Small Round, Bigger Picture: Subclass 189 Invitation Round - what it means

The Department of Home Affairs conducted an invitation round for the Skilled Independent Subclass 189 visa on 21 August 2025. While unofficial statistics indicate cut-off scores across a range of occupations, it is crucial for applicants to place this round into context rather than react with premature excitement.

Key Invited Roles

• Trade occupations (Carpenter, Painter, Tiler, etc.) 65 - 70 points

• Early Childhood and Secondary School Teachers 85 points

• Registered Nurses 80 - 85 points

  
  

Why This Round Matters - But Only to a Point

This August round was relatively small and primarily targeted at clearing a backlog of applicants with very high points. Such rounds are common in the lead-up to major announcements. They ensure that upcoming state nomination processes (Subclass 190 and 491 visas) do not overlap or conflict with federal invitations.

For most applicants in the queue, the real significance lies in what comes next:

• The upcoming March for Australia rally on 31st August may have an influence on the State and Territory meeting in Canberra in September, where official allocation figures are expected to be finalised. With the March for Australia protest in the background, it’s not unusual to see smaller invitation rounds at this stage. Migration numbers are likely to remain steady, broadly consistent with last financial year, until official allocations are confirmed after the September meetings. If the rally had not been on the agenda, we might have expected higher allocation numbers at this stage. With Peter Malinauskas actively pushing for migration, South Australia could emerge as one of the biggest beneficiaries in this year’s allocation.

  
  

• Formal announcements are anticipated by September, with states likely to publish their updated nomination criteria by late September or early October.

  
  

Key Takeaway - Don’t Over-Interpret August

Applicants should avoid drawing long-term conclusions from this round. While it may feel discouraging if your occupation was not heavily invited, history shows that these pre-allocation rounds are designed to “tidy up” the pool before larger, state-driven invitations.

Occupations to Watch

Based on demographic and labour market trends, several occupations remain consistently in demand:

• Trades: Electricians, plumbers, tilers, bricklayers, painters, and carpenters continue to face national shortages. Most of these occupations received invitations with 65 points.

• ICT: Software engineers, systems analysts, and developers remain critical across states.

• Engineering: Civil, mechanical, electrical, and chemical engineers continue to record strong allocations.

• Accounting and Finance: Though competitive, accountants and auditors are expected to feature in future state nomination invitations.

• Health and Education: Registered nurses, early childhood teachers, and allied health practitioners remain a backbone of the skilled migration program.

  
  

Advice for Applicants

• Do not panic or overreact. These results reflect a snapshot, not the full migration picture.

• Maximise your points. Achieving a strong English score (PTE/IELTS) and passing the NAATI CCL test can make a decisive difference.

• Be ready for state nomination. Each jurisdiction will shortly release new eligibility frameworks. Staying prepared ensures you can act quickly when applications open.

  
  

Rather than dwelling on outcomes outside your control, focus on what can be done within your own capacity. Strengthening English scores, completing the NAATI CCL, and ensuring documentation is in order are all vital steps.

At the same time, it is worth noting that regional migration pathways continue to offer strong opportunities and should be carefully considered as part of a broader strategy. It is also important to adopt a strategic outlook on regional migration. While Tasmania and the Northern Territory remain open to graduates through specific streams, these pathways are becoming increasingly mainstream. As more applicants pursue them, competition naturally rises, and long-term effectiveness may diminish. Applicants are therefore encouraged to weigh these options carefully, balancing short-term eligibility with broader career and settlement considerations.

If you are considering a career in the trade sector, a course as short as 12 months can kick-start your journey (starting from only $8,500 for the full course with a monthly instalment payment option). Discuss your options and pathway with us. Don't know where to start? Just text (sms/WhatsApp +61410478759): "Hi".

Moving Forward

The August 189 round serves as a reminder that skilled migration remains highly competitive but also highly structured. With a measured approach, strong documentation, and proactive preparation, applicants with realistic points and critical skills are well positioned for invitations in the months ahead.

At Newsted, we acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work and live, and pay our respects to Elders past and present. We extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.