Dreaming of a life Down Under? Australia’s Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) is a highly sought-after pathway to permanent residency for skilled professionals. If you’ve been calculating your points, you know that meeting the minimum threshold of 65 points is just the first step. To truly boost your chances of receiving an invitation, understanding which occupations are currently in demand and what scores they’re being invited at is crucial.
Let’s dive into how you can assess your eligibility and explore some of the professions that have recently seen invitations!
Calculating Your Migration Points
The Australian Department of Home Affairs uses a comprehensive points system to assess eligible skilled migrants. Here’s a general breakdown of how points are awarded:
Criteria | Points (General) |
Age | |
18-24 years | 25 |
25-32 years | 30 |
33-39 years | 25 |
40-44 years | 15 |
English Language Skills | |
Competent English | 0 |
Proficient English | 10 |
Superior English | 20 |
Skilled Employment (Overseas) | |
Less than 3 years | 0 |
At least 3 but less than 5 years | 5 |
At least 5 but less than 8 years | 10 |
At least 8 years | 15 |
Skilled Employment (Australia) | |
Less than 1 year | 0 |
At least 1 but less than 3 years | 5 |
At least 3 but less than 5 years | 10 |
At least 5 but less than 8 years | 15 |
At least 8 years | 20 |
Educational Qualifications | |
Doctorate | 20 |
Bachelor degree or higher | 15 |
Diploma or Trade qualification | 10 |
Recognised qualification for occupation | 10 |
Specialist Education Qualification | |
Masters by research or Doctorate in a relevant field | 10 |
Australian Study Requirement | |
Meet Australian study requirement | 5 |
Professional Year in Australia | 5 |
Credentialled Community Language | 5 |
Study in Regional Australia | 5 |
Partner Skills | |
Single, or partner is an Australian citizen/PR | 10 |
Partner meets age, English & skill criteria | 10 |
Partner has Competent English | 5 |
Top Professions Invited in Recent Rounds (and their Minimum Scores)
While the general minimum for the 189 visa is 65 points, actual invitation scores in recent rounds have often been much higher, especially for popular occupations. The Department of Home Affairs issues invitations based on points score, with those having the highest points and earliest Expression of Interest (EOI) dates being prioritised.
Here are 10 professions that have received invitations in recent SkillSelect rounds, along with their indicative minimum invited scores from the November 2024 round:
Occupation | Subclass 189 Minimum Score Invited |
Bricklayer | 65 |
Carpenter | 65 |
Electrician (General) | 65 |
Registered Nurse (Aged Care) | 70 |
Social Worker | 70 |
Secondary School Teacher | 70 |
Civil Engineer | 85 |
Accountant (General) | 95 |
Computer Network and Systems Engineer | 95 |
Software Engineer | 95 |
Note: These minimum scores are indicative based on past invitation rounds and can fluctuate. Higher scores are always more competitive.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Meeting the minimum 65 points is fantastic, but aiming higher and understanding current invitation trends will significantly improve your chances. If your occupation is on the relevant skilled occupation list and you’ve hit or exceeded the necessary points, it’s time to lodge your Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect.
Stay updated on the latest invitation rounds and detailed information directly from the official source:
- SkillSelect Invitation Rounds – Department of Home Affairs: https://immi.homeairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skillselect/invitation-rounds
- Previous Rounds – Department of Home Affairs: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skillselect/previous-rounds
Don’t miss your chance to be part of Australia’s vibrant future. Start your application journey today!