Australia Permanent Residency (PR) Points System 2025
The myriad Australia immigration programs have been conceptualised to strategically select only the most qualified applicants. Certain filters have been designed to ensure that only desirable profiles that can significantly contribute to the economy are invited to pursue the Australia PR process. One such tool is the Australia points calculator, which allocates points to the candidate based on several factors to determine their potential. This tool is also useful for immigration aspirants to estimate their ability to fulfil the Australia PR requirements. Candidates who can score 65 or more Australia PR points may lodge their application in SkillSelect, the Australian government portal that determines eligibility of applicants.
There are four visa subclasses that evaluate the eligibility of applicants based on the Australia PR points calculator. Two of these points-tested visa categories are direct pathways to permanent residency in Australia, while two are provisional visas which can eventually lead to securing Australia PR.
- Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 188)
- Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
- Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
- Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)
The criteria under each points-tested visa subclass is distinct, designed specifically to assess the aspirant's ability to fulfil the purpose for which they are being granted a visa. Under each stream, points are granted based on targeted parameters which determine the potential of an applicant to contribute to the local and national economy.
Factors Assessed Under the Points System
Points are awarded across a range of factors, including age, English language ability, skilled work experience in Australia and overseas, educational qualifications, an Australian study requirement, and sponsorship or nomination by a family member or a state or territory government to regional Australia.
English Language Ability Benchmarks
- Competent English: TOEFL iBT Listening 12, Reading 13, Writing 21 and Speaking 18; PTE Academic Listening 50, Reading 50, Writing 50 and Speaking 50.
- Proficient English: TOEFL iBT Listening 24, Reading 24, Writing 27 and Speaking 23; PTE Academic Listening 65, Reading 65, Writing 65 and Speaking 65.
- Superior English: TOEFL iBT Listening 28, Reading 29, Writing 30 and Speaking 26; PTE Academic Listening 79, Reading 79, Writing 79 and Speaking 79.
- Australian work experience in the nominated occupation or a closely related occupation.
- Overseas work experience in the nominated occupation or a closely related occupation.
- Bachelor degree (including a Bachelor degree with Honours or Masters).
- Minimum two years full-time study meeting the Australian study requirement.
- Sponsorship by family or a state or territory government to regional Australia.
Changes to the Points System From 16 November 2019
With effect from 16 November 2019, the points system for Australian General Skilled Migration visas (Subclass 189, Subclass 190 and Subclass 491) experienced certain changes. The key changes are set out below.
- Specialist education qualification: Candidates with a Master's degree by research or a Doctorate degree from an Australian educational institution can now obtain 10 points. Earlier, it was 5 points.
- Partner skills: Candidates with a skilled spouse under the age of 45 can acquire two sets of points.
- Spouse language and skill assessment: If your spouse has competent language skills and a positive skill assessment, with their occupation falling under the Skilled Occupation List (SOL), you can get 10 points. Earlier, it was 5 points.
- Spouse language proficiency: If your spouse or de facto partner has competent language skills, you can get an additional 5 points.
- Spouse adaptability: If you are single, you are entitled to an additional 10 points. Earlier, there were no points for a single applicant. If you have a spouse or de facto partner with either Australian citizenship or Australian permanent residency, you are entitled to an additional 10 points. Earlier, there were no points for an Australian citizen or PR spouse.
- State nomination or sponsorship: If you obtain nomination by a state or territory or sponsorship by a family member, you can get 15 points. Earlier, it was 10 points. Currently, the 15-point criteria apply to Subclass 491 and Subclass 190 visas only.
Meeting the Broader Eligibility Requirements
It is essential to keep in mind that the point system is simply one of the numerous requirements that must be met in order to be eligible for immigration to Australia. Obtaining an Australian visa can throw open a plethora of doors leading to potential prospects. The aspirant can submit an application through SkillSelect once it has been determined that all requirements are capable of being met. Following an appropriate review of the candidate's application, the candidate may be extended an invitation to submit an application for the applicable visa subclass. Finding out how many points you have is the first thing you need to do in order to increase your chances of being granted immigration.
For more information about the Australia PR points system for the 189, 190 or 491 visa, email web@abhinav.com and one of our most experienced immigration consultants will get in touch to help with your questions and concerns, or call +91-8595338595 or use our live chat.
