On 21 August 2025, the Department of Home Affairs issued 6,887 invitations under the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa stream and approximately 150 invitations under the Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) family sponsored stream. These figures reflect the Department’s current practice of issuing invitations selectively, with priority directed to occupations identified as critical to labour market needs. Applicants in construction trades, healthcare, and engineering were among those invited. Certain trade occupations were invited with points scores as low as 65, while professional roles in healthcare and tertiary education generally required higher scores, often in the range of 80 to 100. This demonstrates that occupational relevance and alignment with labour market demand are being weighed alongside points score in the invitation process.
State and territory nomination, together with regional visa pathways such as the Subclass 491, have assumed greater significance. For applicants whose occupation or points score is less competitive in the Subclass 189 stream, these pathways now represent a practical option. The Subclass 491 provides regional work opportunities and a pathway to permanent residence, contingent on meeting residence and income requirements.
The invitation outcomes are consistent with broader migration policy reforms introduced from 1 July 2025. The Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold was increased to AUD 76,515, and the Core Skills Occupation List was introduced to replace previous lists, focusing on healthcare, engineering, IT, and construction. Migration program planning levels were set at 185,000 places for 2025–26, with 132,200 allocated to the skill stream. A shift to multi‑year planning emphasises long‑term labour market sustainability and regional distribution. These measures reinforce the Department’s focus on skilled migration that supports economic growth and addresses workforce shortages.
Expressions of Interest are assessed with reference to occupation demand, geographic distribution, and evidence of capacity to contribute. Practitioners should ensure that submissions include current skills assessments relevant to the nominated occupation, verifiable work experience and certified qualifications, strong English language results, and evidence of genuine intent to engage in the nominated occupation or region. Tie‑break arrangements continue to apply, with EOIs lodged earlier in the year often prioritised where scores are equal.
Applicants with lower points but in high‑demand occupations may remain competitive, while those in less‑demanded fields must present their strengths clearly, including supplementary points through partner skills, NAATI accreditation, or state nomination. Advisers are encouraging proactive preparation of EOIs and alignment with identified occupational and geographic priorities.
Over the next 12 to 24 months, invitation rounds are expected to remain selective, with industry‑aligned occupation lists and increased reliance on state and regional nomination. Applicants and advisers must monitor multiple factors, including round timings, occupation ceilings, minimum points of thresholds, and state nomination openings. The frequency and selectivity of invitation rounds indicate that preparation and responsiveness will remain crucial to securing an invitation.
The era of broad, predictable invitation waves is giving way to a more selective and strategic approach to skilled migration. While meeting eligibility requirements remains foundational, strategic readiness, alignment with labour-market demand, and comprehensive documentation are now essential. Applicants who approach the process proactively, with evidence-based preparation, are best positioned to navigate this competitive and evolving landscape, while those relying solely on minimum requirements may face challenges in securing an invitation.
