When Will Be the Next 189 Invitation Round- New Update

Posted by admin on May 21, 2025

Australia’s immigration policies evolve regularly to reflect the nation’s workforce and population needs. Recent changes in the Skilled Occupation List and the adjustment of minimum point requirements have had a notable effect on the 189 invitation process. Staying informed about immigration updates – especially regarding upcoming invitation round dates – is critical for those hoping to be invited in upcoming rounds.

Latest 189 Invitation Round – August 2025 Update

The last Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) invitation round was released by the Department of Home Affairs on 21 August 2025, following a nine-month freeze. This invitation came after a round released by the end of November 2024 had given skilled professionals some well overdue hope. 

The round in August 2025 invited more than 6,887 candidates across over 130 occupations, demonstrating the increasing workforce and migration needs of a number of industries in Australia.

Scores leading to an invitation in some occupations ranged down to 65 points for trades like carpenters, bricklayers and electricians – this was one of the most accessible minimum points thresholds we have seen in recent rounds. Plus, there was a lot of demand in the hospitality sector; doctors and nurses with about 80 points got invites. 

Education practitioners, university lecturers and managers (childcare) to be invited had scores of around 85-90. But there was no room for accountants and chefs this time, a small change designed to emphasise the importance of roles in infrastructure, health and teaching.

We don’t yet have the government’s migration program planning levels for 2025-26 relating to the 189, 190 and 491 visas. Meanwhile, there is an August 2025 round issued. So the round was a little bit of good news, evidence that Australia is not turning its back on global critical-skill talent even as policy shifts continue.

Also Read: Everything You Should Know About The 482 Subsequent Entrant Visa

What Is The 189 Skilled Independent Visa?

Talented workers who want to move to Australia on a Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189 must participate in a competitive process managed by the Director of Home Affairs. As soon as you receive the visa, you can focus on education, join Medicare and start the process for Australian citizenship.

A 189 visa lets you include your spouse and dependent children in your application. Plus, you are free to live in any state or territory.

Who Should Apply For A 189 Visa in Australia?

You need to have age, skills, proficiency in English, a minimum points score and your chosen occupation to qualify for the 189 invitation round. The discussed individuals are favoured for the visa:

• People with skills in occupations that are included on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List (SOL).
• People with 85 to 95 points typically meet the minimum required for most critical jobs in the points test.
• Anyone who hopes to achieve permanent residency but does not need a sponsor.

Also Read: Student Visa Assessment Level Australia: Key Changes You Must Know

Understanding The Next 189 Invitation Round Process

Here’s how the next 189 invitation round will work.

• The first thing to do is see if your job is on the Skilled Occupation List. You must also make sure you meet the points and other qualifications for visa 189.
• You should also take an English proficiency exam, such as IELTS.
• Once the authority checks your skills, the points needed for the job will be computed for you.
• The next step is to gain an understanding of the points system so that you enroll for a course with a view to gaining more than 65 points to be eligible.
• The next step is to learn how to submit your EOI through SkillSelect.
• Following this, you should finish your Visa 189 application, deliver it and get an invitation from the officials to join the interview.
• Since the information on your form will be discussed at the interview, bring your documents and other details you provided in the application form. 

You have the option to ask a migration consultant in Adelaide for help.

Recent 189 Invitation Rounds

7 November 2024 Invitation Round

The Department of Home Affairs invited 15,000 people to apply for the Subclass 189 visa on 7 November 2024. In the 189 visa invitation round period:

• Around 10,100 more invitations were handed out than on 5 September 2024, which saw only 7,973. The minimum points required for each occupation were not the same.
• The following occupations, including bricklayers, cabinetmakers, carpenters, electricians and plumbers, were invited if they had at least 65 points under Trades and Construction Occupations.
• All of the early childhood teachers, midwives, registered nurses and secondary school teachers scored at least 70 points in this competition.
• Accountants, ICT business analysts and software engineers had to receive 95 points to meet the Profession Demand Stream criteria.

In this round, Australia tried to attract the most highly qualified professionals from various industries.

Also Read: New Rules For 482 Visa – What You Need To Know In 2025

Key Outcomes of the August 2025 Round

The August 2025 invitation round reaffirmed Australia’s ongoing reliance on skilled trades and essential services. Out of 6,887 invitations issued, the majority went to applicants working in construction, healthcare, and education – the three pillars currently driving Australia’s economic recovery. 

Candidates in trade occupations, such as carpenters, painters, and electricians, were invited at only 65 points, while health professionals, including doctors and nurses, received invitations at approximately 80 points. 

Those from the education stream, particularly university lecturers, met the 85-point threshold, whereas childcare managers were invited at 90 points. The Department also clarified that the next invitation round is expected to take place before December 2025 and that future rounds will likely continue on a quarterly basis.

Factors Affecting 189 Visa Invitation Frequency

The number and size of 189 inviations rounds vary because of a few variables. In Australia, the economic outlook, labour market requirements and changes to migration policy play significant roles. When industries have shortages – as seen in the construction and healthcare sectors – invitation volumes for those occupations grow.

Other influencing factors include:

• Migration policy priorities: Due to a focus on critical skills, non-prioritised occupations may be delayed.

• Labour market dynamics: Whether the economy has or is recovering, it leads to an increasing demand for specific trades or healthcare workers.

• Program quotas: The government imposes a cap on the total 189 visa numbers each financial year.

• COVID-19 aftermath: COVID sent everything into a spin, and planning hasn’t fully recovered despite substantial stabilisation.

Also Read: Australia 189 Visa Processing Time in 2025

Role of Migration Consultants in Adelaide

For applicants in Adelaide, taking advice from an accredited migration agent could be worth it:

• Professional Guidance: Migration agents can provide you with tailored guidance on your case and career aspirations.
• Application Support: They can help you complete and lodge your EOI and visa application so that you’re doing everything right.
• Current Information: An Immigration Consultant Adelaide keeps you updated about any recent immigration policy and law updates, enabling you to navigate the process successfully.

Alternative Pathways if You Miss the 189 Round

If you can’t afford to wait for the next 189 invitation, then consider other visa streams so things keep rolling along.

A. State-Nominated Visa (190)

If you’re nominated by a state or territory, the Subclass 190 visa will give you an additional 5 points. It is perfect for cases where an applicant’s occupation is required locally and he or she can settle in the state that nominated them.

B. Regional Provisional Visa (491)

The subclass 491 visa freely gives 15 bonus points and emphasises settlement in regional Australia with PR after 3 years.

C. Employer-Sponsored Visas (186, or 482)

These are not invitation-round visas and can be great, as they will lead to a faster PR pathway working for an Aussie employer over the long term.

Also Read: Parent Visa Australia Documents Checklist 2025

Conclusion

The August 2025 invitation round reignited hope among skilled professionals aspiring to make Australia their home. With nearly 7,000 invitations issued, the round underscored the country’s continued demand for tradespeople, healthcare professionals, and educators. As the Department of Home Affairs transitions to a quarterly schedule, those who remain informed, proactive, and well-prepared will be best positioned to succeed in upcoming rounds.