Every Sri Lankan engineer, accountant, and IT pro I know has the same dream: “I want to get PR in Australia.”

But when they start reading about “Subclass 189,” “State Nomination,” and “EOI,” they get a headache. The jargon is confusing.

Here is the truth: Getting into Australia is a game. And like cricket, you can’t win if you don’t understand the scoring system.

In 2025, the “Pass Mark” to apply is 65 points. But let’s be real—scoring 65 guarantees you nothing. To actually get an invite, most Sri Lankans need 85+ points.

Here is the simple guide to calculating your score and the “secret weapon” that can add 20 points to your application instantly.

The Two Main Visas: 189 vs. 190

 

First, stop worrying about all the different visa numbers. You likely only care about these two:

1. Subclass 189 (The “Independence” Visa)

• What it is: You don’t need a sponsor. You don’t need a state to nominate you.

• The Freedom: Once you get this, you can live and work anywhere in Australia (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane).

• The Catch: It is incredibly competitive. Only the highest scorers get picked.

2. Subclass 190 (The “State” Visa)

• What it is: A specific state (like Victoria or Western Australia) “nominates” you because they need your specific skills (e.g., they are short on Civil Engineers).

• The Bonus: Getting nominated gives you +5 Extra Points automatically.

• The Catch: You usually have to promise to live and work in that specific state for 2 years.

How to Calculate Your Score

 

Here is the rough breakdown for a typical Sri Lankan professional:

• Age:

  • 18–24 years: 25 points

  • 25–32 years: 30 points (The “Golden Age”)

  • 33–39 years: 25 points

• Education:

  • Bachelor’s Degree: 15 points

  • PhD: 20 points

• Experience (Overseas/Sri Lanka):

  • 3–5 years: 5 points

  • 5–8 years: 10 points

  • 8+ years: 15 points

The “Secret Weapon”: PTE vs. IELTS

 

This is where most Sri Lankans fail. They take the IELTS exam, score a “7” (Proficient), and get 10 points.

Don’t do this.

If you want PR in 2025, you should almost certainly take the PTE (Pearson Test of English).

Why? Because the computer-based marking makes it much easier to score “Superior English” (79+ in PTE).

• Proficient English (IELTS 7): 10 Points

• Superior English (PTE 79+): 20 Points

That 10-point difference is often the deciding factor between getting a visa and staying in Colombo.

The “Hot” Jobs for 2025

 

According to the latest Australian skills lists, these occupations are in highest demand for migration:

1. Registered Nurses (Always #1)

2. Civil & Electrical Engineers

3. Software Engineers / Developers

4. Accountants (Though this is very competitive)

5. Chefs & Cooks

Next Steps

 

1. Check your points: Use a free online “Australia PR Points Calculator” to see where you stand.

2. Book your PTE: Stop practicing for IELTS. Find a PTE class in Nugegoda or online and aim for that “Superior” score.

3. Get Assessed: Before you can apply, your degree/skills must be assessed by an Australian authority (e.g., “Engineers Australia” for engineers). This takes time, so start early.