Tools
Points Test Calculator
The Australian skilled migration points test is set out in Schedule 6D of the Migration Regulations 1994 (compilation F2026C00667, in force 1 July 2026). The pass mark is 65 points — but 65 is only the floor to lodge an Expression of Interest. In recent SkillSelect rounds, the minimum score that actually received an invitation has ranged from 65 to 100 depending on occupation. The most recent federal invitation round was 4 June 2026, when 10,000 invitations were issued across all eligible occupations. This calculator shows you your score, your levers, and what that score means in practice.
General information only. This calculator uses the Schedule 6D point values as at 20 Aug 2026. It is not migration advice. All decisions rest with the Department of Home Affairs. Figures verified against published legislation — for personal advice, consult a MARA-registered migration agent or an Australian immigration lawyer.
Published source — Schedule 6D, Migration Regulations 1994
- Legal basis: Migration Regulations 1994 Schedule 6D via regulation 2.26AC, compilation F2026C00667 (1 July 2026) — Federal Register of Legislation.
- Pass mark: 65 points — LIN 19/210 (Legislative Instrument, in force) — legislation.gov.au/F2019L01400
- Points table: Department of Home Affairs — skilled-independent-189 points table — retrieved 2026-08-20.
- Occupation lists: MLTSSL, STSOL, and ROL as listed on the DHA skill occupation list page — retrieved 2026-08-20. The new CSOL does NOT apply to points-tested visas as at 20 August 2026.
- Interlinks: State and territory nomination allocations 2026–27 · Glossary
Your situation
Your age is assessed at the moment an invitation is issued — not when you lodge the visa application.
Points step down at 33, and again at 40 — timing your application can matter if you are close to a boundary.
Moving from Proficient to Superior is worth 10 points — often the single highest-value lever available to applicants.
Overseas employment points are capped together with Australian employment at 20 points combined.
Australian skilled employment is worth up to 20 points — the most valuable employment category.
Only your highest qualification counts — multiple qualifications do not stack.
An Australian research Masters or PhD in a STEM or ICT field (minimum 2 academic years) adds 10 points on top of your qualification points above.
Australian study and community bonuses
Single applicants, and those whose partner is an Australian citizen or PR, get 10 points here — many people miss this.
Eligibility checklist
All five conditions must be met to submit an in .
Under 45 at time of invitation
Select your age range above.
Competent English minimum
Select your English level above.
As at 20 August 2026, the new (Core Skills Occupation List) does NOT apply to these points-tested visas — they still run on the legacy ANZSCO 2013-based occupation lists. DHA skill occupation list
Score reaches the 65-point pass mark
Complete the inputs and tick the prerequisites above to check.
Select your age range and English level above to calculate your points.
65 is the floor to lodge an EOI — not the score that gets you an invitation
In the most recent federal SkillSelect round (4 June 2026, 10,000 invitations issued), the minimum score that actually received an invitation ranged from 65 to 100 depending on occupation. For the 2026–27 program year so far, 0 invitations have been issued; the next round is expected by 30 September 2026.
| Occupation category (indicative) | Min. invited (Jun 2026) |
|---|---|
| Trades — carpenter, electrician, plumber, bricklayer | 65 – 70 |
| Nurses, teachers, general practitioners | ~75 |
| Solicitors, psychiatrists | ~80 |
| Architects | ~85 |
| Actuaries | ~90 |
| Some engineering and health specialists | 95 – 100 |
Source: DHA SkillSelect invitation rounds — retrieved 2026-08-20. Indicative only — scores vary by occupation and program year.
Points test reform — where things stand
The Government confirmed in the 2026–27 Budget that it is reforming the points test following the 2024 review. As at 20 August 2026, no new test has been legislated and no start date has been announced — the current Schedule 6D test above applies.
What happens next
Lodging an EOI in SkillSelect
Submitting an Expression of Interest in SkillSelect is free. An EOI is valid for 2 years and can be updated any time before an invitation is issued. A maximum of 2 invitations can be issued against any single EOI.
After an invitation
An invitation gives you 60 days to lodge your visa application. Missing this window means the invitation lapses.
Visa application charges — from 1 July 2026
- Subclass 189 — from AUD 6,135
- Subclass 190 — from AUD 6,140
- Subclass 491 — from AUD 6,140
- Second visa application charge instalment: AUD 4,885 — applies to accompanying family members aged 18 or over who do not have functional English.
General information only. This calculator uses the Schedule 6D point values as at 20 Aug 2026. It is not migration advice. All decisions about your visa application rest with the Department of Home Affairs. Every figure is dated — confirm current requirements directly with Home Affairs or consult a MARA-registered migration agent or an Australian immigration lawyer. Glossary of terms used on this site
Source: Department of Home Affairs — Migration Regulations 1994 Schedule 6D (F2026C00667)Updated: 20 August 2026View official source