How are Australian skilled migration points calculated?

Points are calculated under the Department of Home Affairs Schedule 6D criteria across age, English language ability, skilled employment experience (in and outside Australia), educational qualifications, Australian study, and other factors such as a partner's skills or state nomination. You need a minimum of 65 points to be eligible, though competitive scores are usually higher.

How many points do I need for a 189 visa in 2026?

The minimum is 65 points, but actual invitation cutoffs are much higher and vary by occupation. In 2026, many occupations require 75 to 90 points to be invited, while ICT and accounting occupations have been frozen for the 189 visa. Trades have been invited at 65 points.

How can I increase my points score?

Common ways to gain points include achieving Superior English (20 points), gaining more years of skilled work experience, completing a Professional Year, obtaining state nomination (5 points for 190, 15 for 491), or adding a skilled partner. VisaIQ's calculator shows which levers give you the most points fastest.

What is the Australian PR points test?

The Australian PR points test uses DHA Schedule 6D. Points are awarded for age (max 30), English (max 20), education (max 20), work experience (max 20), and bonuses. Minimum to submit an EOI is 65 points.

How many points do I need for Australian PR in 2026?

Minimum 65 pts to submit an EOI. Actual cutoffs in 2026 range from 65 pts (trades/healthcare via 189) to 95+ pts (ICT and accounting). State nomination adds 5 pts; regional adds 15 pts.

What is the fastest way to increase my PR points?

Highest impact: English Proficient to Superior = +10 pts. NAATI CCL = +5 pts. 491 regional nomination = +15 pts — the largest single bonus for most applicants under 80 points.

DHA Calculator 2026 — Free Points Score for Australian PR

Your occupation

Source: DHA Skilled Occupation Lists 2025-26 · Jun 2026

Age

0 pts

English level

0 pts

All four bands must individually meet the threshold — a 7.5 average with one 6.5 band = Competent, not Proficient.

Education

0 pts

Masters = 15 pts — same as Bachelor under DHA Schedule 6D. A common surprise.

Overseas work experience

0 pts

In your nominated occupation · min 20 hrs/week paid · within last 10 years. Overseas + Australian work capped at 20 pts combined.

Australian work experience

0 pts

⚠️ Overseas + Australian work exceeds the 20-pt combined cap. Capped at 20 pts as per DHA rules.

Partner status

0 pts

Single applicants score 10 pts — same as a skilled partner. Partner with competent English only = 5 pts. Correct per DHA Schedule 6D.

Bonus points

0 pts

NAATI CCL — Credentialed Community Language (Urdu, Hindi, Nepali, Tagalog…)

+5 pts

Australian study — 2+ academic years in Australia in an eligible qualification

+5 pts

Regional study — 2+ academic years at a regional Australian institution

+5 pts

Professional Year — DHA-approved Professional Year programme in Australia

+5 pts

Specialist education (STEM) — Masters by research or PhD from an Australian institution in Science, IT or Engineering

+5 pts

Australian study + Regional study — cannot claim both for the same degree.

State / regional nomination

0 pts

190 and 491 are mutually exclusive. 491 adds 15 pts — the single biggest points boost for most applicants under 80 base points.

What separates the invited from the waiting

Not migration advice · Data: DHA SkillSelect Jun 2026

Your DHA points score

Schedule 6D · no official maximum

Progress to 65 pt minimum

Your score vs real 2026 cutoffs

Select occupation above →

Jun 2026 · DHA invitation round data

Score breakdown

Age—

English—

Education—

Overseas work—

Australian work—

Partner—

Bonus points—

Nomination—

Total0 pts

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