Thinking about moving to Australia? Many skilled workers wonder how to get an Australian PR through the points system and whether they meet the eligibility requirements.

If you’re planning to apply for permanent residency, understanding how to get an Australian PR through the points system is essential. This system evaluates factors, such as age, English proficiency, work experience and qualifications, to calculate your score. By knowing how the points are assessed and where you can improve, you can prepare a complete Expression of Interest and take the first steps towards making Australia your new home.

Keep reading to learn exactly how the system works and what you can do to strengthen your application.

A Quick Overview: How to Get an Australian PR Through the Points System

The points pathway recognises talent, skills and careful preparation. It provides a structured and fair way for the government to select applicants who can contribute meaningfully to Australia’s workforce.

Points are awarded for factors, such as age, work experience in Australia or overseas, English proficiency, education and a positive skills assessment. Achieving a higher total can improve your chances of receiving an invitation more quickly, especially if your score exceeds the minimum requirement.

The process becomes much easier when you understand each stage and prepare your documents in advance. This pathway allows skilled applicants to clearly demonstrate their potential and suitability for life and work in Australia.

Get Personal Guidance in Sydney with Lewis & Bollard

Applying for Australian permanent residency can feel overwhelming, but expert guidance can make the process much clearer and more manageable. At Lewis & Bollard, we provide straightforward advice, steady direction and strong representation to help protect your application from avoidable mistakes.

Our team knows the points pathway inside out and offers tailored strategies to help you achieve a competitive score. You’ll benefit from honest guidance, prompt responses and support at every stage of your application. We also assist clients across Australia with the same care and clarity. Call us on +612 9283 0888 or visit our Contact Us page to start your journey with confidence.

Things to Know About the Australian Point System

The Australian points system is designed to fairly assess skilled applicants and their potential contribution to the workforce. Here are key points to keep in mind:

• The score works on a minimum requirement of 65 points.
• Your age, English level, work record, studies and partner’s abilities influence the total.
• A strong English test score can raise the total and improve your rank.
• A skilled occupation list decides which careers are eligible.
• Higher scores generally receive invitations faster.
• A skills assessment from an approved authority confirms your suitability.
• An expression of interest is required before the government issues an invitation.
• Some regions offer extra points to attract skilled residents.
• The score reflects long-term potential rather than a single quality.

Key Factors that Influence the Australian PR Score

Each applicant receives a score based on qualities that prove the ability to contribute to the economy. These factors shape the entire result, and understanding each one gives you an advantage.

Below are the main elements that influence the final score.

Age

You can secure a higher score when you fall within the prime working age bracket because the government values long-term participation. This often places younger applicants in a stronger position.

English Ability

Strong English skills allow you to connect well with the local workforce and community. A top result on approved tests adds valuable points and improves your overall ranking.

Skilled Work Experience

Time spent in your field, either within Australia or overseas, reflects true knowledge and reliability. More years in a skilled role add more points and support a stronger case.

Education

Higher qualifications show advanced knowledge and readiness for professional work. A degree from a recognised institution adds valuable points and leads to a more competitive score.

Skills Assessment

You must secure an assessment from the correct authority for your occupation. This assessment confirms that your education and experience match the standards required for the role.

Australian Study Record

Time spent studying within the country earns extra points because it shows familiarity with local culture and systems. Local study helps build relationships as well, which strengthens your long-term prospects.

Partner Skills

A partner with a strong skill set, English level or relevant assessment can add extra points. This benefit often helps couples reach the minimum requirement with more ease.

State or Regional Interest

Some states seek specific skills to support local development. Their support can add points and speed up the invitation process.

Visa Options that Use the Point System

Several visas rely on the points pathway. Each serves a specific purpose and supports different applicant types. The right choice depends on your skill level, personal goals and lifestyle plans.

• Skilled Independent Visa subclass 189: This visa offers the freedom to live anywhere in Australia without state sponsorship. It suits highly competitive applicants with strong scores and skills on the main occupation list.
• Skilled Nominated Visa subclass 190: This visa requires a nomination from a state or territory. It suits applicants who match the needs of specific regions and offers extra points through nomination.
• Skilled Work Regional Visa subclass 491: This visa supports growth in regional areas. It suits applicants who want a pathway to permanent residence while contributing to regions that welcome new skilled residents.
• Temporary Graduate Visa subclass 485: This visa does not rely entirely on points but forms a valuable stepping stone. It helps graduates gain local work experience, which later boosts their total score.

How to Calculate the PR Score

Before you start the application, you should understand how your score adds up. This creates clarity and helps you plan improvements.

• Check your age bracket: Find the age category that matches your current situation. Younger applicants receive the highest totals.
• Review your English test results: Confirm your score for tests, such as PTE Academic or IELTS. Higher results provide more points.
• Count your skilled work years: Evaluate your experience in both overseas and local roles. Only roles that match your skilled occupation category count.
• Confirm your qualification level: Match your highest educational qualification with the point categories provided by the government.
• Verify your skills assessment: Make sure your occupation has a valid positive assessment from the correct authority.
• Include partner details: Check if your partner meets the rules for extra points. This can raise your total noticeably.

Steps to Get an Australian PR Through the Points System

Once you understand your score, you can follow a clear path towards permanent residence. The following steps break down the process and show what to prepare and how to maximise your points to improve your chances of receiving an invitation.

Select the Correct Occupation

Choosing an occupation from the official skilled occupation list is the first critical step. This ensures that your profession is eligible for the points pathway and that your application can proceed. Each occupation has an approved assessing authority, so it’s important to confirm that your chosen field aligns with their requirements.

Secure a Skills Assessment

A skills assessment verifies that your qualifications and work experience meet Australian standards. You’ll need to submit documents, such as degrees, transcripts and detailed employment records. A positive assessment confirms your eligibility and strengthens your overall points score.

Complete a Recognised English Test

English proficiency is a major factor in the points system. Tests, such as IELTS, PTE Academic or TOEFL iBT, are accepted. Achieving a high score can significantly boost your total points, and strong English skills also demonstrate workplace readiness and communication ability.

Calculate Your Total Score

Review all your factors, including age, experience, qualifications, English and any bonus points, and ensure you meet the minimum 65 points. If your total falls short, identify areas where you can improve, such as gaining additional work experience, completing further studies or improving your English test results.

Submit an Expression of Interest

Once you know your score, lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) on the official platform. This step signals your intent to apply and allows the government to consider you for an invitation. Accuracy and completeness are essential to avoid delays or issues later in the process.

Wait for an Invitation

After submitting your EOI, applications with stronger scores are generally prioritised. While waiting, keep your documents organised and up to date so that once you receive an invitation, you can act quickly and efficiently.

Submit Your Visa Application

Once invited, submit your visa application with all supporting documents. Accuracy and attention to detail are critical at this stage. Ensure that every claim you made in your EOI and skills assessment is backed by clear evidence to avoid complications or delays.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even small errors can delay your application or reduce your chances of receiving an invitation. Being aware of common pitfalls helps you stay on track and keep the process smooth:

• Incorrect English test choice: Always confirm which English tests are accepted by the government before booking.
• Misunderstanding the occupation list: Make sure your nominated role appears on the correct skilled occupation list.
• Missing or incorrect documents: Prepare and check all records early to prevent last-minute stress.
• Rushed skills assessment: Follow your assessing authority’s guidelines carefully to ensure a smooth outcome.
• Low English score: Consider retesting to boost your total points and improve your ranking.
• Inaccurate details on the Expression of Interest: Only include correct and verified information.
• Ignoring partner skill points: If your partner meets eligibility criteria, include their points to strengthen your total.
• Aiming only for the minimum score: Higher totals increase the likelihood of receiving an invitation faster.
• Overlooking regional pathways: Some states and territories offer extra points or priority processing, which can be a simpler route.
• Delaying document updates: Keep all records current so you can respond quickly if additional information is requested.

Being mindful of these common mistakes ensures that the steps you’ve carefully prepared for are not undermined and keeps your pathway to Australian PR on track.

Wrapping Up

The points system is a key step towards securing Australian PR and planning your move. Careful document preparation and following each stage of the process can improve your chances of receiving an invitation.

Organising your application, avoiding common mistakes and working with expert guidance makes the pathway smoother and more predictable. Boosting your English score, gaining relevant work experience or exploring state and regional opportunities can also increase your total points.

For personalised support to navigate the points system and strengthen your application, the team at Lewis & Bollard is ready to help. Call us on +612 9283 0888 or visit our Contact Us page to start your journey towards permanent residence today.