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.

Following the 4th June recent update, the Department of Home Affairs conducted the latest Subclass 189 invitation round, which was the final invitation round for the 2025–26 migration programme year. The current trend continues to prioritise invitations based on Australia’s workforce shortages, with a focus on healthcare, education, construction & engineering, trades, community services, and select professional occupations.

For applicants searching for information about the 189 invitation round today, the latest invitation activity indicates that invitations continue to be distributed according to occupation demand and points score within each occupation group, making timing and profile strength more important than ever.

The 189 invitation round results from this round reinforce that, while the system is competitive, well-prepared candidates in priority sectors continue to do well.

The 189 invitation rounds remain a key part of Australia's skilled migration programme. While the minimum eligibility requirement is 65 points, the latest invitation activity shows that many professional occupations require much higher scores.

Across the 189 invitation round 2026 cycle, smaller and more targeted rounds have become the norm, so understanding each recent 189 invitation round is the best way to gauge where your profile stands.

Key Insights From Today’s Invitation Activity (4 June 2026)

Based on reported outcomes from the latest 189 invitation round, invitations were issued across multiple occupation groups. The points below reflect invitation activity reported for the 4 June 2026 round; the Department of Home Affairs does not publish a fixed points cut-off for every occupation, so these figures are indicative rather than official thresholds.

Social Workers Received Invitations at 75 Points

One of the most notable outcomes reported in the 189 invitation round today was for Social Workers at 75 points. For many applicants monitoring invitation trends, this may indicate continued opportunities within the community and social services sector.

Healthcare Occupations Continue to Receive Strong Invitation Activity

Healthcare occupations remain among the strongest-performing sectors in recent invitation rounds. Reported invitations include:

• General Practitioner
• Registered Nurse (Medical)
• Registered Nurse (Surgical)
• Medical Laboratory Scientist
• Physiotherapist

Healthcare continues to be one of Australia's most important skilled migration sectors.

Teachers Continue to Receive Invitations

Secondary School Teachers were also among the occupations invited. Education professionals remain an important part of Australia's long-term workforce planning and skilled migration priorities.

Professional Occupations Remain Competitive

Solicitors and Psychologists were also among the invited occupations reported during the 4 June 2026 invitation activity. These professional occupations generally require higher point scores than many healthcare, education and trade occupations, reflecting ongoing competition within professional occupation groups.

4 June 2026 Invitation Activity at a Glance

Healthcare accounted for the largest share of invitations reported in this update, while Social Workers were among the lowest-point occupations reported at 75 points.

When will be the next 189 invitation round?

The latest SkillSelect invitation round for the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) took place on 4 June 2026, marking the most recent round conducted by the Department of Home Affairs. The next round under the 2026–27 migration programme is expected to be held between August and November 2026, in line with the new government planning levels (the 2026–27 permanent Migration Program has been set at 185,000 places), although the Department of Home Affairs has not officially confirmed a fixed date. Recent invitation activity suggests the Department will likely continue with its targeted quarterly invitation model, focusing on occupations that align with Australia’s current workforce shortages.

The previous invitation rounds heavily targeted healthcare, education, construction and trade occupations. Compared to earlier rounds, recent invitations have become more competitive with higher points requirements, particularly for ICT and engineering, which are among the most in-demand occupations. This approach allows invitations to better reflect labour market demands and available visa allocations.

Updates expected from the next round. Applicants can expect future invitation rounds to continue focusing on:

• Healthcare occupations that are experiencing workforce shortages
• Education professionals, including teachers
• Construction and skilled trade occupations
• Community and care-sector occupations
• Critical and specialised professional roles aligned with Australia's economic needs

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 invitation round took place on 4 June 2026, 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 labour market needs.

Data from the 4 June 2026 invitation round indicated continued demand across healthcare, education, community services, construction trades and selected professional occupations, reflecting the Australian government’s continued focus on priority and skill-shortage sectors.

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

Latest 189 Visa Result 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.

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 rounds for 190 visas 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 2026-27 programme year, the Department of Home Affairs has not announced the date of the next Subclass 189 invitation round. While there are no “fixed” dates, the recent pattern suggests the next invitation round will likely be held during the following periods:

• Quarter 1: August – September 2026
• Quarter 2: November – December 2026

To make the most of each window, applicants should:

• Lodge a complete visa application within the required timeframe if invited, and provide supporting documents for all claims made in their EOI to maximise their chances of success.
• Keep their SkillSelect profile fully updated and accurate, as invitation rounds can happen at any time within these anticipated quarterly windows, depending on labour market needs.

Visa 189 invitation round: Latest Trends

The recent 189 invitation round highlights some important migration trends across priority occupations and invitation allocations:

• Competitive occupations require between 85 and 100 points
• Healthcare professionals, such as registered nurses, are 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 programme.

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 Visa 189 invitation work?

The visa 189 (Skilled Independent) 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.

Visa 189 Invitation Round Strategy 2026 (How to Get Invited)

To improve their chances of receiving a 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 remain 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 several ways applicants can improve their overall points score and competitiveness. The table below summarises common point-earning factors under the Subclass 189 points test and the points typically available for each. Figures are indicative — always confirm against the current SkillSelect points test for your circumstances.

Educational Qualifications

English Language Skills

Partner Skills and Relationship Status

Additional Credentials

Nomination and Sponsorship Pathways

To maximise points, applicants should also ensure their skills assessment accurately reflects their qualifications and employment history and explore 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 Has Better Chances?

The Subclass 189 invitation itself is decided on points score, occupation demand and overall competitiveness. Under the 2026–27 budget, the Government set the permanent Migration Program at 185,000 places and confirmed it will prioritise applications from migrants already living in Australia - allocating 129,590 places to onshore migrants across the Skill and Family streams, with the remaining 55,110 offshore places directed predominantly at high-skilled migrants.

What this means in practice:

• Onshore applicants benefit from the programme's stated priority on those already in Australia, as well as from Australian work experience or local qualifications.
• Offshore applicants with strong points and priority occupations remain competitive, but offshore places are now more concentrated on high-skilled roles that address long-term skill needs.
• Healthcare, teaching and trade occupations continue performing strongly both onshore and offshore

English language proficiency and occupational demand continue to have a significant impact on invitation outcomes, alongside 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 of securing 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 skills assessment
• Misunderstanding and failing to stay informed about current invitation trends
• Only relying on the 189 visa invitation and overlooking alternative visa pathways such as 190 (state-nominated) or 491 (regional) visas, or 482 (Skills in Demand) 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 towards 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, while Social Workers were reportedly invited at 75 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 a 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 invitation round in 2026?

The Department of Home Affairs has not yet announced the date for the next invitation round. It is expected to be scheduled sometime between August and November 2026. Recent invitation activity suggests that future rounds will continue to be conducted on a targeted quarterly basis. Applicants should ensure their EOIs remain accurate and up-to-date so they are ready for the invitations issued during the 2026-27 migration programme year.

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