Invitation Rounds: Updates on Subclass 189, 190, and 491 Visa Invitations and Nominations

Below are the most recent updates for Australia’s invitation round for the 2023–2024 migration programme year. This covers:

• SkillSelect 189 and 491 (Family Sponsored) visa invitation rounds
• State/territory nominations for 190 and 491 (state-nominated) visa invitation rounds

We’ve compiled all essential information to help you plan your Australian migration strategically, including eligible occupations and minimum points scores, as well as the number of nominations and remaining nomination places for state/territory rounds.

SkillSelect 189 Invitation Round 

The latest 189 Skilled Independent visa invitation round was held last 18 December 2023. The results are as follows:

*The minimum points score to qualify for an invitation for this round has remained the same as the previous round, standing at 65 points.

Occupations Included in the Latest 189 Invitation Rounds

Here are the specific occupations that were issued invitations, as well as their respective minimum scores.

*The minimum scores specified above should give you an idea of the level of competition for each occupation. While the minimum score of 65 set by the Department qualifies you for the SkillSelect pool, meeting the minimum score for your specific occupation is required to receive an invitation to apply.

Use this free PR Calculator to see your chances of qualifying for the next round of invitations.

The 189 visa applies to invited workers with skills Australia needs. This visa allows one to live and work permanently anywhere in Australia. For this visa, you don’t need a sponsor or a nominator.

Invitations Issued for the 2023–2024 Program Year

Below is an overview of the number of invitations given out per month for the current programme year.

Previous 189 Invitation Rounds

Learn more about the previous 189 invitation rounds below:

• 25 May 2023 Invitation Rounds (189 Visa) 

SkillSelect 491 Invitation Round (Family Sponsored)

These are the results from the latest Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (491 visa) – Family Sponsored held on December 18, 2023.

*The minimum points score to qualify for invitation for this visa has remained the same as the previous round, standing at 65 points.

Occupations Included in the Latest 491 Invitation Rounds

The table below shows the specific occupations and their corresponding minimum scores included in the latest invitation rounds:

*Outcomes may indicate either a lack of eligible candidates for invitation or that candidates did not meet the invitation criteria.

**The minimum scores indicated above show how competitive each occupation is. This means that besides the minimum score of 65 set by the department, you must meet your occupation’s minimum score to increase your chances of receiving the invitation.

The 491 visa allows invited skilled workers to live and work in regional Australia with an opportunity to apply for permanent residency after 3 years. Calculate your PR points to see if you meet the minimum score for the next invitation rounds.

Note that only applicants sponsored by an eligible relative are qualified for this type of invitation round. 

Invitations Issued for the 2023-2024 Program Year

Below is an overview of the number of invitations given out per month for the current programme year.

Previous 491 Invitation Rounds

More information on previous 491 invitation rounds are linked below:

• 25 May 2023 Invitation Rounds (491 – Family Sponsored Visa)

State/Territory Invitation Rounds

As of writing, these are the total number of visa nominations and remaining nomination places for the current year for each/state territory.

Note that states/territories hold invitation rounds at different times of the program year, oftentimes on an ongoing basis.

More information on each state/territory invitation rounds are detailed in the specific pages below:

• ACT – Australian Capital Territory Invitation Round 
• NSW – New South Wales Invitation Round 
• NT – Northern Territory Invitation Round 
• QLD – Queensland Invitation Round
• SA – South Australia Invitation Round 
• TAS – Tasmania Invitation Round 
• VIC – Victoria Invitation Round 
• WA – Western Australia Invitation Round

Frequently Asked Questions: Invitation Round 

What is an invitation round, and how does it work?

An invitation round is a system that the Australian government employs to identify and select suitable migrants who match the country’s current labour market needs.

There are two main types of invitation rounds in Australia: 

• SkillSelect Invitation Rounds
  • Run by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA).
  • Open to all eligible applicants for one of the following visas:
    • Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) 
    • Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) – Family Sponsored
  • It generally runs quarterly, but the frequency can vary 

• State/territory nomination invitation rounds
  • Run by individual state/territory governments.
  • Open to all eligible applicants for one of the following visas:
    • Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) 
    • Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) – State or Territory Nominated
  • State/territory government nominations are independent of DHA’s invitation rounds, although nomination allocations for the program year are set by the DHA.
  • The frequency varies depending on the state/territory. Some run it on an on going business, while others hold it more irregularly at unpredictable intervals
  • State/territory government nominations are based on their own criteria. In general, state and territory governments are looking for applicants with skills that are in demand in their jurisdiction and who are willing to live and work in regional Australia.

How does the invitation round process work?

The invitation process is straightforward:

1. The applicant first creates and submits an Expression of Interest (EOI).

The EOI is an online application that outlines their skills, qualifications, experience, and English language proficiency. They must submit it on the SkillSelect website.

2. The DHA or state/territory governments, assess the EOIs and calculate the points score.

They assign points based on a range of factors, including age, education, work experience, and English language skills. 

The minimum points score (also referred to as the cutoff score) required to receive an invitation varies depending on the visa subclass and the occupation of the applicant. 

For state/territory applications, there are other factors that influence the cutoff, such as the remaining monthly allocation of nominations, demand, and so on.

3. Invitations are sent to suitable applicants. 

The highest-ranked applicants who meet the eligibility criteria for the respective visa subclass will be invited. Once invited, they must lodge their visa applications within the specified time frame.

Why are there occupation ceilings?

In some cases, limits to the number of invitations that can be issued for each occupation are set. These are called occupation ceilings. 

This ensures that the skilled migration program is regulated and remains aligned with Australia’s labour market needs. Additionally, it prevents oversaturation in specific occupations.

What does this tell you as a skilled migration visa applicant?

• Carefully consider your occupation choice. Choosing an occupation with a higher ceiling may help your chances of receiving an invitation. But, you must also make sure your skills and experience align with the chosen occupation.
• Occupation ceilings change periodically, so you must stay informed. Consider alternative occupations or enhancing your skills and qualifications to align with occupations with higher ceilings.

Consider exploring regional migration options. Regional migration paths often offer higher chances of securing an invitation due to increased occupation ceilings and more pronounced labour market needs in these areas.

Can an individual obtain an Australian skilled migration visa without being invited?

You cannot obtain an Australian general skilled migration visa (e.g. 189, 190, 491 visas) without being invited first. 

Invitations are mandatory for all skilled visa applicants under the SkillSelect system and state/territory nomination rounds. The invitation serves as a preliminary indication that an applicant meets the basic eligibility criteria for the visa subclass and occupation they have nominated.

Should I apply for visas under the SkillSelect invitation rounds or the state/territory invitation rounds?

The decision of whether to apply under the SkillSelect invitation rounds or the state/territory nomination rounds depends on your individual circumstances and preferences.

With SkillSelect invitation rounds, you have a wider range of visa options, more flexible occupation choices, and no requirement to live in a regional area. However, this pathway typically has higher competition.

On the other hand, state/territory invitation rounds often cater to specific occupations that address urgent labour shortages. If you have sufficient experience and skills, you’re likely to receive a nomination to apply.

Where can I find the minimum point score for each occupation in each state/territory?

The minimum points score for each occupation varies depending on the visa subclass, the state/territory, and the invitation round. 

You can find the latest minimum point scores for SkillSelect invitation rounds on the Department of Home Affairs website. For state/territory invitation rounds, check the websites of the relevant state/territory governments.

What should I do once I receive an invitation?

Once you receive an invitation, you must lodge your visa application within the limited specified timeframe. You should carefully review the invitation letter and gather all the required documentation to support your application. 

Better yet, consider seeking professional assistance from a registered migration agent to ensure your application is complete and accurate.

How do I know if I am eligible for an invitation round?

To be eligible for an invitation round, you must:

• Have created an Expression of Interest (EOI)
• Meet the minimum eligibility criteria for the visa subclass you are applying for.
• Have a valid skills assessment for your occupation.
• Have scored at least the minimum point score for your occupation in the most recent invitation round. 

Keep in mind that skilled migration is generally competitive. Even when you meet the eligibility criteria set by both the DHA and a specific state/territory, there is no guarantee of receiving an invitation.

Get professional eligibility guidance for a smooth Australian migration

With over 10 years of industry experience, our experienced migration agents at KBA Global are ready to offer you tailored guidance and data-based advice. 

Your success is all we care about, which is why we’ll be upfront with you on what you can expect and how you can improve your chances of receiving an invitation.

Everything starts with a simple call. Book a free consultation with one of our registered migration agents today!

Disclaimer: The above information is a general guide and not professional immigration advice. Be aware that immigration laws and regulations can change swiftly, potentially rendering some or all of the information outdated. Thus, before using the information above, we recommend checking the current laws through assistance from a migration agent or the Department of Home Affairs website.