If you’re planning to apply for a points-tested Australian visa under the Australia PR, then you need to pay attention. There is increasing discussion going on around possible changes to Australia’s skilled migration points system, and this time, it’s not random speculation.
Recently, national media coverage has spotlighted demands for changes to Australia’s migration selection model. Due to this, earlier consultation with the Grattan Institute has come back into focus. During that time, the Institute presented a structured proposal to reform the current points test framework.
There is still no official announcement confirming that a new system will begin in 2026. However, the proposal gives detailed information about the future direction of policy changes and potential Australia immigration policy changes in 2026.
So, let’s break down this topic clearly, understand the Grattan Institute’s new Points Test system, and what it could mean for future applicants applying under categories like Skilled Independent visa 189, Skilled Work Regional visa 491, and Skilled Nominated visa 190.
Why Is a New Points Test Being Proposed?
Currently, the government has been under scrutiny over migration levels and their economic impact. It aims to reshape skilled migration, so it delivers stronger long-term revenue for Australia.
Based on this objective, the Grattan Institute was asked to design a points system focused on maximising long-term fiscal returns that is estimated to generate an additional $170.7 billion over 30 years.
The Institute proposed a revised points test in 2024, aligned with that goal, but the recommendations were ignored at the time.
Proposed Points Test Structure
Below is the point structure that was proposed by the Grattan Institute in 2024. However, keep this thing in mind that the government has not yet approved it.
| Category | Criteria | Points |
| Age | 18–20 | 95 |
| 21–29 | 100 | |
| 30 | 95 | |
| 31 | 90 | |
| 32 | 85 | |
| 33 | 80 | |
| 34 | 75 | |
| 35 | 70 | |
| 36 | 60 | |
| 37 | 55 | |
| 38 | 50 | |
| 39 | 45 | |
| 40 | 35 | |
| 41 | 30 | |
| 42 | 20 | |
| 43 | 10 | |
| 44 | 5 | |
| 45 | 0 |
| Category | Criteria | Points |
| English Language | Excellent (IELTS 8+) | 90 |
| Very Good (IELTS 7) | 45 |
| Bachelor’s degree or higher | Criteria | Points |
| Education | PhD | 60 |
| Bachelor degree or higher (Top 20 global university) | 45 | |
| Bachelor degree or higher | 30 | |
| Certificate III or higher | 15 |
| Category | Criteria | Points |
| Skilled Work Experience (Minimum 2 years, overseas or Australian) | Skill Level 1 occupation | 50 |
| Skill Level 2 occupation | 15 |
| Category | High-Paying Australian Job (Minimum 1 year) | Points |
| $120,000+ per year | 90 | |
| $105,000+ per year | 70 | |
| $90,000+ per year | 50 | |
| $80,000+ per year | 40 | |
| $70,000+ per year | 30 |
| Category | Criteria | Points |
| Credentialled Community Language | Recognised language qualification | 20 |
| Category | Partner Skills | Points |
| English | Excellent (IELTS 8+) | 60 |
| Very Good (IELTS 7) | 40 | |
| Education | Bachelor degree or higher | 30 |
| Certificate III or higher | 15 | |
| Relationship Status | Single | 90 |
| Category | Requirement |
| Occupation | Suitable skills assessment required for a Skill Level 1, 2, or 3 occupation at the time of invitation |
Key Recommendations from the Proposal
According to the Grattan Institute, reforms should include:
1. Reform the Points Test
- Change the way points are offered based on the applicant’s age.
- Increase points for youth, English, higher education, and skilled spouses
- Remove bonus points for Australian study, regional study, a professional year, and specialist education qualifications
- Introduce points for high-paying jobs
- Make points-tested visas available to applicants who can satisfy a skills assessment for any skill level 1, 2, or 3 occupations.
- Minimum qualifying floor: 300 points
- Guarantee an invitation: 400+ points
- Apply ranked selection
2. Abolish State and Regional Points-Test Visas
- Abolish state and regional points-test visas and expand the number of skilled independent visas granted each year.
- State governments should focus on supporting employers, including those in the public sector, to utilise employer sponsorship for securing skilled workers.
- Retain regional employer-sponsored visas, pending the findings of a review.
3. Reform Skills Recognition
- Review skills assessments and licensing processes
4. Invest More in Attracting Skilled Migrants
- Invest more in attracting skilled migrants to choose Australia and helping them settle and thrive in Australia.
5. Strengthen Evidence-Based Policy
- Regular review of the points test
- Improve analytical resources within the Department of Home Affairs
- Consider a body similar to the UK Migration Advisory Committee
- Review visa charges every two years
Expected Start Date
According to the document, the new recommended system would commence on 1 July 2026 if accepted by the government.
Final Thoughts
If you are planning to apply under Subclass 189, 190, 491, or any other points-tested visa, this is the time to stay alert. Policy discussions clearly indicate that Australia may shift toward a more competitive and economically driven selection system.
While there is no official confirmation yet, a new points test could potentially be introduced from 1 July 2026.
At Growmore Immigration, we closely monitor migration policy trends and provide timely, accurate updates so you can plan your PR strategy with clarity. So, stay connected by joining our YouTube live sessions every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday to understand exactly how these potential reforms could impact your PR pathway.
If you want personalised guidance, you can also contact us directly.
Email: info@growmore.one | WhatsApp Call: +61 434 202 021 | Phone: +61 3 8764 3334
Source: Reformingpoints-testedvisas PDF
FQAS
There is no official confirmation yet. However, recent national media discussions and policy proposals indicate growing consideration of a possible new points test system.
If this new point test system is implemented, then the Skilled Independent Subclass 189 visa could undergo significant changes related to how points are awarded and invitations are issued.
The Grattan Institute presented a detailed proposal in 2024 recommending major reforms to the current General Skilled Migration points test framework.
The proposal suggests guaranteed invitations for applicants scoring above 400 points.
Since there is no official confirmation of reforms, applicants should assess their eligibility under the current system and make informed decisions based on their individual profiles.