The points test is the foundation of Australia's General Skilled Migration program. Understanding how each criterion is scored allows applicants to plan their migration timeline strategically.
Age points are the highest available (30 points) but decline sharply after 32:
| Age at invitation | Points |
| 18–24 | 25 |
| 25–32 | 30 |
| 33–39 | 25 |
| 40–44 | 15 |
| 45 and over | 0 |
Age is fixed, it cannot be improved. For applicants over 40, it becomes critical to maximise every other criterion.
English proficiency is assessed through standardised tests. The test score must be obtained before the EOI is submitted (or updated). Results are valid for three years.
| Proficiency level | IELTS | PTE Academic | TOEFL iBT | OET | Points |
| Competent | 6.0 in each band | 50 in each communicative skill | 12 L / 13 R / 21 S / 24 W | B in each test | 0 |
| Proficient | 7.0 in each band | 65 in each communicative skill | 24 L / 24 R / 23 S / 27 W | B in each test (OET) | 10 |
| Superior | 8.0 in each band | 79 in each communicative skill | 28 L / 29 R / 28 S / 30 W | A in each test | 20 |
Most Indian applicants take IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English). The PTE is administered at Pearson-authorised centres in major Indian cities.
Achieving a Superior score (IELTS 8.0 in all bands) adds 20 points, the same as 8+ years of skilled employment. For younger applicants with strong English, targeting this is one of the most efficient ways to increase their score.| Qualification | Points |
| PhD (doctorate) | 20 |
| Bachelor degree or higher (not PhD) | 15 |
| Diploma or trade qualification | 10 |
| Award (recognised qualification below diploma) | 10 |
The qualification must be Australian or assessed as equivalent to an Australian qualification. For Indian degrees, this requires a skills assessment or a separate qualification assessment by a body such as AIM (Australian Institute of Management) or the relevant assessing authority.
Work experience is split into two categories: experience in Australia and experience outside Australia. Australian experience scores higher per year.
Skilled employment in Australia:| Period | Points |
| 1–2 years | 5 |
| 3–4 years | 10 |
| 5–7 years | 15 |
| 8+ years | 20 |
Skilled employment outside Australia:
| Period | Points |
| 3–4 years | 5 |
| 5–7 years | 10 |
| 8+ years | 15 |
Work experience must be in the same occupation (or a closely related one) as the nominated skilled occupation. It must be paid employment, voluntary work does not count.
A STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) qualification from an Australian institution or from an overseas institution assessed as equivalent adds 10 points. This was introduced to address Australia's need for STEM-qualified skilled workers.
A Professional Year in Australia, a structured program of professional development and work experience available in accounting, IT, and engineering, adds 5 points. These programs run for approximately 44 weeks.NAATI certification (National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters) in any language other than English adds 5 points. Some Indian applicants with professional-level competency in Hindi (if they are non-native Hindi speakers) or other Indian languages may be eligible.
