Australia continues to attract skilled professionals from around the world, but landing a Permanent Residency (PR) visa isn’t just about qualifications and experience. It’s about scoring high on the Australian PR point system, a complex but important part of your immigration journey. Whether you’re an IT specialist, engineer, healthcare worker, or recent graduate, understanding how points are awarded (and how to maximise them) can mean the difference between a successful application and a long wait in the queue.
At Fewa, we help you navigate this process with clarity and confidence. From assessing your current eligibility to identifying areas for improvement, our expert guidance ensures your Expression of Interest (EOI) stands out. This guide breaks down how the PR points system works in 2025, where most applicants slip up, and how you can improve your chances of receiving an invitation, fast.
What is the PR Point System in Australia?
Australia uses a points-based immigration system for its skilled migration program. This system is designed to ensure that the people migrating have skills, qualifications, and attributes that contribute positively to Australia’s economy and society.
The main visas that use this system include:
- Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent Visa
This visa is for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, state, or family member. It allows you to live and work anywhere in Australia permanently. - Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa
This is a permanent visa granted to skilled workers recognised by an Australian state or territory government. You’ll need to commit to living and working in that state for at least two years. - Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa
A temporary visa for skilled workers nominated by a state, territory, or eligible family member to live and work in regional Australia. It’s valid for five years and can lead to permanent residency in Australia through the Subclass 191 visa.
Applicants submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and must reach a certain minimum points score to be considered for invitation.
How Does the Points System Work?
The PR Point System is essentially a scoring mechanism used to rank applicants. Here’s how it works:
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI): You declare your skills and qualifications in the online SkillSelect system.
- Minimum Points Threshold: To be eligible, you need to score at least 65 points. This is the basic pass mark.
- Invitation to Apply (ITA): Invitations are sent periodically to the highest-scoring EOIs, allowing those applicants to lodge a PR visa application.
Your points total determines your ranking; the more points you have, the better your chances of getting invited.
PR Points Breakdown (as of 2025)
The Australian PR points system evaluates candidates across multiple categories, with each factor contributing specific points toward your total score. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how points are awarded in each category:
Age
Age is one of the most significant factors in the points calculation, reflecting Australia’s preference for migrants in their prime working years. Points are awarded based on your age at the time of invitation:
- 25-32 years: 30 points (maximum)
- 18-24 years: 25 points
- 33-39 years: 25 points
- 40-44 years: 15 points
- 45-49 years: 0 points
- 50 years and over: 0 points
Applicants are scored according to which age group they fall into at the time of their application, with those aged between 25 and 32 gaining the most points. While those aged 45 and over gain none. This age-based allocation recognises that younger migrants typically have longer working careers ahead of them in Australia.
Not sure how many PR points you currently have? Contact our expert team today for a personalised assessment of your eligibility. We’ll help you understand your score and guide you through the next steps of your visa journey.
English Language Proficiency
English language ability is assessed through approved tests including IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, OET, and Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE). Points are awarded based on your overall competency level:
- Superior English: 20 points (equivalent to IELTS 8.0 overall with no band less than 7.0)
- Proficient English: 10 points (equivalent to IELTS 7.0 overall with no band less than 6.0)
- Competent English: 0 points (equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall with no band less than 6.0)
The English language requirement is mandatory, and you must achieve at least a competent English to be eligible. However, achieving superior English provides a significant competitive advantage with the additional 20 points.
Skilled Employment Experience
Work experience points are awarded separately for Australian and overseas employment, recognising the value of both local and international experience:
Australian Employment Experience:
- 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 Employment Experience:
- 8-10 years: 15 points
- 5-7 years: 10 points
- 3-4 years: 5 points
- Less than 3 years: 0 points
For 0 – 1 years will be 0 points, 1 to 2 years will have 5 points, 3 to 4 years accumulate 10 points, 5 to 7 years 15 points and 8 to 10 years get 20 points for Australian experience. Employment must be in your nominated skilled occupation or a closely related field, and you must provide complete documentation to verify your experience claims.
Educational Qualifications
Points are awarded based on your highest qualification recognised by the Australian qualifications framework or comparable international standards:
- Doctorate: 20 points
- Bachelor’s degree or higher: 15 points
- Diploma or trade qualification: 10 points
- Award or qualification recognised by the assessing authority: Variable points
Educational qualifications must be relevant to your nominated occupation and recognised by the appropriate Australian assessing authority. Recognised Universities get 10 points for certain diploma-level qualifications.
Also read: Top PR Leading Courses in Australia for International Students in 2025
Australian Study Requirement
If you have completed at least two academic years of study in Australia, you may claim 5 points for meeting the Australian study requirement. This study must have been:
- Completed in Australia
- At least 16 calendar months duration
- Conducted in English
- Resulting in a degree, diploma, or trade qualification
Specialist Education Qualification
An additional 10 points are available if you hold a Master’s degree by research or Doctorate from an Australian educational institution that included at least two academic years of study in a field related to Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM), or Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
Credentialed Community Language (CCL)
You can claim 5 points if you hold accreditation at the professional level by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) for a language other than English. This recognises your ability to contribute to Australia’s multicultural community.
Study in Regional Australia
If you completed at least two years of study at a campus located in regional Australia, you may claim 5 points. This encourages migration to regional areas and recognises familiarity with regional Australian communities.
Partner Skills or Single Applicant Points
This category provides different point allocations based on your relationship status:
If you have a spouse or de facto partner:
- Partner has competent English and positive skills assessment: 10 points
- Partner has competent English only: 5 points
- Single applicant or partner doesn’t meet English requirement: 10 points
The partner skills points recognise the contribution that skilled couples can make to Australia’s economy and community.
Professional Year in Australia
Completing a Professional Year program in Australia in your nominated skilled occupation earns 5 points. Professional Year programs are available for certain occupations, including Accounting, Engineering, and Information Technology, providing practical Australian work experience and cultural integration.
State or Territory Nomination (Subclass 190)
If you receive a nomination from an Australian state or territory government, you gain an additional 5 points. This nomination also provides access to the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190), which leads directly to permanent residency.
Family Sponsorship or Regional Nomination (Subclass 491)
For the Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491), you can claim 15 points if you are:
- Sponsored by an eligible relative living in a designated regional Australia, or
- Nominated by a state or territory government for their regional program
This visa pathway requires a three-year commitment to living and working in regional Australia before becoming eligible for permanent residency in Australia.
Errors in your PR points claim can cost you valuable time. Contact our migration specialists to review your application and ensure your English scores, work experience, qualifications, and partner points are correctly documented.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Points Calculation
1. Misreporting English Test Results:
- Assuming scores across IELTS, PTE, and TOEFL are equivalent without checking official tables.
- Failing to meet the minimum requirements for each test band/component.
2. Incorrect Work Experience Claims:
- Including jobs not directly related to the nominated occupation.
- Lacking proper documentation, such as:
- Employment contracts
- Payslips
- Tax documents
- Detailed job descriptions
3. Incorrect Partner Points Claims:
- Claiming partner points without:
- Positive skills assessment
- English language proficiency proof
4. Unassessed Educational Qualifications:
- Assuming a degree qualifies without a formal assessment.
- Not getting qualifications validated by the relevant Australian assessing authority.
How to Check and Improve Your PR Points?
The Department of Home Affairs provides an Australia PR points calculator tool that allows you to estimate your score before formally submitting your Expression of Interest. This calculator is regularly updated to reflect current requirements and should be your primary reference for initial assessment.
To improve your competitive position, consider retaking English language tests to achieve Superior English (20 points instead of 10). Completing a Professional Year program in Australia adds 5 points while providing valuable local experience. Moving to regional Australia for study or work can contribute additional points through various regional incentives.
Obtaining a state or territory nomination significantly boosts your competitiveness by adding 5 points for subclass 190 visa or 15 points for subclass 491 visa. Research each state’s specific requirements and consider whether your occupation and experience align with their economic priorities.
Partner skills assessment and English testing can provide up to 10 additional points, making this a valuable strategy for couples. Finally, continuing your education to achieve higher qualifications or completing additional professional certifications may increase your points in the educational qualifications category.
Conclusion
Understanding Australia’s PR points system is fundamental to successful skilled migration planning. The system’s complexity requires careful attention to each category and thorough documentation of all claims. Success in this system requires strategic planning, often involving multiple pathways to point accumulation over several years. Whether through improving English proficiency, gaining additional work experience, pursuing further education, or securing state nomination, there are various routes to enhancing your competitiveness.
Remember that immigration regulations and point allocations can change, making it essential to consult official government sources regularly and consider professional advice from MARA-registered migration agents. The investment in proper planning and documentation significantly increases your chances of receiving an invitation and successfully becoming an Australian permanent resident.
Need help calculating your points or planning your migration strategy? Contact our team today for expert advice and personalised support on your journey to Australian permanent residency.