New 189 Visa Selection Model Australia | Knowbal

Key Takeaways:

• The Australian Government has introduced a new tier-based selection model for Subclass 189 visas to prioritise high-value occupations.
• Four tiers now determine how many invitations each occupation receives, based on workforce demand.
• Occupation ceilings are back — with multipliers (4%, 2%, 1%, 0.5%) that heavily affect invitation chances.
• Invitation rounds will be quarterly, with optional monthly targeted rounds based on labour needs.
• Points still matter, but your occupation’s tier matters even more for 2025–26 PR planning.

The Australian Government has updated the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) invitation process for the 2025–26 program year. A new tier-based selection model now determines how occupations are prioritised, how many invitations are issued, and how quickly skilled applicants receive EOIs.

For international students, graduates, and PR aspirants across Melbourne, Tarneit, Point Cook, Dandenong, Craigieburn and interstate migrant hubs, understanding this new system is essential for building a winning PR strategy.

Book a one-on-one consultation with Knowbal today and get tailored guidance for your pathway to PR.

Please Note: This article is a general guide based on the official FOI-released government documentation and public Home Affairs policy as of the publication date. Always check the official DHA website for current information. For detailed, current advice specific to your situation, consult a registered migration agent or The Department of Home Affair.

What is the New 189 Selection Model?

The new model restructures the 189 invitation process to prioritise occupations that deliver stronger long-term economic value. According to the FOI document (Independent Skills, Talent and Business Division), the goals are:

• Greater transparency in invitation timing and composition
• Better targeting of high-value occupations
• Reduced duplication between 189, 190, 491, and employer-sponsored programs
• More predictable and efficient invitation rounds

The Department will now run invitations based on annual planning, labour market needs, and tier-based ceilings across the program.

Why the 189 Model Changed

The government identified several problems in previous 189 invitation approaches, including:

1. Lack of transparency for applicants

States repeatedly asked for clearer timing, because candidates were uncertain about when rounds would occur.

2. Poor coordination across visa programs

87% of 189 candidates also applied for 190 or 491 visas in the same year, leading to overlap and inefficiency.

3. Need to strengthen economic outcomes

Occupation targets will now be calibrated based on workforce demand, and ceilings adjusted to maintain diversity.

4. Oversupply in certain occupations

ICT, accounting, and hospitality had large EOI volumes but inconsistent economic priority. The new model throttles oversupplied categories.

Also Read: How to Get Invited for Subclass 189 Visa

How the 189 Invitation Formula Works

The Department uses a simple formula to work out how many 189 invitations each occupation can receive:

Occupation Invitations = Workforce Size × Tier % – Last Year’s Employer-Sponsored Grants

This ensures that:

• Occupations with large workforce size (e.g., nurses, engineers) get proportionally more seats.
• Higher tiers (Tier 1 = 4%) receive more places than lower tiers (Tier 4 = 0.5%).
• If an occupation already received many employer-sponsored visas, its 189 allocation decreases.

A minimum of 500 invitations applies if the final number is above 0 but below 500.

If the final number is ≤ 0 → no 189 invitations for that occupation.

189 Allocation Formula Example

StepCalculation / ExplanationOccupation Civil Engineer   Tier Tier 3   Tier Multiplier 1%   Estimated Workforce Size 55,000(Sample Only)   Employer-Sponsored Grants Last Year 350(Sample Only)   Step 1: Workforce Size × Tier % 55,000 × 1% = 550Step 2: Subtract Employer-Sponsored Grants 550 – 350 = 200Step 3: Minimum Invitation Rule Result (200) is >0 but <500, so minimum 500 invitations apply   Final Outcome500 invitations allocated for Civil Engineers

Breakdown of the New Tier System

Australia’s new 189 visa selection model grouped every skilled occupation into four tiers, each with its own priority level, invitation weight, and occupation ceiling multiplier.
These ceilings determine how many invitations the Department of Home Affairs will issue for each occupation during the program year.

Tier 1 — Highest Priority (4% Multiplier)

Tier 1 includes occupations with long training pathways, critical workforce shortages, and high national importance, particularly in health and advanced medical care. These occupations receive the largest ceilings and highest invitation priority.

Tier 1 Occupation List

Tier 2 — High Priority (2% Multiplier)

Tier 2 includes occupations essential for education, community wellbeing, and mental health support. These occupations receive moderate but steady invitation volume.

Tier 2 Occupation List

Tier 3 — Diverse Occupations (1% Multiplier)

Tier 3 covers the majority of Australia’s skilled migration list, supporting engineering, science, construction, agriculture, and key technical trades. These occupations have balanced invitation prospects, depending on national demand.

Tier 3 Occupation List

Tier 4 — Oversupplied Occupations (0.5% Multiplier)

Tier 4 includes occupations with very high EOI numbers and therefore tighter ceilings under the new model—particularly accounting and ICT. These occupations are still eligible for 189, but they will face higher competition.

Tier 4 Occupation List

Advice:
If your occupation is in Tier 4, 189 is still possible — but you should seriously consider 190 and 491 as part of a multi-pathway strategy.

Occupation Ceilings Explained (2025)

Occupation ceilings are back — and they now drive invitation volume for each ANZSCO code. According to the FOI policy framework:

• Ceilings are calculated using average workforce stock × tier multiplier
• This prevents dominance by oversupplied occupations
• Ensures diversity in the 189 intake
• Aligns with data from 190, 491 and 186 programs to avoid overlap

What this means for applicants:

• Tier 1 occupations get significantly larger invitation allocations
• Tier 4 occupations may receive reduced numbers, even if points are high
• Ceiling fulfilment will be monitored across the entire migration program

Invitation Rounds & Frequency (2025–26)

• The FOI document confirms a new predictable invitation schedule:  ➡ Quarterly General Invitation Rounds These fill occupation ceilings proportionally across all tiers.  ➡ Monthly Targeted Rounds (Optional) These may run mid-year to respond to:  
  • unexpected labour demand
  • changes in EOI submissions
  • shortages flagged by other visa programs
  ➡ Mid-Year Checkpoint By January each year, DHS will:  
  • assess visa grants vs invitation data
  • adjust upcoming rounds
  ➡ Conversion Rate Monitoring Invitation numbers for each occupation will depend on:  
  • how many invited candidates actually lodge visa applications
  • how quickly ceilings are reached
  This makes the 189 program more dynamic and data-driven.

Also Read: Latest Analysis of Australia’s 189 Invitation Round Outcomes

What 2025 PR Applicants Should Do Now

1. Update Your EOI Immediately After Graduating

Especially if your completion letter is delayed — timing affects eligibility.

2. Strengthen Your Points

• NAATI CCL
• Professional Year
• English upgrades
• Partner skills

3. Consider Dual Pathways: 189 + 190/491

With 87% of applicants applying to multiple programs, you must not rely on 189 alone.

4. Ensure ANZSCO Accuracy

A mismatch between job duties and ANZSCO code can lead to EOI rejection or skills assessment issues.

5. For Tier 4 Applicants — Plan Early

Knowbal often advises clients in ICT or accounting to strengthen points BEFORE lodging, not after waiting months.

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 Australia 189 visa goals in 2025–26.