In a previous post I described the three points-tested visas that international students use to achieve permanent residence or a clear pathway to it. These are the subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa, the subclass 190 Skilled Nominated visa, with the nomination by state and territory governments, and the subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa, which is also state and territory nominated.
The total number of these visas awarded to identifiable former international students peaked in 2022-23 at just under 40,000. It was 31,783 in 2024-25, the latest available full financial year data. The chances of former international students getting points-tested visas dropped more sharply, due to increased demand but fewer places.
This post looks at potential changes to the points available in the points-tested visas and how these might affect international students.
Maximum points for different attributes
The chart below shows the maximum points available in categories relevant to all three points-tested visas. For study location, credentialed language (interpreting or translating), a professional year (training linked to work experience), Australian study, and a specialist educational qualification (research degree in science, IT or engineering) the points are a flat number. Applicants either meet the criteria or they do not. The other categories offer graded points up to the maximum shown, for example the system favours more over less skilled work experience and ‘superior’ over ‘proficient’ English.
The maximum standard points total 145, although some combinations are unlikely. Somebody with extensive skilled work experience probably does not need a professional year. Combining maximum points for both Australian and overseas skilled work experience would block maximum points for age.
For the subclass 190 visa, applicants receive an extra 5 points for state or territory agency sponsorship and for the subclass 491 visa this sponsorship is worth an extra 15 points.
