Australia PR Points &
Skilled Occupation List 2026
Everything you need to plan your pathway to Australian Permanent Residency — complete points table, 504 searchable occupations, best courses for PR, and what to do if your degree is not on the skilled list.
What is the Australia PR Points Test?
The points system applies to three main PR pathways: Subclass 189 (permanent, no sponsor), Subclass 190 (permanent, state nominated, +5 points), and Subclass 491 (provisional 5-year regional visa converting to PR after 3 years, +15 points). For Indian and GCC students completing degrees in Australia, the typical journey is: Student Visa (500) → Temporary Graduate Visa (485) → Points-based PR visa.
Subclass 189 vs 190 vs 491 — Side by Side
Choose your pathway carefully before lodging your EOI. Each visa has different requirements, bonus points, and PR timelines.
Subclass 189
- ✓No employer, state, or family sponsorship
- ✓Immediate permanent residency
- ✓Live anywhere in Australia
- ✓Occupation must be on MLTSSL
- ✓Most competitive pathway
Subclass 190
- ✓State/territory nomination required
- ✓Immediate permanent residency
- ✓MLTSSL or STSOL occupation
- ✓Less competitive than 189
- ✓Each state has different priority lists
Subclass 491
- ✓State nomination or family sponsor
- ✓5-year visa → SC 191 PR after 3 years
- ✓Must live & work in regional Australia
- ✓Most accessible pathway for students
- ✓MLTSSL, STSOL, or ROL occupation
Australia PR Points Table — Subclass 189 / 190 / 491
Points are awarded at the time of invitation to apply. All criteria sourced directly from the Department of Home Affairs ↗. Use the official points calculator ↗ for your personalised score.
| Factor | Criteria Details | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 🎂 AGE — At the time of invitation to apply | ||
| Age | 18–24 years old | 25 pts |
| Age | 25–32 years old (optimal bracket) | 30 pts |
| Age | 33–39 years old | 25 pts |
| Age | 40–44 years old | 15 pts |
| Age | 45 years or over | 0 pts — ineligible |
| 🗣️ ENGLISH LANGUAGE — Test within 12 months (from 7 August 2025) | ||
| English | Competent — IELTS 6.0 each component / PTE 50 / TOEFL 64 | 0 pts (required minimum) |
| English | Proficient — IELTS 7.0 each / PTE 65 / TOEFL 79 | 10 pts |
| English | Superior — IELTS 8.0+ each / PTE 79+ / TOEFL 93+ | 20 pts |
| 💼 SKILLED EMPLOYMENT — In nominated occupation or closely related (last 10 years) | ||
| Overseas skilled employment | 3–4 years outside Australia | 5 pts |
| Overseas skilled employment | 5–7 years outside Australia | 10 pts |
| Overseas skilled employment | 8+ years outside Australia | 15 pts |
| Australian skilled employment | 1–2 years in Australia | 5 pts |
| Australian skilled employment | 3–4 years in Australia | 10 pts |
| Australian skilled employment | 5–7 years in Australia | 15 pts |
| Australian skilled employment | 8+ years in Australia (maximum cap applies at 20 combined) | 20 pts |
| 🎓 EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS — Australian institution or recognised overseas | ||
| Education | PhD or Masters by Research from Australian institution — 2+ academic years in STEM/ICT/Engineering field | 20 pts |
| Education | Bachelor, Masters, or Doctoral degree from Australian institution OR recognised overseas equivalent | 15 pts |
| Education | Diploma or trade qualification from Australian institution (2+ years full-time, taught in English) | 10 pts |
| Education | Award or qualification recognised by the skills assessing authority for your nominated occupation | 10 pts |
| 🌏 STUDY IN AUSTRALIA — Australian Study Requirement | ||
| Australian study | At least 1 degree/diploma from Australian institution meeting the Australian Study Requirement | 5 pts |
| Regional study | Study completed while living in a designated regional area of Australia | 5 pts |
| 💑 PARTNER SKILLS — At time of invitation | ||
| Partner — skilled with skills assessment | Partner is also an applicant, under 45, competent English, skilled occupation, positive skills assessment (not for 485) | 10 pts |
| Partner — competent English only | Partner is applicant with competent English (without full skills assessment meeting above criteria) | 5 pts |
| Single or Australian/NZ citizen partner | You are single, or your partner is an Australian citizen, PR, or eligible New Zealand citizen | 10 pts |
| ➕ BONUS POINTS — Claimable during your 485 visa period | ||
| Professional Year | Completed a Professional Year in Australia in ICT, Accounting, or Engineering (12 months in last 4 years) | 5 pts |
| NAATI CCL | Hold NAATI Credentialled Community Language credential in a language other than English (Hindi, Malayalam, Tamil, Arabic etc.) | 5 pts |
| State/Territory nomination (190) | Nominated by a state or territory government for Subclass 190 | 5 pts |
| Regional nomination (491) | Nominated by state/territory government OR sponsored by eligible family member in regional area for Subclass 491 | 15 pts |
How to Maximise Your PR Points During Your 485 Stay
Most students start with 65–75 points. Here's how to systematically push to 90+ during your 485 visa period — giving you a realistic chance at both 189 and 491 invitations.
🗣️ English Score — Biggest Impact
- Competent English (IELTS 6.0)+0 pts
- Proficient English (IELTS 7.0 each band)+10 pts
- Superior English (IELTS 8.0 / PTE 79+)+20 pts
💼 Australian Work Experience
- 1–2 years in Australia+5 pts
- 3–4 years in Australia+10 pts
- 5–7 years in Australia+15 pts
- 8+ years in Australia+20 pts
➕ Bonus Points Available Now
- Professional Year (ICT/Acc/Engineering)+5 pts
- NAATI CCL Test (any community language)+5 pts
- Regional study in Australia+5 pts
- State nomination (190)+5 pts
- Regional nomination (491)+15 pts
📊 Example Score Progression
- Age 25–32 + Degree + IELTS 7 + 1yr work65 pts
- Upgrade English to IELTS 8.075 pts
- + NAATI CCL + Professional Year85 pts
- + 491 Regional Nomination100 pts
- + Skilled Partner110 pts
Which Courses Give You the Clearest PR Pathway?
These qualifications are on the MLTSSL or STSOL with the highest demand, best invitation rates, and strongest PR pathways in 2026. If you are still choosing your degree — prioritise these fields.
Registered Nursing (Bachelor of Nursing)
Nursing is consistently one of the most-invited occupations in Australia. Registered Nurses are on the MLTSSL and eligible for Subclass 189. State health services actively nominate nurses for 190 and 491. AHPRA registration required after graduation. Bachelor of Nursing — 3 years at a CRICOS-registered institution.
Software Engineering / ICT / Computer Science
ICT occupations dominate 189 invitation rounds. Software Engineers, Developer Programmers, ICT Business Analysts, Systems Analysts, Network Engineers, and Cybersecurity Analysts are consistently invited. ACS (Australian Computer Society) is the assessing body. Bachelor of IT, Computer Science, or Software Engineering qualifies.
Engineering (Civil / Mechanical / Electrical / Structural)
Engineers Australia assesses all engineering occupations. Civil Engineers are among the most-invited occupations across all three visa streams. A Bachelor of Engineering from an ABET or Engineers Australia recognised institution is required. Professional Year programs are available in engineering.
Accounting (Bachelor / Graduate Diploma — CPA or CA Pathway)
Accountants (General, Management, and Taxation) are on the MLTSSL. Assessed by CAANZ, CPA Australia, or IPA. A Bachelor of Accounting or Commerce (Accounting major) qualifies. A Professional Year in Accounting adds 5 bonus PR points. Also popular for students who complete a Graduate Diploma in Professional Accounting after a non-accounting degree.
Social Work (Bachelor or Master of Social Work — AASW Accredited)
Social Workers are on the MLTSSL and consistently nominated by states — particularly Victoria, NSW, and Queensland. AASW (Australian Association of Social Workers) accreditation is required. High demand in regional areas, making 491 nomination common and accessible for social work graduates.
Early Childhood Education / Primary Teaching
Early Childhood Teachers and Primary School Teachers are in high demand across Australia — particularly in regional areas where 491 nomination is frequently available. Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood or Primary) qualifies via AITSL. Many states run targeted nomination rounds for teachers.
Construction Management / Quantity Surveying
Construction managers and quantity surveyors are on skilled lists amid Australia's ongoing infrastructure and housing expansion. Assessed by AIQS or VETASSESS. Bachelor of Construction Management is the standard pathway. Strong demand in both metro and regional areas.
Aged Care / Disability Support
Australia's ageing population creates consistent, strong demand. Aged and Disabled Carers are on the Regional Occupation List (ROL), eligible for Subclass 491 regional visas. A Certificate IV in Aged Care or Bachelor of Health Science (Aged Care) qualifies. Regional nomination is widely available. Strong employer-sponsorship opportunities too.
My Course or Occupation is Not on the Skilled List — What Do I Do?
This is one of the most common situations faced by international students in Australia — especially those who completed degrees in Business (non-accounting), Arts, Marketing, Tourism, Hospitality, or other fields not directly linked to MLTSSL occupations. You are not without options. Here's exactly what to do during your 485 stay-back period:
Check If a Related Occupation IS on the List
Your existing degree may qualify you for a skills assessment in a related occupation even if your specific course title isn't listed. For example: a Business Analytics graduate may qualify as an ICT Business Analyst (ANZSCO 261111 — assessed by ACS). A Psychology graduate may qualify for Welfare Worker or Social Worker roles via VETASSESS. A Marketing/Communications degree may qualify for several VETASSESS-assessed management roles. Use the searchable occupation table below to explore. Contact G2H for a free skills crossover check →
Complete a Second Qualification in a PR-Eligible Field (On Your 485)
You can study full-time on your 485 visa. The most strategic move is to enrol in a Graduate Diploma or Master's degree in a PR-eligible field. Most popular options for non-PR graduates: Graduate Diploma in Professional Accounting (CPA pathway, 1.5–2 years) for business/commerce graduates; Master of ICT or Graduate Diploma in ICT (ACS-assessed, 1.5 years) for IT-adjacent degrees; Master of Social Work (for psychology/welfare/community service graduates). Completing this qualification on your 485 also entitles you to a second 485 visa if you still have stay time remaining, giving you even more time to gain work experience.
Get Employer Sponsorship — Subclass 482 or 186
The Skills in Demand (TSS) Subclass 482 and the Employer Nomination Scheme Subclass 186 cover a much broader range of occupations than the points-tested pathway — including management, marketing, project management, event management, and hospitality roles. If you can secure an employer willing to sponsor you, this bypasses the points and skills list entirely. The Subclass 186 (Direct Entry or Transition) leads directly to permanent residency. Many 485 holders secure sponsorship after 1–2 years of working in Australia. Ask G2H how to find a sponsoring employer →
Complete a Professional Year (IT, Accounting, or Engineering Only)
If you're in IT, Accounting, or Engineering — even if your score is only 65–70 — a Professional Year Program (12 months, ~AUD 10,000–15,000) gives you: +5 bonus PR points permanently, 1 year of Australian skilled work experience counted for points purposes, industry placement with an Australian employer, and a competitive edge in SkillSelect. For IT and Accounting graduates in particular, it's one of the best investments in your PR pathway. Approved providers include the Australian Computer Society (ACS PY), CPA Australia, CAANZ, and Engineers Australia.
Pass NAATI CCL — 5 Bonus Points in 6 Weeks
The NAATI Credentialled Community Language (CCL) test is available in Hindi, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Arabic, Punjabi, Urdu, and 40+ other languages. A single test (approx. AUD 800, preparation ~4–6 weeks) earns you 5 permanent bonus PR points — valid forever once you pass. For Indian and GCC students, this is the single easiest and fastest point booster available. These points can be the difference between waiting years for an invitation and getting one in the next round. Ask G2H for NAATI CCL prep resources →
Explore Alternative Countries as a Stepping Stone
If your occupation has no viable Australian PR pathway, consider that other countries may have a clearer path — and that you can return to Australia with greater experience later. New Zealand's Skilled Migrant Category, the UK's Skilled Worker visa, and Canada's Express Entry may accept your occupation. After 2–3 years of recognised overseas experience in your field, employer-sponsored Australian visas like the Subclass 482/186 become significantly more accessible — as you now have international work experience in your field that an Australian employer may value.
Search All 504 Skilled Occupations
Search by occupation name or ANZSCO code. Filter by visa type (189/190/491) or occupation category. All data sourced from the official Home Affairs Skilled Occupation List ↗
| Occupation | ANZSCO Code | Category | Eligible Visas | Skills Assessing Body |
|---|
Step-by-Step — From Student Visa to Australian Permanent Residency
Follow this exact sequence for the highest probability of Australian PR as an Indian or GCC student. Steps 3–7 happen during your 485 visa stay.
Choose a PR-Eligible Course Before You Enrol
Confirm the occupation is on the MLTSSL or STSOL and that states actively nominate it. Best choices: Nursing, IT, Engineering, Accounting, Social Work. G2H checks this for free before you apply to any university.
Study at a Regional University
A degree from a regional campus (Deakin, Newcastle, Federation, Charles Darwin, La Trobe Bendigo) earns +5 regional study points and positions you for the Second 485 and the 491 regional nomination pathway — two strategic advantages for lower-scoring students.
Start Your Skills Assessment Early on 485
Lodge your skills assessment application in the first 3 months of your 485 visa. Assessment by Engineers Australia, ACS, AHPRA, CAANZ, or VETASSESS takes 3–9 months depending on body. You cannot apply for any points-tested visa without a positive assessment.
Achieve Superior English — IELTS 8.0 / PTE 79+
The difference between Proficient (10 pts) and Superior English (20 pts) is 10 critical points. This single improvement often determines whether you receive an invitation or wait years. Prioritise English in year 1 of your 485. English test must be within 12 months of invitation.
Work in Your Nominated Occupation
Get employed in your nominated occupation as soon as your 485 is granted. Every 12 months of Australian skilled work adds to your score. After 3 years of Australian employment, you earn 10 points. Keep detailed employment records — employer letters, payslips, and tax returns will be required for your visa application.
Claim All Available Bonus Points
Complete a Professional Year if in IT/Accounting/Engineering (+5 pts). Pass the NAATI CCL test (+5 pts) — available in Hindi, Malayalam, Tamil, Arabic, and many other languages. Apply for state nomination for 190 (+5 pts) or regional 491 nomination (+15 pts). Explore whether a skilled partner assessment adds 10 more points.
Lodge Your EOI in SkillSelect
Submit your Expression of Interest once you have 65+ points. Select your preferred visas — 491 first, then 190. Update your EOI immediately whenever your points change (new English test, new work experience, new study etc). Invitations are issued monthly — higher scores receive invitations earlier. Check SkillSelect invitation data ↗ monthly.
Receive Invitation — Apply Within 60 Days
When invited, you have 60 days to lodge your full visa application. Gather all documents: skills assessment letter, police clearances from all countries (10 year period), health examinations, English test results, employment references, and family member documents. G2H prepares and reviews all documents for clients.
PR Granted — or Subclass 191 for 491 Holders
Subclass 189 and 190 holders receive permanent residency with the visa grant. Subclass 491 holders need to live and work in a regional area for 3 years and earn above the threshold income, then apply for Subclass 191 Permanent Residency — your final step to becoming an Australian Permanent Resident.
Frequently Asked Questions — Australia PR 2026
Get Your Free PR Points Assessment
Guide to Heights (QEAC #10439, British Council #49805) provides completely free, personalised PR pathway planning for Indian and GCC students in Australia. We will assess your points score, occupation eligibility, and map your fastest route to Australian PR.