189 Invitation Rounds: 2026 Strategy and Latest Results

Understanding the 189 invitation rounds is critical for any skilled professional aiming for Australian permanent residency through the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189). The Subclass 189 visa remains a points-tested visa that requires no state nomination or employer sponsorship. In 2026, the Department of Home Affairs continues to prioritise invitations based on Australia’s workforce shortages, with a focus on healthcare, education, construction & engineering, and specialised technology occupations. Invitation rounds are now conducted under a loosely structured quarterly model, making timing and profile strength more important than ever.

The 189 invitation rounds are a key part of Australia's skilled migration program, which is managed by the Australian government to address labour market needs. Compared to earlier invitation rounds, recent rounds have shown stronger competition across professional occupations, particularly ICT and engineering roles, where higher point scores are now commonly required. At the same time, some trade occupations have continued receiving invitations at lower thresholds due to ongoing skills shortages and infrastructure demands across Australia.

When can we expect the next 189 round?

The next Subclass 189 invitation round is expected to be in May 2026, although the Department of Home Affairs has not officially confirmed a fixed date. Recent invitation activity suggests the Department will likely continue with its quarterly invitation model, focusing on targeted occupations that align with Australia’s current workforce shortages.

The previous invitation round was held on 13 November 2025, with invitations that heavily targeted healthcare, education, construction, and trade occupations. Compared to earlier rounds, recent invitations were more competitive, particularly for ICT and engineering, which are among the most in-demand occupations.

Current migration trends indicate that the Department of Home Affairs is likely to continue issuing smaller, more targeted invitations rather than holding large-volume general rounds. This approach allows invitations to better reflect labour market demands and available visa allocations.

Updates Expected From the Next Round

• Priority sectors: Healthcare, education, construction, and trades
• Invitation trend: Smaller and more competitive invitation rounds
• Focus: Occupations experiencing ongoing workforce shortages
• Key strategy: Applicants must ensure their Expression of Interest (EOI) is accurate and updated

Applicants should continue to monitor the Department of Home Affairs announcements for confirmation regarding invitation timing and occupation trends.

Latest 189 Invitation Round Analysis 2026

The most recent 189 visa invitation round took place in late 2025, with results showing that competition for skilled independent visas remains strong in 2026. Due to high competition, only skilled applicants with competitive points are likely to receive invitations, as the process prioritises those whose qualifications and experience align with Australia's labor market’s critical needs. Data from the 13 November 2025 round showed a continued focus on “Skills in Demand” sectors.

Below is a table summarising the latest invitation round results. While the minimum eligibility requirement for the 189 visa remains 65 points, higher points are often required in professional occupations and priority sectors due to strong applicant demand and limited invitation allocations.

Results Breakdown by Sector

After reviewing the table, it is clear that invitations issued in each round are influenced by occupation demand, the need to fill key skilled occupations, and the government’s focus on priority sectors and priority occupations. Compared with previous invitation rounds, trade occupations continued to perform strongly. In contrast, ICT and engineering occupations remained highly competitive due to large numbers of skilled applicants.

Occupation ceilings limit the number of invitations for certain roles, such as early childhood teachers and pre-primary school educators, by capping the maximum number of visas that can be granted in these fields.

High-priority occupations and employer-sponsored pathways can also affect the distribution of invitations in each sector, especially for oversupplied occupations or those with immediate public value.

The invitation round for 190 visa and 491 visas may run in parallel or shortly after the 189 visa round, providing alternative visa invitations for those who do not meet the high thresholds for the skilled independent visa.

Next 189 Invitation Round & Latest Trends

One of the most frequent questions from applicants is:

“When is the next 189 invitation round?”

For the 2025-2026 program year, the Department of Home Affairs has moved toward a quarterly invitation round schedule. While there are no “fixed” dates, the recent pattern suggests the next invitation round will likely be held during the following periods:

• Quarter 3: April – June 2026
• Quarter 4: July – September 2026

Applicants who receive invitations must lodge a complete visa application within the required timeframe and provide supporting documents for all claims made in their EOI to maximise their chances of success.

Applicants must ensure their SkillSelect profile is fully updated and accurate, as invitation rounds can happen at any time within these quarterly windows, depending on labour market needs.

Waiting periods may apply before new visa holders can access certain benefits, such as Medicare and Social Security.

189 invitation rounds Latest Trends

The recent 189 invitation rounds highlight some important migration trends across priority occupations and invitation allocations:

• Competitive occupations require between 85 and 100 points
• Healthcare professionals, such as registered nurses, will be given priority due to workforce shortages
• Engineering occupations remain one of the most sought-after sectors and are highly competitive
• An increased number of invitations for teachers, particularly secondary and early childhood educators
• Trade occupations linked to construction and infrastructure remain in high demand
• Fewer invitations are being issued for general or oversupplied occupations
• Greater focus on occupations supporting regional and critical workforce needs

Current invitation trends also indicate that smaller, more targeted invitation rounds are replacing larger, general invitation rounds. Therefore, applicants with higher English scores, up-to-date skills assessments, and relevant employment experience applying for occupations aligned with Australia’s priority sectors continue to achieve the strongest invitation outcomes. They should regularly monitor official updates from the Department of Home Affairs and the invitation round results.

Quarterly Invitation Rounds: Key Changes and Their Impact

Australia’s move to quarterly Subclass 189 invitation rounds has changed how skilled migration invitations are issued and managed. Instead of ad-hoc invitation rounds conducted throughout the year, the Department of Home Affairs now focuses on smaller, more targeted rounds based on critical workforce shortages to enable predictable migration planning under this program.

While this approach allows the government to prioritise occupations with labour shortages, helping it manage invitation numbers more strategically, applicants in highly competitive occupations are required to score higher points and have more competitive profiles to receive invitations. The quarterly model also means applicants must have an accurate, fully updated Expression of Interest (EOI) before each invitation period.

New Four-Tier Priority System Explained

The Department of Home Affairs continues to prioritise invitations based on Australia’s economic needs through an occupation priority approach.

• Tier 1 (Critical National Need): The top tier includes occupations considered essential to Australia’s national workforce shortages, particularly healthcare and specialised medical professions.
• Tier 2 (Infrastructure and Care Economy): This covers occupations linked to construction, engineering, aged care, disability support, and education sectors.
• Tier 3 (Emerging and General Skilled Roles): This tier includes skilled occupations supporting broader economic growth and developing industries.
• Tier 4 (Oversupplied Occupations): Roles such as accounting and IT with large applicant volumes and lower labour market demand may receive fewer invitations and higher points thresholds.

This priority-based invitation system helps direct invitations to occupations that provide the greatest economic benefits to Australia.

How does a 189 invitation work?

The 189 (Skilled Independent) visa invitation process begins when an applicant submits an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect. It is a competitive, points-tested system in which the highest-scoring EOI profiles are selected for an invitation to apply for Australian permanent residency.

The EOI contains information relating to age, qualifications, English proficiency, skilled employment experience, and other point-tested factors. Invitations are issued in rounds, with a 65-point minimum required, and applicants with 85+ scores and occupations aligned with Australia’s workforce shortages are prioritised during invitation rounds. Once an invitation is issued, applicants proceed with lodging their permanent residency visa application.

What happens after a 189 invitation?

After receiving a Subclass 189 Invitation to Apply (ITA), applicants must prepare and submit their visa application via SkillSelect.

• Applicants generally have 60 days from the date of invitation to lodge their visa application.
• Supporting documents include skills assessments, English language test results, employment references, identity documents, police clearances, and health examination results.
• The Department of Home Affairs will assess the application to verify eligibility, supporting evidence, and compliance with visa requirements.

Processing times (approximately 8 months) may vary depending on application complexity, the accuracy of submitted documents, and current visa processing volumes. Applicants should ensure all information provided matches the details claimed in their Expression of Interest.

189 Invitation Round Strategy 2026 (How to Get Invited)

To improve their chances of receiving an 189 invitation in 2026, applicants must focus on lodging an updated Expression of Interest (EOI) and maximising their points score.

What Minimum Points Are Actually Required This Year

Here is how to improve your standing in the EOI invitation rounds:

1. Maximise Points for Skilled Employment: Although 65 points remains the minimum eligibility requirement for the Subclass 189 visa, most invitations are currently issued at 80–90 points for healthcare, education, and engineering occupations and 90+ points for highly competitive occupations such as ICT and specialised technology.
2. Achieve a Higher Points Score: Aim for a higher points score, as trade occupations may receive invitations at lower thresholds due to workforce shortages, but priority occupations receive invitations faster.

How to Increase Your Points

There are some ways applicants can improve their overall points score and competitiveness, such as:

• Holding a master's degree can increase your points score, as higher educational qualifications are recognised in the points-based system.
• Meeting the competent English requirement is mandatory for eligibility and can influence your points and approval chances.
• Scoring an additional 20 points for “Superior English” for non-trade roles.
• Earning partner points based on your partner's skills assessment and their level of competent English, which can add +5 or +10 points to your application
• Considering NAATI accreditation for additional community language points
• Ensuring your skills assessment accurately reflects your qualifications and employment history
• Exploring regional study or state nomination pathways where appropriate

When Should You Update Your EOI

Although your EOI should be accurate and updated at all times, even while you wait in the SkillSelect pool, key scenarios to check its accuracy include:

• After receiving new English test results
• Additional skilled employment once the eligible points are claimed
• Updated qualifications, study completions, or new certifications
• Renewed English tests or skills assessments
• After adding partner points (if your partner becomes eligible)
• Correcting any inaccurate information

Onshore vs Offshore Applicants: Who Have Better Chances?

The Subclass 189 visa invitation system does not prioritise based on onshore vs offshore applications but on points score, occupation demand, and overall competitiveness.

• Onshore applicants may benefit from Australian work experience or local qualifications
• Offshore applicants with strong points and priority occupations remain highly competitive
• Healthcare, teaching, and trade occupations continue performing strongly both onshore and offshore

In addition, English language proficiency and occupational demand have a greater impact than applicant location.

Priority Occupations Explained

Recent invitation rounds continue to give precedence to occupations that contribute to Australia’s economic needs.

• Healthcare occupations remain one of the highest priority sectors
• Teachers, particularly secondary and early childhood educators, continue receiving strong invitation activity
• Construction trades such as electricians, plumbers, and carpenters remain in high demand
• Engineering occupations continue attracting invitations due to infrastructure projects nationwide
• Care economy occupations, including aged care and disability support roles, remain important priority areas
• Specialised technology and cybersecurity roles continue receiving targeted invitations
• Oversupplied occupations may experience higher invitation thresholds and fewer invitations overall

Australian Migration Agents can help you optimise your EOI, maximise points, and navigate the invitation process efficiently, giving you the best chance to secure a 189 visa.

Key Mistakes to Avoid During the 189 Invitation Round

Many applicants undermine their chances of receiving a Subclass 189 invitation by making certain avoidable mistakes during the invitation process. These mistakes include:

• Submitting an EOI with an expired or incorrect code, or a non-equivalent skill assessment,
• Misunderstanding and failing to stay informed about current invitation trends
• Only relying on 189 visa invitation and overlooking alternative visa pathways such as 190 (state-nominated) or 491 (regional) visas
• Not submitting the full visa application, with all required documents like police checks and medicals attached, within 60 days of receiving the invitation

Is Your Points Score Enough for a 189 Visa in 2026?

Although the minimum eligibility requirement for the Subclass 189 visa is securing 65 points, current invitation trends show that higher scores are often required for competitive occupations. Here is a general guide for quick reference:

• 65 - 75 Points → Low chance of invitation for most professional occupations
• 80 - 90 Points → Moderate invitation prospects depending on occupation demand
• 90+ Points → High chance of invitation in many competitive sectors

Certain skilled trades and roles in priority sectors like healthcare, construction, and education may receive invitations at lower thresholds. However, ICT, engineering, and other in-demand occupations may require stronger scores due to increased competition and limited invitation slots.

What is EOI and Common Mistakes to Avoid in 189 Visa EOI

An Expression of Interest (EOI) is an online profile submitted through SkillSelect to indicate your interest in applying for a skilled migration visa, including the Subclass 189 visa. When submitting a 189 visa EOI, applicants must avoid:

• Claiming points for experience without valid proof, such as payslips, tax returns, or bank statements, or using cash-in-hand work without proper documentation
• Not updating the EOI when personal circumstances change, such as obtaining a higher English score (e.g., PTE/IELTS) or gaining additional work experience
• Allowing their English test results or skills assessments to expire
• Not taking into account occupation ceilings

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Book a Consultation‍

If you are interested in getting more information about a visa, get in touch with Australian Migration Agents for a consultation.

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Need Help With Your 189 Visa Application?

The Subclass 189 visa is one of the most competitive skilled migration pathways, but careful planning and strategic EOI preparation can significantly improve your chances.

For anyone aiming to succeed in the 189 invitation rounds, Australian Migration Agents are here to help. Our expertise ensures your profile is optimised, your points maximised, and your application fully compliant, helping you take the next step toward Australian permanent residency.

FAQ: Subclass 189 Invitation Rounds

What was the lowest score in the 189 visa next invitation round?

In the most recent invitation round, trade occupations like bricklayers and carpenters received invitations at 65 points. Most professional roles require at least 85 points.

How often do the 189 invitation rounds happen?

The Department now typically conducts invitation rounds on a quarterly basis, rather than the monthly or ad-hoc rounds seen in previous years.

Can I apply for an 189 and 190 invitation round at the same time?

Yes. Many applicants lodge an EOI for both the 189 visa invitation and the 190 visa invitation round to maximise their chances of receiving an Australian invitation.

When can we expect the next 189 rounds 2026?

Official dates are rarely announced in advance, but the next round is expected to take place in May 2026 under the Department’s quarterly invitation system, with smaller, more targeted rounds for priority occupations.

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