The 189 invitation round plays a crucial role in Australia's skilled migration process. Understanding the latest trends, points required, and scheduling patterns helps applicants prepare a well-structured Expression of Interest and better position it within a competitive selection process.
Latest Update on 189 Invitation Rounds (2026)
The Department of Home Affairs periodically holds subclass 189 invitation rounds. The structure of the invitation rounds is quarterly. However, it is important to know that it is just a general structure, and exact dates are not announced in advance. The latest round of the 189 invitation was held on 13 November 2025, with 10,000 invitations issued across occupations and cutoffs varying by demand.
What Makes the Subclass 189 Different From Every Other Visa
The subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa is different from other visas as it offers unrestricted permanent residency in Australia without requiring any sponsorship from an employer, family member, state, or territory government.
Unlike the subclass 190 or 491 visa, the subclass 189 visa is purely based on the applicant's qualifications, skills, and overall point score.
When Is the Next 189 Invitation Round?
The 189 invitation round is the selection process for the visa. Applicants must submit the Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect, achieve a minimum of 65 points on a points test, and secure a positive skills assessment. Based on the EOI, overall point score, qualifications, and skills, you may receive an invitation to apply.
The Department of Home Affairs issued 10,000 subclass 189 invitations in November 2025. This was the first round of the 2025-2026 program year.
Expected Dates for Upcoming Rounds
The next 189 invitation rounds were expected to be early 2025; however, no confirmed schedule has been published. However, applicants should ensure their Expression of Interest is complete and accurate prior to submission.
Why Exact Dates Are Not Announced
There may be several reasons why the exact dates for the subclass 189 visa invitation round have not been announced yet. One of the reasons could be due to the shift to quarterly rounds rather than monthly rounds. Although the government has not stated the real reason for the delay, application volumes may vary depending on program demand and planning levels.
How Often Are 189 Invitation Rounds Held?
Previously, the 189 invitation rounds were irregular, with no certainty on when the DHA would issue invitations. Under the new system, it is anticipated that the invitations will be scheduled in quarterly rounds that have been observed in recent periods, although scheduling remains subject to change.
It is important to note that in the year 2025, there were two invitation rounds, one held in August, where 6,887 invitations were issued, and November, where 10,000 invitations were issued.
Latest 189 Invitation Round Results and Trends
The latest 189 invitation round was held on 13 November 2025. The total number of invitations issued for subclass 189 was 10,000.
This round showcased a pattern that has been building since 2024, which is that the government of Australia is not distributing the invitations evenly for all occupations. In fact, the trend shows that it is primarily focusing on sectors where the country is facing genuine workforce shortages.
Minimum Points by Occupation (Latest Data)
Here is what the latest data show about the minimum points that each occupation must score for an invitation:
- The lowest point score that received an invitation was 65. This was for occupations such as stonemason, wall and floor tiler, carpenter, plasterer, gasfitter, and glazier.
- Healthcare roles received an invitation at a cutoff between 75 and 80.
- For engineering roles, the cutoff is typically between 85 and 90.
- ICT roles had the highest cutoff between 90 and 95.
Priority Occupations in 2026
The government issues applications based on the sectors that are facing genuine workforce shortages. According to the latest November 2025 invitation round, recent invitation data indicate that certain construction-related occupations received invitations at lower point thresholds. Trades such as carpenter, plasterer, stonemason, and glazier received an invitation at a cutoff of 65 points.
What Determines Your Chances in the Next Round?
According to the general rule, applicants who receive the highest points score in their EOI are invited to apply for the visa. However, there are some other factors that may influence your chances of getting an invitation.
Key Ranking Factors
There are two factors that influence ranking: EOI point score and timing.
The main factors that influence EOI point scores include the following:
- Age
- work experience
- Qualification
- English Proficiency
The next factor that influences your ranking is the date of effect. This method is applied in cases where two candidates have the same score. When two applicants have the same point score, the applicant who reached the point earlier is typically ranked higher.
Another aspect that may affect the rankings is occupation ceilings. This means that in some cases, there may be an upper limit on how many EOIs in a specific occupation can be invited.
New 4-Tier Priority System Explained
The 4-tier priority system issues invitations based on occupation demand rather than just points.
- Tier 1: Highest Value Occupations
This tier represents the highest priority occupations. - Tier 2: High Priority Occupations
This tier represents occupations that are government priorities identified in Ministerial Direction No. 105 (s499). - Tier 3: Diverse Skilled Occupations
This tier focuses on maintaining diversity in the Australian workforce. - Tier 4: Oversupplied Occupations with Lower Priority
This tier includes general skills occupations that mostly receive a high number of EOIs.
Now each tier has an invitation multiplier. This multiplier is used to multiply the number of workers already in a given occupation by a percentage to set the occupation ceiling. For tier one, the multiplier is higher, which means that more invitations are granted for the occupations. Similarly, Tier 4 has the lowest multiplier, meaning fewer invitations.
[aus_wide_service] [/aus_wide_service]
Factors That Influence Invitation Ranking
Although there is not much you can do about the occupation ceiling and the point score cutoff set by the Australian government, here are a few tips that will improve your chances of getting an invite:
Increase Your Points Score
Increasing your points score improves your chances of getting an invitation. To improve your points score, focus on getting a good score in English and claiming the correct overseas and Australian experience. Furthermore, candidates between the ages of 25 and 32 have a better chance of scoring higher.
Optimise Your EOI Timing
Your EOI timing also influences your chances of invitation. In case of a tie, the applicant that reaches the EOI point score faster is ranked higher, thus improving the chances of invitation.
Use a Dual Visa Strategy
In a dual visa strategy, applicants run a 189 EOI along with another backup or bridging visa. The backup visa offers a faster entry point so that you are not fully dependent on the unpredictable 189 invitation rounds.
This strategy also allows you to enter Australia and work temporarily, which in turn adds to your points score.
What Happens After Receiving a 189 Invitation?
After receiving an 189 invitation, you have 60 days to submit a complete visa application through SkillSelect. When submitting the visa application, make sure you have added all the essential information to avoid delays in the processing.
While submitting your visa application, you have to provide evidence that supports the claims you have made in the EOI. Make sure to accept the invitation within 60 days and pay the required visa application charges.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applying for the Skilled Independent subclass 189 visa can be competitive, and even small errors can delay or weaken your chances of receiving an invitation. Here are some common mistakes that you must avoid while applying for the visa:
- Incorrect or OverClaimed Points: Overclaiming or miscalculating the points and being unable to submit supporting documents later is one of the major reasons for visa refusal. Always verify your points using official guidelines before submitting your EOI.
- Insufficient Work Experience: Applicants require detailed employment evidence. Missing letters, incomplete job descriptions, or unverifiable experience reduce assessment points.
- Missing Deadlines: Once invited, you have 60 days to lodge your visa application. Many applicants miss this window due to document delays. Applicants should prepare documents in advance to submit their applications quickly upon invitation.
How Australian Migration Lawyers Can Help
Applying for the 189 visa can be confusing and competitive. Even a small mistake reduces your points or leads to delays. A migration lawyer helps you navigate the entire process confidently, ensuring your application is accurate, compliant, and strategically prepared in line with Departmental requirements.
The professionals help you accurately calculate points, fill your EOI correctly, and submit your application on time if invited. They also provide legal representation for departmental queries or additional information requests.
[free_consultation]
Book a Consultation
If you are interested in getting more information about a visa, get in touch with Australian Migration Lawyers for a consultation.
[/free_consultation]
FAQs – 189 Invitation Rounds
Will there be another 189 invitation round?
Australia continues to conduct 189 invitation rounds periodically through SkillSelect. The invitation rounds are expected to be announced quarterly for 2026. However, there has been no official notification about it yet. The last 189 invitation rounds were held in November 2025.
How often is the 189 invitation round?
The Department of Home Affairs doesn't publish fixed schedules for the 189 invitation rounds, but recent trends show rounds occurring every few months. Remember that timings can vary depending on migration planning levels, occupation ceilings, and staffing priorities.
Is it possible to apply for both Subclass 189 and Subclass 190 visas at the same time?
Yes, you can apply for both subclass 189 and subclass 190 visas at the same time. Many applicants lodge both to increase their chances of holding permanent residency in Australia. The 189 visa is for independent PR, while the 190 visa is for state-sponsored PR.
What is the minimum points score required to receive a subclass 189 invitation realistically?
The minimum eligibility point score required to receive a subclass 189 invitation is 65 points. However, to improve your chances of receiving an invitation, a score between 85 and 95 is desirable.
How many invitations are typically issued in a subclass 189 invitation round?
The number of invitations issued in a subclass 189 invitation round can be different depending on the occupational ceiling, on-hand applications, and workforce requirements. In the latest invitation round held in November 2025, the total number of invitations issued was 10,000
%402x.svg){kind=icon}
