For skilled professionals dreaming of permanent residency (PR) in Australia, the first step is understanding how the PR Points Test works. The Australia PR Points Calculator 2024 is a vital tool in determining your eligibility for visas like Subclass 189, 190, or 491. Scoring 65 points or more is the minimum requirement — but achieving it takes planning, precision, and often professional guidance.
This guide explains exactly how to calculate your score, what factors affect your points, and how to boost your total to meet or exceed the PR threshold.
What Is the Australia PR Points Test and Why It Matters
The PR Points Test is a merit-based system used by the Australian Government to assess the eligibility of skilled migration visa applicants. Points are awarded based on key criteria such as age, English proficiency, work experience, education, and more.
Only applicants who achieve at least 65 points can submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and receive an invitation to apply for a skilled visa. Higher scores increase your chances of being invited, especially in competitive occupations.
How the Points Are Calculated in 2024
Understanding the breakdown of points can help you plan your pathway to PR. Here’s how the main components work:
Age Criteria
- 18–24 years: 25 points
- 25–32 years: 30 points
- 33–39 years: 25 points
- 40–44 years: 15 points
- 45 and above: Not eligible
English Language Proficiency
- Competent English (IELTS 6.0+): 0 points
- Proficient English (IELTS 7.0+): 10 points
- Superior English (IELTS 8.0+): 20 points
Work Experience (Onshore and Offshore)
- Outside Australia:
- 3–4 years: 5 points
- 5–7 years: 10 points
- 8+ years: 15 points
- In Australia:
- 1 year: 5 points
- 3 years: 10 points
- 5 years: 15 points
- 8 years: 20 points
Educational Qualifications
- Doctorate from an Australian or recognized overseas institution: 20 points
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree: 15 points
- Diploma or trade qualification: 10 points
- Study in regional Australia: +5 points
Partner Skills and Other Bonus Points
- Partner has competent English: +5 points
- Partner has skills assessment in same occupation list: +10 points
- Single applicants: +10 points
- Professional year in Australia: +5 points
- NAATI accreditation: +5 points
- State sponsorship (Subclass 190): +5 points
- Regional sponsorship (Subclass 491): +15 points
Common Mistakes When Estimating Your Points
Many applicants miscalculate their points by:
- Overestimating English level based on past tests
- Including work experience not related to their nominated occupation
- Assuming unaccredited degrees or diplomas count
- Misunderstanding the eligibility of partner skills
Mistakes can lead to EOI rejection or visa refusal. That’s why a professional pre-assessment is highly recommended.
Tips to Improve Your Score and Reach 65+
Struggling to reach 65 points? Consider:
- Retaking English exams to aim for higher scores
- Gaining additional years of work experience
- Completing a Professional Year in Australia (IT, Accounting, Engineering)
- Gaining NAATI accreditation (for interpreters/translators)
- Choosing regional areas for sponsorship
- Boosting your partner’s qualifications
Even small changes can lead to major improvements in your total score.
Sample Scenarios: Who Qualifies and Who Doesn’t
Example 1 — IT Specialist, 28 years old, IELTS 7.5, 3 years offshore experience, Bachelor’s degree:
- Age: 30 pts
- English: 10 pts
- Work Experience: 5 pts
- Education: 15 pts
- Total: 60 points → needs extra 5 points (e.g., Professional Year or partner skills)
Example 2 — Nurse, 31 years old, IELTS 8.0, 5 years experience in Australia, Master’s degree, single:
- Age: 30 pts
- English: 20 pts
- Work Experience: 15 pts
- Education: 15 pts
- Single status: 10 pts
- Total: 90 points → excellent chance of receiving invitation
Why a Professional Assessment is Crucial
While free calculators give a rough estimate, only a migration expert can:
- Accurately assess your documents
- Determine eligible work experience and qualifications
- Identify bonus points opportunities
- Recommend the best visa pathway
This is where Sydney Visa comes in — with years of experience and hundreds of successful cases.
Visit Sydney Visa — Professional Australian Migration Services
How Sydney Visa Can Help You Maximize Your PR Potential
Our team at Sydney Visa provides:
- In-depth pre-assessment of your PR points
- Strategic visa planning tailored to your profession
- Full EOI and visa application support
- Advice on improving your score over time
- Guidance on documentation, deadlines, and risks
Real Cases, Real Outcomes
- 75-point Mechanical Engineer from India received Subclass 189 in 5 months
- 85-point Teacher from the UK sponsored to regional Queensland under 491
- 65-point Accountant boosted to 75 through partner skills and regional study
FAQ About the Points Calculator and PR Visas
- Q: Can I apply with exactly 65 points?
Yes, but higher scores give you a better chance of receiving an invitation. - Q: What if my partner doesn’t speak English?
You may lose bonus points, but you can still apply — just be strategic. - Q: Does work experience during study count?
Usually not unless it meets skilled criteria post-qualification. - Q: Can I apply for multiple visa subclasses?
Yes, but you must meet each subclass’s criteria separately. - Q: Is the points system likely to change?
It’s possible. The government may adjust thresholds and weights based on demand.
Take the Next Step — Get Your Points Assessed by Sydney Visa
The Australia PR Points Calculator is only the beginning. To confidently navigate your path to migration, professional advice can make all the difference.
Whether you’re just starting your journey or want to optimize your current profile, contact Sydney Visa for expert migration support.
261 Harris Street, Pyrmont NSW 2009
Phone: (+61) 283 112 398
WhatsApp: +61 481 048 493
Email: mail@sydneyvisa.com.au
Let your skills open the door to Australia. And let Sydney Visa guide the way.