The points test and SkillSelect
Australia selects skilled migrants using a points test administered through an online system called SkillSelect. You submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) stating your occupation and claiming points; you need a minimum of 65 points to be eligible, but because invitations go to the highest scorers first, competitive applicants usually need well above the minimum.
Points come from age, English ability, skilled work experience (in and outside Australia), education, Australian study, and factors like a partner's skills or a state nomination. Improving English test scores and gaining more experience are common ways to lift a score.
The main skilled visa subclasses
Three visas dominate points-tested migration. The Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) needs no sponsor and grants permanent residence outright. The Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) requires nomination by a state or territory, which adds points and reflects local labour demand. The Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491) is a provisional (temporary) visa requiring state or family sponsorship to live and work in a designated regional area, with a pathway to permanent residence later.
Which one fits depends on your occupation, your points, and whether a state wants your skills. Many candidates pursue state nomination (190 or 491) when their independent score is not high enough for a 189 invitation.
Occupation lists and skills assessment
Your occupation must appear on the relevant skilled occupation list for the visa you want, and lists differ by subclass and are updated over time. Before you can claim points for your occupation, you generally need a positive skills assessment from the assessing authority designated for that occupation, which verifies your qualifications and experience meet Australian standards.
You will also need to prove English ability (typically 'competent' English at minimum, with more points for higher levels) through an approved test, and meet health and character requirements.
The process and timeline
The usual sequence: get your skills assessed, sit an English test, submit an EOI in SkillSelect (and apply for state nomination if going for 190/491), wait for an invitation, then lodge the visa application with full documentation. Processing times vary widely by visa subclass, occupation, and how complete your application is.
Because lists, points, and thresholds change, always confirm current rules on the Department of Home Affairs site before acting. To estimate your score, try our free Australia points calculator, and see our Australia immigration and work visa guides for the underlying details.
Related Questions
How many points do I need for Australian skilled migration?
You need at least 65 points to be eligible, but invitations go to the highest scorers first, so competitive applicants usually need notably more than 65 depending on their occupation and visa subclass.
What is the difference between subclass 189, 190, and 491?
189 is independent permanent residence with no sponsor; 190 is permanent residence requiring state/territory nomination; 491 is a provisional regional visa requiring state or family sponsorship, with a later pathway to PR.
Do I need a skills assessment?
Yes. For points-tested skilled visas you generally need a positive skills assessment from the authority designated for your occupation before you can claim points for it.
What English level do I need for Australian skilled migration?
At least 'competent' English is typically required to qualify, and higher levels ('proficient' or 'superior') earn additional points on the test. You prove this with an approved English test.
How do I find my occupation on the skilled list?
Check the skilled occupation lists on the Department of Home Affairs website for the specific visa subclass you want — the lists differ by subclass and are updated periodically.
Official Sources
- Australia Dept. of Home Affairs – SkillSelect
- Dept. of Home Affairs – Points Tested Visas
- Dept. of Home Affairs – Skilled Occupation Lists
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Fees and processing times change; always confirm with the official government source before acting.