Subclass 189 Invitation Round: 4 June 2026

The Department of Home Affairs has confirmed the next Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent) invitation round will be held on 4 June 2026. This was announced via MIA Notice 62, published on 29 May 2026.

The Subclass 189 is a points-tested permanent residence visa. It requires no employer sponsorship and no state or territory nomination. Invitations are issued through the SkillSelect system, based on your Expression of Interest (EOI) ranking relative to other candidates in the same occupation.

What Is an EOI and Why Does It Matter?

An Expression of Interest (EOI) is a profile submitted through SkillSelect that signals your intent to apply for a skilled migration visa. You do not lodge a visa application directly. Instead, you must first submit an EOI, and wait to be invited by the Department before you can apply.

Your EOI is ranked against other applicants based on your total points test score. Where multiple applicants hold the same score, the date and time of EOI submission is used as a tiebreaker. This means that an EOI submitted earlier will be ranked ahead of a later EOI with an identical score.

What Score Do You Need for a 189 Invitation?

Cut-off scores for the Subclass 189 have remained competitive. In recent rounds, most occupations have required a minimum score of 85 points, with some high-demand occupations clearing at 90 points or above. However, cut-off scores are not published in advance and vary by occupation and round.

The points test considers factors including age, English proficiency, nominated occupation, Australian study, skilled employment experience, and partner skills. Applicants aged 25 to 32 with strong English and relevant work experience typically achieve the highest base scores.

Who Is Affected by This Round?

This round is relevant to any applicant who:

• Has a current, valid EOI lodged in SkillSelect under the Subclass 189 stream,
• Holds a positive skills assessment for their nominated occupation,
• Meets the minimum 65-point threshold for the points test, and
• Has not yet received an invitation to apply.

Applicants in occupation-specific categories, such as those nominating under the Regional Occupation List or seeking nomination under a state scheme, are not directly affected by this round.

Practical Steps Before 4 June 2026

1. Log in to SkillSelect and confirm your EOI is active and not expired. EOIs are valid for two years from submission.
2. Review your points claim. Ensure all supporting evidence is current, particularly for English test scores (which have expiry periods), employment references, and skills assessments.
3. Check your occupation's cut-off history. Understanding recent trends helps you assess whether your current score is competitive.
4. Do not update your EOI unnecessarily. Updating certain fields can reset your EOI submission date, which may affect your ranking in a tied-score scenario.
5. Seek legal advice if you are unsure about your points claim, occupation eligibility, or whether a different visa pathway may be more appropriate for your circumstances.

Key Takeaways

• The next Subclass 189 invitation round is scheduled for 4 June 2026, as confirmed by MIA Notice 62 (29 May 2026).
• The Subclass 189 is a permanent residence visa requiring no sponsor or state nomination.
• Invitations are competitive and based on EOI points scores within SkillSelect.
• Applicants should verify their EOI is active and their points claim is accurate before the round date.
• Unnecessary EOI edits can reset your submission timestamp, affecting tiebreaker ranking.

The content of this article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration law is complex and subject to change. The information provided may not reflect the most current legal developments. For advice specific to your circumstances, please consult a registered Australian migration lawyer. 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.

Stay Informed on Australian Immigration Law

• YouTube: Johnny Kong | Migration Lawyer
• Instagram: @johnny_migrationlawyer
• Facebook: Riverwood Migration
• TikTok: @johnny_migrationlawyer
• Linktree: linktr.ee/johnny_lawyer