Australian Skilled Migration Points Test 2026: 65 Points, SkillSelect and Invitations

5 days ago

2 min read

Australia uses a points test to rank and assess candidates for the Skilled Independent subclass 189, Skilled Nominated subclass 190 and Skilled Work Regional subclass 491 visas. The points score sits at the centre of SkillSelect, but it is only one part of eligibility.

Minimum threshold: 65 points

Home Affairs states that candidates for subclasses 189, 190 and 491 need to meet or exceed 65 points to be eligible for invitation. Reaching 65 points does not guarantee an invitation. Invitation outcomes depend on the visa subclass, occupation, program settings, nomination pathway and competing EOIs.

What contributes to the points score?

Home Affairs identifies age, work experience, educational qualifications and English proficiency as core factors. The full points framework can also recognise other factors depending on the subclass and applicant circumstances, including partner attributes, Australian study and nomination or regional sponsorship components.

EOI is not a visa application

A SkillSelect Expression of Interest does not itself create a visa application or a bridging visa. Home Affairs states that invited applicants generally have 60 days from invitation to lodge the skilled visa application. Claims made in the EOI must be supported when the Department assesses the visa application.

Invitation scores can be much higher than 65

The 4 June 2026 subclass 189 invitation round illustrates the difference between eligibility and competitiveness: Home Affairs issued 10,000 invitations, while minimum invited scores varied by occupation and frequently exceeded 65. Applicants should therefore distinguish the legal threshold from the practical invitation score in their occupation.

Use the official calculator

Use the Home Affairs points calculator to estimate a score and the SkillSelect EOI guidance to understand the invitation process. Keep EOI information accurate and update it when relevant circumstances change.