The points test is a scoreboard. It decides if you are eligible and how strong your profile is for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa 491. You submit an Expression of Interest (EOI).

You need at least 65 points to be considered. More points mean a better chance to receive an invitation.

The Essential Guide to Passing the Points Test for the Skilled Work Regional Visa 491

The 491 visa and why points matter

  • The 491 is a regional skilled visa.
  • It needs state/territory nomination or regional family sponsorship.
  • That nomination or sponsorship gives you an extra 15 points.
  • Therefore, many applicants reach 65 points because of this 15-point boost.

Check Your Eligibility for PR

Points table — simple, point-by-point (typical values)

Use these values to calculate your total. Claim only what you can prove with documents.

1) Age (at time of invitation)

  • 18–24 years: 25 points
  • 25–32 years: 30 points
  • 33–39 years: 25 points
  • 40–44 years: 15 points
  • 45+ years: 0 points (and generally not eligible to receive an invite)

2) English language level

  • Competent English: 0 points (but it is the minimum to qualify)
  • Proficient English: 10 points
  • Superior English: 20 points

3) Skilled employment — outside Australia

  • 3–4 years: 5 points
  • 5–7 years: 10 points
  • 8+ years: 15 points

4) Skilled employment — in Australia

  • 1–2 years: 5 points
  • 3–4 years: 10 points
  • 5–7 years: 15 points
  • 8–10 years: 20 points

Note: You can combine overseas and Australian skilled experience, but each job must match your nominated occupation and be after the skill-level qualification date.

5) Qualifications (highest, assessed/recognized)

  • Doctorate (PhD): 20 points
  • Bachelor or Master degree: 15 points
  • Australian trade qualification or diploma (or recognised equivalent): 10 points

6) Extra education and study bonuses

  • Australian study requirement (eligible course): 5 points
  • Specialist education (certain Australian Masters by research or PhD in STEM fields): 10 points
  • Study in regional Australia (eligible): 5 points

7) Community language

  • Credentialed community language (accredited test): 5 points

8) Professional Year in Australia (approved fields)

  • Completed within the last 4 years: 5 points

9) Partner points (choose one that fits)

  • Skilled partner (age <45, skills assessment in eligible occupation, competent English): 10 points
  • Partner with competent English (no skills assessment): 5 points
  • Single applicant (or partner is an Australian citizen/PR): 10 points

10) Nomination or sponsorship for the 491 (required for this visa)

  • State or territory nomination or eligible regional family sponsorship: 15 points

Minimum score and what “65 points” really means

  • 65 points is the pass mark.
  • However, 65 does not guarantee an invitation.
  • Occupation demand, state priorities, and competition affect invites.
  • More points = higher ranking in Skill Select.

Fast reality checks (important)

  • You must have a positive skills assessment for the nominated occupation to claim most points.
  • Points must be true on the day you receive an invitation, not just the day you submit the EOI.
  • You cannot count the 15 nomination points until the state/family nomination is actually approved.
  • Documents must prove every claim.

Worked example 1 — International applicant using nomination

Profile: 29 years old, Bachelor degree, Superior English, 5 years’ overseas experience, single, state nomination.

  • Age (25–32): 30
  • English (Superior): 20
  • Overseas experience (5–7 yrs): 10
  • Qualification (Bachelor): 15
  • Single applicant: 10
  • 491 nomination: 15
    Total: 30 + 20 + 10 + 15 + 10 + 15 = 100 points

Why this wins: Strong English + nomination + single-applicant points create a high score.

Worked example 2 — Couple with partner English only

Profile: 34 years old, Master degree, Proficient English, 8+ years overseas experience, partner has competent English, family sponsorship.

  • Age (33–39): 25
  • English (Proficient): 10
  • Overseas experience (8+ yrs): 15
  • Qualification (Master): 15
  • Partner competent English: 5
  • 491 family sponsorship: 15
    Total: 25 + 10 + 15 + 15 + 5 + 15 = 85 points

Tip: If this applicant lifts English to Superior, the total jumps by +10 to 95.

How to increase your points quickly (plain, practical steps)?

  1. Boost English first. Moving from Proficient to Superior adds +10 points.
  2. Secure nomination early. The 491 pathway needs nomination/sponsorship and adds +15.
  3. Check partner options. Single/citizen-partner gives +10; skilled partner gives +10; Competent-English partner gives +5. Pick the best valid claim.
  4. Document experience carefully. Get detailed reference letters that match the ANZSCO duties, with dates, hours, and contact details.
  5. Consider a Professional Year (if you’re eligible). That’s +5 and improves employability.
  6. Use Australian study bonuses when possible: Australian study (+5), specialist education (+10), regional study (+5).

Evidence checklist (points to points)

Prepare these items before you submit or as you update your EOI:

  • Skills assessment outcome for the nominated occupation.
  • English test result (valid on invitation date).
  • Education proofs: degree certificate, transcripts, award date.
  • Employment proofs: contracts, pay slips, tax records, reference letters with duties and dates.
  • Professional Year certificate (if any).
  • Community language credential (if any).
  • Partner documents: passport, English test, skills assessment (if claiming skilled partner).
  • Nomination or sponsorship approval for the 491.
  • Certified translations for non-English documents.

Common errors that reduce scores (avoid these)

  • Claiming work experience before you were fully qualified.
  • Listing duties that do not match your nominated occupation.
  • Relying on intent to get nomination (points count only after approval).
  • Letting test dates expire before invitation.
  • Forgetting that points must be valid on invitation day.
  • Using inconsistent dates across CV, references, and forms.

How invitations actually work (simple view)

  • You submit an EOI in SkillSelect.
  • Your total points rank you against others in your occupation.
  • States/territories run nomination rounds based on their own criteria.
  • If selected, you receive an invitation to apply for the visa.
  • Ties are usually broken by the date you lodged/updated your EOI.

Conclusion and next step

Treat 65 points as your entry ticket, not your finish line. Build points through English, nomination, clean evidence, and smart partner claims. Small upgrades can move you from borderline to invited. If you need guidance with your points, schedule a free consultation now.

Email: info@immigrationxperts.com

Call us: +91-9999467686, +91-8447-696555

Quick FAQs:

What is the minimum score for the 491?
65 points. But higher scores are usually more competitive.

Do I need nomination for the 491?
Yes. State/territory nomination or eligible regional family sponsorship is required and gives +15 points.

Does Competent English give points?
No. It meets the minimum English requirement but gives 0 points. Proficient and Superior give 10 and 20.

Can I combine overseas and Australian work points?
Yes, but each job must be skilled, relevant, and properly evidenced.

Do points change after I submit my EOI?
Your EOI can be updated. Points are checked on the day of invitation.