Australia’s SkillSelect system is the gateway to skilled migration — and your success hinges on one thing: your points score. Whether you’re targeting a 189 (Independent), 190 (State Nominated), or 491 (Regional) visa, your Expression of Interest (EOI) is ranked against other applicants, and only those with the highest scores receive invitations to apply.
So, how do you know what’s enough? And more importantly — how do you increase your points strategically?
In this article, we’ll break down the most influential points categories and give you key insights into how real applicants are securing invitations through SkillSelect in 2025.
The points test is used to rank eligible applicants in SkillSelect for visa subclasses 189, 190, and 491. The minimum score to submit an EOI is 65 points, but in reality, you’ll often need far more to receive an invitation — especially for 189 and competitive occupations.
Every factor counts: age, English, qualifications, work experience, partner skills, and more. Let’s explore where most successful applicants gain their edge.
Age is one of the most valuable and fixed parts of your score — and the sweet spot is 25 to 32 years old.
If you’re in your late 20s or early 30s, you’re in the strongest position — this is a window of opportunity not to be missed.
A high English score can significantly boost your chances — and it’s one of the few things you can directly improve.
Aim for IELTS 8.0 or PTE 79+ across all bands to get the full 20 points — it's often the difference between receiving an invitation or waiting indefinitely.
Work experience is rewarded both inside and outside Australia. More years = more points.
Australian experience is highly valued — even 1 year can unlock additional points and make you more attractive to state nomination programs.
Your highest qualification determines your score:
An Australian qualification (especially if gained in a regional area) can also unlock bonus points under other categories.
Your partner can help — or hurt — your points. To claim points for your partner:
If your partner doesn’t meet these, you may still claim 10 points for being single or having a partner with competent English.
If you're applying for a 190 or 491 visa, your nominating state or sponsor gives you a critical bonus:
These bonus points often tip your EOI above the cut-off, even if your base score is lower than others.
While the minimum to submit an EOI is 65, most successful applicants are getting invitations with scores like:
If you’re sitting at 65–70 points, don’t panic — many applicants focus on small upgrades that add up: retaking the English test, claiming partner points, or switching to regional nomination.
Your points score isn’t just a number — it’s the single most important factor in whether your migration plan succeeds. Understanding how points are awarded and where you can improve gives you control, clarity, and a much better shot at getting an invitation.
At GovLinked, our Registered Migration Agents can assess your profile and help you maximise your points across every category — from education to English to state nomination strategy.
