Australia continues to be one of the most popular destinations for skilled migrants from around the world. With its high quality of life, strong economy, and welcoming immigration policies, many professionals dream of securing Permanent Residency (PR) in Australia.
However, navigating the PR process can seem complex—especially when it comes to understanding the points-based immigration system.
In this article, we’ll break down how the Australia PR visa points system works, who it applies to, how to calculate your points, and what you can do to improve your chances of approval.
What Is the Australia PR Points System?
The Australia PR points system is a merit-based immigration pathway used to assess and rank applicants applying for certain skilled visas. These include:
- Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
- Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
- Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)
To be eligible to apply under these categories, you must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via the Skill Select platform. Your EOI will be assessed based on a range of factors that accumulate points. Only applicants who meet the minimum points threshold—currently 65 points—are eligible for invitation, though in practice, higher scores significantly improve your chances.
Key Factors That Determine Your Points
Here’s a detailed breakdown of how the points are awarded under different categories:
-
Age (Maximum 30 Points)
Age is a significant factor. You get maximum points if you are in the prime working-age group.
| Age Group | Points |
| 18-24 years | 25 |
| 25-32 years | 30 |
| 33-39 years | 25 |
| 40-44 years | 15 |
| 45-49 years | 0 |
-
English Language Proficiency (Maximum 20 Points)
You need to demonstrate your English skills through tests such as IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL. Points are awarded as:
| Proficiency Level | Points |
| Competent (IELTS 6) | 0 |
| Proficient (IELTS 7) | 10 |
| Superior (IELTS 8) | 20 |
-
Skilled Employment Experience (Maximum 20 Points)
Overseas Work Experience:
| Years of Experience | Points |
| 3-4 years | 5 |
| 5-7 years | 10 |
| 8+ years | 15 |
Australian Work Experience:
| Years of Experience | Points |
| 1-2 years | 5 |
| 3-4 years | 10 |
| 5-7 years | 15 |
| 8+ years | 20 |
-
Educational Qualifications (Maximum 20 Points)
| Qualification | Points |
| Doctorate (PhD) | 20 |
| Bachelor or Master’s Degree | 15 |
| Diploma or Trade Qualification | 10 |
| Recognized Qualification (Trade) | 10 |
-
Australian Study Requirements (5 Points)
If you have completed at least 2 years of study in Australia (in a CRICOS-registered course), you are eligible for 5 additional points.
-
Regional Study (5 Points)
Studying in a regional area of Australia grants you an additional 5 points.
-
Partner Skills (Maximum 10 Points)
If your spouse or de facto partner is also skilled and meets age, English, and skill assessment criteria, you may earn up to 10 points.
- Partner has competent English and skills: 10 points
- Partner has competent English only: 5 points
- Single applicants: 10 points
-
Professional Year in Australia (5 Points)
Completion of a professional year program in Australia in the last 4 years in fields like IT, accounting, or engineering provides 5 points.
-
State Nomination or Regional Sponsorship (Up to 15 Points)
- State Nomination (Subclass 190): 5 points
- Regional Sponsorship (Subclass 491): 15 points
How to Calculate Your Total Points?
To calculate your total, simply add the points from all applicable categories. You must score at least 65 points to lodge an EOI, but scoring 80+ greatly enhances your invitation chances.
Here’s an example profile:
- Age (29 years): 30 points
- English (IELTS 8): 20 points
- Overseas Work Experience (5 years): 10 points
- Education (Bachelor’s Degree): 15 points
- Partner Skills: 10 points
Total: 85 points – Highly competitive!
Tips to Improve Your PR Points
- Improve your English Score: Retake IELTS or PTE to reach the ‘Superior’ band.
- Gain More Work Experience: More years mean higher points.
- Consider a Professional Year: Especially for accounting, IT, and engineering graduates.
- Study in Australia (Regional Areas): Qualify for regional and study-related points.
- Choose the Right Visa Path: Subclass 491 and 190 add significant nomination points.
Conclusion:
The Australian PR points system is transparent and designed to attract skilled migrants who can contribute to the country’s economy. While the minimum threshold is 65 points, competition is fierce, and most successful applicants score well above that.
If you’re serious about migrating to Australia, take the time to evaluate your score accurately, understand your occupation’s demand, and consider speaking with a MARA-registered consultant to strategize your application.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the minimum score required for Australia PR?
A: The minimum required score is 65 points, but scoring 80+ increases your chances significantly.
Q2. Is IELTS mandatory for Australia PR?
A: Yes, proof of English proficiency like IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL is mandatory.
Q3. Can I apply for PR with 60 points?
A: No, 65 is the minimum eligibility score to submit an EOI.
Q4. Do I need a job offer to get PR in Australia?
A: Not necessarily. For Subclass 189 and 190, a job offer is not mandatory.
Q5. Can I include my spouse in my PR application?
A: Yes, and if your spouse has relevant qualifications and English skills, you may earn extra points.
