If you’ve ever used an online points calculator and thought, “Perfect, I’ve got enough to get invited!” — you’re not alone.
But here’s the truth most applicants don’t realise: your total points don’t guarantee you an invitation.
In this episode of Making Australian Migration Easy, Rhea Fawole, Principal Lawyer and CEO of SOLVi Migration, explains what the points system really measures, and how state nomination, competitiveness, and timing determine your success far more than a single score.
Most people assume that once they hit the “magic number,” they’re automatically next in line. But the points system isn’t a queue — it’s a competition.
Your points are simply one part of your Expression of Interest (EOI). What really matters is how your score compares to others applying in the same occupation and at the same time.
That means someone with fewer points could still be invited before you if their profile fits a state’s current demand.
The state or territory nomination process changes everything. Each state has different criteria based on its own labour shortages.
For nurses, this can mean one state might be actively inviting at 65 points while another is prioritising only at 80+.
That’s why strategy matters — not just your number. Understanding which states are currently nominating your occupation can save you months (or years) of waiting.huge increase of applications.
Even if you’re points-competitive, you can’t apply for a skilled visa without your AHPRA registration and ANMAC skills assessment.
These must be completed and approved before your Expression of Interest is even considered valid. Without them, your points score doesn’t count for anything.
If you want to stand out in the pool, you need to go beyond the calculator.
Focus on:
✅ Completing your AHPRA registration early
✅ Strengthening your English test results
✅ Demonstrating relevant clinical experience
✅ Exploring both employer-sponsored and skilled independent pathways
A strong profile is about showing readiness — not just points.
Migration isn’t just about submitting paperwork — it’s about timing, alignment, and legal preparation.
At SOLVi Migration, we help nurses understand their eligibility, prepare their applications, and develop a plan that gets results.
🌟 If you're serious about working in Australia as a nurse, the first step is figuring out your AHPRA registration eligibility. Join our Nurse Registration Course for clear, step-by-step guidance.
🌟 Need personalised legal advice? Book a paid consultation with SOLVi Migration to map out your registration and migration strategy:
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational purposes only and nothing in this content or its description constitutes legal advice. For advice on your personal circumstances, please make an appointment at SOLVi Migration www.solvi.com.au Copyright SOLVI PTY LTD 2025.
Rhea's passion to establish SOLVi Migration came from 20 years of working in the Australian Government, including senior roles at the Australian Immigration Department, the Immigration Minister's office and as a Director in the Department of Health. She also gained an abundance of government liaison and Australian government policy experience in other agencies. SOLVi Migration has been founded with a vision to collaborate with Australian healthcare businesses and skilled workers who want to migrate to Australia.
Rhea's passion to create SOLVi Migration comes from 12 years of working in senior roles at the Australian Immigration Department, including in the Immigration Minister’s office. She also gained an abundance of government liaison and governance experience in other agencies.
SOLVi Migration has been founded with a vision to collaborate with businesses and start-ups to bring their ideas, investments, entrepreneurship, and skilled workers to Australia.