Which Australian visas use the points test?
The skilled points-tested visas are the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189, points-tested stream), the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) and the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491)123. Each needs a score of 65 points before you're invited123, and English can add up to 20456.
How do the three visas differ?
| Visa | Who it is for | You also need |
|---|---|---|
| Subclass 1891 | Invited skilled workers, to live and work permanently anywhere in Australia | An invitation to apply |
| Subclass 1902 | Nominated skilled workers, as permanent residents | A state or territory government agency nomination |
| Subclass 4913 | A provisional visa for skilled workers in regional Australia | A state or territory nomination, or an eligible relative as sponsor |
How do you get invited?
You submit an expression of interest (EOI), you're ranked against other applicants, and you might be invited1. Without a score of 65 points you won't be invited123. The invitation states the points you must score, which may be higher than 651.
What English do these visas ask for?
At the time of invitation you must have at least Competent English123. Competent English gives 0 points, Proficient English 10 and Superior English 20 on all three points tables456. A valid passport from Canada, New Zealand, Ireland, the United Kingdom or the United States also shows Competent English7, but Proficient and Superior need test scores789. The calculator shows which level your scores reach.
Are there other points tests?
The department's points calculator also covers the business innovation visa, subclass 18810. Its English section points to Vocational and Proficient English instead10, and this tool does not cover it.
When are the points counted?
Points criteria are assessed at the time of invitation10, and you must prove the claims in your expression of interest when your application is assessed1. So the English result you rely on has to hold up on both dates. See how long results last.
Where should I check the details?
Each visa has its own page with the full eligibility list, and the rules can change11. Read the page for your visa before you submit anything, and check how this tool keeps up.
Sources
Each small number links to the page it comes from. We keep a dated copy of every page with its SHA-256 fingerprint and check our wording against it word for word.
- Source 1: Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189), Points-tested stream. Department of Home Affairs, page last updated 1 July 2026; our copy 31 October 2026.
immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/skilled-independent-189/points-tested - Source 2: Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190). Department of Home Affairs, page last updated 2 October 2026; our copy 31 October 2026.
immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/skilled-nominated-190 - Source 3: Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491), main applicant. Department of Home Affairs, page last updated 16 July 2026; our copy 31 October 2026.
immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/skilled-work-regional-provisional-491/application - Source 4: Points table for Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189). Department of Home Affairs, page last updated 11 June 2026; our copy 31 October 2026.
immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/skilled-independent-189/points-table - Source 5: Points table for Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190). Department of Home Affairs, page last updated 16 July 2026; our copy 31 October 2026.
immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/skilled-nominated-190/points-table - Source 6: Points table for Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491). Department of Home Affairs, page last updated 16 July 2026; our copy 31 October 2026.
immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/skilled-work-regional-provisional-491/points-table - Source 7: Competent English. Department of Home Affairs, page last updated 21 September 2026; our copy 31 October 2026.
immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/english-language/competent-english - Source 8: Proficient English. Department of Home Affairs, page last updated 21 September 2026; our copy 31 October 2026.
immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/english-language/proficient-english - Source 9: Superior English. Department of Home Affairs, page last updated 21 September 2026; our copy 31 October 2026.
immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/english-language/superior-english - Source 10: Points calculator. Department of Home Affairs, page last updated 28 May 2026; our copy 31 October 2026.
immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/tools/points-calculator - Source 11: English language visa requirements. Department of Home Affairs, page last updated 2 February 2026; our copy 31 October 2026.
immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/english-language
Independent tool by Aptia Skills. Not affiliated with, endorsed by or approved by the Department of Home Affairs, any test provider or any government. Written with AI from the official sources listed on this page, and checked word for word against them. It is general information, not migration advice, and it cannot promise any visa outcome.