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Migration Resources

Free tools, calculators and guides to help you understand your Australian migration pathway — updated to reflect current Department of Home Affairs criteria.

🇦🇺 Skilled Migration · Subclass 189 / 190 / 491

Points Calculator

Instantly calculate your score for Australian skilled visa applications. Based on official Department of Home Affairs criteria — no account required.

0
Points
Your Current Score
Select your details below to calculate your score.
Not started
Age
At time of invitation to apply
0 pts
English Language Ability
IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, OET or Cambridge C1
0 pts
Score benchmarks — Competent: IELTS 6 each band  ·  Proficient: IELTS 7 each band  ·  Superior: IELTS 8 each band (or equivalent)
Overseas Skilled Employment
Nominated occupation or closely related (last 10 years)
0 pts
Australian Skilled Employment
In nominated or closely related occupation in Australia
0 pts
Educational Qualifications
Highest recognised qualification
0 pts
Partner / Spouse Skills
De facto partner or spouse included in application
0 pts
Bonus Points
Select all that apply
0 pts
Select all applicable items. Many applicants combine the Professional Year and Australian Study Requirement for up to 10 additional points.
State / Territory Nomination or Sponsorship
Determines which subclass you are applying under
0 pts
Your Points Breakdown
Total Points Score 0
Complete the sections above to see your total score and personalised migration pathway advice.

Get Expert Guidance from Prabin Pathak

Registered Migration Agent · MARN 2318046 · Free initial consultation · All visa categories covered · Craigieburn VIC

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This calculator is provided for general guidance only, based on official Australian skilled migration points test criteria.
Actual invitation cut-offs vary per round and occupation. Always consult a registered migration agent for personalised advice.
Positive Education & Migration · Prabin Pathak · MARN 2318046 · 62 Champion Parade, Craigieburn VIC 3064
🔍 Based on Department of Home Affairs Visa Finder

Find Your Visa

Answer a few simple questions and we'll show you the Australian visa options that suit your situation — no account needed.

Found your visa? Let Prabin guide you through it.

Registered Migration Agent · MARN 2318046 · Free initial consultation · All visa categories covered

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⏱️ Department of Home Affairs · Updated February 2026

Visa Processing Times

Indicative processing times for major Australian visa types, based on recently decided applications. Times shown are median (50%) and 90th percentile.

These are indicative times only — they are based on recently decided applications and do not guarantee your application will be processed within this timeframe. Individual circumstances, completeness of application, health and character checks, and government priorities all affect your actual processing time. Contact Prabin for a personalised assessment.
📅 Data sourced from Department of Home Affairs — last updated February 2026
Subclass 189
Skilled Independent
50% of apps
9 months
90% of apps
14 months
Points-tested permanent residency. Clock starts from date of visa application (after EOI invite).
Subclass 190
Skilled Nominated
50% of apps
9 months
90% of apps
14 months
State/territory nomination required before lodging. State nomination itself can take weeks to months.
Subclass 491
Skilled Work Regional
50% of apps
9 months
90% of apps
15 months
Provisional visa. Must live and work in a regional area for 3 years before applying for 191 PR.
Subclass 482
Skills in Demand (SID)
Median
~3 months
90% of apps
6 months
3-stage process: sponsorship + nomination + visa. Accredited sponsors get priority processing. Regional employers processed faster.
Subclass 186
Employer Nomination (ENS)
50% of apps
5 months
90% of apps
12 months
Permanent employer-sponsored visa. Transition stream (from 482 holders) is typically faster than Direct Entry.
Subclass 500
Student Visa
50% of apps
33 days
90% of apps
10 weeks
Processing speed depends on your education provider's enrolment cap position (Direction 115 Priority 1–3). Priority 3 providers may take 9–12 weeks.
Subclass 485
Temporary Graduate
50% of apps
2 months
90% of apps
6 months
Application fee doubled to $4,600 from 1 March 2026. Must apply within 6 months of course completion.
Subclass 820 / 801
Partner Visa (Onshore)
50% of apps
17 months
90% of apps
28 months
Two-stage process: temporary 820 granted first, then permanent 801 after 2+ years. No fast-track pathway available.
Subclass 309 / 100
Partner Visa (Offshore)
50% of apps
17 months
90% of apps
28 months
Applied while outside Australia. Temporary 309 stage, then permanent 100 after 2+ years of relationship.
Subclass 143
Contributory Parent
Typical range
2–5+ yrs
Non-contributory
5–7+ yrs
Subject to annual program caps. Contributory (143) is faster and more expensive than non-contributory (103). Queue-based processing.
Subclass 600
Visitor Visa
50% of apps
< 1 day
90% of apps
~3 weeks
Most straightforward applications are processed in hours. Complex cases (previous refusals, overstays) can take significantly longer.
Subclass 417 / 462
Working Holiday
50% of apps
2 days
90% of apps
3 weeks
417 for eligible passport holders (UK, Ireland, Canada, etc). 462 Work and Holiday for other eligible countries.

Not sure about your timeline?

Prabin Pathak can give you a personalised assessment of expected processing times and the fastest pathway for your situation.

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🇦🇺 Skilled Migration · Official Department of Home Affairs

Skill Occupation List

Check which occupations are eligible for skilled migration visas, including the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), and Regional Occupation List (ROL).

📋
Skilled Occupation Lists
Official Department of Home Affairs — Updated regularly
The Skilled Occupation List is maintained by the Department of Home Affairs and is updated periodically. Always verify your occupation's eligibility before lodging an Expression of Interest (EOI).
Open Skill Occupation List
MLTSSL — Eligible for Subclass 189, 190 & 491
📍
STSOL — Short-term skilled occupations (employer sponsored)
🌾
ROL — Regional Occupation List for Subclass 491
🔍
Search by ANZSCO code or occupation name

Is your occupation on the list?

Prabin Pathak can confirm your ANZSCO code, identify the right skills assessment body, and advise on the best visa pathway for your occupation.

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🗣️ Department of Home Affairs · Updated 7 August 2025

English Language Requirements

The Department of Home Affairs requires evidence of English proficiency for most Australian visa applications. Tests must be taken at a secure testing centre — online at-home tests are not accepted.

⚠️
Important change from 7 August 2025 — The list of approved English language tests changed. Tests taken before this date may still be valid for up to 3 years depending on your visa subclass. Always check the specific requirements for your visa at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.
C1 Advanced
Cambridge C1 Advanced Test
Secure test centre only · Previously known as CAE
CELPIP General
Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program General
Secure test centre only
IELTS Academic
IELTS Academic (including One Skill Retake)
Secure test centre only · One Skill Retake (OSR) accepted
IELTS General
IELTS General Training (including One Skill Retake)
Secure test centre only · One Skill Retake (OSR) accepted
LANGUAGECERT
LANGUAGECERT Academic Test
Secure test centre only · Australian visa-specific version required
MET
Michigan English Test (including Single Section Retake)
Secure test centre only · Single Section Retake (SSR) accepted
OET
Occupational English Test
Secure test centre only · For healthcare professionals
PTE Academic
Pearson Test of English Academic
Secure test centre only
TOEFL iBT
Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-Based Test
Must select "Taking TOEFL for Australia" when registering — results not registered under this pathway may not be accepted
📅
Tests taken on or before 6 August 2025 may be used as evidence until 6 August 2028 inclusive, depending on the visa subclass.
CAE / C1 Advanced
Cambridge English (C1 Advanced)
Valid until 6 Aug 2028 · Secure test centre only
IELTS
IELTS (including One Skill Retake)
Valid until 6 Aug 2028 · Academic or General Training
PTE Academic
Pearson Test of English Academic
Valid until 6 Aug 2028 · Secure test centre only
OET
Occupational English Test
Valid until 6 Aug 2028 · Secure test centre only
TOEFL iBT
TOEFL internet-Based Test
Valid until 6 Aug 2028 · Secure test centre only
🟢
Functional English
Basic communication ability for everyday tasks
Required for some family visas
🔵
Vocational English
Ability to communicate in work-related contexts
e.g. IELTS 5 each band
🟡
Competent English
Sufficient command of the language for most situations
e.g. IELTS 6 each band · 0 pts
🟠
Proficient English
Effective operational command of the language
e.g. IELTS 7 each band · +10 pts
🔴
Superior English
Full operational command with only occasional imprecision
e.g. IELTS 8 each band · +20 pts
Official Minimum Test Scores
LIN 25/016 · Federal Register ↗

Scores below are the minimum required in each component (Listening / Reading / Writing / Speaking) per the Migration (Specification of Language Tests, Test Scores and Passports) Instrument 2025, effective 7 August 2025. All tests must be taken at a secure test centre.

IELTS Academic & General Training · Scores unchanged from previous instrument
Level
Listening
Reading
Writing
Speaking
Points
Vocational
5.0
5.0
5.0
5.0
Competent
6.0
6.0
6.0
6.0
0 pts
Proficient
7.0
7.0
7.0
7.0
+10 pts
Superior
8.0
8.0
8.0
8.0
+20 pts

One Skill Retake (OSR) accepted for both Academic and General Training. Scores are for individual bands — no averaging.

PTE Academic · Component scores updated from 7 August 2025
Level
Listening
Reading
Writing
Speaking
Points
Vocational
33
36
29
24
Competent
47
48
51
54
0 pts
Proficient
58
59
69
76
+10 pts
Superior
69
70
85
88
+20 pts

Previous Competent threshold was 50 in each component. Writing and Speaking thresholds for Proficient and Superior have increased under the 2025 instrument.

TOEFL iBT · Must select "Taking TOEFL for Australia" when registering
Level
Listening
Reading
Writing
Speaking
Points
Vocational
8
8
9
14
Competent
16
16
19
19
0 pts
Proficient
22
22
26
24
+10 pts
Superior
26
27
30
28
+20 pts

Home Edition (online/remote) is NOT accepted. Scores are section scores — maximum is 30 per section. Writing max 30, Speaking max 30.

Cambridge C1 Advanced · Previously known as CAE · Not available for Vocational level
Level
Listening
Reading
Writing
Speaking
Points
Vocational
Not accepted for Vocational level
Competent
163
163
170
179
0 pts
Proficient
175
179
193
194
+10 pts
Superior
186
190
210
208
+20 pts

Scores are on Cambridge's 142–210 scale. Secure test centre only. Online version not accepted.

CELPIP General · Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program · New test added in 2025
Level
Listening
Reading
Writing
Speaking
Points
Vocational
5
5
5
5
Competent
7
7
7
7
0 pts
Proficient
9
8
10
8
+10 pts
Superior
10
10
12
10
+20 pts

CELPIP is newly added to the approved list from 7 August 2025. Scores are on a 1–12 scale. Secure test centre only. CELPIP Online not accepted.

LANGUAGECERT Academic · Australian visa-specific version required · Secure test centre only
Level
Listening
Reading
Writing
Speaking
Points
Vocational
41
44
45
54
Competent
57
60
64
70
0 pts
Proficient
67
71
78
82
+10 pts
Superior
80
83
89
89
+20 pts

Scores are out of 90 per component. Must use the Australian visa-specific version. Online version (LANGUAGECERT Academic Online) is NOT accepted.

MET · Michigan English Test · Not available for Superior level
Level
Listening
Reading
Writing
Speaking
Points
Vocational
49
47
45
38
Competent
56
55
57
48
0 pts
Proficient
61
63
74
59
+10 pts
Superior
Not accepted for Superior level

MET is newly added from 7 August 2025. Single Section Retake (SSR) is accepted. MET Digital (at-home) is NOT accepted. Scores are out of approximately 100 per section.

OET · Occupational English Test · For registered healthcare professionals only
Level
Listening
Reading
Writing
Speaking
Points
Vocational
220
240
200
270
Competent
290
310
290
330
0 pts
Proficient
350
360
380
360
+10 pts
Superior
390
400
420
400
+20 pts

OET scores are on a 0–500 scale. OET@Home is NOT accepted — must be taken at a secure test centre. OET is only accepted for healthcare-related visa applications where OET is a specified test.

Points apply to the skilled points test (Subclass 189/190/491). Source: LIN 25/016 — Federal Register of Legislation. Always confirm requirements for your specific visa subclass on the Department of Home Affairs website.

The Department does NOT accept online (remote-proctored or at-home) English tests for Australian visa purposes. The following tests are specifically excluded:
❌ CELPIP Online ❌ IELTS Online ❌ LANGUAGECERT Academic Online ❌ MET Digital (at-home) ❌ OET@Home ❌ TOEFL iBT – Home Edition

All accepted tests must be taken at a secure, supervised testing centre. If you are unsure whether your test qualifies, contact the testing organisation or Prabin for advice.

Need help choosing the right test?

Prabin Pathak can advise on the exact English level required for your visa and the best test to meet it.

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🌾 Regional Migration · Subclass 491 & Other Regional Visas

Designated Regional Areas

Designated regional areas are specific zones in Australia where you must live and work to satisfy the conditions of regional visas. Most of Australia is considered "regional" — only the major metropolitan cities are excluded.

📍 Regional Postcode Checker

Select your state and enter your 4-digit postcode to verify if it falls within a designated regional area based on Department of Home Affairs categories.

Key rule: Designated regional areas exclude Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Regional areas include regional cities, towns, and all rural areas across every state and territory. For the 491 visa, you must live and work in a designated area for at least 3 years before applying for permanent residence (Subclass 191).
🌾 Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional)
🏡 Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional
🏆 Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Regional)
🏙️
New South Wales
State
Sydney metro (unlisted postcodes) Excluded
Central Coast & Newcastle area (2250–2308) Regional
Wollongong & Illawarra (2500–2535) Regional
Hunter, Mid-North & New England (2311–2490) Regional
South Coast, Snowy & ACT border (2536–2574) Regional
Blue Mtns, Bathurst, Wagga, Albury & far west (2575–2898) Regional
🏙️
Victoria
State
Melbourne metro (unlisted postcodes) Excluded
Geelong & Surf Coast (3211–3240) Regional
Ballarat, Bendigo & Central VIC (3241–3425) Regional
Outer East, Latrobe Valley & Gippsland (3430–3799) Regional
Mornington Peninsula outer & South Gippsland (3809–3996) Regional
Dandenong Ranges fringe (3097–3099, 3139) Regional
☀️
Queensland
State
Brisbane metro (unlisted postcodes) Excluded
Gold Coast (4207–4275) Regional
Sunshine Coast (4550–4575) Regional
Ipswich & Lockyer Valley (4300–4305) Regional
Toowoomba & Darling Downs (4350–4498) Regional
Cairns, Townsville, Mackay & North QLD (4580–4895) Regional
Moreton Bay fringe & scattered SE QLD designations Regional
🌊
Western Australia
State
Perth metro (6000–6182, 6208–6214, 6556–6558) Regional
Bunbury & South-West WA Regional
All other WA postcodes Regional
⚠️ All WA postcodes are designated regional — entire state qualifies.
🌵
South Australia
State
Adelaide metro (5000–5174, 5231–5252, 5351, 5950–5960) Regional
Barossa, Clare, Fleurieu & Kangaroo Island Regional
Riverland, Limestone Coast, Eyre & Far North Regional
⚠️ All SA postcodes are designated regional — entire state qualifies.
🍎
Tasmania
State
Hobart & surrounds (7000–7177) Regional
Launceston & North Tasmania Regional
West Coast, North-West & remote areas Regional
⚠️ All TAS postcodes are designated regional — entire state qualifies.
🐊
Northern Territory
Territory
Darwin & surrounds Regional
Alice Springs & Central Australia Regional
All other NT areas (800–999) Regional
⚠️ All NT postcodes are designated regional — entire territory qualifies.
🏛️
Australian Capital Territory
Territory
Canberra city & all suburbs (2600–2618, 2900–2920) Regional
Jervis Bay Territory (200–299) Regional
⚠️ All ACT postcodes are designated regional — entire territory qualifies.

Is your location designated regional?

Prabin Pathak can confirm whether your area qualifies and guide you through the regional visa pathway.

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