January 2026 WA Invitation Round: Trade Occupations Continue to Receive Invitations at Competitive Points (Invited with 65 points)

Australia’s skilled migration system continues to demonstrate a clear and consistent preference for trade occupations, with the January 2026 invitation data from multiple states reinforcing the strategic importance of trades within state and independent migration programs.

January invitation outcomes under General Stream Schedule 2 (Trade-only) show that a wide range of construction, electrical, mechanical, and building-related occupations remain eligible for invitations at relatively modest points thresholds, particularly when compared with many professional and white-collar occupations now facing significantly higher cut-offs.

Trade Occupations Remain a Priority Across States

The January 2026 data confirms that trade roles continue to attract invitations across multiple jurisdictions, including offshore applicants. Occupations such as Electricians, Plumbers, Carpenters, Cabinetmakers, Bricklayers, Air conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanics, and Joiners remain actively invited, reflecting ongoing workforce shortages in housing, infrastructure, and essential services.

Notably, many overseas applicants received invitations at 65 points, with some roles requiring between 70 and 75 points, depending on the occupation and state nomination context. This contrasts sharply with the experience of many professional applicants, where competitive points scores often exceed 85 or 90 without guarantee of invitation.

Points Thresholds: A Key Structural Advantage for Trades

One of the defining features of trade pathways in the current migration framework is the consistency of invitations at lower points thresholds. For example:

• Several construction and electrical trades received invitations at 65 points

• Selected occupations, such as Drainers, Gasfitters, and Roof Tilers, recorded cut-offs between 70-75 points

• Even where higher points were required, trade occupations continue to demonstrate predictable invitation patterns

This consistency is particularly relevant in the context of recent policy changes, where many professional occupations have been categorised into lower priority tiers or face increasingly selective invitation rounds.

Why Trade Pathways Are Strategically Relevant in 2026

Australia’s housing pipeline, infrastructure commitments, and energy transition continue to drive demand for skilled trades. These structural needs are not short-term; they underpin migration planning at both state and federal levels.

As a result, trade occupations benefit from:

• Ongoing inclusion on skilled occupation lists

• Regular state nomination activity

• Lower volatility in points cut-offs

• Faster progression once skills assessment and licensing requirements are met

For eligible applicants, this creates a comparatively stable migration environment at a time when competition elsewhere in the system has intensified.

Skills Assessment and Planning Remain Critical

While invitation thresholds remain favourable, successful outcomes still depend on accurate skills assessment, correct occupation selection, and realistic points calculation. Trades applicants must also factor in licensing requirements, employment readiness, and state-specific criteria, all of which influence nomination outcomes.

Importantly, invitations are not automatic. The data highlights opportunity, not entitlement. Strategic planning remains essential.

January 2026 Invitation round breakdown

A notable proportion of invitations in recent rounds were issued to offshore applicants, underscoring the depth of Australia’s trade skill shortages - at a level where domestic supply alone is no longer sufficient to meet demand. While trade pathways continue to present a strong outlook, not all trades carry the same prospects. Some remain consistently in demand, others show signs of saturation, and certain occupations face structural constraints such as licensing complexity or union-related barriers. Understanding which trade aligns with long-term demand, regulatory reality, and individual suitability is therefore critical. These applicants were invited with only 65-70 cut-off points within 1 month of expression submission:

• Airconditioning and Mechanical Services Plumber (334112)

• Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic (342111)

• Bricklayer (331111)

• Cabinetmaker (394111)

• Cabler (Data and Telecommunications) (342411)

• Carpenter and Joiner (331211) Electrical Linesworker

• Electrician (General) (341111)

• Electrician (Special Class) (341112)

• Glazier (333111)

• Lift Mechanic (341113)

• Plumber (General) (334111)

• Solid Plasterer (333212)

• Stonemason (333112)

• Drainer (334113)

• Floor Finisher (332111)

• Gasfitter (334114)

• Roof Tiler (333311)

Western Australia is the only state which accepts applications from applicants residing in other states. These occupations are invited within this round:

• Joiner (331213)

• Roof Plumber (334115)

• Wall and Floor Tiler (333411)

• Fibrous Plasterer (333211)

• Painting Trades Worker (332211)

• Carpenter (331212)

Upcoming Rounds

Based on current trends, trade occupations are likely to remain a core pillar of Australia’s skilled migration program through upcoming rounds in 2026. While cut-off points may fluctuate marginally, the broader pattern of consistent invitations at achievable points levels is expected to continue, particularly for occupations aligned with construction, maintenance, and essential infrastructure delivery.

In an increasingly competitive skilled migration environment, trade pathways stand out for their relative predictability and accessibility. The January 2026 invitation data reinforces a reality that has been building for several years: applicants with recognised trade skills continue to occupy a structurally strong position within Australia’s migration framework.

For those assessing long-term migration options, trade occupations remain one of the few areas where policy intent, labour demand, and invitation outcomes remain closely aligned.

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