by an Australian state or territory government, this nomination itself can award a significant number of points.
- Credentialled Community Language: Having a recognised community language skill, verified by a translator, can add points.
- Occupation List: Whether your nominated occupation is on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) or the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) can influence points awarded for certain visa subclasses.
The total points are calculated by summing the points from each applicable category. For instance, a 30-year-old with Proficient English, 5 years of overseas skilled employment, an overseas degree recognised in Australia, and a state nomination might calculate their Australia calculate points as follows (illustrative example, actual points may vary): Age (25 points) + English (10 points) + Overseas Employment (15 points) + Education (15 points) + Nomination (10 points) = 75 points. The minimum points threshold for invitation can vary depending on the visa subclass and government policy at the time of application.
Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)
Let's consider a few scenarios to illustrate how the Australia calculate points system works:
Scenario 1: The Young Professional
Sarah is 28 years old, has a Bachelor's degree in IT from an Australian university, and has worked as a Software Engineer overseas for 4 years. She achieved a 'Proficient' score in her IELTS test. Her occupation is on the MLTSSL. * Age: 25 points (25-32 years old) * English: 10 points (Proficient) * Overseas Employment: 10 points (3-4 years) * Education: 10 points (Australian Degree) * Occupation List: 15 points (MLTSSL) * Total: 70 points. Sarah would likely be eligible for a Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) if the points threshold is met.
Scenario 2: The Experienced Professional with Nomination
David is 35 years old, holds a Master's degree from the UK, and has 8 years of experience as a Civil Engineer, with 3 of those years working in Australia. His occupation is on the STSOL, and he has secured a nomination from the state of Victoria. He has 'Competent' English. * Age: 20 points (33-39 years old) * English: 5 points (Competent) * Overseas Employment: 10 points (3 years) * Australian Employment: 10 points (3 years) * Education: 15 points (Overseas Degree recognised) * Nomination: 10 points (State Nomination) * Occupation List: 10 points (STSOL) * Total: 80 points. David would likely be eligible for a Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190).
Scenario 3: The Applicant with Partner Skills
Maria is 31 years old, has a Bachelor's degree from India, and 6 years of overseas experience as a Nurse. Her occupation is on the MLTSSL. She has 'Superior' English. Her partner has 'Competent' English and has completed a skills assessment. * Age: 25 points (25-32 years old) * English: 20 points (Superior) * Overseas Employment: 15 points (5-7 years) * Education: 15 points (Overseas Degree recognised) * Occupation List: 15 points (MLTSSL) * Partner Skills: 5 points (Competent English) * Total: 95 points. Maria has a strong score and would likely be competitive for a Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189).
How to Use This Australia Calculate Points Calculator
Using our Australia calculate points calculator is straightforward. Follow these steps:
- Enter Your Age: Input your current age in the 'Age' field.
- Select English Proficiency: Choose the highest level of English you have achieved based on recognised testing (Competent, Proficient, or Superior).
- Indicate Education Level: Select your highest relevant qualification (e.g., Australian Degree, Overseas Degree recognised in Australia, Doctorate).
- Specify Skilled Employment: Enter the number of years you have worked in a skilled occupation, both overseas and, if applicable, in Australia. Ensure the occupation is on a relevant skilled list.
- Add Partner Skills (Optional): If your partner meets the criteria, select the appropriate option.
- Include Nomination (Optional): If you have received a state or territory nomination, select 'Yes'.
- Australian Study (Optional): Indicate if you meet the Australian study requirement.
- Community Language (Optional): Select 'Yes' if you have credentialled community language skills.
- Occupation List (Optional): Choose whether your occupation is on the STSOL or MLTSSL. This is crucial for certain visa subclasses.
- Calculate: Click the 'Calculate Points' button. The calculator will instantly display your estimated total points and the points breakdown for each category.
- Review Results: Check the 'Points Breakdown' table and the chart for a visual representation. The 'Key Assumptions' section highlights important considerations.
- Reset: Use the 'Reset' button to clear all fields and start over.
- Copy Results: Click 'Copy Results' to save your calculated points and assumptions for your records.
Remember, this calculator provides an estimate. Always refer to the official Department of Home Affairs website for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding visa requirements and points allocation.
Key Factors That Affect Australia Calculate Points Results
Several factors significantly influence your Australia calculate points score. Understanding these can help you strategise your migration application:
- Age: This is a critical factor. The points awarded decrease significantly for applicants over 39. Aiming to apply while in the 25-32 age bracket usually yields the highest points.
- English Proficiency: Higher levels of English proficiency (Proficient and Superior) are rewarded with substantially more points than Competent English. Investing in improving your English test scores can significantly boost your Australia calculate points.
- Skilled Employment Duration: The number of years of skilled employment is directly correlated with points. Accumulating more years, especially in Australia, can lead to higher scores. However, the occupation must be relevant and on the correct skilled list.
- Occupation List Relevance: Whether your nominated occupation is on the MLTSSL or STSOL can determine eligibility for certain visa subclasses and the points awarded. MLTSSL occupations generally offer more points and broader visa options.
- State/Territory Nomination: Securing a nomination from a state or territory government provides a substantial points bonus, often making the difference between meeting the threshold and not. This usually requires having skills in demand by that specific region.
- Partner's Skills: If your partner has strong English skills and a positive skills assessment in an eligible occupation, they can add valuable points to your application, especially if they are under 45 and meet other criteria.
It's important to note that points are awarded based on the information provided at the time of invitation. Any changes in your circumstances (e.g., age, employment) before or after applying can affect your final Australia calculate points score.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the minimum points score required for Australian skilled migration?
The minimum points score required for invitation can vary significantly depending on the visa subclass, the occupation ceiling, and the number of applicants. Historically, the threshold for the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) has often been around 65 points, but invitations are typically issued to those with higher scores, especially for popular occupations. Always check the latest invitation round results published by the Department of Home Affairs.
How often are points invitations issued?
The Department of Home Affairs conducts invitation rounds for skilled visas periodically, usually on a monthly basis. The frequency and the number of invitations issued depend on government migration program planning levels.
Can I claim points for work experience gained while studying in Australia?
Points for skilled employment are generally awarded for work experience gained after completing your qualification and usually require a positive skills assessment. Work experience gained during student visa conditions may not always be counted. It's best to consult the specific requirements for the visa subclass you are interested in.
What is the difference between STSOL and MLTSSL?
The Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) contains occupations considered to be in high demand for long-term growth and development in Australia. Occupations on the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) are also in demand but may be for shorter-term needs or specific regional requirements. Occupations on the MLTSSL typically offer more points and are eligible for a wider range of skilled visas.
Do I need a skills assessment to calculate my points?
While you can use this calculator to estimate your potential Australia calculate points score without a formal skills assessment, a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority is mandatory for most skilled visa applications to claim points for your nominated occupation and work experience.