Waiting for your 189 or 491 visa invitation? You’re not alone. Many applicants are currently waiting for the next round, but the process has become more competitive and less predictable.
Invitations for visas like the 189 (Skilled Independent) and 491 (Skilled Work Regional) are managed through Australia’s SkillSelect system. Because invitation rounds are not announced ahead of time, it can be difficult to know when the next round will happen.
In this guide, we’ll explain how invitation rounds work, when the next round may happen, and what you should do now to improve your chances.
Not Sure If You’ll Get Invited?
If you’re unsure how likely you are to receive an invitation, it’s important to understand your options early.
You can also explore your options to study or migrate to Australia to see which pathway suits your situation.
How Invitation Rounds Work
To be considered for a 189 or 491 visa, you must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect.
Once submitted, your profile is placed in a pool and ranked against other applicants. Invitations are then issued to candidates with the strongest profiles based on several factors.
Here’s what affects your chances:
- Your points score
- Your occupation and current demand
- The date you submitted your EOI (used as a tie-breaker)
Although 65 points is the minimum requirement, most invitations are issued to applicants with higher scores. This means simply meeting the minimum does not guarantee an invitation.
When is the Next 189 / 491 Invitation Round?
There are no fixed dates published for invitation rounds.
However, 189 visa invitations are usually issued at intervals throughout the year and 491 visa invitations can happen more frequently, especially through state nomination programs.
The number of invitations and timing can change depending on migration targets and government priorities.
Because of this, it’s important to stay prepared rather than wait for a specific round.
Latest Invitation Trends
Recent rounds show a stronger focus on occupations that Australia needs most, rather than just high points.
Some key trends include a priority for healthcare, trades, and engineering roles. Invitations vary depending on occupation demand and there is increased competition, especially for offshore applicants.
This means your occupation can have a major impact on your chances, not just your points.
What This Means for Applicants
Points still matter, but they are no longer the only deciding factor. Some applicants receive invitations at 75–80 points while others may need 90+ points, depending on their occupation.
Because of this, relying only on the 189 visa can be risky. Many applicants now explore other options such as:
- 491 or 190 visas
- Employer-sponsored visas
- Study pathways leading to PR
If you are planning to study as part of your pathway, you may need a student visa.
Not Sure If You Should Keep Waiting?
Not sure if you should wait or explore other visa options? Many applicants are now adjusting their strategy based on their situation.
You can also check other visas to Australia to understand what options are available. Pathway to Aus can help guide you through selecting the best pathway for you.
189 vs 491 Visa: Which is Better For You?
189 Visa
- Permanent residency
- No sponsorship required
- Highly competitive
491 Visa
- Regional visa with PR pathway
- Requires state nomination
- More accessible for many applicants
For many people, the 491 visa is currently a more realistic option.
What You Should Do Before the Next Round
To improve your chances:
- Update your Expression of Interest (EOI)
- Improve your points (English, work experience, partner points)
- Check if your occupation is in demand
- Consider state nomination
- Explore alternative pathways
How Pathway to Aus Can Help
At Pathway to Aus, we help students and skilled workers understand their PR options and visa pathways in Australia.
We can help you assess your chances for 189 or 491, plan your visa strategy, guide your EOI and requirements, or explore study or alternative pathways.
If you’re unsure where to start, you can book a consultation with our team.
If you’re waiting for the next invitation round and not sure what your chances are, it’s always better to plan early.
