189 invitation round postponed
Yesterday's 189 invitation round pushed back - more time to get your EOI ready.
The Department of Home Affairs has advised that the next Skilled Independent (subclass 189) invitation round is now expected to be held by the end of October 2026.
For anyone already sitting in the SkillSelect pool - or close to being ready to lodge an EOI - this gives you a little more time to make sure everything is accurate and up to date.
In the last 189 invitation round, a number of construction trades received invitations from 65 points, including:
• Bricklayer - 65
• Carpenter - 65
• Carpenter and Joiner - 65
• Drainer - 65
• Electrician (General) - 65
• Electrician (Special Class) - 65
• Fibrous Plasterer - 65
• Glazier - 65
• Joiner - 65
• Plumber (General) - 65
• Roof Plumber - 65
• Solid Plasterer - 65
• Stonemason - 65
• Wall and Floor Tiler - 65
Other trades were invited at higher scores, including Gasfitter at 70 points and occupations such as Cabinetmaker, Automotive Electrician, Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic, Metal Fabricator and Welder (First Class) at 80 points.
Previous invitation scores do not tell us what the October round will look like, and reaching 65 points does not guarantee an invitation.
But if you are waiting for the next round, now is a good time to check:
✓ Is your EOI completely up to date?
✓ Are all points you are claiming supported by evidence?
✓ Have you gained additional skilled employment?
✓ Have your English results, qualifications or circumstances changed?
✓ Are you also considering 190, 491 or employer-sponsored pathways rather than relying on 189 alone?
The 189 invitation round is separate from State and Territory nomination rounds for subclasses 190 and 491.
If you’re living in WA and work in an eligible trade, WA State Nomination may also be worth considering. WA continues to prioritise building and construction trade occupations, and eligible migrants granted a WA-nominated 190 or 491 visa may also be able to access the Construction Visa Subsidy Program.
Under the current CVSP, eligible construction workers may receive up to $5,000 if applying onshore or up to $10,000 if applying offshore, subject to the program requirements and eligible employment in WA’s construction industry.
So if you’re waiting for a 189 invitation, it may be worth looking at your 189, 190, 491 and employer-sponsored options together rather than relying on one pathway alone.
If you would like your skilled migration options reviewed before the next round, Nua Migration can assess the pathways available to you.
Nua Migration | MARN 2619599
General information only. Previous invitation scores do not predict future invitation outcomes. Eligibility, nomination and visa options depend on individual circumstances and current requirements.