Australia’s Subclass 189 Invitation Round – 21 August 2025

🌏 What Are Invitation Rounds?

Australia runs its skilled migration program through SkillSelect, an online system where applicants submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). From this pool, the government conducts invitation rounds, where candidates with the highest ranking EOIs (based on their points score, occupation, and other factors) are invited to apply for a skilled visa.

The Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent Visa is one of the most popular categories because it allows migrants to live and work permanently anywhere in Australia without needing state or employer sponsorship. Each invitation round provides a snapshot of which occupations are in demand and what points score is competitive.

📅 First Round of 2025–2026 Program Year

On 21 August 2025, the Department of Home Affairs conducted the first invitation round for the 2025–2026 program year. Invitations were issued under the Subclass 189 Visa, setting the tone for the new migration cycle.

This round was particularly important as it highlighted:

• The points cut-offs by occupation, ranging from 65 points up to 110 points.
• A strong demand for trades and healthcare roles.
• The fact that state and territory allocations for Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 are still pending. Once allocations are released, states will begin their own nomination rounds, opening up more opportunities.

📊 Occupations by Minimum Points Score (Subclass 189 – 21 August 2025)

🟢 Invited at 65 Points

• Airconditioning and Mechanical Services Plumber
• Bricklayer
• Carpenter
• Carpenter and Joiner
• Drainer
• Electrician (General)
• Electrician (Special Class)
• Glazier
• Joiner
• Plumber (General)
• Roof Plumber
• Solid Plasterer
• Stonemason
• Wall and Floor Tiler

🟡 Invited at 70 Points

• Painting Trades Worker

🔵 Invited at 75 Points

• Clinical Psychologist
• Metal Machinist (First Class)

🟣 Invited at 80 Points

• Audiologist
• Cardiologist
• Emergency Medicine Specialist
• Gastroenterologist
• General Practitioner
• Intensive Care Specialist
• Medical Diagnostic Radiographer
• Medical Practitioners nec
• Medical Radiation Therapist
• Midwife
• Neurologist
• Nuclear Medicine Technologist
• Nurse Practitioner
• Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
• Occupational Therapist
• Ophthalmologist
• Optometrist
• Psychiatrist
• Registered Nurse (all major categories including Aged Care, Community Health, Critical Care, Medical, Surgical, Paediatrics, Perioperative, etc.)
• Physiotherapist
• Podiatrist
• Sonographer
• Specialist Physician (General Medicine)
• Speech Pathologist
• Thoracic Medicine Specialist
• Urologist

🟠 Invited at 85 Points

• Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teacher
• Educational Psychologist
• Orthopaedic Surgeon
• Paediatric Surgeon
• Paediatrician
• Psychologists nec
• Secondary School Teacher
• Special Needs Teacher
• University Lecturer

🔴 Invited at 90 Points

(Large cluster of occupations in this category)

• Actuary
• Agricultural Consultant
• Agricultural Scientist
• Architect
• Arts Administrator or Manager
• Biochemist
• Biotechnologist
• Boat Builder and Repairer
• Cartographer
• Chemical Engineer
• Chemist
• Child Care Centre Manager
• Civil Engineering Draftsperson
• Civil Engineering Technician
• Conservator
• Construction Project Manager
• Economist
• Electrical Engineering Draftsperson
• Electrical Engineering Technician
• Engineering Manager
• Environmental Consultants, Managers, and Scientists
• Fibrous Plasterer
• Food Technologist
• Forester
• Land Economist
• Landscape Architect
• Life Scientists (all categories)
• Management Consultant
• Marine Biologist
• Materials Engineer
• Medical Laboratory Scientist
• Metallurgist
• Mining Engineer (excluding Petroleum)
• Musician (Instrumental)
• Natural & Physical Science Professionals nec
• Panelbeater
• Petroleum Engineer
• Physicist
• Primary Health Organisation Manager
• Solicitor
• Statistician
• Surveyor
• Valuer
• Veterinarian
• Welder (First Class)
• Zoologist

🔺 Invited at 95+ Points

• Barrister – 95
• Electronic Instrument Trades Worker (Special Class) – 95
• Electronics Engineer – 95
• Meteorologist – 95
• Registered Nurse (Mental Health) – 95
• Tennis Coach – 95

🚨 Invited at 100+ Points

• Dermatologist – 100
• Osteopath – 100
• Metal Fabricator – 105
• Electronic Equipment Trades Worker – 110

📝 Key Insights from the Round

• Trades roles were invited at 65 points, the lowest cut-off of the round.
• Healthcare professionals mostly needed 80 points, reflecting critical demand but also strong competition.
• Teachers and psychologists were invited at 85 points, consistent with demand in education and mental health.
• Engineers, scientists, and legal professionals needed 90 points or higher, showing high competition.
• Specialist roles like Dermatologists, Osteopaths, and Fabricators required 100–110 points, the highest thresholds.

📌 Conclusion

The 21 August 2025 invitation round sets the stage for the 2025–2026 migration program year. It clearly highlights Australia’s focus on construction trades, healthcare professionals, and educators.

With state and territory allocations still pending, applicants can expect further opportunities once the Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 nomination programs are activated.

👉 For official updates, check the SkillSelect Invitation Rounds page.

At Dream Harbour Global, we help aspiring migrants turn opportunities like this into reality. Whether you are exploring your eligibility, need guidance on Expression of Interest (EOI) submissions, or want end-to-end support with visa documentation, our experienced team can guide you through the process. Reach out to us today for a free eligibility assessment and start your journey toward securing Australian permanent residency.