How many points are required for Australian PR in 2026?
The minimum score to be invited for a Skilled Independent (189), Skilled Nominated (190) or Skilled Work Regional (491) visa is 65 points (Department of Home Affairs points tables, last updated June-July 2026). Invitations go to the highest-ranked Expressions of Interest within the places available for an occupation, so the score actually needed in a round is usually higher and varies by occupation and round. Your invitation states the score you must then prove.
Did the points test change in 2026? Is a new points test coming?
The points test itself (Schedule 6D of the Migration Regulations) is unchanged in 2026 and is what this calculator applies. What did change is the English evidence: from 7 August 2025 Home Affairs revised the approved tests and score thresholds (see the next question). Separately, the Australian Government's Budget 2026-27 states it is reforming the permanent migration points test to select better educated, higher-skilled and younger migrants, following the Department's 2024 review of the points test. No new test has been legislated as of September 2026; until one commences, the current test applies. This page will be updated when the Department publishes the new rules.
What changed for English tests on 7 August 2025?
Home Affairs replaced its English score tables. For a test taken on or after 7 August 2025 the approved tests are IELTS (Academic or General Training), PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT (registered under 'Taking TOEFL for Australia'), OET, Cambridge C1 Advanced, CELPIP General, LANGUAGECERT Academic and MET, each with its own per-component thresholds (for example PTE Academic Superior is now 69 listening, 70 reading, 85 writing, 88 speaking). A result from a test taken on or before 6 August 2025 is assessed against the earlier table and can be used until 6 August 2028, still subject to the 3-year rule. Fully online (at-home / remote-proctored) tests are not accepted.
What is the difference between visas 189, 190, and 491?
The 189 (Skilled Independent) needs no nomination and grants permanent residence; your occupation must be on the MLTSSL. The 190 (Skilled Nominated) needs a State or Territory nomination, gives 5 points, grants permanent residence, and uses the MLTSSL and STSOL. The 491 (Skilled Work Regional) is a 5-year provisional visa for designated regional areas, gives 15 points for a State/Territory nomination or eligible family sponsorship, and leads to permanent residence (subclass 191). A State-nominated 491 uses the MLTSSL, STSOL and ROL; a family-sponsored 491 is limited to the MLTSSL.
How is skilled employment experience calculated for points?
Points are awarded for employment in your nominated occupation or a closely related skilled occupation, for at least 20 hours a week for remuneration, in the 10 years before you are invited, and only from the date your assessing authority deems you skilled. Australian employment also requires that you held a substantive visa or a Bridging A or B visa and complied with its conditions. Overseas: 3-<5 years 5, 5-<8 years 10, 8+ years 15. Australian: 1-<3 years 5, 3-<5 years 10, 5-<8 years 15, 8+ years 20. The combined maximum is 20 points.
Can I claim points for my partner?
Yes, one of three items. 10 points if you are single or your partner is an Australian citizen or permanent resident. 10 points for a skilled partner: an applicant for the same visa who is not a citizen/PR and who, at invitation, was under 45, had Competent English, nominated an occupation on a list applicable to your visa (not necessarily the same list as yours), and held a suitable skills assessment that was not obtained for a Subclass 485 visa. 5 points if your partner (same visa, not a citizen/PR) had Competent English at invitation.
Which English test is the easiest?
There is no 'easiest' test; it depends on your strengths. IELTS is the most widely taken. PTE Academic is computer-based and scored by machine. TOEFL iBT must be registered under 'Taking TOEFL for Australia' to count. Compare the per-component thresholds for your intended level in the calculator's English step before choosing, because since 7 August 2025 the thresholds differ by component for most tests.
Does a Professional Year guarantee a job or PR?
No. A Professional Year in Accounting, ICT or Engineering gives 5 points if completed in Australia in the 4 years before invitation, and it adds Australian workplace experience and a professional network. It does not guarantee a job or a visa, and its work-placement component cannot also be claimed as skilled employment.
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