Canada vs Australia skilled migration: points tests compared
Canada's Express Entry and Australia's SkillSelect points test, factor by factor, from each government's own pages.
Last reviewed 2026-11-07 · Sources: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Quick answer
Both countries use an expression-of-interest pool and invite the highest scorers. Canada: to enter Express Entry under the Federal Skilled Worker Program you need 67 of 100 eligibility points, then you're ranked by the CRS out of 1,270, and there's no upper age limit. Australia: subclass 189, 190 and 491 visas need at least 65 points and an age under 45 at invitation, and invitations may require more than 65.
Side by side
| Canada — Express Entry | Australia — SkillSelect (189 / 190 / 491) | |
|---|---|---|
| Pool | Express Entry profile; IRCC invites by CRS rank | SkillSelect Expression of Interest; ranked by points, ties by date of effect |
| Minimum to qualify | FSW: 67/100 on the selection grid (CEC and FST have no grid) | 65 points; your invitation may state a higher score |
| Ranking score | CRS out of 1,270 (since November 3, 2026) | The same points-test score |
| Age | No upper limit; FSW age points end at 47, CRS age points end at 45 | Must be under 45 when invited; 18–24 = 25, 25–32 = 30, 33–39 = 25, 40–44 = 15 points |
| English | FSW minimum CLB 7; CRS official-language points up to 160 (single, both languages) | At least Competent English; Proficient = 10, Superior = 20 points |
| Work experience | FSW: 1 year continuous skilled work in the last 10 years; CRS Canadian work points up to 80 plus 20–70 high-wage points | Points for overseas (up to 15) and Australian (up to 20) skilled employment in the last 10 years, capped at 20 combined |
| Nomination | Provincial nomination: +600 CRS | 190: state nomination +5 points; 491: nomination or family sponsorship +15 points |
| Main government fee | CAD 1,590 per adult (processing + right of PR fee) | Visa application charge: AUD 6,135 (189) or AUD 6,140 (190, 491) for the main applicant |
| Outcome | Permanent residence | 189 and 190: permanent; 491: 5-year provisional visa — you can't apply for other permanent visas until you've held it for 3 years |
This table describes each program's published rules. It doesn't say which one suits you — that depends on your full situation.
Australia's points table (subclass 189)
| Factor | Points |
|---|---|
| Age 18–24 / 25–32 / 33–39 / 40–44 | 25 / 30 / 25 / 15 |
| English: Competent / Proficient / Superior | 0 / 10 / 20 |
| Overseas skilled employment: 3–4 / 5–7 / 8+ years | 5 / 10 / 15 |
| Australian skilled employment: 1–2 / 3–4 / 5–7 / 8+ years | 5 / 10 / 15 / 20 |
| Doctorate / bachelor's or higher / Australian diploma or trade qualification | 20 / 15 / 10 |
| Specialist education (Australian research master's or doctorate in STEM/ICT) | 10 |
| Australian study / Professional Year / credentialled community language / regional study | 5 each |
| Partner skills (skilled partner, or single / partner is a citizen or PR) | 10 |
| Partner with Competent English | 5 |
Employment points count only for the 10 years before invitation and are capped at 20 combined. English test thresholds changed for tests taken on or after 7 August 2025; Australia accepts PTE Academic, while Canada accepts PTE Core.
Canada's side
Canada's FSW grid scores language (28), education (25), experience (15), age (12), arranged employment (10) and adaptability (10) — try the FSW calculator. Ranking in the pool uses the CRS — try the CRS calculator. The Canadian Experience Class has no grid and no proof of funds; see CEC vs FSW.
Official sources
| What we checked | Official page |
|---|---|
| 65 pass mark, under 45, Competent English (189) | Home Affairs — Skilled Independent visa (189), points-tested stream (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au) |
| Points table | Home Affairs — Subclass 189 points table (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au) |
| 190 requirements and +5 nomination points | Home Affairs — Skilled Nominated visa (190) (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au) |
| 491 requirements, 5-year visa, +15 points | Home Affairs — Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (491) (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au) |
| EOI and invitations | Home Affairs — SkillSelect (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au) |
| Ranking and invitation rounds | Home Affairs — SkillSelect invitation rounds (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au) |
| Visa application charges | Home Affairs — Current visa pricing (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au) |
| English levels (from 7 August 2025) | Home Affairs — Competent English (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au) |
| CRS out of 1,270 | IRCC — Check your score (canada.ca) |
| FSW 67-point grid | IRCC — Federal Skilled Workers (canada.ca) |
| CAD 1,590 fee | IRCC fee list (ircc.canada.ca) |
Sources last checked 2026-11-07. Rules and fees change; the official page always wins.
Frequently asked questions
What is the pass mark for Australia's points test?+
65 points for subclass 189, 190 and 491 visas, according to the Department of Home Affairs. Your invitation can state a higher score.
Is there an age limit for Canada's Express Entry?+
There's no upper age limit to apply, but FSW selection points for age fall to zero at 47 and CRS age points fall to zero at 45.
What is the maximum CRS score in 2026?+
IRCC says Express Entry candidates are scored out of 1,270 since the November 3, 2026 changes.
Does Australia accept PTE Core?+
Australia's English requirements list PTE Academic. PTE Core is the version IRCC accepts for Canadian Express Entry.
More comparisons
Express Entry vs Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Express Entry vs PNP compared from IRCC's rules: who selects you, the 600-point nomination, the two PNP routes, service standards, current processing times and fees.
CEC vs FSW: the two main Express Entry programs
CEC vs FSW from IRCC's rules: Canadian vs foreign work experience, CLB 7 vs CLB 5 by TEER, education and ECA, proof of funds, the 67-point grid and current processing times.
IELTS vs CELPIP vs PTE Core for Express Entry
IELTS General Training vs CELPIP-General vs PTE Core for Express Entry: IRCC's full CLB 4–10 equivalency tables side by side, which versions count, and the 2-year validity rule.