How to Calculate Points for Your Australia PR Application

Getting a Permanent Residency (PR) visa in Australia is one of the most common choices for skilled workers who want to settle abroad. The country uses a points-based system to select applicants for PR visas. Many people are unsure about how the points are calculated and what factors matter the most.

This guide explains how you can calculate your points step by step. Understanding this process will help you know where you stand and what areas you can improve for a stronger Australia PR application.

The Points-Based System for Australia PR

Australia follows a skilled migration program where applicants are ranked based on their profile. Points are awarded for different factors such as:

• Age

• English language ability

• Work experience

• Educational qualifications

• Partner skills

• Regional study or nomination

To be eligible, you need to meet the minimum score requirement, which is usually 65 points. However, having higher points increases your chance of getting an invitation.

Age – A Major Factor

Your age is one of the most important parts of your score. Younger applicants usually get more points because they are considered to have more working years ahead.

• 18 to 24 years: 25 points

• 25 to 32 years: 30 points (highest points)

• 33 to 39 years: 25 points

• 40 to 44 years: 15 points

• 45 years or above: Not eligible

If you are planning for an Australia PR application, applying earlier often gives you a better score.

English Language Proficiency

Australia requires proof of English language skills. You can take tests like IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL. Points depend on your score level:

• Competent English (IELTS 6 or equivalent): 0 points

• Proficient English (IELTS 7 or equivalent): 10 points

• Superior English (IELTS 8 or equivalent): 20 points

Improving your English score is one of the easiest ways to increase your points. Many applicants prepare for English tests first before lodging their Australia PR application.

Work Experience in Skilled Occupation

Work experience matters a lot. Australia gives points for both overseas and Australian work experience.

Overseas work experience:

• 3 to 4 years: 5 points

• 5 to 7 years: 10 points

• 8 years or more: 15 points

Australian work experience:

• 1 to 2 years: 5 points

• 3 to 4 years: 10 points

• 5 to 7 years: 15 points

• 8 years or more: 20 points

If you have worked in your nominated occupation, these points can significantly improve your Australia PR application.

Educational Qualifications

Your education also contributes to your points. Recognition of your degree is important, and qualifications should match your nominated occupation.

• Doctorate from a recognized institution: 20 points

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree: 15 points

• Diploma or trade qualification: 10 points

• Recognized award in Australia: 10 points

If you studied in Australia for at least two years, you may also get additional points.

Partner Skills

If your partner also meets certain requirements, you can gain extra points. This includes factors such as:

• If your partner is under 45, has competent English, and has a positive skills assessment: 10 points

• If your partner only has competent English: 5 points

• If you are single or your partner is an Australian citizen/PR holder: 10 points

Many couples applying together increase their total score with this option.

Nomination or Sponsorship

Applicants may also get extra points if they are nominated by a state or territory government or sponsored by an eligible family member living in regional Australia.

• State or Territory Nomination (subclass 190): 5 points

• Regional Sponsorship (subclass 491): 15 points

These pathways are useful for applicants who cannot reach the points cut-off only with age, education, or work experience.

Other Additional Points

Some other ways to add points include:

• Completing a professional year program in Australia: 5 points

• Studying in a regional area: 5 points

• Accredited community language (NAATI certification): 5 points

These may look small but can make a difference if you are close to the minimum requirement.

Example Calculation of Points

Here is an example of how the points are added:

• Age: 29 years → 30 points

• English proficiency: IELTS 7 → 10 points

• Overseas work experience: 6 years → 10 points

• Education: Master’s degree → 15 points

• Partner skills: Competent English → 5 points

• State nomination: 5 points

Total: 75 points

This score would give the applicant a strong chance to receive an invitation for PR.

Steps to Check Your Points

1. Go through each category mentioned above.

2. Match your details with the points table.

3. Add all the points together.

4. If your score is below 65, work on improving English, gaining more work experience, or looking at state nomination.

Once you know your score, you can prepare your Australia PR application more confidently.