You’ve been thinking about it—moving to Australia, getting a skilled job, and securing permanent residency. You know the country actively wants skilled workers, but there’s a catch: you need to score enough points to qualify.
And here’s where most people fail. They apply without maximizing their points, get a low score, and never receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
But that won’t be you.
This guide will break down how the skilled migration Australia points system works and show you how to increase your score for a faster visa approval.
1. What Is the Skilled Migration Australia Points System?
Australia’s Skilled Migration Program is a points-based system that determines who qualifies for a work visa leading to permanent residency (PR).
✔️ Minimum points required: 65
✔️ Higher scores = faster PR approval
✔️ Points are based on age, work experience, education, and language skills
If you meet the minimum 65 points, you can submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect. But here’s the thing—having 65 points doesn’t guarantee you’ll be invited.
🚀 Pro Tip: The higher your score, the higher your chances of getting an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR.
2. How Points Are Calculated for Skilled Migration
Your total points are based on six main categories:
| Category | Maximum Points |
|---|---|
| Age | 30 |
| English Proficiency | 20 |
| Skilled Work Experience | 20 |
| Education | 20 |
| Australian Study | 5 |
| Partner Skills, Nomination, or Sponsorship | 15 |
Now, let’s break each one down and see how you can maximize your score.
3. Age: The Biggest Factor in Your Points Score
Your age alone can give you up to 30 points.
✔️ Best Age Range for Maximum Points:
| Age Group | Points Awarded |
|---|---|
| 18 – 24 | 25 |
| 25 – 32 | 30 |
| 33 – 39 | 25 |
| 40 – 44 | 15 |
| 45+ | 0 ❌ |
🚀 Pro Tip: If you’re in the 25–32 age bracket, apply as soon as possible—aging into the next bracket drops your score by 5 points.
4. English Proficiency: An Easy Way to Boost Your Score
To work in Australia, you need to prove your English skills by taking IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, or Cambridge tests.
✔️ How Points Are Awarded:
| English Level | Points |
|---|---|
| Competent (IELTS 6.0 in each band) | 0 |
| Proficient (IELTS 7.0 in each band) | 10 |
| Superior (IELTS 8.0 in each band) | 20 |
🚀 Pro Tip: If you scored IELTS 7.0, retake the test and aim for 8.0+—those extra 10 points could be the difference between waiting years or getting invited quickly.
5. Work Experience: More Years, More Points
The more years of skilled work experience you have, the higher your points.
✔️ Points for Work Experience (Outside Australia):
| Years of Experience | Points |
|---|---|
| 3 – 4 years | 5 |
| 5 – 7 years | 10 |
| 8+ years | 15 ✅ Maximum points! |
✔️ Points for Work Experience (Inside Australia):
| Years of Experience | Points |
|---|---|
| 1 – 2 years | 5 |
| 3 – 4 years | 10 |
| 5 – 7 years | 15 |
| 8+ years | 20 ✅ Maximum points! |
🚀 Pro Tip: If you don’t have Australian work experience, consider a temporary work visa first. Working in Australia for just one year adds 5 extra points!
6. Education: Higher Degrees = More Points
✔️ Points for Education Level:
| Degree | Points |
|---|---|
| PhD | 20 ✅ Maximum points! |
| Bachelor’s or Master’s | 15 |
| Diploma or Trade Qualification | 10 |
🚀 Pro Tip: If you’re thinking about upskilling, a Master’s or PhD can give you up to 20 points.
7. Australian Study: Bonus Points for Studying in Australia
If you studied in Australia for at least 2 years, you get 5 extra points.
✔️ Additional Bonus: If you studied in a regional area, you get an extra 5 points (10 total).
🚀 Pro Tip: If you’re planning to study in Australia, choose a university in a regional area for more immigration benefits.
8. Partner Skills, Nomination, or Sponsorship: Up to 15 Extra Points
✔️ How to Get Extra Points:
| Situation | Points |
|---|---|
| Your partner has skilled work experience & English proficiency | 10 |
| Your partner has only English proficiency (Competent English – IELTS 6.0) | 5 |
| You’re single (Yes, being single helps!) | 10 |
| You get state nomination or sponsorship | 5 – 15 ✅ |
🚀 Pro Tip: If your partner doesn’t qualify, applying solo might actually give you more points!
9. How to Calculate Your Total Points (Example)
Let’s say you’re a 30-year-old software engineer with:
- 5 years of work experience outside Australia
- Superior English (IELTS 8.0)
- A Master’s degree
- No Australian work experience
✔️ Points Breakdown:
| Category | Points Earned |
|---|---|
| Age (30 years) | 30 |
| English Proficiency (IELTS 8.0) | 20 |
| Work Experience (5 years outside Australia) | 10 |
| Education (Master’s Degree) | 15 |
| Australian Study | 0 |
| Partner Skills | 0 |
| Total Points | 75 ✅ (Great score!) |
🚀 Pro Tip: If this applicant got 1 year of Australian work experience, their score would jump to 80+, making PR even faster!
Final Thoughts: How to Maximize Your Skilled Migration Australia Points
If you’re serious about moving to Australia, don’t settle for 65 points—increase your score for a faster PR invitation.
✔️ Improve your English test score (IELTS 8.0+ = 20 points)
✔️ Get at least 3 years of work experience (outside or inside Australia)
✔️ If possible, study in Australia for extra points
✔️ Consider a temporary work visa first to build Australian experience
✔️ Use partner points or state nomination for extra boosts
The higher your points, the faster you’ll get PR—so don’t leave anything on the table. Plan strategically, boost your score, and make your Australian dream a reality.
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