Australia selects many skilled migrants using a transparent, points-tested process. If you’re weighing up the Skilled Independent (subclass 189), Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) or Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) (subclass 491) visas, your first task is to understand how points are counted and where you can realistically lift your total. The Department of Home Affairs maintains the authoritative points table and minimum thresholds, so always cross-check there before acting. For tailored guidance on local requirements and policy shifts, practitioners working in Migration Law Perth can help you read the fine print with confidence.
The building blocks of the points test
You submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect. Invitations are issued in periodic rounds, and the cut-offs shift with demand and program settings, so a competitive score matters. EOIs don’t guarantee an invitation, but a higher score helps you stand out.
For the main skilled visas above, the minimum eligibility score is 65 points at the time of invitation. That threshold is a gate, not a target, so plan to exceed it.
Key factors include age, English, skilled employment, qualifications, Australian study and a range of “bonus” items such as credentialed community language, Professional Year and partner skills. State or territory nomination also adds points: +5 for a 190 nomination, and +15 for a 491 nomination. If you want someone to sanity-check your evidence before you lodge, a reputable migration law firm Perth can review your draft EOI and flag gaps early.
Where most applicants win points
- The strongest points sit with applicants in their late 20s and early 30s, tapering as you approach the upper age limit for invitations. Plan timing around birthdays and skills assessments so you don’t miss a better age band.
- English language ability. “Competent” English opens the door; “Proficient” and “Superior” add substantial points. Preparing for a re-sit to move up one band is often the single most efficient score gain.
- Skilled employment. Points accrue for years of relevant work, split between Australian and overseas experience. Evidence is critical: detailed references, pay records and position descriptions should align with your nominated occupation. If your experience is mixed, target the category with the higher cap first.
- Bachelor, Masters and doctorate levels have different values. If you studied in Australia, you may also pick up the “Australian study requirement” and, for eligible STEM Masters/PhD study, a specialist education bonus.
- Extras that add up. Many applicants leave five-point items on the table. Credentialed community language (via NAATI CCL), a completed Professional Year in accounting, ICT or engineering, and study in regional Australia can all tip you over a competitive line.
State and regional pathways
If your occupation aligns with a state skills list and you meet the criteria, nomination can be a smart route. The 190 visa delivers permanent residence with +5 points; the 491 is a five-year provisional visa with a clear pathway to permanent residence and +15 points for nomination. Western Australia, for instance, runs its State Nominated Migration Program with specific streams and requirements that change across the year. Keep documents ready and watch application windows so you can lodge as soon as criteria match your profile.
Practical ways to lift your score
- Aim higher on English. If you sit just below “Proficient”, invest in targeted prep and book another test. The jump to “Superior” can reshape your ranking. Confirm acceptable tests and band equivalencies on the official points table before you book.
- Sequence assessments and EOIs. Your skills assessment, English results and work experience dates must all line up on the date of invitation. Lodge the EOI only when the strongest evidence is in place, then keep it updated. The points calculator on Home Affairs helps with a pre-flight check.
- Stack legitimate five-point boosts. If you’re eligible, complete the NAATI CCL test, finish a Professional Year, or document regional study. Small increments can be decisive in invitation rounds.
- Use nomination strategically. If you’re within striking distance, research states where your occupation is in demand and your profile meets residency, work or study rules. A 491 nomination’s +15 can more than offset a tight age band.
- Choose the right nominated occupation. The ANZSCO code must match your duties and your skills assessment. A neat fit reduces friction at assessment and during case-officer review. Refer back to the occupation lists linked from the visa pages.
- Partner points: be precise. If applying with a partner, check whether they can contribute points via age, English and a suitable skills assessment. If not, the “partner with competent English” option can still assist. Evidence must be watertight at invitation time. If you want a second set of eyes on partner claims, speaking with a Migration Lawyer Perth can save time and avoid rework.
Evidence that stands up
Case officers test claims against documents, so treat your EOI as a formal record. Align job titles with ANZSCO tasks, include dates and hours, and ensure pay slips and tax records corroborate your statements. If you studied in Australia, keep transcripts and completion letters handy for the study-related items. Small inconsistencies can cost points and slow processing.
WA lens and professional help
Perth continues to attract skilled workers across health, engineering, construction and tech. If you’re based in WA and weighing state nomination or a regional pathway, it can be worth speaking with migration lawyers near Perth who understand local lists, work requirements and timing quirks. Labels like the best migration lawyers get thrown around, but the better test is registration, depth of visa experience and clear, practical advice.
Final thoughts
The points test rewards planning. Start with an honest stocktake of age, English, employment and qualifications. Add well-documented extras, and use nomination to bridge any gap. Keep everything aligned with the official points table and calculator, and monitor invitation updates so you can move when opportunities open. With a disciplined approach—and evidence to back every claim—you give yourself the best chance of turning a solid EOI into an invitation.
