189 Visa Invitation Rounds 2026: Latest Results, Points Cut-Off & Trend Chart

The 189 Skilled Independent visa invitation rounds have moved to a quarterly cycle in the 2025–26 program year, replacing the unpredictable monthly system that left tens of thousands of EOIs waiting indefinitely. Under the new model, the Department of Home Affairs issues larger, more concentrated batches of invitations and the points cut-offs have shifted sharply with them. This guide gives you every confirmed round result, current points cut-offs by occupation tier, the official 2026 invitation calendar, a visual trend chart, and the strategy applicants are using right now to land an invitation under the new system.

Here is what you will find inside this guide:

• Full results table for every 189 invitation round from August 2025 to date
• Minimum-points trend chart showing the 24-month cut-off curve
• 2026 round schedule with confirmed and projected dates
• Tier-by-tier points cut-offs for healthcare, education, trades, engineering, and ICT
• EOI optimisation strategy tuned to the quarterly system
• Common mistakes that keep high-point applicants stuck in the pool

Not sure if your points will clear the next 189 round? Get an accurate 2026 points assessment against the current cut-offs for your ANZSCO before you lodge an EOI.

Check your points with our Australian PR Points Calculator 2026

How does the 189 visa invitation round system work in 2026?

The 189 invitation system in 2026 is a four-times-per-year, points-ranked, occupation-tiered selection process. The Department issues invitations once each quarter, ranks every eligible EOI by points within a four-tier priority framework, and invites top-ranked candidates until the program target is filled. This replaced the monthly rounds used until mid-2025 and has concentrated invitation volume into fewer, larger batches.

The quarterly invitation cycle

• Q1 round: Late July to August (program year opens)
• Q2 round: November
• Q3 round: February to March
• Q4 round: May to June (program year close)
• Special priority rounds: Occasionally inserted for critical-shortage occupations (healthcare, defence)

The 4-tier prioritisation framework explained

Every ANZSCO occupation on the MLTSSL is now slotted into one of four tiers, and your tier determines both how likely you are to be invited and how many points you need to clear the cut-off. The four tiers reflect Australia’s published workforce needs through the Skills in Demand (SID) framework and Jobs and Skills Australia analysis.

Tier 1 — Critical Shortage Occupations (“The Fast Track”)

Tier 1 covers occupations where Australia faces a documented, urgent national shortage that cannot be filled by the domestic labour market in the short term. Invitations in Tier 1 are issued at the lowest points thresholds and are processed fastest at the visa decision stage.

• Who’s in Tier 1: Registered Nurses (254400 series), Medical Practitioners and GPs (253000 series), Midwives (254111), Early Childhood Teachers (241111), Secondary School Teachers (241411), Special Needs Teachers (241511), Defence-aligned engineers
• 2026 points cut-off: 75–85 points (well below the general threshold)
• Invitation likelihood: Very high, most eligible Tier 1 applicants are invited within one round
• Processing time after invitation: Often 3–6 months when the application is decision-ready
• Why it exists: Hospital staffing shortages, regional GP gaps, early childhood education ratios, and defence capability programs

Tier 2 — Priority Sector Skills (“The Priority Lane”)

Tier 2 includes occupations linked to Australia’s housing, infrastructure, and renewable-energy targets sectors with significant federal investment but a smaller skills gap than Tier 1. Trade occupations have moved up into this tier in 2026 due to the National Housing Accord targets.

• Who’s in Tier 2: Civil Engineers (233211), Structural Engineers (233214), Mechanical Engineers (233512), Electrical Engineers (233311), Carpenters (331212), Bricklayers (331111), Electricians (341111), Plumbers (334111), Motor Mechanics (321211), Allied health (physiotherapists, occupational therapists, pharmacists)
• 2026 points cut-off: 65–90 points (trades at the low end, engineering at the higher end)
• Invitation likelihood: High, particularly for trades and construction-related engineering
• Processing time after invitation: 5–8 months on average
• Why it exists: Housing accord targets (1.2 million new homes by 2029), infrastructure pipeline, renewable energy buildout

Tier 3 — Core Skills (“The General Skilled Pool”)

Tier 3 is the bulk of the MLTSSL established professional occupations with steady but not urgent demand. The Department issues a large share of invitations here, but competition is high because this is where most applicants sit, so points cut-offs are elevated.

• Who’s in Tier 3: Software Engineers (261313), ICT Business Analysts (261111), Computer Network Professionals (263110 series), Chefs (351311), University Lecturers (242111), Social Workers (272511), Architects (232111), Surveyors (232212)
• 2026 points cut-off: 85–100 points
• Invitation likelihood: Moderate, depends heavily on your points ranking within the tier
• Processing time after invitation: 6–10 months on average
• Why it exists: Steady-state demand for professional services across the Australian industry

Tier 4 — Oversupplied Occupations (“The High Competition Lane”)

Tier 4 captures occupations where the applicant supply consistently exceeds Australia’s actual labour needs. These remain on the MLTSSL because they support broader industry functions, but invitations are limited, and cut-offs are the highest in the system. Many Tier 4 applicants will not be invited regardless of how long they wait.

• Who’s in Tier 4: Accountants (221111, 221112, 221113), Management Consultants (224711), Marketing Specialists (225113), External Auditors (221213), General Business Analysts, Software Engineers in saturated specialisations (some 261000 codes)
• 2026 points cut-off: 95–110 points
• Invitation likelihood: Low, only top-ranked EOIs are invited each round
• Processing time after invitation: 8–14 months on average
• Why it exists: The occupations remain economically relevant, but the domestic labour market already meets the demand
• Strategy if you’re in Tier 4: Pivot to the 190 (state nomination adds 5 points) or 491 (regional adds 15 points). See our 189 vs 190 comparison or regional visa options

How to find your tier

• Step 1: Confirm your ANZSCO code using the relevant skills assessment authority for your occupation
• Step 2: Check the latest Skills in Demand (SID) List on the Department of Home Affairs website
• Step 3: Match your code against the tier examples above or request a points and tier audit from a MARN-registered agent
• Step 4: Compare your current points against the tier cut-off. If you’re below, lift your score or pivot to a 190/491 pathway

What were the latest 189 invitation round results?

The most recent 189 invitation round was held on 13 November 2025, issuing 10,000 invitations across all occupations with minimum points landing at 65 for trades, 80–90 for healthcare and engineering, and 90+ for general professional occupations. The round before that, on 21 August 2025, issued 6,887 invitations and opened the 2025–26 program year. Together, the two rounds have already delivered roughly 35% of the program-year target.

2025–26 189 invitation round results table

For the live source data, see the official SkillSelect Invitation Rounds page at the Department of Home Affairs.

What is the minimum points cut-off trend for the 189 visa?

The minimum points cut-off for general (non-priority) 189 invitations has climbed steadily from 70 points in early 2024 to 90+ points by late 2025, reflecting both rising applicant volume and tighter program targets. Trade occupations have moved in the opposite direction, falling from 80 to 65 points as the government prioritises construction shortages. The chart below visualises both curves.

Minimum points trend chart (Apr 2024 – May 2026)

189 Visa Minimum Points by Round, April 2024 to May 2026, are given below:

What the trend shows

• The general professional cut-off has risen 25 points in 24 months, from 70 to 95
• ICT roles now require 90–110 points due to high applicant volume and STEM saturation
• Trades have fallen from 80 to 65 points, the steepest drop ever recorded
• Healthcare and education have stabilised at 80–85 points after a brief spike in late 2024
• The gap between Tier 1 and Tier 4 occupations is now 30+ points, the widest divergence on record

Points climbing faster than your score?

With general cut-offs now at 95+ points, a single 10-point lift can move you from “never invited” to “invited next round”. Our MARN-registered agents map the highest-value points levers for your profile: Superior English, partner skills, Professional Year, or pivoting to the 190 or 491 pathway.

When is the next 189 visa invitation round in 2026?

The next 189 invitation round is expected between late February and mid-March 2026, with the final round of the 2025–26 program year scheduled for May or June 2026. The Department of Home Affairs does not publish exact dates in advance. Rounds are typically announced 2–3 days before they occur via SkillSelect notifications.

2026 invitation calendar

• Q3 round (Feb–Mar 2026): Expected to issue 8,000–10,000 invitations; healthcare and trades will remain prioritised
• Q4 round (May–Jun 2026): Final round of 2025–26 program year; volume depends on remaining target allocation
• 2026–27 program year opens: Late July to August 2026, with the new annual planning levels released in the Federal Budget (May 2026)
• Subscribe to SkillSelect alerts through your ImmiAccount to be notified the moment a round closes

What are the points cut-offs for the 189 visa in 2026 by occupation?

Points cut-offs vary dramatically by occupation tier. In 2026, applicants in critical-shortage occupations can be invited at 65–75 points, while applicants in oversupplied occupations need 95–110 points to clear the queue. Your ANZSCO code determines which tier you sit in and, therefore, the realistic threshold you must reach.

Tier-by-tier points cut-offs (2026)

Calculate your score against these thresholds using our Australia PR Points Calculator or compare visa pathways in our 189 vs 190 visa guide.

How can you maximise your chances of receiving a 189 invitation?

The fastest way to maximise your invitation chances is to lift your points score by at least one band and lodge multiple parallel EOIs across the 189, 190, and 491 simultaneously. With the gap between general and priority occupations now sitting at 30 points, a single 10-point lift can move you from “never invited” to “invited next round”, particularly through Superior English, partner skills, or a Professional Year.

Highest-impact points levers in 2026

• Superior English (PTE 79+ / IELTS 8): +20 points biggest single lever for most applicants
• Skilled partner with positive assessment: +10 points
• Professional Year in Australia: +5 points (ICT, accounting, engineering)
• NAATI CCL credential: +5 points for community language proficiency
• Regional study (CSU/UniSQ/UTAS regional campuses): +5 points
• Specialist Education Qualification (STEM Master’s/PhD): +10 points
• Single applicant status: +10 points (if no partner)

EOI strategy under the quarterly system

• Lodge EOIs 6–8 weeks before each quarterly round to ensure your data is current and ranked
• Submit parallel EOIs for the 189, 190 (all eligible states), and 491, with no penalty for multiple submissions
• Update your EOI immediately when points change (birthday, English re-test, new experience milestone)
• Verify that the ANZSCO match your work duties, which must align with the ANZSCO description, not just the title
• Keep skills assessment current; most assessments expire 3 years from issue

What are the most common 189 invitation round mistakes?

The most common 189 invitation mistakes in 2026 are overestimating points, lodging a single EOI instead of parallel applications, and failing to update the EOI before each quarterly round. Each of these can cost applicants an entire program year of waiting time.

Mistakes that block invitations

• Overclaiming work experience: Counting non-skilled or pre-assessment years that the Department will not accept at the decision stage
• Wrong ANZSCO selection: Choosing a code that does not match the day-to-day duties evidenced in reference letters
• Stale EOI: Not updating after gaining new experience, a higher English score, or partner skills
• Missing the 60-day window: Invitations expire 60 days after issue. Missing the deadline forfeits your invitation entirely
• Lodging only one EOI: Most successful applicants now run 2–3 parallel EOIs across 189, 190, and 491
• Skipping partner contributions: A skilled partner with Competent English can add 10 points, often unclaimed by applicants who assume their partner is not eligible
• Ignoring English re-testing: Re-sitting PTE to move from Proficient (10pts) to Superior (20pts) is the single most cost-effective points lever

What happens after you receive a 189 invitation?

After receiving a 189 invitation, you have 60 days to lodge a complete visa application through ImmiAccount. Miss this deadline, and the invitation is forfeited permanently. The Department then assesses your application against every point claim, verifies skills and English, and completes health and character checks before granting the visa.

Post-invitation timeline

• Days 1–14: Pay government fees ($4,765 main applicant), upload all documents in ImmiAccount
• Days 14–30: Complete health examinations at Bupa Medical Visa Services, submit police clearances from every country lived in for 12+ months
• Days 30–60: Lodge Form 80 and Form 1221 for all applicants over 16, finalise any outstanding documents
• After lodgement: Bridging Visa A auto-grants if you are onshore — see our Bridging Visas Explained guide for full details
• Processing window: 6–10 months for 50% of applications; priority occupations process in 3–6 months when decision-ready
• Need an ImmiAccount? Follow our ImmiAccount setup guide

What if your points are too low for the 189 invitation round?

If your points sit below the current 189 cut-off for your occupation tier, the strongest alternative pathways in 2026 are the Subclass 190 (state-nominated, +5 points), the Subclass 491 (regional, +15 points), or an employer-sponsored Subclass 482/186. Each pathway has different commitments and timelines, but all lead to permanent residency.

Alternative pathways when 189 is out of reach

• Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated: +5 points from state nomination, two-year state commitment. See our 189 vs 190 visa comparison
• Subclass 491 Regional: +15 points, five-year provisional, pathway to permanent 191, see our Regional Australia Visa Options guide
• Subclass 482 Skills in Demand: Employer-sponsored temporary visa with pathway to permanent 186
• Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme: Direct permanent residency through an Australian employer
• Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA): Regional employer sponsorship with concessional points and English
• Complete 189 visa guide: Read our 189 Visa Australia Guide 2025–26 for full eligibility details

How The Migration helps you secure a 189 invitation

Most applicants who never receive a 189 invitation are not blocked by their occupation — they are blocked by an EOI that misrepresents their points, the wrong ANZSCO code, or a single-EOI strategy that ignores the parallel pathways available. The Migration’s MARN-registered migration agents (members of the Migration Institute of Australia) audit your full profile against live invitation round data, current ANZSCO assessments, and state nomination criteria before you spend on tests, assessments, or applications.

What working with The Migration looks like:

• Points audit and ANZSCO verification: accurate scoring against current cut-offs and the right occupation code for your duties
• Parallel EOI strategy: 189, 190, and 491 EOIs structured to maximise invitation chances every quarter
• State nomination targeting: current 190 criteria for NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, SA, TAS, ACT, and NT
• Decision-ready document preparation: every claim is evidenced before lodgement to compress processing times
• Skills assessment guidance: choosing the right assessing authority and avoiding common refusals
• Quarterly EOI maintenance, updating your EOI before every round to keep you ranked
• Two Australian offices, Harris Park (Sydney) and Melbourne CBD, with video meetings worldwide

Conclusion

The 189 invitation rounds in 2026 reward two things: high points and the right ANZSCO code. The quarterly system has made the timing predictable, but the points threshold has made eligibility narrower than at any point in the program’s history. For applicants in healthcare, education, and trades, the new system is the most accessible 189 environment in years; for applicants in general professional and ICT occupations, the 95+ point threshold has effectively closed the 189 to anyone without Superior English, a skilled partner, or specialist qualifications.

Ready to land your 189 invitation?

Book a consultation with The Migration’s MARN-registered agents. We’ll audit your points, verify your ANZSCO, build a parallel-EOI strategy across the 189, 190, and 491, and prepare a decision-ready application for the next quarterly round.

Frequently Asked Questions