The Department of Home Affairs held its latest Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) invitation round on 15 October 2026. It is the first 189 rounds since June. Pathway to Aus clients received 33 invitations, including in the occupations listed below. Several were invited with as low as 65 points.
This is a timely reminder that in Australia’s 189 visa invitation round, your occupation can matter just as much as your score. If your occupation sits anywhere near this round’s list, it’s worth getting your Expression of Interest (EOI) reviewed now rather than waiting. Talk to a Pathway to Aus migration agent about where you currently stand.
Key Takeaways
- The latest 189 visa invitation round invited several trade occupations, including carpenters, with notably low points.
- Points cut-offs vary by occupation demand within Australia’s 189 visa invitation round, not a fixed national threshold.
- A 189 visa invitation starts a 60 day window to lodge your full permanent visa application.
Disclaimer
These results reflect this round only and don’t indicate which occupations or points will apply next round.
Which Occupations and Points Were Invited in this 189 Visa Invitation Round?
So which occupations were part of the 189 visa invitation round in October 2026? Check out the table below
|
Occupation |
Lowest points among our invited clients |
|
Carpenters |
65 |
|
Panelbeaters |
70 |
|
Boat builders and repairers |
70 |
|
Electrical engineering draftsperson |
70 |
|
Painting trades workers |
75 |
|
Pediatrics |
80 |
|
Spatial scientists |
80 |
|
Psychologists NEC |
80 |
These figures reflect the invitations that our Pathway to Aus clients received and are not the Department’s official cut-offs. The official results for the full round usually appear six to eight weeks later, so treat this table as an early snapshot rather than the final record.
Why Some Occupations Need Fewer Points for the 189 Visa
There is no single points cut-off for the 189 visa. Each occupation has its own queue. Within each occupation, the highest-ranked EOIs are generally invited first.
When two EOIs have the same score, the one that reached that score earlier goes first. When fewer eligible people compete in an occupation, invitations can reach lower scores. That is why our carpenter clients were invited from 65 points while our registered nurse clients needed 80. However, do note that this is not an established minimum points requirement.
A Trade Pathway Story: Romain’s 189 Visa
Disclaimer: Romain’s story is a separate client case study and is not a result from this October 2026 invitation round.
Romain came to Australia on a student visa and completed a Certificate III in Painting and Decorating. He then worked on a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). Through the Job Ready Program with Trades Recognition Australia, he received a full skills assessment as a painter. He was later invited to apply for a 189 visa, and it was granted.
His story shows why a trade pathway is worth considering, rather than focusing on your points score alone. You can read Romain’s journey here.
What Do These Results Mean for Your EOI?
A lower cut-off doesn’t make the visa itself easier to get. It means you may be invited at a lower score in some occupations. You still need a positive skills assessment, a strong EOI in SkillSelect, and accurately reflect your circumstances. You also need at least 65 points from age, English, qualifications and work experience. Your score must also be high enough for your occupation on the day of the round, and you must meet all other visa requirements.
If your occupation was invited in this round, check your EOI. An extra year of verified work experience or a higher English test score may improve your ranking.
Hasn’t Reviewed Your EOI in a While?
If it’s been a while since your EOI was last reviewed, it may be worth another look. Your points may have changed since you last checked. Book an EOI review with Pathway to Aus and we’ll check whether your EOI reflects where you actually stand.
What to Do After Receiving Your 189 Visa Invitation
Once you receive your invitation, you have 60 days to draft and lodge your permanent visa application. That time can pass quickly. You’ll need to gather identity, skills and work documents, get police certificates, and complete health examinations when asked. Missing or incorrect documents may delay your application, so preparation matters as much as the invitation.
This is where having support can make the 60 days feel more manageable. Our Pathway to Aus agents are happy to walk through what’s needed with you, whenever you’re ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can we expect the next 189 visa invitation round?
Invitation rounds are generally held periodically throughout the programme year, and the next 189 visa invitation round in 2026 will likely follow a similar pattern, though exact dates depend on occupation ceilings and Department scheduling.
How often is the 189 invitation round?
The 189 invitation round generally occurs multiple times across the programme year, with frequency depending on occupation demand and the number of places remaining under each occupation ceiling.
How long does it take to get PR after a 189 invitation?
After a 189 visa invitation, you generally have 60 days to lodge your permanent visa application, and processing from there can take several months to over a year, depending on the complexity of your case and current Department processing volumes.
How many invitations are issued in each 189 visa invitation round?
The number of invitations issued in each 189 visa invitation round depends on the remaining places under each occupation’s ceiling for that programme year, so the total can vary significantly from round to round.
What is the minimum points score for the 189 visa?
The minimum points score for the 189 visa is generally 65, though in practice the score needed to actually receive an invitation is often higher and depends on demand within your specific occupation.
