Latest Analysis of Australia’s 189 Invitation Round Outcomes

Key Takeaways: 

• Visa invitations vary by occupation and points score; high-demand fields get priority, but IT and engineering remain competitive.
• EOIs submitted earlier are often given preference in tie-break situations.
• Improving points through English proficiency, work experience, regional study, or higher-level qualifications increases your chances.
• Staying updated on SkillSelect rounds and government policy changes helps you plan and act strategically.
• Timely and complete EOI submissions reduce delays and improve chances of receiving an invitation.

Looking to secure a Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)? In September 2025, Australia issued 6,887 invitations for high-demand occupations. Points ranged from 65 for trades to 90 for specialised roles like actuarial and agricultural science. Health and education roles required 80–90 points.

Receiving an invitation in the context of Australia’s SkillSelect system allows you to lodge your visa application and pursue permanent residency. Keep your Expression of Interest (EOI) updated, track points thresholds, and monitor upcoming rounds to improve your chances.

This guide gives you everything you need to know about the September 2025 189 invitation round and helps you plan your next steps strategically.

Please Note: This article is intended as a general guide, with information accurate at the time of publication. For detailed, current advice specific to your situation, consult a registered migration agent or The Department of Home Affair.

Key Highlights of the August 2025 Subclass 189 Invitation Round

The Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) remains a highly sought-after pathway for skilled migrants aiming to settle in Australia. This visa allows applicants to live and work anywhere in the country without the need for employer sponsorship or state nomination. 

As invitations are issued based on merit, staying informed about the latest rounds is crucial. 

Here’s an overview of the recent 2025 developments:

1. Invitation Timing and Updates

In 2025, the government continues to hold regular 189 invitation rounds. Recent rounds reflect adjustments in points thresholds and priority occupations to better address Australia’s labor market needs.

2. Total Invitations Issued

6,887 invitations were extended in this round, indicating a significant intake compared to previous rounds. This suggests a continued focus on attracting skilled migrants to address labor shortages. Take a look at the key highlights.

Visa Subclass	Total EOIs Invited	Tie-Break Date (Month/Year)
Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)	6,887	08/2025
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) – Family Sponsored	150	05/2025

For employers considering sponsorship, the Eligibility Checker to Sponsor Employees tool can be useful. 

It helps assess whether an employer meets financial and other requirements, such as annual turnover, before lodging a nomination, making the sponsorship process more straightforward.

3. Expression of Interest (EOI) Cut-Offs

Many occupations had cut-off dates for Expressions of Interest (EOIs) submitted after mid-2023, meaning older EOIs were given priority.

4. Occupation List Trends

Frequent invitations went to Early Childhood and Secondary Teachers, Registered Nurses, Physiotherapists, Carpenters, and Electricians, along with technical roles in shortage areas.

5. Minimum Points Requirement by Occupation:

1. Trades / Construction roles (carpenters, bricklayers, electricians): 65–75 points.
2. Health / Education occupations (registered nurses, doctors, teachers): 80–90 points.
3. Specialised professions (e.g., materials engineers): 90–100 points.

6. Visa Categories:

1. Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa): Invitations were issued to a wide range of skilled professionals.
2. Subclass 190 (State Nominated Visa) & Subclass 491 (Regional Sponsored Visa): No invitations yet, as state governments are awaiting allocation from the federal government. For now, the Subclass 189 remains the only active skilled worker visa.

7. Changes Compared to Previous Years

Compared to the November 2024 round, where 15,000 invitations were issued, the August 2025 round saw a decrease in the number of invitations. However, the focus on high-demand occupations remains consistent.

Recent Changes Observed At a Glance:

1. Subclass 189 invitation rounds resumed after a pause, marking a significant development.
2. Points thresholds rose sharply in healthcare, education, and specialised fields.
3. Construction and trades occupations continued to benefit from lower cut-offs due to labour shortages.

These updates highlight the need to optimise your EOI and points for priority occupations. Staying updated with the 2025 changes will help you position yourself better for upcoming invitation rounds.

Points Requirements and Cut-Offs in the 2025 189 Invitation Round

The SkillSelect system ranks candidates based on points, and higher scores improve your chances of receiving an invitation. Here’s a breakdown of the latest trends in 2025:

1. General Minimum Points: Most applicants needed at least 80 points to secure a Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) invitation. This remains the standard threshold for many general skilled occupations.
2. High-Demand Occupations: Highly competitive fields such as IT, engineering, and accounting saw cut-offs rise to 85–90 points, reflecting ongoing competition.
3. Lower Threshold Occupations: Occupations experiencing skill shortages like healthcare, teaching, and regional trade roles, received invitations at 70–75 points, making them more accessible to qualified candidates.
4. Tie-Breaker Rule: When multiple candidates had the same points, EOIs lodged earlier were prioritised, highlighting the advantage of submitting your Expression of Interest promptly.

If your points fall below these thresholds, consider improving your score through additional qualifications, work experience, or English proficiency improvements. Next, we’ll explore occupation-specific trends for 2025.

Also Read: Partner Visa Process and Requirements – Australian Immigration Lawyers

How Different Occupations Fared in the 189 Round?

Different occupations had varying cut-off scores, reflecting the demand in Australia’s labour market. The August 2025 round highlighted three key patterns:

1. IT & Engineering Professions: Most roles required 90+ points, showing strong competition. Electronics engineers and management consultants were among the top categories.
2. Healthcare & Teaching: Invitations were issued at 80–85 points for many roles, including nurses, midwives, psychologists, and secondary school teachers, highlighting shortages across the country.
3. Trade Occupations: Entry thresholds for trades like electricians, plumbers, and tilers were relatively lower, at 65–75 points, making them more accessible for skilled migrants with recent EOIs.

Here’s the detailed breakdown:

Occupation	189 Minimum Points	491 Minimum Points
Actuary	90	N/A
Architect	90	N/A
Audiologist	80	65
Barrister	95	N/A
Bricklayer	65	70
Cardiologist	80	80
Carpenter	65	N/A
Clinical Psychologist	75	N/A
Construction Project Manager	90	N/A
Dermatologist	100	N/A
Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teacher	85	80
Electrician (General)	65	75
Electronics Engineer	95	N/A
Intensive Care Specialist	80	N/A
Management Consultant	90	N/A
Medical Diagnostic Radiographer	80	90
Metal Fabricator	105	N/A
Midwife	80	75
Physiotherapist	80	80
Plumber (General)	65	80
Registered Nurse (Aged Care)	80	80
Registered Nurse (Critical Care & Emergency)	80	65
Registered Nurse (Medical)	80	65
Registered Nurse (Mental Health)	80	90
Secondary School Teacher	85	80
Sonographer	80	N/A
Speech Pathologist	80	65
University Lecturer	85	80
Wall and Floor Tiler	65	75
Welder (First Class)	90	N/A

(Note: This table highlights key high-demand occupations. Other occupations generally followed similar points thresholds.)

Next, take a look at the table below that shows how the invitations are tracking across the financial year 2025-26 so far.

Month	Subclass 189	Subclass 491 (Family Sponsored)
July 2025	0	0
August 2025	6,887	150
September 2025	0	0
October 2025	0	0
November 2025	0	0
December 2025	0	0
(Jan–Jun 2026)	0	0

If you are in a high-demand occupation, your chances of receiving an invitation remain strong, especially in healthcare, teaching, and trade fields. However, IT and engineering roles continue to be highly competitive, requiring higher scores and earlier EOIs.

How to Improve Your Chances

To increase your chances of getting a 189 visa invitation, you can focus on improving your English skills, gaining more work experience, or studying in regional areas. Earning higher-level qualifications or working in high-demand occupations can also raise your points and make your EOI stronger in upcoming rounds.

Also Read: Age Limit Requirements for Student Visa in Australia 2025

Key Insights for 189 Visa Applicants in 2025

What does the 189 invitation round mean for you in 2025? Whether you are waiting for an invitation or preparing your EOI, understanding the latest trends can help you plan effectively.

1. Applicants With High Scores: If you have 80+ points, make sure your EOI is up to date. Invitations can be issued quickly, especially in high-demand occupations.
2. Applicants Below the Cut-off: Boost your chances by improving your English test scores, gaining extra work experience, or studying in regional areas.
3. Applicants in Low-Demand Occupations: Exploring state-nominated visas (subclass 190/491) or employer-sponsored pathways can open alternative routes.
4. Stay Informed: Invitation trends and policy updates change frequently. Regularly monitoring SkillSelect rounds is key to staying ahead.

Understanding these implications helps you strategise, but what does the future hold for 189 invitation rounds in 2025? Let’s look at what to expect next.

What to Expect in Future 189 Invitation Rounds?

The Australian government adjusts migration policies based on workforce needs, and the 2025 invitation rounds reflect these changes:

1. Healthcare & Teaching: Ongoing shortages may keep points requirements lower, making these occupations more accessible.
2. IT & Engineering: High competition means cut-offs are likely to remain at 85+ points.
3. More Frequent Rounds: Additional invitation rounds may be introduced to meet demand in key sectors.

By staying updated on points trends, occupation demand, and policy changes, you can plan a stronger strategy and increase your chances of receiving a 189 visa invitation in 2025.

Final Thoughts

The November 2025 189 invitation round highlights Australia’s demand for skilled migrants in sectors like healthcare, teaching, and trades. With 15,000 invitations issued and minimum points ranging from 70 to 90, staying proactive is essential. Keep your 189 EOI updated, improve your points, and explore alternative pathways if needed.

At Knowbal Migration and Education, we guide you on strengthening your EOI and improving your chances of receiving an invitation. Enquire now to get expert support for your Skilled Independent visa goals in 2025.

FAQs

1. What points are needed to get a 189 visa in 2025?

Most skilled occupations required around 80 points. Highly competitive fields like IT, engineering, and accounting needed 85–90 points, while healthcare, teaching, and trade roles saw invitations at 70–75 points.

2. How often are 189 invitation rounds conducted?

The government holds multiple invitation rounds throughout the year, adjusting the number of invitations and points thresholds based on current labor market demands.

3. Are state-nominated visas (subclass 190/491) being issued?

At present, only subclass 189 invitations are active. State-nominated visas depend on allocations from state governments and are issued separately.

4. How can I improve my chances of receiving a 189 invitation?

You can increase your points by improving English test results, gaining additional work experience, studying in regional areas, or completing higher-level qualifications. Submitting your Expression of Interest early also improves your chances.

5. Which occupations are receiving priority invitations?

Professions in high demand include healthcare (nurses, midwives), teaching (early childhood and secondary teachers), trades (electricians, carpenters, plumbers), and specialised technical roles such as electronics engineers and management consultants.