If you're chasing permanent residency through skilled migration, your points score is everything. The Department of Home Affairs uses a points test for the 189, 190 and 491 visas — and the cut-off keeps climbing. In 2026, most popular occupations need 80–95 points to receive an invitation.

⚠️ Disclaimer: Immigration law changes constantly. This guide is general information only. Always confirm with the official Home Affairs points calculator or a registered MARA agent before making decisions.

Skip the math — use our free PR Points Calculator to estimate your score in 60 seconds.

How the Australian PR Points Test Works

You need a minimum of 65 points to be eligible to lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI). But eligible ≠ invited. Realistic invitation thresholds in 2026:

Visa	Realistic Cut-Off
189 — Skilled Independent	90–100+
190 — State Nominated	75–90 (incl. +5 state)
491 — Regional Skilled	75–95 (incl. +15 regional)

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The Full 2026 Points Breakdown

Age (max 30)

• 18–24: 25 points
• 25–32: 30 points ← sweet spot
• 33–39: 25 points
• 40–44: 15 points
• 45+: 0 points

English (max 20)

• Competent (IELTS 6 / PTE 50): 0
• Proficient (IELTS 7 / PTE 65): 10
• Superior (IELTS 8 / PTE 79): 20

Skilled Employment (max 20)

• Overseas: 5 (3 yrs) → 15 (8+ yrs)
• Australian: 5 (1 yr) → 20 (8+ yrs)

Education (max 20)

• Bachelor / Masters: 15
• PhD: 20
• Diploma / trade: 10

Australian Study (5) + Regional Study (5)

You can claim both if you studied 2 academic years in a regional postcode.

Specialist Education (+10)

Master's or PhD in STEM/ICT from an Australian university.

Partner Skills (max 10)

• Skilled partner under 45 with competent English + skills assessment: 10
• Competent English only: 5
• Single applicant OR Australian PR partner: 10

Nomination Bonus

• 190 state nomination: +5
• 491 regional / family sponsored: +15

NAATI Community Language: +5

Professional Year (accounting/IT/engineering): +5

9 Proven Ways to Lift Your Score in 2026

1. Re-sit PTE for Superior English — single biggest swing (+10 to +20).
2. Move to a regional postcode — unlocks +15 via 491.
3. Complete a Professional Year — +5 plus better job prospects.
4. Get NAATI certified in your native language — +5 for ~$800.
5. Marry up the points — partner skills assessment can add +10.
6. Stay in your job — every additional year of Australian skilled work = more points.
7. Apply during your "age peak" (25–32) — don't delay if you're already there.
8. Choose a Master's by coursework + research to unlock the +10 Specialist bonus.
9. Target state nomination lists — many states invite from 65+ in shortage occupations.

Common Mistakes That Cost People PR

• Claiming employment without payslips/super contributions to prove it
• Not getting a skills assessment before lodging EOI
• Forgetting that points are locked at the date of invitation, not EOI submission
• Booking IELTS instead of PTE (PTE scores faster and most people score higher)

Try the Calculator

Use our interactive PR Points Calculator — it covers every factor above, shows your live score, and explains exactly which lever lifts you the most.

This article was last reviewed on 16 May 2026.