Skilled Migration Points Test: Maximizing Your Score
Strategic tips and insights on how to maximize your points for skilled migration visas including 189, 190, and 491, with practical advice on improving your competitiveness.
Points Test Strategy Guide
- Understand the points test system and minimum requirements
- Learn strategies to maximize points in each category
- Discover timing strategies for optimal application submission
- Explore alternative pathways if your points are currently insufficient
Understanding the Points Test
The Australian skilled migration points test is a comprehensive assessment system used to evaluate candidates for skilled visas including subclasses 189, 190, and 491. To be eligible, you need a minimum of 65 points, but in practice, successful candidates typically need much higher scores due to competition.
The points test evaluates various factors including age, English proficiency, work experience, education qualifications, and other factors. Understanding how to maximize points in each category is crucial for success in Australia's competitive skilled migration program.
Points Breakdown by Category
Strategic Points Maximization
English Language Strategy
English proficiency offers the highest potential point gain with proper preparation. Moving from competent (6.0) to superior (8.0) adds 20 points to your score.
- • Consider PTE Academic for potentially easier scoring
- • Invest in professional English coaching
- • Take multiple tests if needed - you can use your best result
- • Superior English (8.0) can compensate for other weaknesses
Professional Year Programs
Professional Year programs in Australia can add 5 points and provide valuable local experience in Accounting, Engineering, or IT.
- • Available for specific occupations only
- • Combines study with work experience
- • Improves employability in Australia
- • Must be completed in Australia
Partner Skills Assessment
If you have a partner, their skills can contribute additional points to your application through partner skills assessment.
- • Partner must have competent English (5 points)
- • Partner skills assessment in eligible occupation (10 points)
- • Both must be under 45 years of age
- • Strategic option for couples
Timing Your Application
Invitation Rounds and Competition
Understanding invitation rounds and competition levels is crucial for timing your Expression of Interest (EOI) submission strategically.
High-Demand Occupations
- • Software Engineers: 90+ points typically needed
- • Accountants: 95+ points typically needed
- • Consider 190/491 alternatives
Pro Rata Occupations
- • Limited monthly invitations
- • Higher point requirements
- • Longer waiting times
Alternative Pathways
Additional 5 points plus state-specific benefits
- • Lower point requirements
- • State-specific occupation lists
- • Must commit to living in nominating state
- • Faster pathway to permanent residency
Additional 15 points for regional commitment
- • Significantly lower point requirements
- • Pathway to permanent residency via 191
- • Must live and work in regional Australia
- • More occupation opportunities
- • Focus on English - it's the fastest way to gain significant points
- • Consider Professional Year if eligible
- • Plan your age strategy - apply before losing age points
- • Keep work experience documentation current and detailed
- • Consider partner points if applicable
- • Explore state nomination opportunities early
- • Use our points calculator to track your progress
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Waiting Too Long
Many candidates wait for the "perfect" score while age points decrease. Sometimes it's better to apply with a competitive score rather than waiting and losing age points.
Ignoring State Nominations
State nomination (190) and regional (491) visas often have lower point requirements and faster processing. Don't overlook these excellent alternatives to the 189 visa.