Points Test Overhaul Coming? What We Know About the 2026-27 Skilled Migration Reform

Here is what is being proposed, who stands to gain, who may lose out, and - critically - what you should be doing right now.

What Is Actually Happening?

The December 2023 Migration Strategy committed the government to reviewing the points test. The Department of Home Affairs followed up with a formal discussion paper in April 2024, inviting public submissions on how the system should change. The submission period closed in May 2024, and the government is now considering the feedback alongside independent research and analysis.

IMPORTANT

No official legislative change has been announced yet. Everything below reflects proposals under serious discussion - not confirmed law. We will update this post as announcements are made.

The most influential proposal comes from the Grattan Institute, one of Australia's leading policy think tanks. Their detailed reform model has been widely discussed in government circles and has shaped the public conversation around skilled migration reform.

What Changes Are Being Proposed?

The Current System vs the Proposed Model

Feature	Current System	Proposed Reform
Maximum points	130	Up to 500
Minimum pass mark	65	300 (proposed)
Age (peak points)	25-32 years old (30 pts)	21-29 years old (100 pts)
English - Superior	20 pts	Significantly higher weighting
Australian study	5 pts	Proposed removal
Professional Year	5 pts	Proposed removal
Regional study	5 pts	Proposed removal
STEM qualification	10 pts	Under review
Community language (NAATI)	5 pts	Proposed removal
Skilled partner	Up to 10 pts	Increased weighting
High-paying Australian job	Not tested	New category - points awarded
State nomination (190/491)	+5/+15 pts	Proposed abolition of separate streams

Key Themes in the Reform

1. Youth gets a bigger advantage. The proposed model awards far more points to younger applicants, reflecting research that younger migrants contribute more over their working lives. If you are aged 21-29, you would benefit most. Applicants over 40 may find it significantly harder to reach the threshold.

2. English proficiency becomes critical. Superior English (IELTS 8 or PTE 79+) is expected to carry much greater weight. The current system awards 20 points for Superior English - the new model could make this one of the single largest scoring categories. If you have Competent English only (IELTS 6), you may struggle to be competitive.

3. Bonus points for Australian study and Professional Year may disappear. The Grattan Institute argues that studying in Australia does not reliably predict higher lifetime earnings. This is the most controversial proposal and would significantly affect international students who chose Australia specifically for the migration pathway.

4. Partner skills matter more. Applicants with a skilled, English-proficient partner could see a substantial boost. The current system awards up to 10 points for partner attributes - the proposed reform would increase this weighting.

5. High-paying jobs could earn points. For the first time, having a well-paid Australian job (particularly above the Specialist Skills Income Threshold of $141,210) may directly contribute to your points score.

Who Wins and Who Loses?

Likely Winners

Profile	Why
Young professionals (21-29) with Superior English	Maximised points in the two highest-weighted categories
Applicants with skilled, English-proficient partners	Partner skills carry increased weight
Workers in high-salary roles	New points category for high-paying jobs
Overseas applicants with strong credentials	No longer disadvantaged vs those with Australian study points

Likely Losers

Profile	Why
International students relying on Australian study + Professional Year points	These bonus categories may be removed entirely
Applicants aged 40-44	Age weighting becomes steeper under the proposed model
Those with only Competent English (IELTS 6)	English proficiency weighting increases significantly
Regional study bonus holders	Regional study points proposed for removal

WARNING

If you are currently completing a Professional Year or Australian study programme to gain bonus points, the reform - if implemented - could remove those categories entirely. This does not necessarily mean your investment was wasted (the experience and qualifications still have value), but you should consider diversifying your points strategy.

What About State Nomination (190 and 491)?

One of the most significant - and controversial - proposals is to abolish separate state-nominated visa streams (190 and 491) and replace them with a single national points-tested visa. The Grattan Institute estimates this change alone could add $87 billion to government budgets over 30 years by directing migrants to where they are most productive rather than where states are most actively recruiting.

However, this proposal faces strong political resistance from state governments, particularly those in regional areas that rely on migration to address population and workforce challenges. It remains to be seen whether the government will adopt this recommendation or maintain the existing skilled visa pathways.

What Should You Do Right Now?

Regardless of whether these reforms are adopted, the direction of travel is clear: Australia wants younger, higher-skilled, English-proficient migrants. Here is how to prepare:

1. Maximise Your English Score

If you have not yet achieved Superior English (IELTS 8 / PTE 79+), invest in preparation now. Under both the current and proposed systems, this is one of the highest-value categories. You can calculate your current points score to see the impact. For detailed strategies on improving your score, see our guide to maximising your skilled visa points.

2. Lodge Your EOI Sooner Rather Than Later

If you already meet the 65-point minimum under the current system, there is no advantage in waiting. The current rules apply to current invitation rounds. Submit your EOI while the existing framework is in place. Not sure which skilled visa pathway suits you best? Our guide on 189 vs 190 vs 491 breaks down the differences.

3. Check Your Occupation Eligibility

The reform may change which occupations are eligible for points-tested visas. Use our ANZSCO Occupation Search to confirm your occupation is currently on the relevant skilled list.

4. Consider Alternative Pathways

If the points test reform would reduce your competitiveness (e.g., you are over 40 or rely on Australian study points), explore other options:

Employer-sponsored visas - not points-tested
State nomination - while it still exists in its current form
Skills in Demand (SID) visa - the new employer-sponsored pathway with no points test

5. Get Professional Advice

A registered migration agent can assess your specific situation and recommend the best strategy based on what we know today - and adapt your plan as reforms are confirmed.

How First Migration Can Help

The skilled migration landscape is shifting, and the decisions you make now could determine whether you gain or lose under a reformed system. At First Migration Service Centre, our registered migration agents track every policy development and can provide personalised strategic advice.

Ready to take the next step? We invite you to submit a free visa assessment so we can understand your situation and provide tailored advice - whether you should act now or wait.