General Points Tests for Australian Skilled Migration Visas
Australia’s General Skilled Migration (GSM) points test is used to assess eligibility for skilled visas under the GSM program. Points are awarded for factors such as age, English language ability, skilled employment in Australia and overseas, educational qualifications, and nomination pathways. These points-based visas differ from employer sponsored visas, which rely on a nomination by an Australian employer.
Your total points score plays a key role in determining whether you may receive an invitation to apply for a skilled visa. Points are awarded for each eligible factor claimed in your Expression of Interest (EOI), and only applicants with competitive points scores are invited to apply during invitation rounds.
The GSM points test applies to several skilled migration visas, each with different nomination and eligibility requirements. Understanding how the points framework operates, and how it applies to your individual circumstances, is essential before relying on a points calculation or planning a skilled visa pathway.
Which visas use the GSM points test?
The General Skilled Migration points test applies to skilled visas under the GSM program, including the Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent), Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated), and Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional) visas. While these visas share the same points framework, nomination and eligibility requirements differ.
When are points assessed?
Points are assessed at the time you receive an invitation to apply, not when you lodge your EOI. If your circumstances change before invitation, the points you can lawfully claim may also change.
Can points requirements change?
Yes. Points thresholds, occupation demand, and nomination criteria can change between invitation rounds. Meeting the minimum points threshold does not guarantee an invitation to apply. It is important to understand when you are eligable for points and to only claim valid points. A miss calculation of points can lead to refusal of a visa application even if you have been invited to apply.
Calculate Your Points for the General Skilled Migration Points Test
Age qualifications
| At the time of invitation to apply for the visa, the applicant’s age was: | Number of points |
| between 18 and 25 | 25 |
| between 25 and 33 | 30 |
| between 33 and 40 | 25 |
| between 40 and 45 | 15 |
English language qualifications
| At the time of invitation to apply for the visa, you had | Number of points |
| superior English | 20 |
| proficient English | 10 |
Overseas employment experience qualifications
Skilled employment experience is generally assessed by reference to the relevant ANZSCO occupation, including the tasks and skill level associated with that role.
| At the time of invitation to apply for the visa you had been employed outside Australia in (at least 20 hours per week): | Number of points |
| (a) your nominated skilled occupation; or (b) a closely related skilled occupation; for a period of at least 36 months in the immediate previous 10 years | 5 |
| (a) your nominated skilled occupation; or (b) a closely related skilled occupation; for a period of at least 60 months in the immediate previous 10 years | 10 |
| (a) your nominated skilled occupation; or (b) a closely related skilled occupation; for a period of at least 96 months in the immediate previous 10 years | 15 |
Australian employment experience qualifications
| At the time of applying for the visa, you had been employed in Australia in: | Number of points |
| (a) your nominated skilled occupation; or (b) a closely related skilled occupation for a period of at least 12 months in the immediate previous 10 years. | 5 |
| (a) your nominated skilled occupation; or (b) a closely related skilled occupation: for a period of at least 36 months in the immediate previous 10 years. | 10 |
| (a) your nominated skilled occupation; or (b) a closely related skilled occupation: for a period of at least 60 months in the immediate previous 10 years. | 15 |
| (a) your nominated skilled occupation; or (b) a closely related skilled occupation: for a period of at least 96 months in the immediate previous 10 years. | 20 |
Aggregating points for employment experience qualifications
| Situation | Number of points |
| If combined skilled employment experience in Australia and overseas exceeds the maximum allowed | 20 (maximum cap) |
Australian professional year qualifications
| At the time of invitation to apply for the visa, you had completed a professional year in Australia in: | Number of points |
| (a) your nominated skilled occupation; or (b) a closely related skilled occupation for a period of at least 12 months immediately before applying | 5 |
Educational qualifications
| At the time of invitation to apply for the visa, you had: | Number of points |
| met the requirements for: (a) the award of a doctorate by an Australian educational institution; or (b) the award of a doctorate, by another educational institution, that is of a recognised standard. | 20 |
| me the requirements for: (a) the award of at least a bachelor degree by an Australian educational institution; or (b) the award of at least a bachelor qualification, by another educational institution, that is of a recognised standard. | 15 |
| met the requirements for the award of a diploma by and Australian educational institution. | 10 |
| met the requirements for the award of a Tafe qualification by an Australian educational institution. | 10 |
| obtained a qualification recognised by the relevant assessing authority for your nominated skilled occupation. | 10 |
Specialist educational qualifications
| At the time of invitation to apply for the visa, you had: | Number of points |
| met the requirements for a specialist educational qualification in Australia (Master’s or PhD completed over two academic years). | 10 |
Australian study qualifications
| At the time of invitation to apply for the visa, you had: | Number of points |
| met the Australian study requirement by completing a CRICOS-registered course of at least two academic years. | 5 |
Credentialled community language qualifications
| At the time of invitation to apply for the visa, you had: | Number of points |
| a recognised qualification in a community language, awarded by an approved organisation and meeting the required proficiency standard. | 5 |
Study in designated regional area qualification
| You can claim points if all of the following applied to you at the time you were invited to apply: | Number of points |
| (a) you met the Australian study requirement; and (b) you studied at a campus located in a designated regional area; and (c) you lived in a designated regional area while studying; and (d) your study was completed in person (not online). | 5 |
Partner qualifications
| Qualification | Number of points |
| If your spouse or de facto partner: (a) Is included in the same visa application as you; and (b) is under 45 when you receive your invitation; and (c) is not an Australian citizen or permanent resident; and (d) has nominated an occupation on the skilled occupation list; and (e) has a positive skills assessment for that occupation (not for a Subclass 485 visa); and (f) has competent English at the time of invitation. | 10 |
| If you: (a) do not have a spouse or de facto partner; or (b) you do have a spouse or de facto partner who is an Australian permanent resident or an Australian citizen. | 10 |
| If your spouse or de facto partner: (a) is included in the same visa application as you; and (b) is not an Australian citizen or permanent resident; and (c) has competent English only at the time of visa application. | 5 |
State or Territory nomination qualifications
| Qualification | Number of points |
| You have been invited to apply for a Subclass 190 visa and your State or Territory nomination is still valid. | 5 |
Designated regional area nomination or sponsorship qualifications
| Qualification | Number of points |
| You have been invited to apply for a Subclass 489 or Subclass 491 visa; and (a) your State or Territory nomination is still valid, or (b) you are sponsored by an eligible family member and the sponsorship has been accepted by the Department of Home Affairs. | 15 |
Calculating your General Skilled Migration points can be complex, particularly where employment history, partner skills, or nomination options are involved. Beyond Horizons lawyers can assess your eligibility, confirm your points score, and advise on the most suitable visa pathway for your circumstances.
FAQs
What is the minimum points required for General Skilled Migration?
The minimum points score required to lodge an EOI under the General Skilled Migration program is 65 points. In some cases, individual States or Territories may require higher scores. However, meeting the minimum does not guarantee an invitation. Invitation rounds are competitive, and higher points scores are often required depending on the visa subclass, occupation, and current program settings.
Which visas use the General Skilled Migration points test?
The GSM points test applies to the Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent), Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated), and Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional) visas. While the points framework is shared, each visa has different nomination requirements and pathways to permanent residence.
When are points assessed for a skilled visa application?
Points are assessed at the time you receive an invitation to apply, not when you submit your Expression of Interest. If your circumstances change between submitting an EOI and receiving an invitation, your points score may be reassessed.
Is General Skilled Migration different from employer sponsored visas?
Yes. General Skilled Migration visas are points-tested and do not require employer sponsorship. Employer sponsored visas operate under a different framework and are based on nomination by an approved Australian employer rather than a points test.