6 Steps to Calculate 190 Visa Points for PR

Introduction

The Australian 190 Visa is one of the most sought-after pathways for skilled professionals seeking permanent residency (PR) in Australia. If you’re aiming for this visa, it’s crucial to understand how to calculate your points, as the visa is points-based. Each applicant must achieve a minimum number of points to be eligible. In this article, we’ll break down the 6 key steps to calculate your 190 Visa points, ensuring that you’re well-prepared for your application.

Step 1: Check Age Criteria

Your age plays a significant role in determining your points for the 190 Visa. The Australian government allocates points based on your age at the time of application.

• Under 25 years: 25 points
• 25-32 years: 30 points
• 33-39 years: 25 points
• 40-44 years: 15 points
• 45-49 years: 0 points

To calculate your age points, make sure to use your actual age on the day you submit your Expression of Interest (EOI). Age is an essential factor that can greatly influence your points score, so make sure to account for it accurately.

Step 2: Skills Assessment and Nominated Occupation

Another critical aspect of your points calculation is your skills assessment. Australia requires that your qualifications and work experience match an occupation listed on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) or a relevant State Nominated Occupation List.

Skills Assessment: You need to undergo an official skills assessment from an authorized assessing authority for your nominated occupation. Points are awarded based on the successful completion of the assessment.

Points Based on Skills Assessment: If your skills assessment is positive, you will receive points. This can be broken down as follows:

• Skilled employment in a nominated occupation (over 3 years): 5 points
• Skilled employment in a nominated occupation (over 5 years): 10 points

Confirm that your nominated occupation is on the Skilled Occupation List, as this directly impacts your eligibility.

Step 3: English Language Proficiency

Australia places a strong emphasis on English proficiency. Applicants must prove that they can communicate effectively in English, especially in a work environment.

Points for English proficiency are calculated based on your test results in one of the recognized English language tests (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, etc.). The points you receive are as follows:

• Proficient English (IELTS 7, PTE 65, TOEFL iBT 94): 10 points
• Superior English (IELTS 8, PTE 79, TOEFL iBT 110): 20 points

For the best results, ensure you prepare well for your English test and submit the most recent test results. Higher English proficiency equals more points!

Step 4: Work Experience

Work experience can add a significant number of points to your 190 Visa application, especially if you’ve worked in your nominated occupation.

Points for work experience are allocated based on the number of years you’ve spent working in your occupation, either in Australia or abroad:

• Less than 3 years: 0 points
• 3-5 years: 5 points
• 5-8 years: 10 points
• 8+ years: 15 points

Both Australian and overseas work experience count, but Australian experience often adds more value. Be sure to include any relevant job experience in your EOI.

Step 5: Education Qualifications

Your education level also contributes to your points score. Higher educational qualifications lead to more points. Here’s how education qualifications are valued:

• Doctorate: 20 points
• Bachelor’s degree or higher: 15 points
• Diploma or trade qualification: 10 points

To calculate your education points, you’ll need to ensure your qualification matches what is required for your nominated occupation. Additionally, the qualification must be recognized by the relevant assessing body.

Step 6: Partner Skills and Points

If you have a partner who is also skilled and eligible for the 190 Visa, their skills can add additional points to your application.

• Partner’s Skills: If your partner has a suitable skills assessment and meets English language requirements, they can contribute points to your overall score.
• Including Your Partner: If your partner isn’t a primary applicant, you may include their points in the total calculation. However, this is optional

Including your partner’s points can be beneficial if they meet the necessary requirements.

Bonus Points

In addition to the main points mentioned above, there are certain opportunities to earn bonus points:

• Regional Study: If you’ve studied in a regional area of Australia for at least two years, you can receive 5 bonus points.
• State Nomination: If you’re nominated by an Australian state or territory, you can earn an additional 5 points.

These bonus points are an excellent way to boost your total score and improve your chances of obtaining the 190 Visa.

How to Total Your Points

Once you’ve calculated each category, it’s time to tally up your points. The minimum points required to apply for a 190 Visa are 65 points, but achieving a higher score increases your chances of receiving an invitation.

Use the official Australian immigration points calculator to ensure your calculation is accurate. Keep in mind that your total score can fluctuate depending on your eligibility in different categories.

Conclusion

Calculating your points for the 190 Visa is an essential step in the process of applying for permanent residency in Australia. By following these 6 steps—age, skills assessment, English proficiency, work experience, education qualifications, and partner skills—you can confidently determine your eligibility. Make sure to track all the factors that contribute to your score and explore opportunities for bonus points. The clearer you are on your points calculation, the better your chances of a successful application.