Latest Skilled Migration Trends: What the Recent Subclass 189 Invitation Round Means for Applicants

Australia’s skilled migration program continues to be one of the key pathways for qualified professionals seeking permanent residency. The Department of Home Affairs has released the latest SkillSelect invitation round results for the Skilled Independent visa subclass 189, providing useful insight into current invitation trends, points requirements and the occupations receiving invitations.

The next invitation round for the Skilled Independent visa subclass 189 is expected to be held by 30 September 2026. Applicants who have submitted an Expression of Interest, or who are preparing to submit one, should use this time to carefully review their eligibility, points claim and supporting documents.

Invitation rounds are highly competitive. Not every applicant who submits an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect will receive an invitation. Invitations depend on several factors, including the applicant’s nominated occupation, total points score, date of effect and the number of invitations available in each round.

Overview Of the Latest Subclass 189 Invitation Round:

The most recent subclass 189 invitation round was held on 4 June 2026. In this round, the Department of Home Affairs issued 10,000 invitations for the Skilled Independent visa subclass 189.

The tie-break date for this round was 24 April 2026. This means that where applicants had the same points score, priority was given to the applicant whose Expression of Interest reached that score earlier.

The subclass 189 visa remains a highly sought-after permanent residence pathway because it does not require employer sponsorship, family sponsorship or state or territory nomination. However, because it is independent and points-tested, applicants must ensure that their EOI is accurate, competitive and fully supported by evidence.

Key Highlights of the 4 June 2026 Subclass 189 Round:

The key highlights of the latest subclass 189 invitation round include:

• Total EOIs invited: 10,000

• Invitation round date: 4 June 2026

• Tie-break date: 24 April 2026

• Next expected subclass 189 round: by 30 September 2026

• Invitations issued across a broad range of skilled occupations

• Minimum invited points varied significantly depending on occupation

The results show that skilled migration remains active across healthcare, education, trades, engineering, science, professional services and other priority areas. However, the minimum invited points differed between occupations, with some occupations invited at 65 points and others requiring 90, 95 or 100 points.

What The Tie-Break Date Means:

The tie-break date is an important part of the SkillSelect invitation process.

Where two or more applicants have the same points score, the Department considers the date and time the applicant reached that points score in SkillSelect. This is known as the date of effect. Applicants with an earlier date of effect may be invited before applicants with a later date of effect.

For example, if two applicants both have 80 points in the same occupation, the applicant whose EOI reached 80 points earlier may have a stronger chance of receiving an invitation.

This is why applicants should ensure their EOI is updated carefully and promptly when their circumstances change. However, applicants should also avoid claiming points before they are properly eligible, as all points claimed at the time of invitation must be supported by valid evidence.

Occupations Invited at Lower Points:

Several trade occupations were invited at 65 points in the latest subclass 189 round. This suggests continued demand for skilled trades across Australia, particularly in areas connected to construction, infrastructure and essential services.

Occupations invited at 65 points included:

• Bricklayer

• Carpenter

• Carpenter and Joiner

• Drainer

• Electrician (General)

• Electrician (Special Class)

• Fibrous Plasterer

• Glazier

• Joiner

• Plumber (General)

• Roof Plumber

• Solid Plasterer

• Stonemason

• Wall and Floor Tiler

Applicants in these occupations may have opportunities under the subclass 189 pathway, depending on their skills assessment, points score and overall eligibility. However, applicants should not assume that the same points threshold will apply in future rounds, as invitation results can change from one round to another.

Healthcare Occupations Continue to Perform Strongly:

Healthcare occupations continued to receive strong representation in the latest invitation round. This is consistent with Australia’s ongoing need for qualified healthcare workers across hospitals, aged care, regional health services, and allied health sectors.

Examples of healthcare occupations invited included:

• General Practitioner – 75 points

• Emergency Medicine Specialist – 75 points

• Medical Practitioners nec – 75 points

• Midwife – 75 points

• Physiotherapist – 75 points

• Occupational Therapist – 75 points

• Speech Pathologist – 75 points

• Registered Nurse (Aged Care) – 75 points

• Registered Nurse (Medical) – 75 points

• Registered Nurse (Mental Health) – 75 points

• Registered Nurse (Paediatrics) – 80 points

• Nurse Practitioner – 80 points

• Medical Laboratory Scientist – 80 points

• Sonographer – 85 points

• Surgeon (General) – 85 points

Healthcare professionals should ensure they have the correct skills assessment, registration documents where required, English test evidence and employment documents before relying on any points claim in SkillSelect.

Education And Community Occupations Remain Important:

Education and community service occupations also received invitations in the latest round. These areas remain important because of workforce needs across schools, disability services, community organisations and social support sectors.

Examples included:

• Secondary School Teacher – 75 points

• Special Needs Teacher – 75 points

• Special Education Teachers nec – 85 points

• Social Worker – 75 points

• Welfare Centre Manager – 85 points

These results may be encouraging for applicants working in education, social work and community support. However, applicants should still consider whether subclass 190 or subclass 491 state nomination may also be suitable, as some states and territories continue to prioritise education and community service occupations depending on local workforce needs.

Engineering, Science and Technology Occupations:

Engineering, science, and technology occupations were also included in the latest subclass 189 round, but some required higher minimum invited points.

Examples included:

• Petroleum Engineer – 80 points

• Engineering Manager – 80 points

• Physicist – 80 points

• Agricultural Scientist – 80 points

• Environmental Consultant – 80 points

• Environmental Research Scientist – 80 points

• Surveyor – 80 points

• Statistician – 90 points

• Electronics Engineer – 95 points

• Telecommunications Engineer – 95 points

• Telecommunications Network Engineer – 95 points

• Life Scientist (General) – 95 points

• Life Scientists nec – 95 points

• Microbiologist – 95 points

• Multimedia Specialist – 95 points

Applicants in professional, technical, and scientific occupations should focus on maximising their points where possible. This may include improving English results, reviewing skilled employment claims, considering partner points, and exploring state nomination pathways where appropriate.

What The Latest Round Reveals About Skilled Migration Trends:

The latest subclass 189 results show several important trends for skilled visa applicants.

First, healthcare remains a strong area within skilled migration. Doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, and medical specialists continue to appear across invitation results.

Second, skilled trades continue to receive invitations at comparatively lower points in some occupations. This may reflect ongoing labour needs in construction, infrastructure, and essential trade services.

Third, some professional and technical occupations require significantly higher points. Applicants in science, engineering and technology fields may need to be particularly strategic when preparing their EOI.

Finally, timing remains important. The tie-break date confirms that an applicant’s date of effect can affect invitation prospects where points scores are equal.

How To Improve Your Chances of Receiving an Invitation:

Applicants who are preparing for the next invitation round should review their SkillSelect EOI carefully.

Important steps include:

• Check that your nominated occupation is correct.

• Ensure your skills assessment is valid and suitable for the visa subclass.

• Review your English test result and confirm whether it is still valid.

• Check your employment claims, including dates, duties, hours and supporting evidence.

• Review your qualification documents.

• Check whether you can lawfully claim partner points.

• Ensure your personal details and passport information are current.

• Consider whether state nomination may be available.

• Do not claim points unless you have evidence to support the claim.

Applicants should remember that receiving an invitation is only the first step. After invitation, the visa application must be lodged with evidence supporting the points claimed at the time of invitation.

Common EOI Mistakes to Avoid:

Some applicants make the mistake of submitting or updating an EOI without fully checking whether their points are supported by documents.

Common issues include:

• Claiming skilled employment before the date accepted by the skills assessing authority

• Claiming English points from an expired test

• Claiming partner points without confirming eligibility

• Using incorrect employment dates

• Selecting the wrong occupation

• Entering incorrect qualification details

• Failing to update passport or contact information

• Assuming state nomination requirements are the same across all states

How SCA Connect Can Help:

At SCA Connect, we assist skilled visa applicants with understanding their options and preparing for Australia’s skilled migration process.

We can help you assess your eligibility for the subclass 189, subclass 190 and subclass 491 visa pathways. We can also review your points score, skills assessment, English test result, employment history and supporting documents.

Our team can assist with preparing and reviewing Expressions of Interest, advising on state nomination options, identifying possible issues before lodgement, and guiding applicants through the visa application process after invitation.

If you are unsure whether your EOI is ready for the next invitation round, or whether your occupation and points score are competitive, we can help you understand your position and plan the next steps.

Need Advice on Your Skilled Visa Options?

SCA Connect can assist with skilled visa strategy, points assessment, EOI preparation, state nomination advice, and visa application support.

If you are considering the subclass 189, subclass 190 or subclass 491 visa pathway, contact SCA Connect to discuss your options.

Disclaimer: The information provided herein is of a general nature only and does not constitute immigration advice. For more detailed and case-specific information or advice, please get in touch with SCA Connect.