Is 90 Points Good for PR?

90 Points for PR

Yes, 90 points is considered a very strong score for Australian Permanent Residency (PR). While the minimum eligibility requirement for Australia PR is 65 points, scoring 90 points significantly improves your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA), especially under skilled migration visas like Subclass 189, 190, and 491.

That said, Australia’s PR system is highly competitive and dynamic. Points alone do not guarantee an invitation. Factors such as your occupation demand, the visa subclass you choose, whether you are applying onshore or offshore, state nomination availability, and timing of invitation rounds all play a crucial role in determining outcomes.

If you are sitting at 90 points, you are already in a strong position. This blog explains what 90 points truly means, how it performs across different PR visa subclasses, and what you should realistically expect when planning your Australian PR journey.

What Does 90 Points Mean in Australia PR?

Australia follows a points-tested skilled migration system, where applicants submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect. While 65 points is the minimum requirement to submit an EOI, it is not a competitive score in today’s immigration landscape.

In practice:

• Applicants with higher points are ranked above others
• Invitations are issued starting from the highest scores
• Occupation ceilings and quotas further limit invitations

In recent invitation trends:

• Many popular occupations receive invitations at 80–95+ points
• Applicants with 90 points consistently remain in the top tiers
• Higher scores often receive invitations faster

This means that 90 points places you in a strong and competitive bracket, especially compared to candidates who only meet the minimum requirement.

Is 90 Points Enough for Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa)?

The Subclass 189 visa is one of the most sought-after Australian PR visas because it offers:

• Permanent residency without employer or state sponsorship
• Full work rights anywhere in Australia
• Access to healthcare and social benefits

However, it is also the most competitive PR pathway.

How 90 Points Performs for Subclass 189

With 90 points:

• You are highly competitive
• You are ahead of most applicants with 75–85 points
• You have a realistic chance of receiving an invitation

That said, for high-demand occupations such as IT professionals, engineers, and accountants:

• Invitation cut-offs can go up to 90–95+ points
• Date of Effect (EOI submission time) matters
• Onshore applicants often receive priority

Verdict:
90 points is a strong score for Subclass 189, but final outcomes depend on your occupation demand and invitation trends at the time of selection.

Is 90 Points Good for Subclass 190 (State Nominated Visa)?

Yes, 90 points is excellent for Subclass 190 and often considered a highly favorable score.

The Subclass 190 visa involves:

• Nomination by an Australian state or territory
• An additional 5 points after nomination
• A commitment to live and work in the nominating state

Why 90 Points Works Well for 190

• States prefer candidates with higher points
• You become more attractive when competing for limited nominations
• High points increase the likelihood of being selected during state nomination rounds

Many states actively invite candidates with:

• Strong English proficiency
• Relevant work experience
• Occupations aligned with state labor needs

Verdict:
90 points puts you in a very strong position for Subclass 190, especially if your occupation appears on the state’s skilled occupation list.

Is 90 Points Enough for Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional Visa)?

For the Subclass 491 visa, 90 points is an outstanding score.

This visa:

• Encourages skilled migrants to live and work in regional Australia
• Provides 15 additional points for regional nomination
• Offers a clear pathway to permanent residency

How 90 Points Helps for 491

• Regional areas often have lower competition
• States actively look for high-scoring applicants
• Faster invitation cycles compared to metro-focused visas

With 90 points:

• You are considered a strong candidate
• You stand out in regional nomination pools
• Your chances of selection increase significantly

Verdict:
90 points is excellent for Subclass 491, particularly if you are open to regional locations.

Onshore vs Offshore: Does 90 Points Perform Better?

Yes, being onshore with 90 points provides a noticeable advantage.

Onshore Applicants

• Often receive priority in invitation rounds
• Preferred by state governments
• Better access to state nomination pathways
• Easier verification of employment and residency

Offshore Applicants

• Still competitive with 90 points
• Invitations depend more on occupation shortages
• May experience longer waiting times

Conclusion:

If you are onshore with 90 points, your chances of receiving an invitation are considerably higher compared to offshore applicants with the same score.

Occupation Demand: The Biggest Deciding Factor

Regardless of points, occupation demand remains the most critical factor in Australian PR.

High-demand occupations generally receive:

• More frequent invitations
• Lower waiting times
• Higher quota allocations

Examples of consistently in-demand occupations include:

• Software Engineers
• ICT Business Analysts
• Healthcare professionals
• Engineers
• Teachers (depending on state requirements)

Even with 90 points, applicants in low-demand occupations may need to wait longer for invitations.

Tip:
Always monitor:

• SkillSelect invitation rounds
• State nomination lists
• Occupation ceilings and trends
• Date of Effect movements

Why 90 Points Is Much Better Than Just 65

While 65 points allows you to submit an EOI, it does not offer competitiveness.

With 90 points, you:

• Rank higher in SkillSelect
• Receive more attention from states
• Have access to multiple PR pathways

This flexibility gives you better strategic options.

Can You Improve Beyond 90 Points?

Yes, even if you already have 90 points, improving your score further can help, especially in competitive occupations.

Ways to increase points include:

• Achieving Superior English scores
• Gaining additional skilled work experience
• Completing a Professional Year
• Receiving state or regional nomination
• Claiming partner skills points (if applicable)

Even a small increase can improve invitation speed and outcomes.

Final Verdict: Is 90 Points Good for PR?

Yes, without doubt.

• 90 points is a powerful and competitive score
• It places you well above the minimum requirement
• It offers strong chances for Subclass 189, 190, and 491
• It is especially effective for onshore applicants and in-demand occupations

However, Australian PR is not static. Invitation trends, quotas, and occupation demand change regularly. Staying informed and choosing the right visa strategy is essential.

Key Takeaway

If you have 90 points, you are already in a strong position for Australian PR.
By selecting the right visa subclass, tracking invitation trends, and planning strategically, you can significantly increase your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).