The Department of Home Affairs conducted a SkillSelect round on 4 June 2026, issuing 10,000 Subclass 189 invitations. The next Subclass 189 invitation round is expected by 30 September 2026. Invitation scores varied considerably by occupation; for example, the latest published round showed some occupations receiving invitations at 70 or 75 points while Software Engineer required 95 points. These results illustrate why 65 points should not be presented as a competitive score for every profession.
At the time of this review, the Home Affairs state-allocation page still displays the 2025–26 allocation of 20,350 nomination places, consisting of 12,850 Subclass 190 and 7,500 Subclass 491 places. Individual states are transitioning into the 2026–27 program year, and some new state programs are not yet open.
Disclaimer: Invitation rounds, state programs, occupation lists and nomination criteria can change during the program year. This section should be reviewed monthly and should never permanently promise that a state is open or that a particular score will receive an invitation.
A strong skilled-migration profile normally requires all five elements to align.
1. An eligible occupation
Your nominated occupation must be available for the visa subclass and, for state nomination, accepted by the relevant state.
2. A positive skills assessment
The authorised assessing body must generally recognise your qualifications and experience as suitable for the nominated occupation.
3. Competent English
Competent English is usually the minimum threshold. Higher results can generate additional points.
4. At least 65 points
The legal invitation threshold is 65 points, including state or family sponsorship points where applicable.
5. A competitive invitation position
For Subclass 189, the applicant competes in federal invitation rounds. For Subclasses 190 and 491, the applicant must also compete under state-specific priorities, quotas and nomination requirements.
A person can therefore be:
- Occupation eligible but unable to pass the skills assessment
- Skills-assessment eligible but below 65 points
- Above 65 points but not competitive for an invitation
- Competitive federally but unsuitable for a preferred state
- Suitable for one state but not another
Australia assesses skilled migration through occupation classifications, not through the wording printed on a UAE residence visa, employment card or business card.
For example:
- “IT Manager” may not automatically qualify as ICT Project Manager
- “Finance Manager” may be closer to Accountant, Management Accountant or Finance Manager depending on duties
- “Project Manager” may fall under construction, ICT, engineering or another occupation
- “Business Analyst” may be assessed differently according to systems, process or management responsibilities
- “Quality Manager” may not correspond with the occupation the applicant initially expects
The selected occupation should align with:
- Actual daily duties
- Qualifications
- Employment history
- Level of responsibility
- Industry
- ANZSCO description
- Assessing-authority requirements
- Available visa and state occupation lists
Home Affairs currently uses ANZSCO 2013 for the General Skilled Migration subclasses, while ANZSCO 2022 applies to selected employer-sponsored programs. The combined occupation list also identifies the applicable assessing authority and whether an occupation appears on the MLTSSL, STSOL or Regional Occupation List.
Common assessing authorities
Depending on occupation, assessment may be conducted by organisations such as:
- Australian Computer Society
- Engineers Australia
- VETASSESS
- CPA Australia
- Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand
- Institute of Public Accountants
- Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council
- Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership
- Trades Recognition Australia
- Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors
- Australian Community Workers Association
- Australian Physiotherapy Council
- Occupational Therapy Council
- Australian Dental Council
- Medical Board or relevant medical authorities
Depending on the profession, an assessing authority may examine:
- Degree level
- Degree subject
- Academic transcripts
- Professional registration
- Employment duration
- Employment duties
- Whether experience was gained before or after qualification
- Salary and payment evidence
- Continuing professional development
- Professional examinations
- Competency reports
- Project reports
- Recognition of prior learning
- Licensing requirements
Why experience years may be deducted
Some assessing bodies use part of an applicant’s employment history to establish the required professional skill level.
As a result:
Ten years of total experience does not necessarily mean ten years of points-eligible skilled employment.
The skills-assessment outcome, assessing-authority rules and Home Affairs points rules must be read together before claiming experience points.
Gulf-region evidence commonly reviewed
- Detailed employment letters
- Employment contracts
- Payslips
- Bank salary credits
- WPS records
- Promotion letters
- Residence visas
- Emirates ID
- Company trade licences
- Organisational charts
- Tax or social-insurance records
- Project evidence
- Client documents
- Professional licences
- Self-employment records
Age points
| Age at invitation | Points |
|---|
| 18–24 | 25 |
| 25–32 | 30 |
| 33–39 | 25 |
| 40–44 | 15 |
| 45 or older | Not eligible for invitation |
English points
| English level | Points |
|---|
| Competent English | 0 |
| Proficient English | 10 |
| Superior English | 20 |
Overseas skilled employment
| Eligible overseas experience | Points |
|---|
| Less than 3 years | 0 |
| 3–4 years | 5 |
| 5–7 years | 10 |
| 8 years or more | 15 |
Australian skilled employment
| Eligible Australian experience | Points |
|---|
| Less than 1 year | 0 |
| 1–2 years | 5 |
| 3–4 years | 10 |
| 5–7 years | 15 |
| 8 years or more | 20 |
Combined Australian and overseas employment points are capped under the points test.
Qualifications
| Qualification | Points |
|---|
| Doctorate | 20 |
| Bachelor degree or recognised equivalent | 15 |
| Australian diploma or trade qualification | 10 |
| Qualification recognised by assessing authority | 10 |
Other point categories
| Factor | Points |
|---|
| Australian study requirement | 5 |
| Specialist educational qualification | 10 |
| Credentialled community language | 5 |
| Professional Year in Australia | 5 |
| Study in designated regional Australia | 5 |
| Skilled partner | 10 |
| Single applicant or partner is Australian citizen/PR | 10 |
| Partner with competent English | 5 |
| Subclass 190 state nomination | 5 |
| Subclass 491 nomination or sponsorship | 15 |
The detailed points table is maintained by Home Affairs and should always be checked before an EOI is submitted.
IELTS scores
| Level | IELTS required in each component | Points |
|---|
| Competent | 6 | 0 |
| Proficient | 7 | 10 |
| Superior | 8 | 20 |
Both IELTS Academic and General Training can satisfy the published skilled-migration English levels, subject to the applicable requirements.
PTE Academic scores for tests taken on or after 7 August 2025
| Level | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|
| Competent | 47 | 48 | 51 | 54 |
| Proficient | 58 | 59 | 69 | 76 |
| Superior | 69 | 70 | 85 | 88 |
Other accepted tests
Home Affairs also accepts specified results from:
- CELPIP General
- Cambridge C1 Advanced
- LANGUAGECERT Academic
- Michigan English Test
- OET
- TOEFL iBT
Completely online or at-home tests are generally not accepted for Australian visa purposes.
Subclass 189 is the most independent General Skilled Migration pathway. It does not require:
- State nomination
- Family sponsorship
- Employer sponsorship
- A commitment to one state or regional area
It provides permanent residence and allows the holder to work and study anywhere in Australia.
Basic Subclass 189 requirements
The applicant generally needs to:
- Be invited through SkillSelect
- Be under 45 when invited
- Nominate an eligible occupation
- Obtain a suitable skills assessment
- Have competent English
- Achieve at least 65 points
- Meet health and character requirements
- Prove every point claimed in the EOI
Why 189 is highly competitive
Subclass 189 invitations are controlled federally. Invitation scores vary by:
- Occupation
- Number of available places
- Number of candidates
- Points
- Date of effect
- Government workforce priorities
The June 2026 round demonstrates the variation: some trades and healthcare professions received invitations at lower scores, while Software Engineer required 95 points.
Who should seriously consider 189?
- Candidates aged 25–32
- Applicants with superior English
- Applicants with eight or more years of recognised experience
- Doctorate or strong qualification holders
- Single applicants or applicants with skilled partners
- Applicants in frequently invited occupations
- Profiles with 85–100 or more points, depending on occupation
This is not a fixed rule. Some occupations can be invited below these levels, while others may require more.
Subclass 190 is a permanent visa requiring nomination by an Australian state or territory.
Nomination provides five points, but states do not select applicants on points alone. They may also consider:
- Occupation
- English
- Skilled employment
- Salary
- Age
- State connection
- Onshore or offshore residence
- Job offer
- Study history
- Partner skills
- Regional employment
- Sector priority
- Settlement potential
States assess applicants against criteria unique to their jurisdiction.
Why Subclass 190 may be more realistic than 189
A candidate may be suitable for 190 where:
- Their occupation is not regularly invited under 189
- Their base points need an additional five points
- A state has identified the occupation as a priority
- Their professional background aligns with a state’s economic needs
- They have a genuine commitment to the nominating state
Is Subclass 190 permanent residence?
Yes. Subclass 190 is a permanent visa. However, the applicant obtains nomination based on an expressed intention to settle and contribute to the nominating state. Applicants should not treat nomination merely as a method to obtain PR while intending to immediately settle elsewhere.
Subclass 491 is a five-year provisional skilled visa. A candidate may qualify through:
- State or territory nomination; or
- Sponsorship by an eligible relative living in designated regional Australia
The visa requires the holder and accompanying family members to comply with regional visa conditions.
Why 491 can be strategically stronger
The 491 pathway provides 15 additional points, compared with five points for Subclass 190.
Example:
| Base points |
189 |
190 |
491 |
| 55 | Ineligible | 60 — ineligible | 70 — eligible |
| 60 | Ineligible | 65 — eligible | 75 — eligible |
| 65 | Eligible | 70 | 80 |
| 70 | Eligible | 75 | 85 |
Eligibility still does not guarantee nomination or invitation.
Regional Australia does not mean remote Australia
For migration purposes, designated regional Australia includes many established cities and developed regions outside the three largest metropolitan centres.
The exact eligible postcode list should be checked before relocation or employment decisions.
Permanent pathway through Subclass 191
Subclass 491 holders may potentially progress to the Permanent Residence Skilled Regional Visa Subclass 191 after holding an eligible visa for at least three years and complying with the applicable conditions and requirements.
There is no permanent “best state” for skilled migration. The right state depends on:
- Occupation
- Points
- English
- Work experience
- Current residence
- Australian study
- Job offer
- State ties
- Industry
- Program-year criteria
New South Wales
NSW operates Subclass 190 and 491 nomination pathways. Its published skilled sectors include areas such as: Health, Education, ICT, Infrastructure, Agriculture for regional pathways. NSW Subclass 190 candidates need an eligible occupation within the relevant NSW skills framework. Regional 491 nomination currently includes employment, invitation and regional-graduate pathways.
Victoria
Victoria offers nomination for Subclasses 190 and 491. The state uses a Registration of Interest process and assesses applicants competitively. Subclass 190 permits residence anywhere in Victoria, while Subclass 491 requires residence and work in regional Victoria. As of July 2026, Victoria states that its 2026–27 nomination program is not yet open.
Queensland
Queensland offers nomination for Subclass 190 and regional Subclass 491 pathways. Its programs can distinguish between: Applicants living offshore, Applicants living in Queensland, Graduates, Building and construction workers, Regional business owners. Queensland’s offshore requirements can include current employment in the nominated or closely related occupation.
South Australia
South Australia offers both 190 and 491 state nomination. Its General Skilled Migration program has historically included: Skilled employment in South Australia, South Australian graduates, Outer regional pathways, Highly skilled and talented candidates, Offshore applicants in selected occupations. For offshore applicants, the process begins with an EOI in SkillSelect. South Australia issued invitations through monthly rounds during the 2025–26 program year.
Western Australia
Western Australia offers 190 and 491 nomination according to its state occupation lists and program requirements. Applicants may be considered through general or graduate-related streams depending on the current program year.
Tasmania
Tasmania uses nomination pathways that can consider: Skilled employment, Tasmanian study, Established residence, Business activity, Job offers, Overseas candidate invitations in selected occupations. Tasmania’s eligibility and priority systems should be reviewed before submitting an ROI.
Australian Capital Territory
The ACT uses the Canberra Matrix system for many state-nomination selections. Applicants may receive matrix points for factors such as: ACT residence, ACT employment, English, occupation, partner factors, study, economic contribution. An ACT Matrix score is different from the federal SkillSelect points score.
Northern Territory
The Northern Territory generally focuses on candidates who can demonstrate genuine settlement potential and connection to the territory. Requirements can differ substantially between: Offshore applicants, NT residents, NT graduates, Applicants with employment or family connections.
The most recently published complete allocation table is for 2025–26:
| State or territory |
Subclass 190 |
Subclass 491 |
| ACT | 800 | 800 |
| NSW | 2,100 | 1,500 |
| Northern Territory | 850 | 800 |
| Queensland | 1,850 | 750 |
| South Australia | 1,350 | 900 |
| Tasmania | 1,200 | 650 |
| Victoria | 2,700 | 700 |
| Western Australia | 2,000 | 1,400 |
| Total | 12,850 | 7,500 |
Allocations represent the number of new primary applicants states can nominate. They do not represent the total number of visas granted and do not guarantee every allocation will be used.
The table should be replaced when the 2026–27 allocations are officially published.
Yes. Skilled professionals can pursue General Skilled Migration while living outside Australia. However, state nomination can be more restrictive for offshore candidates. A state may:
- Invite offshore candidates only in selected occupations
- Require several years of recent experience
- Require superior or proficient English
- Restrict 190 nomination but permit 491
- Prioritise health, teaching, engineering or construction
- Require current employment in the occupation
- Require evidence of employability
- Close offshore intake when allocations are limited
Our Dubai office assesses professionals living in:
- Dubai
- Abu Dhabi
- Sharjah
- Ajman
- Ras Al Khaimah
- Fujairah
- Umm Al Cuwain
- Al Ain
- Saudi Arabia
- Qatar
For married applicants, both spouses should be assessed where possible. The better principal applicant may be the spouse with:
- The more favourable occupation
- A stronger skills-assessment pathway
- More points-eligible experience
- Better English
- A younger age
- Better state options
- A profession receiving more invitations
Partner point possibilities
Ten points
Possible where the partner:
- Is under 45
- Has competent English
- Has a suitable skills assessment
- Has an eligible occupation on the relevant list
- Is included in the application
Five points
Possible where the partner has competent English but does not meet the skilled-partner criteria.
Ten points for single status
A single applicant, or an applicant whose partner is an Australian citizen or permanent resident, may receive ten points.
The relationship status declared in SkillSelect must remain accurate and should be updated if circumstances change.
SkillSelect is the Australian Government system through which candidates express interest in applying for:
- Subclass 189
- Subclass 190
- Subclass 491
No supporting documents are uploaded when the EOI is initially submitted, but every point and declaration may later need to be proven.
How long does an EOI remain valid?
An EOI remains active for two years. It should be updated when the applicant obtains:
- New work experience
- A higher qualification
- Better English results
- A new skills assessment
- Change in relationship status
- A new child
- New nomination eligibility
An EOI cannot be updated after an invitation is issued.
Date of effect
When candidates have equal points, the date on which the candidate reached that score can affect invitation order. Updating an EOI may change the date of effect for the relevant points score.
Skills-assessment documents
- Passport
- Degree certificate
- Academic transcripts
- Course details or syllabus where required
- Employment-reference letters
- Salary evidence
- Professional registration
- CV
- Project reports
- Continuing professional development
- Organisational charts
- Self-employment evidence
EOI and nomination documents
- Skills-assessment outcome
- English-test result
- Employment history
- Qualification evidence
- Partner documents
- State-connection evidence
- Job offer where applicable
- Settlement-funds evidence where requested
- Commitment statement
- State ROI documentation
Visa-stage documents
- Identity documents
- Civil-status records
- Marriage evidence
- Children’s documents
- Police certificates
- Health examinations
- Employment evidence
- Skills assessment
- English result
- State nomination
- Evidence supporting every claimed point
| Visa |
Starting primary applicant charge |
| Subclass 189 | AUD 6,135 |
| Subclass 190 | AUD 6,140 |
| Subclass 491 | AUD 6,140 |
| Future Subclass 191 application | From AUD 630 |
The charges changed from 1 July 2026. Additional charges apply for accompanying partners and children, and a second instalment may apply to certain adult applicants who do not have functional English. Fees should be confirmed through the official pricing estimator immediately before lodgement.
Other costs may include:
- Skills-assessment fee
- English test
- State nomination fee
- Police certificates
- Medical examinations
- Translations
- Professional registration
- Professional consultancy
Phase 1 — Strategy
Step 1: Occupation analysis
Identify occupations that match the applicant’s duties, education and professional history.
Step 2: Visa-list analysis
Confirm whether the occupation is eligible for 189, 190, 491 or only selected pathways.
Step 3: State comparison
Assess current state occupation lists and nomination rules.
Step 4: Points forecast
Calculate present points and possible improvement scenarios.
Phase 2 — Qualification
Step 5: English examination
Secure the minimum required English and pursue a higher score where practical.
Step 6: Skills assessment
Prepare and lodge the relevant assessing-authority application.
Step 7: Partner assessment
Determine whether partner skills or English can provide additional points.
Phase 3 — Selection
Step 8: Submit SkillSelect EOI
Enter accurate occupation, points and visa selections.
Step 9: Submit state ROI or nomination interest
Follow the specific state process where required.
Step 10: Maintain the EOI
Update new experience, English, qualifications or family changes.
Step 11: Receive invitation
Invitation may come from Home Affairs or through state nomination arrangements.
Phase 4 — Visa
Step 12: Lodge within the invitation period
Prepare the complete application and supporting documents.
Step 13: Health and character
Complete medical examinations and police-clearance requirements.
Step 14: Visa decision
The Department assesses whether all invitation and visa requirements were satisfied at the relevant times.
Before invitation
- Wrong occupation selected
- Occupation not eligible for desired subclass
- Negative skills assessment
- English score below requirement
- Claiming experience not recognised by assessing authority
- Score too low for the occupation
- State program closed
- State does not accept offshore applicants
- EOI not updated
- Assuming 65 points guarantees invitation
After invitation
- Unable to prove claimed work experience
- Incorrect partner points
- English result expired or invalid
- Skills assessment not valid
- Employment letter duties do not match occupation
- Points fell below invited score
- Qualification not recognised as declared
- Incorrect relationship information
- Inconsistent dates
- Missing police or character information
- Failure to lodge within the invitation period
