If you want to increase skilled visa points, some strategies can add 5, 10 or even 20 points.
The points test applies to the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189), Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) and Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491).
You need at least 65 points to be eligible, but 65 does not guarantee an invitation.
In many occupations, a competitive score can be significantly higher than the legal minimum.
This Millennium Migration guide explains where extra points can realistically come from in 2026.
To increase skilled visa points, start with claims you can prove. Our skilled visa services and free visa assessment can help you compare the relevant pathways.
2026 update: the Australian Government has announced reforms to the skilled migration points test.
The Home Affairs points tables checked on 6 October 2026 still use the existing Schedule 6D framework. An announced reform is not an extra points entitlement before the relevant changes commence.
The short version
- Improve English from Competent to Proficient: +10 points.
- Improve English from Competent to Superior: +20 points.
- Obtain subclass 190 state nomination: +5 points.
- Obtain subclass 491 nomination or eligible family sponsorship: +15 points.
- Qualify for partner skills: up to 10 points.
- Credentialled Community Language: +5 points.
- Professional Year: +5 points where eligible.
- Australian study: +5 points.
- Eligible regional Australian study: another +5 points.
1. Increase skilled visa points through English
English may be a practical way to increase skilled visa points without changing occupation or waiting several years. Your current level and test preparation needs determine how quickly you can improve.
| English level | Points | IELTS example |
|---|---|---|
| Competent English | 0 | At least 6 in each component |
| Proficient English | 10 | At least 7 in each component |
| Superior English | 20 | At least 8 in each component |
The Department of Home Affairs changed approved English tests and some required scores from 7 August 2025. The IELTS component scores shown above remained 6, 7 and 8 for these levels.
If you use Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic), Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT) or another accepted test, check the required components before booking. Use the rules for your test date, not an old score chart.
Practical strategy: moving from Competent to Superior English can add 20 points.
For many applicants, that can make a bigger difference than gaining several additional years of work experience.
2. Increase skilled visa points through work
Eligible employment must be in your nominated occupation or a closely related skilled occupation.
To increase skilled visa points through work, check more than the job title. Work must be paid and at least 20 hours a week. Australian employment also requires an eligible visa and compliance with its conditions; confirm the countable period and evidence.
| Experience | Overseas points | Australian points |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 1 year | 0 | 0 |
| 1 to under 3 years | 0 | 5 |
| 3 to under 5 years | 5 | 10 |
| 5 to under 8 years | 10 | 15 |
| 8 years or more | 15 | 20 |
Only qualifying employment in the 10 years before invitation counts towards these employment points.
Combined Australian and overseas employment points are capped at 20.
This means waiting for your next experience milestone can sometimes add another 5 points.
3. Use state nomination to increase skilled visa points
Subclass 190 nomination adds 5 points to your points-test score.
Subclass 491 nomination or accepted eligible family sponsorship adds 15 points.
Your Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect can show an indicative score for a nominated or sponsored pathway. That does not mean nomination or sponsorship has been approved; you must meet the relevant conditions to receive the points.
State nomination also involves separate eligibility criteria set by each state or territory.
A 491 pathway can turn a 70-point base score into 85 points once the 15 nomination points apply.
But subclass 491 is a provisional regional visa, so it should be compared with your long-term migration plans.
4. Increase skilled visa points: check your partner
| Partner situation | Points |
|---|---|
| Single, or partner is an Australian citizen or permanent resident | 10 |
| Partner applies for the same subclass, is not an Australian citizen or permanent resident, and has Competent English | 5 |
| Partner applies for the same subclass, is not an Australian citizen or permanent resident, and meets the age, English, occupation and skills-assessment rules | 10 |
For 10 skilled-partner points, your partner must have been under 45 at invitation, with Competent English, an occupation on the same skilled list and a suitable assessment that is not for subclass 485. The 5-point and 10-point categories are alternatives. A relationship change during processing can affect single-applicant points.
If your partner has stronger age, English, qualifications or work experience, compare both applicants.
Home Affairs specifically suggests considering whether the partner should become the primary applicant.
Compare both profiles before trying to increase skilled visa points. A stronger primary applicant may change which occupation and pathway you use.
5. Claim 5 points for NAATI community language
Credentialled Community Language can provide another 5 points.
One common pathway is passing the Credentialed Community Language (CCL) test from the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI).
NAATI currently offers CCL testing in languages including Persian, Arabic, Mandarin, Hindi and many others.
The CCL test is for migration points and does not make you a professional interpreter.
Check NAATI’s CCL guidance before booking to increase skilled visa points. Passing a test is different from simply speaking a community language.
6. Increase skilled visa points through study
Meeting the Australian study requirement can provide 5 points.
The study must meet the Australian study requirement, including at least two academic years of registered study and at least 16 calendar months in Australia.
Eligible study completed while living and studying in regional Australia can provide another 5 points.
Regional study points require qualifying study at an eligible regional campus and cannot be distance education.
Before choosing study to increase skilled visa points, check the Australian study rules. Course registration, the qualification, English instruction and study permission also matter. A course offer or moving to a regional address alone does not earn these points.
7. Specialist education can add 10 points
An eligible Australian research Masters or Doctorate can provide 10 specialist education points.
The qualification must include at least two academic years in an eligible science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) field, or specified information and communication technology (ICT) field.
This can include engineering, computer science, mathematics and various natural science disciplines.
A coursework Masters alone does not meet this research-degree category. Confirm the award and eligible field before relying on it to increase skilled visa points.
8. Professional Year can add 5 points
The current points table provides 5 points for an eligible Professional Year completed in Australia.
The program must relate to Accounting, ICT/Computing or Engineering.
It must have been completed in Australia within the four years before invitation, over at least 12 months. The program must be approved and relate to your nominated or a closely related occupation.
Accounting program closure: CPA Australia’s closure notice says new Accounting Professional Year enrolments ceased on 5 March 2025 and all activity was to conclude by 1 May 2026. Do not plan a new accounting enrolment to increase skilled visa points. An earlier eligible completion may still qualify within the points-test window.
9. Watch your age points
| Age at invitation | Points |
|---|---|
| 18–24 | 25 |
| 25–32 | 30 |
| 33–39 | 25 |
| 40–44 | 15 |
Age points can rise from 25 to 30 when you turn 25. After that, later age bands can reduce your score; your age at invitation is what matters.
Turning 33 can reduce your score by 5 points. Turning 40 can reduce it by another 10 points.
When planning to increase skilled visa points, compare any likely gain with age points you may lose while waiting. Submitting an EOI does not freeze your age.
You must be under 45 when invited for these points-tested subclass 189, 190 and 491 pathways.
A simple example to increase skilled visa points
Consider an applicant with a current base score of 70 points, Competent English and no existing CCL or nomination points.
- Improve English from Competent to Proficient: 70 → 80.
- Pass an eligible NAATI CCL test: 80 → 85.
- Receive subclass 190 nomination: 85 → 90.
Alternatively, subclass 491 nomination could add 15 points instead of the 5 points available through subclass 190.
In that alternative, 70 + 10 + 5 + 15 = 100 points. Do not add both the 190 and 491 bonuses. This example shows arithmetic only, not a predicted invitation score.
Never claim points you cannot prove.
Your EOI score is based on your claims, but Home Affairs requires evidence when assessing the visa application.
Can you update your EOI after improving your points?
Yes. SkillSelect allows you to update your Expression of Interest (EOI) before you receive an invitation.
You should update it when relevant circumstances change, such as English results or qualifying work experience.
Once you receive an invitation, the points claims supporting that invitation become critically important.
Use the official EOI instructions when you increase skilled visa points. Most criteria must be met at invitation; evidence added later cannot simply repair a claim that was not true at the required time.
Frequently asked questions about skilled visa points
How to increase skilled visa points: the basics
What is the minimum skilled visa score in 2026?
The minimum threshold for subclasses 189, 190 and 491 is 65 points. Meeting it does not guarantee an invitation.
What is the easiest way to increase skilled visa points?
Improving English can help you increase skilled visa points by 10 or 20 from Competent English. The easiest option depends on your current score and circumstances.
Nomination and language points
How many points does subclass 190 nomination add?
State or territory nomination for subclass 190 adds 5 points. You must meet the nomination and visa requirements.
How many points does subclass 491 nomination add?
Subclass 491 state nomination or accepted eligible family sponsorship adds 15 points. These options do not each add a separate 15 points.
How many points can NAATI add?
An eligible Credentialled Community Language qualification can add 5 points. Check that your credential is valid for the required stage.
Partner points and EOI updates
Can my partner increase my skilled visa points?
Yes. Eligible partner English can provide 5 points, while eligible partner skills can provide 10 points in total. These categories cannot be added together.
Can I update my SkillSelect EOI when my points increase?
Yes. You can update your EOI before invitation when your circumstances or eligible points change.
Does 65 points guarantee a subclass 189 invitation?
No. Sixty-five is the legal threshold. Actual invitation scores depend on selection settings and competition.
Want to increase skilled visa points?
The best strategy depends on your age, English, occupation, experience, partner and state options.
Millennium Migration can calculate your current score and identify realistic ways to improve it.
Free visa assessment Book a consultationRelated reading
- Skilled Visa Points Test: Complete 2026 Guide
- Skilled Visa Processing Times 2026
- 2026–27 Australian Migration Program
- Australian Visa Options
Sam Lotfollahi · Registered Migration Agent · MARN 0901704
Millennium Migration · 3/856-860 Doncaster Rd, Doncaster East VIC 3109
Check the migration agent register · WhatsApp +61 402 343 103
Sources
- Department of Home Affairs — SkillSelect Expression of Interest . Checked 6 October 2026.
- Department of Home Affairs — Subclass 189 Points Table . Checked 6 October 2026.
- Department of Home Affairs — Subclass 190 Points Table . Checked 6 October 2026.
- Department of Home Affairs — Subclass 491 Points Table . Checked 6 October 2026.
- Federal Register of Legislation — Migration Regulations 1994, Schedule 6D . Checked 6 October 2026.
- NAATI — Credentialed Community Language Test . Checked 6 October 2026.
- Minister for Home Affairs — Points Test Reform Announcement . Checked 6 October 2026.
- CPA Australia — Accounting Professional Year closure. Checked 6 October 2026.
- Home Affairs — Australian study requirement. Checked 6 October 2026.
- Home Affairs — Proficient English. Checked 6 October 2026.
- Home Affairs — Superior English. Checked 6 October 2026.
General information only, not migration advice. Skilled migration points and invitation settings can change. Outcomes depend on individual circumstances.
Sources checked on 6 October 2026. Recheck the rules before claiming points or paying for a course or test.
Sam Lotfollahi, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 0901704, leads Millennium Migration.