Australia Skilled Migration Update: Subclass 189 Invitation Round – 15 October 2026
Australia Issues 20,000 Subclass 189 Invitations – October 2026 Round
The Department of Home Affairs has released the results of the SkillSelect invitation round conducted on 15 October 2026, with 20,000 invitations issued for the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189).
The invitation results provide an overview of the minimum points scores and tie-break dates recorded for the occupations included in this round. These details can help skilled professionals understand the competitive nature of Australia’s points-tested skilled migration program and assess their own Expression of Interest (EOI) strategy.
The Department conducts invitation rounds periodically throughout the program year for the following visa subclasses:
- Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)
- Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) – Family Sponsored
However, submitting an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect does not guarantee an invitation to apply for a visa. The number of invitations issued and the occupations selected may vary between rounds, depending on Australia’s economic and workforce requirements and the number of applications already held by the Department.
How Does the SkillSelect Invitation Process Work?
1. Points Score Ranking
For the subclass 189 and subclass 491 Family Sponsored pathways, EOIs are generally ranked according to their points scores. Applicants with higher points scores receive priority over applicants with lower scores, subject to the relevant invitation arrangements and eligibility requirements.
2. Tie-Break Date
When two or more EOIs have the same points score, the Department uses the date and time at which the EOI reached that score for the relevant visa subclass. This is known as the tie-break date or date of effect.
Where points scores are equal, an EOI with an earlier date of effect is prioritised over an EOI with a later date of effect.
3. Minimum Points Scores Are Not a Guarantee
The minimum points score shown in the invitation results reflects the score associated with invitations issued for a particular occupation in that round. It should not be treated as a guaranteed invitation threshold for future rounds.
Invitation outcomes may differ depending on the occupation, points score, tie-break date, program settings and the number of invitations available.
October 2026 SkillSelect Invitation Round – Key Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Invitation round date | 15 October 2026 |
| Visa subclass | Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) |
| Total invitations issued | 20,000 |
| Data provided | Occupation, minimum points score and tie-break date |
| Other invitation pathway covered by the Department’s general process | Subclass 491 – Family Sponsored |
Subclass 189 Invitations by Occupation: Minimum Points Scores and Tie-Break Dates
The following table reproduces the occupation-level invitation data supplied for the 15 October 2026 round, including repeated entries and dates as provided.
| Occupation | Minimum points score | Tie-break date |
|---|---|---|
| Actuary | 85 | 03/09/2026 |
| Agricultural Consultant | 80 | 03/09/2026 |
| Agricultural Scientist | 80 | 04/09/2026 |
| Airconditioning and Mechanical Services Plumber | 65 | 19/09/2026 |
| Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic | 65 | 08/10/2026 |
| Architect | 85 | 06/08/2026 |
| Arts Administrator or Manager | 65 | 01/10/2026 |
| Audiologist | 70 | 29/10/2025 |
| Automotive Electrician | 65 | 10/10/2026 |
| Barrister | 70 | 27/03/2026 |
| Biotechnologist | 90 | 09/02/2026 |
| Boat Builder and Repairer | 65 | 13/08/2026 |
| Bricklayer | 65 | 17/09/2026 |
| Cabinetmaker | 65 | 14/10/2026 |
| Cardiologist | 75 | 14/10/2026 |
| Carpenter | 65 | 21/09/2026 |
| Carpenter and Joiner | 65 | 15/09/2026 |
| Cartographer | 85 | 25/03/2026 |
| Chemical Engineer | 85 | 10/07/2026 |
| Chemist | 80 | 01/01/2026 |
| Child Care Centre Manager | 85 | 14/10/2026 |
| Chiropractor | 80 | 04/09/2026 |
| Clinical Psychologist | 90 | 28/09/2026 |
| Conservator | 90 | 16/09/2026 |
| Construction Project Manager | 80 | 04/09/2026 |
| Dancer or Choreographer | 65 | 07/07/2026 |
| Dermatologist | 85 | 03/04/2026 |
| Diagnostic and Interventional Radiologist | 75 | 27/09/2026 |
| Drainer | 65 | 15/07/2026 |
| Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teacher | 90 | 22/07/2026 |
| Economist | 65 | 15/10/2026 |
| Educational Psychologist | 65 | 15/10/2026 |
| Electrical Engineering Draftsperson | 65 | 15/10/2026 |
| Electrical Engineering Technician | 65 | 29/09/2026 |
| Electrician (General) | 65 | 18/09/2026 |
| Electrician (Special Class) | 65 | 19/02/2026 |
| Electronic Equipment Trades Worker | 65 | 13/10/2026 |
| Electronic Instrument Trades Worker (General) | 65 | 12/10/2026 |
| Electronic Instrument Trades Worker (Special Class) | 65 | 29/08/2026 |
| Electronics Engineer | 95 | 21/11/2025 |
| Emergency Medicine Specialist | 70 | 19/07/2025 |
| Endocrinologist | 80 | 06/03/2026 |
| Engineering Manager | 80 | 04/08/2026 |
| Environmental Consultant | 65 | 01/10/2026 |
| Environmental Manager | 65 | 13/10/206 |
| Environmental Research Scientist | 65 | 06/10/2026 |
| Environmental Scientists nec | 65 | 13/10/2026 |
| Fibrous Plasterer | 65 | 04/08/2026 |
| Fitter (General) | 80 | 12/08/2026 |
| Fitter-Welder | 80 | 13/08/2026 |
| Food Technologist | 80 | 20/12/2025 |
| Footballer | 70 | 28/05/2026 |
| Forester | 80 | 01/07/206 |
| Gasfitter | 70 | 29/09/2026 |
| Gastroenterologist | 75 | 16/04/2026 |
| General Practitioner | 70 | 18/11/2025 |
| Geophysicist | 80 | 28/08/2026 |
| Glazier | 65 | 10/09/2026 |
| Horse Trainer | 65 | 28/09/2026 |
| Hydrogeologist | 80 | 16/08/2026 |
| ICT Security Specialist | 100 | 08/11/2024 |
| Intensive Care Specialist | 75 | 23/12/2025 |
| Joiner | 65 | 21/08/2026 |
| Land Economist | 65 | 12/09/2026 |
| Landscape Architect | 85 | 28/07/2026 |
| Life Scientist (General) | 90 | 22/01/2026 |
| Life Scientists nec | 90 | 03/02/2026 |
| Lift mechanic | 80 | 12/11/2025 |
| Locksmith | 65 | 09/10/2026 |
| Management Consultant | 80 | 07/09/2026 |
| Marine Biologist | 95 | 16/09/2026 |
| Materials Engineer | 85 | 16/05/2026 |
| Medical Diagnostic Radiographer | 70 | 20/11/2025 |
| Medical Laboratory Scientist | 80 | 31/08/2026 |
| Medical Diagnostic Radiographer | 70 | 20/11/2025 |
| Medical Laboratory Scientist | 80 | 31/08/2026 |
| Medical Oncologist | 70 | 26/08/2025 |
| Medical Practitioners nec | 70 | 20/11/2025 |
| Medical Radiation Therapist | 75 | 27/05/2026 |
| Metal Fabricator | 80 | 28/08/2026 |
| Metal Machinist (First Class) | 80 | 10/08/2026 |
| Metallurgist | 80 | 25/08/2026 |
| Meteorologist | 85 | 11/03/2026 |
| Microbiologist | 90 | 04/01/2026 |
| Midwife | 70 | 18/10/2025 |
| Mining Engineer (excluding Petroleum) | 80 | 25/08/2026 |
| Multimedia Specialist | 90 | 01/06/2026 |
| Music Director | 70 | 15/09/2026 |
| Musician (Instrumental) | 65 | 29/09/2026 |
| Natural and Physical Science Professionals nec | 85 | 06/09/2026 |
| Neurologist | 75 | 29/05/2026 |
| Neurosurgeon | 85 | 05/08/2026 |
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist | 70 | 15/02/2026 |
| Nurse Practitioner | 70 | 18/08/2025 |
| Nursing Clinical Director | 75 | 17/11/2025 |
| Obstetrician and Gynaecologist | 70 | 20/10/2025 |
| Occupational Therapist | 70 | 20/11/2025 |
| Ophthalmologist | 80 | 16/09/2026 |
| Optometrist | 80 | 24/08/2026 |
| Orthopaedic Surgeon | 80 | 10/08/2026 |
| Orthotist or Prosthetist | 80 | 07/04/2026 |
| Osteopath | 80 | 02/09/2026 |
| Other Spatial Scientist | 80 | 28/08/2026 |
| Paediatrician | 70 | 23/06/2026 |
| Painting Trades Worker | 70 | 01/07/2026 |
| Panelbeater | 65 | 13/10/2026 |
| Pathologist | 70 | 18/10/2026 |
| Petroleum Engineer | 80 | 17/08/2026 |
| Physicist | 80 | 28/08/2026 |
| Physiotherapist | 70 | 20/11/2025 |
| Plumber (General) | 65 | 11/06/2026 |
| Podiatrist | 70 | 15/03/2025 |
| Primary Health Organisation Manager | 65 | 14/10/2026 |
| Psychiatrist | 70 | 22/07/2025 |
| Psychologists nec | 80 | 15/08/2026 |
| Radiocommunications Technician | 85 | 31/01/2025 |
| Registered Nurse (Aged Care) | 70 | 20/11/2025 |
| Registered Nurse (Child and Family Health) | 70 | 21/08/2025 |
| Registered Nurse (Community Health) | 70 | 11/11/2025 |
| Registered Nurse (Critical Care and Emergency) | 70 | 18/11/2025 |
| Registered Nurse (Developmental Disability) | 70 | 10/04/2025 |
| Registered Nurse (Disability and Rehabilitation) | 70 | 26/08/2025 |
| Registered Nurse (Medical Practice) | 70 | 10/11/2025 |
| Registered Nurse (Medical) | 70 | 19/11/2025 |
| Registered Nurse (Mental Health) | 70 | 10/10/2025 |
| Registered Nurse (Paediatrics) | 70 | 19/11/2025 |
| Registered Nurse (Perioperative) | 70 | 19/11/2025 |
| Registered Nurse (Surgical) | 70 | 15/11/2025 |
| Registered Nurses nec | 70 | 19/11/2025 |
| Roof Plumber | 65 | 20/09/2026 |
| Secondary School Teacher | 80 | 04/09/2026 |
| Sheetmetal Trades Worker | 65 | 12/08/2026 |
| Shipwright | 65 | 16/09/2025 |
| Social Worker | 80 | 03/09/2026 |
| Solicitor | 65 | 15/10/2026 |
| Solid Plasterer | 65 | 18/09/2026 |
| Sonographer | 75 | 29/09/2026 |
| Special Education Teachers nec | 80 | 21/07/2026 |
| Special Needs Teacher | 80 | 22/08/2026 |
| Specialist Physician (General Medicine) | 75 | 21/09/2026 |
| Specialist Physicians nec | 85 | 19/09/2026 |
| Speech Pathologist | 70 | 29/10/2025 |
| Statistician | 85 | 02/09/2026 |
| Stonemason | 65 | 15/09/2026 |
| Surgeon (General) | 90 | 12/09/2026 |
| Surveyor | 80 | 15/09/2025 |
| Technical Cable Jointer | 70 | 19/08/2026 |
| Telecommunications Engineer | 85 | 14/10/2026 |
| Telecommunications Field Engineer | 85 | 11/10/2026 |
| Telecommunications Network Engineer | 85 | 06/10/2026 |
| Telecommunications Network Planner | 85 | 11/10/2026 |
| Telecommunications Technical Officer or Technologist | 85 | 14/10/2026 |
| Tennis Coach | 65 | 01/12/2025 |
| University Lecturer | 90 | 14/07/2026 |
| Urologist | 100 | 04/06/2026 |
| Valuer | 65 | 10/10/2026 |
| Veterinarian | 80 | 02/09/2026 |
| Wall and Floor Tiler | 65 | 19/09/2026 |
| Welder (First Class) | 80 | 01/09/2026 |
| Welfare Centre Manager | 65 | 28/09/2026 |
| Zoologist | 95 | 23/07/2026 |
What Do These Results Mean for Skilled Migration Applicants?
The October 2026 invitation results demonstrate that minimum points scores differ considerably across occupations. Some occupations recorded minimum scores of 65 points, while others required substantially higher scores, including 100 points for ICT Security Specialist and Urologist in this round.
Applicants should avoid relying solely on the minimum points score recorded for their occupation. The tie-break date is also important when multiple EOIs have the same score, and future invitation rounds may produce different outcomes.
Before lodging or updating an EOI, applicants should consider their nominated occupation, skills assessment, English language results, qualifications, skilled employment history, age, partner factors and other applicable points-test criteria. Eligibility requirements and documentation should be assessed separately from the invitation results.
Important Considerations Before Submitting an EOI
- Check your occupation: Confirm that your nominated occupation and skills assessment align with the applicable skilled visa requirements.
- Calculate your points accurately: Ensure that every claimed point is supported by the relevant evidence.
- Review your tie-break date: If you are competing at the same points score as other applicants, the date you reached that score may matter.
- Keep your EOI updated: Update relevant information when your circumstances change, ensuring all information remains accurate and supportable.
- Consider alternative pathways: Depending on your circumstances, other skilled, employer-sponsored, state-nominated or regional visa options may be worth assessing.
- Do not assume an invitation is guaranteed: A particular score in one round does not guarantee an invitation in a future round.
Professional Migration Assistance – 7 Stars Global Migration
At 7 Stars Global Migration, we assist prospective skilled migrants in understanding their migration options and preparing for the relevant application process.
Our services may include:
- Skilled migration pathway assessment
- Points-test assessment and EOI guidance
- Skills assessment pathway guidance
- Review of relevant visa eligibility criteria
- Advice on suitable visa options based on individual circumstances
- Application preparation and document review
Every applicant’s circumstances are different. A suitable migration strategy should be based on individual eligibility, supporting evidence and the requirements applicable at the time of assessment.
7 Stars Global Migration
Precision in Every Decision.
Mian M. Z. Rafi – MARN 2519146
Registered Migration Agent
Website: https://www.7starsgm.com.au
Email: consult@7starsgm.com.au
Disclaimer: This article is general information only and does not constitute migration advice for an individual case. Invitation-round results and migration requirements can change. The occupation-level figures above reproduce the data supplied for this article and should be checked against the Department of Home Affairs’ official publication before relying on them. An invitation is not a guarantee of visa grant; applicants must satisfy all applicable visa criteria.
Source: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skillselect/invitation-rounds