Australia PR Points Calculator point-based immigration system undergoes its biggest overhaul in 2025, with higher thresholds and new bonus categories. This definitive guide breaks down every change, reveals expert point-boosting strategies, and provides a free interactive calculator to maximize your Permanent Residency chances.
Understanding the updated points system is crucial if you’re aiming for Australian Permanent Residency (PR) in 2025. With recent reforms, the pathway to PR has evolved, emphasizing factors like age, English proficiency, work experience, and education. This guide will help you navigate the new rules and provide strategies to score 85+ points, enhancing your chances of receiving an application invitation.
Australia PR Points Calculator System
Australia’s General Skilled Migration (GSM) program operates on a points-based system, assessing applicants based on specific criteria. As of 2025, the minimum threshold remains at 65 points; however, achieving a higher score significantly improves your chances of receiving an invitation.
Calculator System: Key Changes
The July 2025 updates reward specific skills while making general applicants work harder:
New Points Allocation
| Criteria | 2024 Points | 2025 Points | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age (25-32) | 30 | 30 | – |
| Superior English | 20 | 25 | +5 |
| STEM Qualification | 10 | 15 | +5 |
| Regional Job Offer | 5 | 15 | +10 |
| Minimum Pass Mark | 65 | 70 | +5 |
Source: Home Affairs Australia
Biggest Winners:
- Healthcare workers (aged care nurses now get +15 regional bonus)
- Tradespeople (electricians/plumbers in regional WA get +20)
- STEM PhDs (new 15-point category)
Points Calculation
1. Core Points (Max 80)
- Age: 30 (25-32) → 25 (33-39) → 0 (40+)
- English: PTE 79+/IELTS 8.0 = 25 points ([IELTS vs PTE comparison](internal link))
- Work Experience: 5 (5yrs) → 15 (8yrs)
- Education: 15 (Bachelor) → 20 (PhD)
2. Bonus Points (Max 30)
- Regional nomination: +15 (vs +5 in 2024)
- Partner skills: +10 (if partner has competent English + skills assessment)
- Professional Year: +5 (only for IT/engineering/accounting)
Pro Tip: Use our free points calculator to simulate scenarios.
5 Secret Strategies to Hit 85+ Points
1. The “Regional Occupation” Hack
Target jobs on the Regional Skills Priority List like:
- Aged Care Nurse (Victoria)
- Automotive Electrician (South Australia)
- Pastry Chef (Tasmania)
+15 points vs +5 for metro areas
2. Double-Dip with Partner Points
Example:
- Main applicant: IT Manager (60 base points)
- Partner: Early Childhood Teacher (+10 points)
- Total: 70 → 80 points
3. Retake English Tests for Superior
PTE 79+ gives 25 points (was 20). Recommended prep:
- E2Language (affiliate)
- IELTS Advantage
4. Combine Study + Work Pathways
- Complete 2-year Master’s in Australia (+5)
- Get 1-year work visa (+5)
- Secure regional job (+15)
= 25 bonus points
5. Early Submission Advantage
Applications submitted before Dec 2025 get:
- Priority processing (89 days avg vs 120)
- Grandfathered under older skills lists
State Nomination Tactics
| State | Key Occupations | Extra Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Victoria | Healthcare, Tech | Fast-track processing |
| WA | Mining, Trades | Lower experience requirements |
| NSW | Finance, Engineering | Metro nominations available |
Alternatives If Below 70 Points
1. TSS Visa → PR Transition
- Work 3 years on TSS visa
- Employer sponsors PR after 2 years
2. Global Talent Visa
- For top 10% in target sectors
- No points test
- [Full eligibility guide](internal link)
FAQs: Australia PR Points 2025
Q: Does volunteer work count as experience?
A: No – only paid, skilled employment verified with payslips.
Q: Can I combine old and new points rules?
A: No – all applications after July 1, 2025 follow new criteria.
Q: How long are PTE/IELTS valid?
A: 3 years for PR applications.
Conclusion
Achieving a high score in the Australian PR points system requires strategic planning and a thorough understanding of the criteria. By focusing on enhancing your qualifications, gaining relevant experience, and leveraging available opportunities, you can significantly improve your chances of securing an invitation to apply for permanent residency.
For further information and to calculate your eligibility, visit the official Points Calculator.
Read Our Latest Blog About: How to Move to Australia Without a Job Offer in 2025
Written by Asif, an experienced researcher helping People’s to navigate visas and work abroad opportunities.
