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October 2026 Subclass 189 Invitation Round: What You Need to Know
The Department of Home Affairs issued 20,000 invitations for the Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) visa on 15 October 2026, marking the first invitation round of the 2026–27 programme year.
This is double the 10,000 invitations issued in June 2026, with minimum invited scores ranging from 65 to 100 points, depending on occupation.
For skilled migrants already living in Australia, the results raise an important question: Was your occupation invited, and what does your current points score mean for your PR pathway?
What Is the Subclass 189 Visa?
The Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa (Points-tested stream) is a permanent residence visa for eligible skilled workers who do not require employer, state or family sponsorship.
Applicants must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect and receive an invitation before applying.
Eligibility depends on factors including age, nominated occupation, skills assessment, English language proficiency and points score.
Meeting the minimum eligibility threshold of 65 points does not guarantee an invitation.
October 2026 Round at a Glance
- Invitation Date: 15 October 2026
- Total Invitations: 20,000
- Visa Subclass: 189 Skilled Independent
- Minimum Invited Scores: 65–100 points
- Official Results: Published by the Department of Home Affairs
Minimum Points Scores by Occupation
The October round showed significant differences in minimum invited scores across occupations.
Selected results include:
- 65 points: Carpenter, Bricklayer, Electrician (General)
- 70 points: Audiologist, General Practitioner
- 80 points: Construction Project Manager
- 85 points: Architect
- 90 points: Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teacher, Clinical Psychologist
- 95 points: Electronics Engineer
- 100 points: ICT Security Specialist
These are the lowest scores invited for each occupation in this round, not guaranteed invitation thresholds for future rounds.
Applicants should review the official SkillSelect results for their nominated occupation before making decisions about their EOI.
Who Was Affected by This Round?
Eligible applicants with active Subclass 189 EOIs could be considered based on the applicable invitation criteria.
Invitations are generally prioritised by points score. Where applicants have the same score, SkillSelect uses the Date of Effect, meaning the date and time the EOI reached that score, to determine priority.
Applicants who were not invited may remain in the SkillSelect pool, provided their EOI remains valid.
An EOI generally remains active for two years, but submitting one does not guarantee an invitation.
Practical Steps If You Were Not Invited
If you missed out on the October round, consider the following:
- Review your occupation's minimum invited score and compare it with your current EOI points.
- Check your EOI details, including employment history, English test results and qualifications.
- Assess potential additional points through eligible partner skills, English proficiency or other applicable factors.
- Check your skills assessment and ensure it meets the requirements for your intended visa.
- Consider alternative pathways, including Subclass 190 state nomination, Subclass 491 regional nomination or eligible employer-sponsored visas.
If you are approaching an age-related points change or your current visa is nearing expiry, reviewing your options early is particularly important.
Already received an invitation?
You generally have 60 days from the invitation date to lodge your visa application. For the 15 October 2026 round, this falls on 14 December 2026, subject to the deadline specified in your invitation.
Before lodging, ensure your documents support the points and eligibility claims made in your EOI.
Key Takeaways
- 20,000 Subclass 189 invitations were issued on 15 October 2026.
- Minimum invited scores ranged from 65 to 100 points, depending on occupation.
- Some trades received invitations at 65 points, while certain engineering and ICT occupations required considerably higher scores.
- SkillSelect uses points scores and the Date of Effect to prioritise EOIs.
- Applicants who were not invited should review their EOI and consider other available migration pathways.
- Invited applicants generally have 60 days to lodge, and all EOI claims must be supported by evidence.
Invited for Subclass 189 or Still Waiting?
An invitation is an important step towards PR, but it does not guarantee visa approval.
If you've received an invitation, it is important to verify your points claims, skills assessment and supporting documents before lodging.
If you're still waiting, your current points score, occupation and visa expiry date may affect your next steps.
At Riverwood Migration, our migration lawyers can help you review your eligibility, EOI and available skilled migration pathways.
Book a consultation with Riverwood Migration to review your options before making your next move.
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.
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