The 15 October 2026 subclass 189 invitation round was a big one. SkillSelect invitation emails kept landing in our inbox all morning, and early market reports point to one of the largest rounds we’ve seen in a while.

Here’s what’s being reported so far, what it tells us, and what you should do next depending on where you stand.

The round at a glance

• Volume: industry estimates suggest at least 15,000 invitations, possibly close to 20,000 (not confirmed)
• Breadth: a broad spread of occupations invited, including some less common ones such as Tennis Coach and Musician (Instrumental)
• Trades: many construction trades reportedly invited from 65 points
• Missed out: some high-demand civil engineering occupations reportedly received no invitations

Reported points by occupation

Reported points vary between sources, so treat these as a guide, not a cut-off. Compiled from multiple market reports and invitations we’ve seen.

Priority occupations

• Early Childhood Teacher: 90 (EOIs from June 2026 reported)
• Social Worker: 80, and 75 with an EOI from 2 September 2026 reported
• Secondary School Teacher: 80
• Registered Nurses nec: 75 (75-point pool reportedly cleared)
• Registered Nurse (Aged Care): 70 (EOI from November 2025 reported)

Health

• 70 points: Physiotherapist
• 75 points: Speech Pathologist, Occupational Therapist, Midwife
• 80 points: General Practitioner, Veterinarian, Radiation Therapist
• 85 points: Medical Laboratory Scientist

Construction trades

• 65 points: Carpenter (reportedly cleared), Wall and Floor Tiler, Plasterer, Bricklayer, Cabinetmaker, Joiner, Electrician (General)
• 70 points: Electronic Instrument Trades Worker
• 75 points: Painter
• 80 points: Welder

Other professional occupations

• 65 points: Solicitor, Musician (Instrumental)
• 70 points: Environmental Research Scientist, Environmental Manager
• 75 points: Tennis Coach, Land Economist
• 80 points: Barrister, Valuer, Management Consultant, Economist, Construction Project Manager, Petroleum Engineer, Mining Engineer, Engineering Manager, Food Technologist, Geophysicist
• 85 points: Architect, Actuary, Chemist, Telecommunications Engineer, Chemical Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Agricultural Consultant, Agricultural Scientist, Arts Administrator, Other Spatial Scientist
• 90 points: Statistician, Materials Engineer, University Lecturer, Landscape Architect
• 95 points: Multimedia Specialist, Life Scientist, Biochemist, Telecommunications Network Engineer
• 100 points: Electronics Engineer

Reportedly not invited

• Civil Engineer
• Civil Engineering Draftsperson
• Civil Engineering Technician

These are popular occupations with large numbers of applicants, which makes this result especially hard for the people waiting in them.

What this round actually tells us

Trades were the standout. Multiple trade occupations were reported at 65 points, the minimum score you can be invited with. Healthcare and priority occupations also moved well.

Points alone don’t decide your outcome. Some people at 65 points were invited today, while others at 90 or more are still waiting. The difference isn’t effort or luck. It’s occupation, timing and pathway choice.

A round this big is a signal. If your occupation didn’t move in a round of this size, waiting for the next round may not be a plan on its own.

If you were invited

• You have 60 days to lodge your application. Don’t leave it to the last week.
• Check that every point you’ve claimed can be backed by evidence. Your skills assessment, work experience, English test results and qualifications all need to match what you claimed in your EOI.
• An invitation isn’t a grant. Most problems we see at the application stage were created at the EOI stage.
• Once your 189 is lodged, withdraw any EOIs you no longer need. Not sure? Get advice before you withdraw anything.

If you’re still waiting

If your occupation moved, but not to your score: look at realistic ways to increase your points, such as a higher English test result, a Professional Year, or partner points.

If your occupation didn’t move at all: state nomination (190 or 491) or employer sponsorship should now be part of your plan, alongside your 189 EOI.

Keep an eye on timing: points test changes are expected next year. If you’re close to a decision, waiting could change what you’re eligible for.

What happens next

We’ll update this page once the Department of Home Affairs publishes official results for this round. Bookmark it and check back.

FAQ

Are these official 189 cut-off scores?
No. They are early, crowdsourced reports. Official results are published by the Department of Home Affairs and may differ.

How long do I have to lodge after a 189 invitation?
You have 60 days from the date of your invitation to lodge your visa application.

My occupation wasn’t invited. Should I keep waiting?
It depends on your occupation, points and visa expiry date. For many people, keeping the 189 EOI active while pursuing 190, 491 or employer sponsorship in parallel is the safer strategy.

Not sure where this round leaves you?
Every situation is different. In a consultation, I’ll look at your occupation, points and timeline, and map out the pathway that makes sense for you.

General information only, not legal advice. Figures are based on preliminary market reports and may change. ‍For full terms governing use of this website and its content, please refer to our Website Terms and Conditions.

Speak with a Riverwood Migration Lawyer

For skilled migration and skills assessment matters, we recommend speaking with Scott Gan, our lawyer specialising in points-tested visas and occupation skills assessments. Book a consultation to discuss your circumstances.

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