Executive Summary
Understanding Australia’s PR points system is your first step toward permanent residency. The points-based system evaluates your age, qualifications, English proficiency, work experience, and other factors to determine your eligibility for skilled migration visas like the Subclass 189, 190, and 491. This comprehensive guide breaks down exactly how points are calculated, what score you need, and strategic ways to maximize your total—helping you understand how can we get PR in Australia through the skilled migration pathway. Use our Australia PR points calculator to instantly assess your current standing
Quick Points Overview: What You Need to Know
| Key Requirement | Minimum Standard | Competitive Reality | Strategic Insight |
| Minimum Points to Apply | 65 points | 70-95+ points | Meeting minimum doesn’t guarantee invitation |
| Age Sweet Spot | 25-32 years | 30 points maximum | Age matters significantly |
| English Proficiency | Competent level | Superior/Proficient preferred | Can add 0-20 points |
| Australian Qualifications | 2+ years study | Various point values | Choose wisely with PR pathway courses in Australia |
| Occupation Selection | Must be on skilled list | High vs low demand varies | Affects invitation likelihood dramatically |
Understanding the Australian PR Points System: Complete Breakdown
What is the Points-Based System?
Australia’s skilled migration program uses a transparent points-based system to select candidates who will contribute most effectively to the Australian economy. Your Expression of Interest (EOI) is scored across multiple categories, and only the highest-scoring candidates receive invitations to apply for permanent residency.
Critical Reality Check: While 65 points is the technical minimum, recent invitation rounds show that competitive occupations require 80-100 points, while in-demand trades may receive invitations at just 65-70 points. Use our calculating PR points tool to see where you currently stand.
The Complete Points Table: Every Category Explained
Category 1: Age (Maximum 30 Points)
Age is one factor you cannot change, but timing your application strategically matters enormously.
| Age Range | Points Awarded | Strategic Considerations |
| 18-24 years | 25 points | Good starting point, but less work experience |
| 25-32 years | 30 points | OPTIMAL RANGE – Maximum points available |
| 33-39 years | 25 points | Still competitive with strong profile |
| 40-44 years | 15 points | Need exceptional points in other categories |
| 45+ years | 0 points | Not eligible for points-based skilled migration |
Student Strategy: If you’re approaching 33, accelerate your PR application timeline. Every birthday after 32 potentially costs you 5 points.
Category 2: English Language Proficiency (Maximum 20 Points)
English proficiency is arguably your most controllable high-value category—and one of the fastest ways to boost your score.
| Proficiency Level | IELTS Score | PTE Score | Points Awarded |
| Superior English | 8 in each band | 79+ in each | 20 points |
| Proficient English | 7 in each band | 65+ in each | 10 points |
| Competent English | 6 in each band | 50+ in each | 0 points |
Game-Changing Reality: Improving from Competent (0 points) to Superior (20 points) can transform your application from non-competitive to highly competitive. Most students underestimate how achievable PTE 79+ is with focused preparation.
Time Investment: 2-3 months of dedicated PTE preparation can add 20 points—the single biggest point gain available in the shortest timeframe. Check how this affects your total with our Australia PR points calculation tool.
Category 3: Australian Study Requirement (Maximum 20 Points)
Your educational qualifications in Australia directly impact your points, making course selection crucial when you’re deciding which course is best for PR in Australia.
Australian Qualifications
| Qualification Level | Points Awarded | Typical Duration |
| Doctorate from Australian institution | 20 points | 3-4 years |
| Bachelor or Master degree | 15 points | 2-4 years |
| Diploma or Trade qualification | 10 points | 1-2 years |
| Australian Study Requirement met | 5 points (additional) | Minimum 2 years study |
Australian Study Requirement Bonus (+5 points): You receive an additional 5 points if you’ve completed at least 2 years of full-time study in Australia in a CRICOS-registered course, while holding a valid student visa.
Strategic Insight for Students: Completing your qualification in Australia rather than offshore can add 15-20 total points (qualification points + Australian study bonus). This is why choosing from the right courses for PR in Australia matters immensely. Use our PR calculator Australia to model different qualification scenarios.
Overseas Qualifications
| Qualification Level | Points Awarded |
| Doctorate outside Australia | 20 points |
| Bachelor, Master, or Doctorate outside Australia | 15 points |
Important: Overseas qualifications must be recognized as equivalent to Australian standards through assessment by relevant authorities.
Category 4: Skilled Employment (Maximum 20 Points)
Work experience in your nominated skilled occupation adds substantial points, though this typically takes years to accumulate.
Australian Skilled Employment
| Years of Experience | Points Awarded |
| 8-10 years | 20 points |
| 5-7 years | 15 points |
| 3-4 years | 10 points |
| 1-2 years | 5 points |
| Less than 1 year | 0 points |
Overseas Skilled Employment
| Years of Experience | Points Awarded |
| 8-10 years | 15 points |
| 5-7 years | 10 points |
| 3-4 years | 5 points |
| Less than 3 years | 0 points |
Student Reality: Most international students graduate with limited skilled work experience. This makes maximizing points in other categories (English, education, NAATI) even more critical. Try our calculate PR points Australia tool to identify your best point-building strategies.
Pro Tip: Post-study work rights allow you to gain Australian skilled employment, which is worth more points than overseas experience.
Category 5: Other Qualifications (Maximum 5 Points Each)
These smaller categories can make the crucial difference between receiving an invitation or missing out.
Specialist Education Qualification (+10 points)
A Master’s degree by research or Doctorate from an Australian institution in a STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) awards 10 additional points.
Who qualifies: Students completing research-based postgraduate degrees in STEM disciplines.
Professional Year Program (+5 points)
Complete a Professional Year program in Australia in:
- Accounting
- Information Technology
- Engineering
Duration: 12 months Key Benefit: Provides both points AND Australian work experience, significantly improving employability.
Student Strategy: Even if you’re partway through your course, you can plan to complete a Professional Year afterward. Starting the program (not completing it) is sufficient to claim points when lodging your visa application.
NAATI Accreditation (+5 points)
Complete a NAATI (National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters) credentialed community language qualification.
Most Popular Option: NAATI CCL (Credentialed Community Language) Test
- Tests interpretation skills between English and another language
- 20-minute exam format
- Available in 50+ languages including Hindi, Punjabi, Mandarin, Vietnamese, Arabic
- No formal qualifications required—purely skills-based assessment
Time Investment: 4-8 weeks preparation Success Rate: High with dedicated practice
Why Students Love This: It’s the fastest 5 points you can gain. Many students increase their score significantly within just 2 months.
Partner Skills (+10 points)
If your partner (spouse or de facto) meets specific requirements:
Partner Requirements:
- Under 45 years of age
- Competent English (IELTS 6 or PTE 50+ in each component)
- Nominated occupation on the same skilled occupation list
- Positive skills assessment for their occupation
Alternative (+5 points): If your partner has Competent English but doesn’t have skilled employment, you still receive 5 points.
Single Applicants (+10 points): Single applicants (with no partner) automatically receive 10 bonus points.
Category 6: State Nomination and Regional Options
Subclass 190 – State Nominated (+5 points)
State and territory governments nominate skilled migrants to address their specific workforce needs.
How it works:
- Each state publishes its own occupation list and eligibility criteria
- Nomination adds 5 points to your EOI
- Leads directly to permanent residency
- Obligation to live in that state for 2 years initially
Popular nominating states: Victoria, NSW, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania
Strategic Advantage: State nomination can make the difference between being competitive and missing out entirely. If you have 70 points independently, state nomination takes you to 75 points.
Subclass 491 – Regional Sponsored (+15 points)
Regional provisional visa for applicants willing to live and work in regional Australia.
How it works:
- Adds 15 points to your EOI
- 5-year provisional visa
- Pathway to permanent residency (Subclass 191) after 3 years
- Must live and work in regional area
Why consider this: The 15-point boost makes this pathway accessible to applicants who wouldn’t be competitive for Subclass 189 or 190. Many IT students currently locked out of federal invitations are finding success through regional pathways.
Regional Areas Include: Tasmania (entire state), South Australia (almost entire state), Northern Territory, regional Victoria, regional NSW, regional Queensland
Calculating Your Points: Real Student Examples
Let’s examine three realistic student scenarios to understand how the points calculator PR system works in practice. You can model your own situation using our interactive calculator.
Example 1: Trade Student (Highly Competitive)
| Category | Details | Points |
| Age | 28 years old | 30 |
| English | PTE 65 (Proficient) | 10 |
| Australian Study | Diploma in courses for PR in Australia | 10 |
| Australian Study Bonus | 2 years in Australia | 5 |
| Work Experience | 1 year skilled work | 5 |
| NAATI CCL | Passed | 5 |
| TOTAL | 65 points |
Outcome: This trade student qualifies for Subclass 189 at 65 points since trade occupations are currently invited at minimum thresholds. Smart selection from PR leading courses in Australia in trade sectors pays off.
Example 2: IT Student (Needs Strategy)
| Category | Details | Points |
| Age | 26 years old | 30 |
| English | PTE 58 (Competent) | 0 |
| Australian Study | Bachelor degree | 15 |
| Australian Study Bonus | 2 years in Australia | 5 |
| Work Experience | None | 0 |
| TOTAL | 50 points |
Problem: With only 50 points and IT occupations not receiving invitations, this student needs immediate action.
Solution Strategy – Boost to 75+ Points:
| Improvement | Action | Added Points | New Total |
| Starting Total | – | – | 50 |
| English to Superior | PTE 79+ preparation | +20 | 70 |
| NAATI CCL | 6-8 weeks study | +5 | 75 |
| Professional Year | Enroll in IT PY | +5 | 80 |
| State Nomination | Apply for 190 | +5 | 85 |
Outcome: From non-competitive 50 points to highly competitive 85 points within 4-6 months. Even without state nomination, 80 points makes you competitive for many occupations. Model your own improvement pathway with our PR points calculator.
Example 3: Healthcare Student (Strong Position)
| Category | Details | Points |
| Age | 29 years old | 30 |
| English | IELTS 7 (Proficient) | 10 |
| Australian Study | Bachelor of Nursing from best courses for PR in Australia | 15 |
| Australian Study Bonus | 3 years in Australia | 5 |
| Work Experience | 2 years skilled nursing | 5 |
| NAATI CCL | Passed | 5 |
| Partner Skills | Partner is accountant with skills | 10 |
| TOTAL | 80 points |
Outcome: Extremely competitive for Subclass 189. Healthcare occupations from PR list courses in Australia combined with strategic point maximization creates a strong profile.
Strategic Course Selection: Maximizing Your PR Points
Choosing your course strategically is one of the most important decisions affecting your PR timeline and success rate.
High-Point Pathways: Best Study Options
Trade & Construction (65-70 points typically sufficient):
- Certificate III in Carpentry
- Certificate III in Bricklaying
- Certificate III in Plumbing
- Electrical qualifications
- Automotive technology
Why Trades Excel: Currently invited at minimum 65 points, making them the fastest pathway. Explore PR pathway courses in Australia in trade sectors.
Healthcare & Community Services (75-85 points competitive):
- Bachelor of Nursing
- Diploma of Nursing
- Diploma of Early Childhood Education
- Social Work qualifications
- Aged Care and Disability Support
Why Healthcare Remains Strong: Aging population guarantees sustained demand for decades. These represent some of the best courses for PR in Australia for long-term security.
Engineering (80-90 points typically required):
- Civil Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Engineering Technology
Why Engineering Works: Strong long-term demand, though requires higher points than trades currently.
Teaching (80-90 points competitive):
- Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood)
- Master of Teaching (Primary/Secondary)
- Special Education qualifications
Why Teaching Succeeds: Nationally valued profession with consistent invitation patterns.
Courses to Approach Carefully
Information Technology:
- Currently receiving ZERO Subclass 189 invitations
- Highly competitive even for state nomination
- May require 90-100+ points when invitations resume
- Better prospects in regional areas
Strategy if you’re in IT: Consider adding trade qualifications, targeting regional pathways, or building exceptional point profile (90+) through Superior English + NAATI + Professional Year + work experience.
Accounting:
- Requires 85-95+ points typically
- Professional Year almost essential
- Benefits from NAATI addition
- Better prospects with state nomination
Strategy for Accounting: Maximize every possible point category and target state nomination pathways.
How to Apply for PR: The EOI Process
Understanding how to apply for PR for Australia through the points system involves these steps:
Step 1: Choose Your Occupation
Select an occupation from the skilled occupation list that matches your qualifications and experience. This choice is crucial—it determines your invitation likelihood and required points threshold.
Step 2: Get Skills Assessment
Obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your occupation. This confirms your qualifications and experience meet Australian standards.
Timeline: 8-16 weeks typically Cost: Varies by occupation ($300-$1,500 generally)
Step 3: Calculate Your Points
Carefully calculate your points across all categories using our Australia PR points calculator. Be honest—incorrect information can lead to visa refusal. Our calculator helps you accurately assess your score and identify improvement opportunities.
Step 4: Submit Expression of Interest (EOI)
Lodge your EOI through SkillSelect, Australia’s online system for managing skilled migration applications.
Key Facts:
- Free to submit
- Remains valid for 2 years
- Can be updated anytime with improved points
- You’re ranked against all other applicants in your occupation
Step 5: Receive Invitation
If your points are competitive enough, you’ll receive an invitation to apply for your visa (Subclass 189, 190, or 491).
Timeline: Varies enormously by occupation
- High-demand occupations: May receive invitation in next round (monthly)
- Competitive occupations: May wait months or not receive invitation at all
Step 6: Lodge Visa Application
You have 60 days from receiving invitation to lodge your full visa application with all supporting documents and pay visa fees.
Visa Application Fees (2024-25):
- Subclass 189: $4,640 main applicant
- Subclass 190: $4,640 main applicant
- Subclass 491: $4,640 main applicant
Step 7: Wait for Decision
Processing times vary but typically range from 6-12 months for skilled independent visas.
Point Maximization Strategies: From Good to Great
Quick Wins (2-6 months)
Superior English (+20 points):
- Investment: 2-3 months intensive PTE preparation
- Cost: $330-$400 per test attempt + preparation materials
- Success Rate: High with structured study approach
- ROI: Highest point gain available in shortest time
NAATI CCL (+5 points):
- Investment: 4-8 weeks practice
- Cost: $800 test fee + preparation materials
- Success Rate: Good with dedicated practice
- ROI: Excellent—fast, achievable 5 points
Medium-Term Strategies (6-12 months)
Professional Year (+5 points):
- Investment: 12 months
- Cost: $8,000-$12,000
- Additional Benefit: Australian work experience, industry connections
- ROI: Good for career development beyond just points
Skilled Employment (5-20 points):
- Investment: 1-10 years work experience
- Cost: Time and career development
- Additional Benefit: Career progression, Australian networks
- ROI: Long-term but valuable beyond PR
Strategic Decisions (Immediate to Long-term)
Course Selection: Choosing from strategic courses for PR in Australia at the outset can save years compared to realizing too late that your occupation has poor prospects.
State Nomination (+5 or +15 points):
- Investment: Research state requirements, prepare state-specific documentation
- Cost: Varies by state (some free, others $200-$300)
- Additional Benefit: Direct pathway to PR, may open opportunities in lower-point occupations
- ROI: Can be the difference between receiving invitation or not
Regional Pathway (+15 points):
- Investment: Commit to living in regional area
- Cost: Lifestyle adjustment, potentially different job market
- Additional Benefit: Less competition, faster processing, pathway to PR
- ROI: Excellent for those willing to embrace regional lifestyle
Common Point Calculation Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Claiming Points You Haven’t Achieved Yet You must have evidence of your points at the time of EOI submission. Don’t claim English points until you have the test results.
Mistake 2: Incorrect Work Experience Claims Work experience must be in your nominated occupation and at the required skill level. Part-time work counts proportionally.
Mistake 3: Overlooking Australian Study Requirement Details Your 2 years of Australian study must be in CRICOS-registered courses, completed on student visas, and meet minimum study requirements (at least 16 months of study in a 2-year period).
Mistake 4: Forgetting Skills Assessment Validity Most skills assessments are valid for 3 years. If yours expires, your points drop and you must obtain a new assessment.
Mistake 5: Choosing Occupation Based on Points Alone Just because an occupation awards high points doesn’t mean you’ll receive invitations. Current demand matters more than point potential.
Recent Invitation Trends: What They Mean for You
Trade Occupations: Golden Opportunity
Recent rounds invited trade occupations at just 65-70 points—the minimum threshold. If you’re considering which course is best for PR in Australia, trades currently offer the fastest pathway.
Invited Trades Include:
- Carpenters and Joiners
- Electricians
- Plumbers
- Motor Mechanics
- Bricklayers
- Air-conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanics
Healthcare: Steady Demand
Healthcare occupations consistently receive invitations at 75-85 points. These PR leading courses in Australia in healthcare sectors provide reliable pathways.
Regularly Invited Healthcare Roles:
- Registered Nurses
- Early Childhood Teachers
- Social Workers
- Occupational Therapists
- Physiotherapists
Engineering: Moderate Competition
Engineering occupations typically require 80-95 points depending on specialization. Civil and electrical engineering show stronger invitation patterns than some other specializations.
IT: Highly Competitive
Information Technology occupations received ZERO invitations in recent federal rounds. IT students need:
- Exceptional point totals (90-100+) when invitations resume
- Regional pathway alternatives
- State nomination strategies
- Additional qualifications in higher-demand fields
Accounting: Very Competitive
Accountants typically need 90-95+ points. Success strategies include:
- Superior English proficiency
- NAATI CCL completion
- Professional Year in Accounting
- State nomination targeting
- Work experience accumulation
Your PR Journey Roadmap
Timeline for Current Students
Year 1-2: Study Period
- Complete your qualification from courses for PR in Australia
- Focus on achieving high grades
- Improve English proficiency
- Research skills assessment requirements
- Begin NAATI CCL preparation if applicable
Year 2-3: Point Building Phase
- Complete skills assessment
- Achieve Superior English if possible
- Complete NAATI CCL
- Gain skilled work experience (if possible)
- Consider Professional Year enrollment
- Research state nomination options
Year 3: Application Phase
- Submit EOI with maximum points
- Apply for state nomination if strategic
- Respond to invitation within 60 days
- Lodge complete visa application
- Provide all supporting documents
Year 3-4: Processing Period
- Wait for visa decision (6-12 months typically)
- Maintain valid bridging visa if required
- Keep employment and contact details current
Timeline for Prospective Students
Before Arriving:
- Research and select courses strategically from best courses for PR in Australia
- Understand point requirements for your target occupation
- Calculate realistic point potential using our calculating PR points tool
- Plan point maximization strategies
Upon Arrival:
- Enroll in CRICOS-registered course
- Begin English improvement journey
- Network in your industry
- Understand skills assessment requirements early
Conclusion: Your Strategic Pathway to Australian PR
Australia’s PR points system rewards strategic planning, consistent effort, and smart decision-making. While 65 points is the technical minimum, true competitiveness requires understanding current occupation demand, invitation trends, and maximizing your point potential across multiple categories.
Key Takeaways:
Start with the Right Course: Your initial decision about which course is best for PR in Australia fundamentally affects your PR timeline. Trade and healthcare courses currently offer the clearest pathways.
English Proficiency is Your Superpower: Achieving Superior English (PTE 79+) adds 20 points—more than any other single category. This investment of 2-3 months can transform your entire application.
Every Point Matters: In competitive occupations, 5 additional points can mean the difference between invitation and indefinite waiting. NAATI CCL, Professional Year, and state nomination can provide these crucial points.
Stay Informed: Invitation patterns change based on Australia’s economic needs. What’s competitive today may shift in 12 months. Regular monitoring helps you adapt your strategy.
Consider Alternatives: If your primary pathway shows extended waiting times, explore state nomination, regional options, or strategic course additions rather than waiting indefinitely.
Understanding how can we get PR in Australia starts with mastering the points system, but success comes from strategic execution of your personalized plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the minimum points requirement for Australian PR? The minimum is 65 points to be eligible to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI), but this doesn’t guarantee an invitation. Recent rounds show trade occupations receiving invitations at 65-70 points, while competitive occupations like IT and Accounting may require 85-100+ points. Your required points depend heavily on your occupation and current demand patterns.
2. How can I quickly increase my PR points? The fastest point gains come from: improving English to Superior level (PTE 79+ or IELTS 8) for +20 points in 2-3 months, completing NAATI CCL for +5 points in 6-8 weeks, and applying for state nomination for +5-15 points. These strategies can add 25-40 points within 3-6 months, dramatically improving your competitiveness. Use our PR calculator Australia to see how each improvement affects your total score.
3. Which courses offer the best PR opportunities in Australia? Currently, trade courses (carpentry, electrical, plumbing, automotive) offer the fastest PR pathways with invitations at just 65-70 points. Healthcare courses (nursing, early childhood education, social work) show strong consistent demand at 75-85 points. When selecting from courses for PR in Australia, consider both current invitation trends and long-term occupation demand.
4. Do I need Australian work experience to get PR? No, Australian work experience is not mandatory for PR. While skilled employment adds 5-20 points, you can achieve competitive point totals through other categories: Superior English (+20), Australian qualifications (+15-20), NAATI (+5), Professional Year (+5), and state nomination (+5-15). Many successful applicants receive PR without any skilled work experience by maximizing these alternative categories.
5. How does state nomination affect my points? State nomination adds 5 points for Subclass 190 (leading to direct permanent residency) or 15 points for Subclass 491 (regional provisional visa with PR pathway). State nomination can make the difference between being competitive and missing out entirely. Each state has its own occupation lists and eligibility criteria, so research multiple states to find the best fit for your profile and occupation.
6. What happens if my occupation is not receiving invitations? If your occupation (like IT currently) isn’t receiving federal Subclass 189 invitations, you have several strategic alternatives: build an exceptional point profile (90-100+) for when invitations resume, explore regional pathways (Subclass 491) which have different demand patterns, apply for state nomination (some states still nominate IT occupations), consider adding qualifications in higher-demand fields from PR pathway courses in Australia, or pursue employer sponsorship pathways.
7. How long does it take to get PR after achieving 65 points? Timeline varies dramatically by occupation. High-demand trade occupations at 65 points may receive invitations within 1-2 months. Competitive occupations at 65 points may never receive invitations (you’d need 85-100+ points). After receiving an invitation, you have 60 days to lodge your visa application, then processing typically takes 6-12 months. Total timeline from achieving points to PR grant: 8-18 months for competitive applicants. Use our calculate PR points Australia tool to assess your competitiveness for your chosen occupation.
8. Can my partner’s qualifications help increase my points? Yes, significantly. If your partner has: Competent English (IELTS 6 or PTE 50+) AND a positive skills assessment in an eligible occupation AND is under 45 years old, you gain +10 points. If your partner only has Competent English (but no skills assessment), you gain +5 points. Alternatively, if you’re single (no partner at all), you automatically receive +10 points. Strategic partnership documentation can add crucial points to your application.
SC 189: Strategic planning today determines your PR success tomorrow
Master the points system, choose your pathway wisely, and begin your journey to Australian permanent residency with confidence.
