As Australia moves deeper into its 2024–2028 Migration Strategy, the "engine room" of the skilled migration system—the Points Test—has undergone a profound ideological shift. In 2026, obtaining an invitation for a Subclass 189, 190, or 491 visa is no longer just about reaching the minimum threshold of 65 points. The system now prioritizes candidates who demonstrate immediate productive capacity and alignment with local industry needs.
At Right and Associates, we have spent 25 years helping our community navigate these transitions. For the 2025–2026 program year, with permanent migration capped at 185,000 places, every point on your EOI is a critical asset in outranking the global competition.
The 2026 "Outcome-First" Logic
The 2026 points test favors job outcomes over paper qualifications. Key trends include:
- The Experience Multiplier: The government has placed higher weight on 1 to 3 years of Australian work experience in your nominated occupation.
- Priority Sectors: While the base points remain stable, invitation rounds are hyper-focused on healthcare, teaching, construction, and AI-driven tech roles.
- Workforce Alignment: Points for qualifications are increasingly scrutinized to ensure they match current shortage areas rather than generic study pathways.
The "Big Three" Strategy Stack for 85+ Points
To secure an invitation in Sydney or Parramatta, most candidates now need to aim for a score of 85 or higher. We recommend a "Strategy Stack":
- Superior English (20 Points): This is the single most controllable way to boost your score. Achieving an IELTS 8.0 or PTE equivalent provides 20 points, whereas "Proficient" English only provides 10.
- Professional Year (PY) and NAATI (10 Points Combined): Completing a Professional Year in Australia (for IT, Accounting, or Engineering) and passing a NAATI CCL test each provide 5 points. These are essential for onshore graduates in Sydney CBD.
- State and Regional Nomination (5–15 Points): A Subclass 190 nomination adds 5 points, while a Subclass 491 regional nomination adds a massive 15 points. This makes cities like Adelaide and Canberra highly attractive for those struggling to meet metropolitan point cut-offs.
Avoiding the "Birthday Penalty"
Your age is a non-negotiable factor. Maximum points (30) are awarded between ages 25 and 32. Once you turn 33, you lose 5 points instantly, and another 10 points after age 40. If you are approaching a critical birthday, our team in Sydney or Rockdale can help you lodge an "Expedited" state nomination to capture those points before they vanish.
The Partner Factor in 2026
While the points test has been reviewed to simplify partner criteria, having a skilled spouse remains an advantage. You can claim 10 points if your partner has a positive skills assessment and "Competent" English, or 5 points if they have competent English only. For single applicants, a 10-point bonus is automatically applied to ensure fairness.
Why Right and Associates is the Strategy Leader
With offices in Sydney, Parramatta, Rockdale, Adelaide, and Canberra, we don't just calculate points; we design pathways. If your points are too low for a Subclass 189, we may pivot your strategy to the Canberra Matrix, where local residency and critical skills carry more weight than the national test.
Contact Us
Ready to calculate your real 2026 potential? Visit Right and Associates at 301 Castlereagh Street, Sydney, or book a consultation at our Canberra or Adelaide branches today..