The Department's points calculator tells you your score. It doesn't tell you whether your score is competitive for your occupation. Those are two different things — and confusing them is one of the more expensive mistakes people make in skilled migration planning.
The Full Points Table
| Factor | Criteria | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 18–24 years | 25 |
| 25–32 years | 30 | |
| 33–39 years | 25 | |
| 40–44 years | 15 | |
| English | Competent (IELTS 6.0 each band) | 0 |
| Proficient (IELTS 7.0 each band) | 10 | |
| Superior (IELTS 8.0 each band) | 20 | |
| Overseas skilled employment | 3–4 years | 5 |
| 5–7 years | 10 | |
| 8+ years | 15 | |
| (In nominated occupation or related field) | ||
| Australian skilled employment | 1–2 years | 5 |
| 3–4 years | 10 | |
| 5–7 years | 15 | |
| 8+ years | 20 | |
| Educational qualification | Doctorate (PhD) | 20 |
| Bachelor or higher (not PhD) | 15 | |
| Diploma or trade | 10 | |
| Australian study requirement | 2+ years full-time study in Australia | 5 |
| Specialist education | Masters by research or PhD in STEM in Australia | 10 |
| Community language | Accredited credential in recognised language | 5 |
| Regional study | 2+ years study in regional Australia | 5 |
| Partner skills | Partner with skills assessment + English | 10 |
| Single applicant, or partner is Australian citizen/PR | 10 | |
| Professional Year | Completed in Australia in nominated field | 5 |
| State/territory nomination | Subclass 190 | 5 |
| Regional nomination | Subclass 491 | 15 |
65 Points Gets You In the Queue — It Doesn't Get You an Invitation
This is the part most guides gloss over. In competitive occupations — particularly accountants, software engineers, registered nurses, and civil engineers — the effective invitation cut-off regularly sits at 80–95 points. At 65 points in those occupations, your EOI sits in the pool indefinitely.
In less competitive occupations, 65 may be sufficient. The cut-off depends on how many people with that occupation have submitted EOIs relative to the places available. It changes each round and is not published in advance.
The Four Factors Most Worth Improving
1. Australian Work Experience (+5 per band vs overseas)
Australian skilled employment scores 5 more points than overseas experience at every level. If you're currently in Australia on a 482 or 485, every year of skilled work in your nominated occupation is adding points. This is often the most accessible way to improve a score over time.
2. English — Moving from Proficient to Superior
The jump from Proficient (IELTS 7.0) to Superior (IELTS 8.0) is worth 10 points. For many people this is the single biggest lever available. It's worth investing in proper IELTS preparation — not just sitting the test repeatedly at the same score.
3. State or Regional Nomination
South Australia nomination for a 190 adds 5 points; a 491 adds 15. If your occupation is on the SA skills list and you can meet the nomination criteria, pursuing state nomination transforms what's achievable with a moderate base score.
4. Professional Year
Completing a Professional Year in accounting, engineering, IT, or nursing in Australia adds 5 points. It also helps meet the Australian study requirement and builds Australian professional connections. For people a few points short of a competitive score, this can make the difference.
Written by Jeevan Kumar, MARN 2418470, Genuine Migration & Education Australia, Adelaide SA.