Quick Definition: The Australian General Skilled Migration (GSM) points test is used by the Department of Home Affairs to assess skilled migration applicants. A minimum of 65 points is mandatory to lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect for Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent), Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated - awards +5 points), and Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional - awards +15 points).
Calculate your Australia PR score in real time across age, educational qualifications, overseas/Australian work experience, English level (Proficient +10 / Superior +20), partner skills (+10), and state nominations. Powered by Inspire Education's Australia Immigration Consultancy.
Evaluate your migration eligibility against Department of Home Affairs benchmarks. A minimum of 65 points is required to lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) on SkillSelect, with 85+ points offering optimal invitation velocity.
DHA General Skilled Migration 65-Point Grid • Subclass 189, 190 & 491 Preliminary Report
State nominations grant an instant +5 pts (Subclass 190 PR) or +15 pts (Subclass 491 Regional), enabling selection below high 189 cutoffs.
Compare the three primary Australian permanent residency and provisional visas to select your optimal migration pathway:
| Feature / Parameter | Subclass 189 (Independent) | Subclass 190 (State Nominated) | Subclass 491 (Regional Provisional) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa Status | Permanent Resident (Day 1) | Permanent Resident (Day 1) | 5-Year Provisional (Pathway to 191 PR) |
| State Nomination Bonus | 0 Points (Self-reliant) | +5 Bonus Points | +15 Bonus Points |
| Living & Working Flexibility | Anywhere in Australia (Sydney, Melbourne, etc.) | 2-year moral commitment to nominating state | Must live & work in designated regional areas |
| Typical Competitive Score | 85 – 95+ Points | 75 – 85 Points | 65 – 75 Points |
Explore visa subclass requirements, ANZSCO skills assessments, and state sponsorship rules.
Comprehensive breakdown of Subclass 189, 190 & 491 criteria, state quotas, and EOI lodgement.
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Authoritative answers to common questions about Subclass 189, 190, 491, and skills assessments.
The statutory minimum pass mark to lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect is 65 points for Subclass 189, Subclass 190, and Subclass 491 visas. However, because invitations are issued in descending order of points, competitive cutoffs in 2026 generally require 85-95+ points for Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent), 75-85+ points for Subclass 190 (State Nominated), and 65-75+ points for Subclass 491 (Regional Provisional).
State or Territory nomination awards +5 bonus points for the Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190), which grants immediate Permanent Residency. For the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491), state nomination or eligible family sponsorship awards +15 bonus points, providing a direct pathway to permanent residence via Subclass 191 after living and working in designated regional areas for 3 years.
The Australian Department of Home Affairs awards points based on English proficiency: Competent English (IELTS 6.0 in each band or PTE 50 in each component) awards 0 points but satisfies visa threshold; Proficient English (IELTS 7.0 each or PTE 65 each) awards 10 points; and Superior English (IELTS 8.0 each or PTE 79 each) awards the maximum 20 points.
Applicants must be under 45 years of age at the time of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Maximum age points (30 points) are awarded to applicants aged 25 to 32. Applicants aged 33 to 39 receive 25 points, and applicants aged 40 to 44 receive 15 points. At age 45 and above, applicants receive 0 age points and are ineligible for General Skilled Migration (Subclass 189, 190, 491).
Your assessing authority depends on your nominated occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) or Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL). Major bodies include ACS (Australian Computer Society) for IT and software professionals, Engineers Australia for engineering disciplines, VETASSESS for management and vocational occupations, CPA/CA ANZ for accounting, and ANMAC for nursing and healthcare.
Get your ANZSCO skills assessment (ACS, Engineers Australia, VETASSESS) and state nomination roadmap reviewed by senior migration counselors at Inspire Education.