Subclass 189 Invitation Round: What the First Round of FY 2025-26 Tells Us

Australia’s first Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa invitation round of this financial year has arrived, and the cut-off points reflect a system that is stabilising after two years of conundrum. While the numbers from last week’s round provide important insight, they should be interpreted within the broader legislative and policy settings that will shape the migration program for 2025-26.

With state allocations likely to receive approximately 30% fewer nomination allocations compared to last year, the 189 program will play a more central role in balancing the national skills pipeline. Understanding how this round fits into the wider migration framework is essential for both applicants and advisors.

What This 189 Round Means in Context

Early cut-offs often appear higher, but this is not the full picture. Much of the backlog; particularly in high-volume occupations is expected to be processed in the coming weeks. As the queue clears, there is reasonable scope to see lower effective cut-off points in future rounds, especially for occupations where the labour market need remains acute.

This round should be viewed as a calibration step, not a final indicator of the year ahead.

Why Applicants Should Avoid Over-Interpreting the First Round

The Department typically uses the opening round to assess demand, clear aged EOIs, and stabilise the distribution of invitations. For this reason:

• Early rounds do not set permanent point thresholds.

• Large clusters of older EOIs may inflate cut-offs.

• Quarterly rounds allow for adjustments based on labour market data.

With states potentially operating on reduced allocations, the Commonwealth may use the 189 program to maintain overall skilled migration levels - another factor that could progressively lower thresholds.

Invited Occupations and Cut-Off Points

Construction & Trades

• Carpenter - 65

• Carpenter and Joiner - 65

• Electrician - 65

• Solid Plasterer - 65

• Wall and Floor Tiler - 65

• Bricklayer - 70

• Painter - 70

• Plumber - 70

• Welder - 85

• Boat Builder - 90

• Fitter - 85

Engineering & Technical

• Engineering Manager - 70

• Civil Engineering Draftsperson - 85

• Civil Engineering Technician - 85

• Construction Project Manager - 85

• Architect - 85

• Materials Engineer - 95

• Chemical Engineer - 90

• Mining Engineer - 90

• Metallurgist - 90

• Electronics Engineer - 95

• Engineering Technologist - 95

• Telecommunications Engineer - 95

• Civil Engineer - 95

• Landscape Architect - 85

Health & Medical

• Audiologist - 75

• RN Medical - 75

• RN NEC - 75

• RN Paediatric - 75

• RN Aged Care - 80

• RN Perioperative - 80

• General Practitioner - 80

• Podiatrist - 80

• Physiotherapist - 80

• Psychologist NEC - 80

• Medical Practitioner - 85

• Medical Laboratory Scientist - 85

• Life Scientist (General) - 85

• Radiographer Diagnostic - 85

• Food Technologist - 85

• Environmental Research Scientist - 95

Education & Community Services

• Secondary School Teacher - 75

• Social Worker - 75

• Early Childhood Teacher - 85

• University Lecturer - 90

Science, Research & Professional Services

• Biotechnologist - 85

• Economist - 85

• Forester - 85

• Solicitor - 85

• Statistician - 85

• Actuary - 90

• Agricultural Consultant - 90

• Management Consultant - 90

• Hydrogeologist - 90

• Valuer - 90

• Physicist - 95

• Chemist - 90

ICT & Digital Technology

• Network Planner - 90

Industry-Based Breakdown (High-Level Overview)

Engineering & Infrastructure

Engineering fields continue to see strong demand linked to long-term infrastructure pipelines and defence projects. Cut-offs remain competitive, but not static. Many aged EOIs were cleared, meaning forward rounds may moderate.

Health & Allied Health

Health occupations remain consistent performers. The initial round prioritised areas with existing shortages, while also clearing earlier EOIs. Expect stable or slightly lower thresholds later in the year.

ICT & Digital

ICT remains competitive due to volume, but Australia’s digital capability targets continue to support steady invitation activity. Once high-point legacy EOIs are cleared, mid-range applicants may see improved chances.

Education & Community Services

Growing demand for teachers, early childhood specialists, and community service professionals continues. Even though state allocations are tightening, the national need remains high, keeping this cohort relatively stable.

Construction & Trades

Construction stands out. With major housing and infrastructure programs underway, trades continue to represent a viable migration pathway. This trend is reinforced by the government’s focus on addressing workforce shortages in building and related sectors.

What to Expect Going Forward

As state nomination allocations are finalised expected to be reduced by around 30% overall—the federal program will likely carry greater weight. Key expectations for the coming quarter include:

• More stable 189 rounds once the queue normalises.

• Potential reduction in practical cut-offs, especially for critical industries.

• Broader distribution of invitations across priority sectors rather than concentration in a few occupations.

Applicants should maintain realistic expectations and a clear understanding of policy timing rather than relying on one round’s numbers.

Construction Pathway: A Strong Option

Construction remains one of the most reliable migration pathways due to sustained national demand. Applicants exploring trade careers should consider one-year trade qualifications that include Job Ready Program (JRP) support, allowing for a structured pathway to skilled employment and potential migration outcomes.

If you would like information on JRP-supported trade courses, Newsted Global can outline the available training and migration pathways. Most in-demand trade courses include Carpentry, Wall and Floor Tiling, Plastering, Welding, Painting, Bricklaying etc.

• Starting from only $9,000 per year

• $13,300 with JRP support
  

The Subclass 189 program is shifting from the volatility of previous years to a more controlled, data-driven model. The first round is only a starting point. With significant portions of the queue now cleared, the year ahead could see more accessible cut-off points, particularly as state nomination capacity tightens.

If you’d like a breakdown of how your occupation sits within current trends, or guidance on pathways such as trades and construction, feel free to ask. Sms/WhatsApp: +61410478759

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.