If you apply to migrate to Australia under many skilled visa types, you will be assessed against a points test. Some visa categories such as employer sponsored visas do not require this.

Points are awarded for skill, age, English language ability, specific work experience, occupation in demand (and job offer), Australian qualifications, regional Australia, spouse skills and relationship (for Skilled–Australian sponsored only).

If you prefer, you can skip straight to the assessment, we will let you know if you meet the points threshold.

Pass mark for points test

From 1st September 2007, the following pass marks for visas will apply

Skilled - Independent (Subclass 175 and 885)	120 points
Skilled - Sponsored (sublass 176 and 886)	100 points
Regional Sponsored (subclass 475 and 487)	100 points

Points criteria

There are 12 different criteria for the points test

1. Skill / Occupation

Applicants will be awarded 40. 50 ,or 60 points for their nominated skilled occupation.

2. Age

Applicants will be awarded points based on their age at the time of application. Generally, main applicants for a GSM visa must be under 45 at the time of application.

18 - 29 years old	30 points
30 - 34 years old	25 points
35 - 39 years old	20 points
40 - 44 years old	15 points

3. Specified work experience

Applicants will be awarded points for work experience

At least 3 years employment, closely related to the applicant's nominated skilled occupation	10 points
At least 3 years employment in an occupation on the SOL list	5 points

4. English language

To achieve "Proficient English" applicants must reach a minimum score of 7.0 in each component of the IELTS test.

Proficient English	25 points
Competent English	20 points
Concessional competernt English	15 points
Vocational English	15 points

5. Australian work experience

At least 12 months, closely related employment in Australia	10 point
At least 12 months, closely related professional year	10 points

6. Australian education

Completing a doctorate (minimum 2 years study)	25 points
Completing a masters and at least 1 year of a bachelor degree (minimum 3 years study)	15 points
Completing a bachelors with honours (minimum 3 years study)	15 points
Completing one of more degree, diploma, or trade qualifications (minimum 2 years study)	5 points

7. MODL (migration occupation in demand list)

This must include 12 months of closely related employment

MODL with job offer	20 points
MODL	15 points

8. Designated language

Points are given for strong skills in one of Australia's community languages.

A tertiary qualification in one of the nominated languages	5 points
accredited as a professional interpeter (level 3) NAATI in a community language	5 points

9. Study in regional Australia

Met 2 year study requirement while living and studying in regional Australia

5 points

10. State / Territory nomination

Applied for skilled - sponsored (subclass 176 or 886)	10 points
Applied for skilled - regional sponsored (subclass 475 or 487)	10 points

11. Designated area sponsorship

Applicants for a provisional GSM visa who are sponsored by an Australain relative were not previously points tested. To target applicants with skills that will enable them to perform better in the labour market, while ensuring the government's committment to regional migration is maintained, these applicants are now points tested but will be awarded 25 points for sponsorship.

Applied for skilled - regional sponsored (subclass 475 or 487) visa
and sponsored by an eligible relative living in a designated area

25 points

12. Partner skills

Main applicants can gain an extra 5 points if their partner meets the minimum threshold for a GSM application.

Partners meets the threshold for GSM and is not an Australian citizen or permament resident, and is on the visa application

5 points

Your migration assessment reply will contain details of your eligibility and the assessing registered migration agent will be happy to discuss your points score with you.

Have you completed your free migration assessment? It only takes 3 minutes and you will receive a reply from a registered migration agent within 24 hours