The EOI Points System: How SkillSelect Totals Are Calculated
Overview of the EOI points system
The EOI points test is the mechanism for ranking candidates in SkillSelect. The Department of Home Affairs uses this total to decide who is invited to apply for a visa in each invitation round. Understanding all the points categories is a prerequisite for an effective EOI strategy.
EOI points are calculated from several different criteria, each with a fixed score. The theoretical maximum is around 130 points, but in practice very few people reach this level. The minimum threshold for a valid EOI is 65 points.
The main points categories
1. Age points
Age is one of the most important factors and also one you cannot control over the long term. The highest score goes to the 25–32 age group, with 30 points. The under-25 group and the 33–39 group receive 25 points. The 40–44 group receives 15 points. From 45 years old, no age points are awarded.
2. English language points
English at the Competent level (equivalent to IELTS 6.0 in each band) is the minimum requirement and earns no points. Proficient English (IELTS 7.0 in each band) earns 10 points. Superior English (IELTS 8.0 in each band) earns 20 points. This is one of the categories with the greatest potential for improvement through study.
3. Educational qualification points
A doctoral degree earns 20 points. A bachelor degree or above earns 15 points. A diploma or trade qualification earns 10 points. These points must be tied to a recognised skills assessment result.
4. Overseas work experience points
Work experience related to the nominated occupation gained outside Australia is counted by the number of years: 3–5 years earns 5 points; 5–8 years earns 10 points; 8 years or more earns 15 points. Less than 3 years earns no points.
5. Australian work experience points
Lawful work experience in Australia in a related occupation is worth more than overseas experience: 1–3 years earns 5 points; 3–5 years earns 10 points; 5–8 years earns 15 points; 8 years or more earns 20 points.
6. Australian Study Requirement points
Completing at least 2 years of study at an educational institution in regional Australia earns 5 bonus points. This condition is quite specific — studying in major cities such as Sydney or Melbourne does not qualify for these points.
7. Partner skills points
If your partner (spouse or de facto partner) has a valid skills assessment in an occupation recognised by the Department AND has Competent English, you receive an additional 10 points. If you are single, or your partner is an Australian citizen or permanent resident, you may also qualify for these points.
8. State or Territory nomination points
Being nominated by a state or territory for a subclass 190 earns 5 bonus points. For a subclass 491 (state nomination), the bonus is 15 points.
9. Community language points
Being accredited as a community translator or interpreter (NAATI accredited) earns 5 bonus points. This is a category few candidates meet, as it requires a specialist accreditation.
10. Regional study/work points
This covers points related to studying or living in regional Australia. This category can add points if you have spent time in a designated regional area.
The threshold and the reality of invitation rounds
Although 65 points is the minimum threshold for a valid EOI, the actual cut-off in invitation rounds is often much higher. For the subclass 189, recent rounds have often required 75–90 points depending on the occupation. For the subclass 190, the score is usually 5–15 points lower than the 189 because of the extra 5 state-nomination points. For the subclass 491, the score is usually lower again because of the extra 15 nomination points.
Understanding each points category helps you identify which points you can improve and build the most realistic EOI plan.