Did you know that scoring the minimum 65 points in Australia’s skilled migration system might not even get you an invitation and it mainly depends on your occupation? In 2025-2026, the real competition is happening at 85 to 100 points — and if you don’t play this game smartly, you’ll be waiting forever for your PR. In this article, we’re breaking down Australia’s points system step by step, and I’ll share insider strategies that can literally add 10, 15, even 20 points to your score.
1. The Reality of Australia’s Points Race in 2025
Let’s start with the truth: 65 points is just the entry ticket.
- Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa? You’ll need 85 to 95 points to even get noticed.
- Subclass 190 State Nomination Visa? Around 70 to 80 points because of the extra 5 points states give you.
- Subclass 491 Regional Visa? Still the most accessible, with 65 to 75 points thanks to that 15-point regional boost.
But here’s the catch — Australia set its permanent migration intake at 185,000 places for both 2024-25 and 2025-26, with about 70% allocated to the skilled stream. While there was a significant pause in Subclass 189 invitations from November 2024, the program resumed in August 2025 and has issued new invitations since. The 2025-26 migration planning levels have now been formally announced and are in effect
Insider takeaway: 189 invitations are back, but competition remains intense. Stay flexible and consider all pathways, including state nomination and regional options, to maximise your chances.
2. Points Breakdown: Where You Win or Lose
Age Factor
Your age can make or break your application.
- 25–32 years = the sweet spot, worth 30 points.
- From 33 onwards, you drop to 25 points.
- By 40–44, just 15 points.
- After 45, you may have a chance in DAMA regions.
⚡ Insider Tip: If you’re 32 right now, don’t delay. Submit your Expression of Interest before you turn 33, because that 5-point drop can cost you an invitation.
English Language Proficiency
Big news: from August 7, 2025, the PTE Academic test changed.
To claim Superior English (20 points), you now need Writing 85 and Speaking 88 in PTE Academic.
For Proficient English (10 points), Listening and Reading scores are slightly easier, but Writing and Speaking are still challenging.
Another update: Australia now accepts TOEFL iBT, alongside IELTS and PTE Academic, for migration purposes. The requirements for each test may differ, so check the latest score tables before booking your exam.
👉 Translation: it’s harder than ever to get 20 points from English alone. If PTE feels impossible, consider IELTS or TOEFL iBT, or double down on Writing and Speaking prep for your chosen test.
Work Experience
Work experience is capped at 20 points, but not all experience is equal.
Overseas: up to 15 points for 8+ years.
Australian Experience:
- Up to 20 points for 8 or more years of skilled employment in Australia.
- Clear note: Even a single year of skilled work in Australia earns you 5 points, and each additional year increases your total—making this one of the fastest ways to boost your score.
- Only Australian work experience counted as “skilled employment” (in your nominated or closely related occupation) qualifies for these points, and the total from both Australian and overseas work experience cannot exceed 20 points.
⚡ Pro Tip: Even a single year of Aussie work can tip the scales. Student work rights, graduate visas, or even temporary jobs can add credibility and points.
Education
- PhD = 20 points.
- Bachelor’s or Master’s = 15 points.
- Diploma or Trade = 10 points.
On top of that:
- 2 years of Aussie study = +5 points.
3. Secret Weapons: Extra Points Most Applicants Miss
Here’s where smart applicants outshine the competition.
✅ NAATI CCL Test — 5 easy points if you can prove bilingual skills. Passing score? 63 out of 90.
✅ Professional Year Program — Adds 5 points for IT, Engineering, or Accounting grads. Bonus: it gives you real Aussie workplace exposure.
✅ Regional Study — If you studied in regional Australia, that’s an extra 5 points on top of your study bonus.
✅ Partner Skills —
- Skilled partner under 45, with competent English and a positive skills assessment? That’s 10 points.
- Partner with just competent English? Still 5 points.
- If you’re single or your partner is already a PR or citizen? Boom — you automatically get 10 points.
👉 Insider Strategy: Many applicants underestimate partner points. If you’re close to the cut-off, this category can literally decide your invitation.
4. Current Challenges and How to Outsmart Them
The Invitation Freeze
Subclass 189 invitations have been paused since November 2024, leaving thousands stuck in limbo. Some months in 2025 had no rounds at all, while others had random surprise rounds.
Smart move? Keep your profile active for 189, but focus on state nomination (190) and regional routes (491). South Australia and Western Australia massively increased their allocations this year — don’t miss that.
PTE Trap
Most people are failing Writing and Speaking. My advice? If you’re struggling with PTE, diversify — IELTS or TOEFL may play to your strengths.
Age & Timing
Every birthday matters. If you’re turning 33 or 40 soon, act now. Those lost points can’t be recovered later.
5. Action Plan to Maximize Your PR Chances
Here’s a clear roadmap:
- Calculate your points today — know where you stand.
- Target English first — it’s the most flexible way to add up to 20 points.
- Explore State and Regional Options — 491’s 15-point bonus is a game-changer.
- Leverage extra hacks — NAATI, Professional Year, regional study, partner points.
- Stay updated — with policies shifting, real-time news and migration agent advice are your best allies.
So, what’s the bottom line? In 2025, it’s not enough to just ‘qualify.’ You need to be strategic, maximize every category, and stay flexible with your pathways. Whether it’s scoring higher in English, grabbing NAATI points, or choosing a regional route — every single point matters. Because in Australia’s skilled migration race, the winners aren’t just the qualified, they’re the prepared.
If you found this breakdown useful, share it with a friend who’s dreaming of Australia. And drop your current points score in the comments — let’s see who’s closest to that magic 95!