Question 1

What is the Australian SkillSelect points test?

Accepted Answer

SkillSelect is the points-based ranking system the Department of Home Affairs uses to invite candidates for skilled migration visas: subclasses 189 (Skilled Independent), 190 (Skilled Nominated), and 491 (Skilled Regional). The system awards points for age, English level, education, skilled employment, partner skills, and Australian study, with a minimum pass mark of 65 points to be eligible to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI).

Question 2

What's the minimum score for Australian skilled migration?

Accepted Answer

The pass mark is 65 points, but real invitation cutoffs depend on the occupation list and rounds. For high-demand STEM occupations, 65 may suffice; for oversubscribed occupations (general accountants, software engineers), recent invitation rounds have required 80-95 points. Subclass 190 adds +5 with state nomination; 491 adds +15 with regional nomination.

Question 3

Is this calculator accurate?

Accepted Answer

This is a conservative estimate from age, education, and work experience. Major SkillSelect factors not captured here include: English IELTS level (Proficient = +10, Superior = +20), partner skills (skilled partner = +10), Australian study (+5), specialist STEM/ICT degree (+10), regional study (+5), Professional Year (+5), and Credentialled Community Language test (+5). Your real score is usually 10-30 points higher than this estimate.

Question 4

What's the difference between 189, 190, and 491?

Accepted Answer

Subclass 189 is an independent visa requiring no state sponsorship (highest competition). Subclass 190 requires nomination by a state or territory, which adds +5 points and access to a broader occupation list. Subclass 491 is a regional provisional visa, adds +15 points for regional nomination or family sponsorship, requires you to live in a designated regional area for 5 years (with a PR pathway via subclass 191).

Question 5

Do I need an occupation on the skilled list?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Your occupation must appear on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), or Regional Occupation List (ROL). Which list depends on the subclass. You'll also need a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority before submitting your EOI.

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