On 21 August 2025, the Department of Home Affairs held the first Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) invitation round for the 2025–2026 financial year. This round provided new opportunities for highly skilled professionals seeking permanent residency in Australia without employer or state sponsorship.
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What Happened in the August 2025 Invitation Round?
- Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa): Invitations were issued to a wide range of skilled professionals.
- Subclass 190 (State Nominated Visa) and Subclass 491 (Regional Sponsored Visa): No invitations yet, as state governments are waiting for the federal government to release their allocations.
This means that, at present, the 189 visa is the only skilled worker visa in active circulation, while the 190 and 491 are on hold until further government announcements.
Invited Scores for 189 by Occupation (August 2025)
| Occupation | Invitation Score |
|---|---|
| University Lecturer | 90 / 95 points |
| Early Childhood Teacher | 85 points |
| Food Technologist | 95 points |
| Management Consultant | 90 points |
| Materials Engineer | 100 points |
| Solicitor | 90 points |
| Statistician | 90 points |
| Registered Nurse | 80 points |
| Veterinarian | 90 points |
| Secondary School Teacher | 85 points |
| Civil Draftsperson | 95 points |
| Physiotherapist | 80 points |
| Social Worker | 85 points |
These cut-off scores show that health care, education, and engineering remain priority sectors in Australia’s migration program.
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What This Means for Skilled Applicants
- High competition: Most occupations required 85–95 points, showing strong demand.
- Alternative pathways: If you cannot reach these scores, the 190 and 491 visas may provide additional opportunities once states resume invitations.
- Strategic planning: Applicants in Australia on a student visa or a work visa should plan early for permanent residency, focusing on maximising English scores, gaining local work experience, and ensuring skill assessments are in place.
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Common Questions About Skilled Migration
- What is the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)?
It is a points-tested permanent visa that does not require sponsorship by an employer, state, or family member. Successful applicants can live and work anywhere in Australia. - When will the 190 and 491 invitations resume?
Currently, states are awaiting allocations from the federal government. Once provisional or full capacity is released, states can invite applicants again. - How many points do I need for a skilled worker visa in Australia?
In this round, most occupations required 85–95 points, though some healthcare roles received invitations at 80 points.
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AustraliaMigrate – Your Migration Partner
At AustraliaMigrate, we are a leading migration agency in Sydney with more than 25 years of experience. We provide expert assistance with all types of Australia visa applications, including:
- Work visa Australia – including temporary skill shortage (482) and employer-sponsored visas.
- Skilled worker visa Australia – including 189, 190, and 491 visas.
- Student visa Australia – pathways from study to work.
Our migration agents track invitation rounds, government allocations, and policy changes closely, so our clients are always prepared for the next opportunity.
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Final Takeaway
The 21 August 2025 invitation round highlights the importance of being well-prepared for Australia’s skilled migration program. High cut-off scores mean applicants must maximise their points and consider multiple visa pathways.
If you are planning your future in Australia, contact AustraliaMigrate today to discuss your eligibility and map out the right visa strategy for you.
