Australia’s points test reform: What is confirmed and what you can do now

This update is written by Erica Carneiro, Registered Migration Agent (MARN 0532487). Facts checked against official sources on 24 September 2026.

If you are studying in Australia and thinking about permanent residence, your feed has probably shown you a post like this: a new points test, a 2027 start date, and a list of new point values.

Some posts even tell you what to do before that date arrives.

The government has confirmed that the points test will change. It has not published a start date or a single new point value. Everything else you are reading is a guess.

This article separates the two: what is confirmed, and what is not confirmed. 

Then we'll discuss what you can do now, whichever version of the test decides your future.

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Australia's skilled migration points test is a system that gives you points based on your age, English skills, work experience, education and other factors. You need at least 65 points to qualify for an invitation to apply for a skilled visa.

Three skilled visas use the points test:  

• the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189),  

• the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) and  

• the Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491).  

You must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect and wait for an invitation.

Your points are checked when you receive an invitation, not when you submit your EOI.

Here is everything the government has actually said, in the order it said it.

1. The points test will change

The 2026-27 Federal Budget, released in May, included a Home Affairs measure titled “Boosting Productivity”, with the subtitle “better selecting migrants and recognising their skills”.

It says the Government will reform the permanent migration points test to better identify migrants who drive productivity and Australia’s long-term prosperity.

2. Younger, more educated and highly skilled migrants will be prioritised

The new points test will give more weight to age, education and skills. However, the government has not confirmed how many points applicants will receive for each factor.

3. The new points test has been designed, but there is no start date

On 17 September 2026, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed that the government had finished designing the new points test.

However, he did not announce when the changes would take effect.

4. Construction trades will receive points similar to a university degree

The government plans to give certain construction workers the same points as someone with a university degree.

The Minister explained: “Anyone skilled in the housing trades will get the same number of points as though it were a university qualification”.

But the government has not yet confirmed which construction jobs will qualify.

If you work or study in construction, this change is worth watching.

5. A wider Expression of Interest system will need new legislation

The Minister also said the government wants a wider expression of interest system for the parts of the program driven by employer and student demand.

In his words: “I can only do that part of it if we have legislation, and at this point, we don’t.”

That is the complete list. Every other detail you have seen is not on it.

None of the following appears in any government document. Not in the Budget, not in the Minister’s speech, not on the Department’s website. 

• Start date: The government has not confirmed when the new points test will begin. There is no official start date for 2027 or any other year.

• New point values: There are no confirmed changes to points for age, English skills, work experience or education.

• Higher minimum points: The government has not announced plans to increase the minimum score from 65 to 70 points.

• Points for salary: There is no confirmed plan to award points based on your salary or job offer.

• Existing applicants: It’s still unclear how the new rules will affect people who have already submitted an Expression of Interest (EOI).

How can you check if the changes are official?

The new rules must be published by the Australian Government before they take effect. The Department of Home Affairs will also update its official points table.

Until then, any new point values or start dates shared online are only predictions.

You may have seen posts telling you to retake your English test before 2027. However, the government has not announced any changes to English requirements under the new points test.

For now, your English skills can earn you up to 20 points under the current system.

This means improving from IELTS 6.0 to 8.0 in each skill can give you 20 extra points. That's a big difference when you need at least 65 points to qualify for an invitation to apply.

Why are English skills important for skilled migration?

Research from the Australian National University found that skilled migrants who speak English very well earn around 30% more over ten years than those who do not speak English well.

The government also considers English skills, education and work experience important factors in finding skilled work.

While we don't know how the new points test will change English score requirements, improving your IELTS score can still help you earn more points under the current system.

Should you retake IELTS before the new points test starts?

You don't need to retake IELTS just because of the proposed changes. 

However, you may want to improve your score if you need more points under the current system.

Remember that your English test results need to be from within three years before your skilled visa application. Plan your IELTS test around your visa timeline so your results are still accepted when you apply.

You need at least IELTS 6.0 in each skill to meet the Competent English requirement for Australia's skilled migration points test. 

But a higher IELTS score can help you earn up to 20 migration points.

Here are the current IELTS score requirements and points for skilled migration:

The Department of Home Affairs accepts IELTS Academic, IELTS General Training, and IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR) for Australian skilled visa applications. 

For more details, you can check DHA's official English language requirements.

If you're aiming for a higher IELTS score, we’ve got a wide range of preparation materials to help you!

You can:

• Take a full IELTS mock test. Know your current band score, get a personalised study plan, access live classes, and experience what it’s like to take the full IELTS test. 

• Explore IELTS preparation resources.  This is your one-stop resource for all IELTS free practice tests, videos, articles, webinars, and more. 

Whether you're aiming for IELTS 7 or 8 in each skill, we’re here to help you perform your best on test day. 

Prepare for IELTS 

When you’re applying for PR, you need to meet the required IELTS score in each skill.

For example, you're aiming for Superior English. You score 8.0 in your other three skills, but score 7.0 in Writing. That won’t qualify you for 20 points (Superior English) for PR. 

In situations like this, many test takers prefer the IELTS One Skill Retake option.

It lets you retake just one part of the test without retaking the full test. 

IELTS One Skill Retake is accepted by the DHA for skilled visa applications.

Know more about IELTS One Skill Retake

While the government works on the new points test, you don't have to put your migration plans on hold. Here are some steps you can take now:

1. Check your current migration points. Use the to see where you stand. You currently need at least 65 points to be eligible for an invitation.

2. Plan your English test early. If you need more points, improving your IELTS score could help. Give yourself enough time to prepare and reach your target score.

3. Start your skills assessment. Some occupations take months to assess. Check the requirements for your occupation and prepare your documents early.

4. Keep your work records. If you work in construction, save proof of your training, work experience and qualifications. These may be important for your skills assessment.

5. Keep your Expression of Interest (EOI) updated. Make sure your details, points and English test results are accurate. Check that your documents remain valid.

6. Don't put your plans on hold because of rumours. If you meet the current requirements, you can continue exploring your visa options while waiting for the new rules.

7. Follow official updates. Check the for confirmed changes. Be careful with posts claiming new point values or start dates without an official source.

Remember: The government has not confirmed when the new points test will begin. Until the rules change, the current points system still applies.

With so many changes to Australia's migration rules lately, it's normal to feel worried or unsure about what comes next. It can also be hard to understand how new or proposed changes might affect your plans, especially when visa rules and language are complicated.

You don't have to figure it all out on your own. 

Our IDP counsellors can help you with any study or migration concerns you may have.  

We can also connect you with our trusted migration partner, Bravo Migration, if your concerns are specific to your visa and migration plans. 

Book a migration consultation