Many people are currently waiting for the next round of invitations for the General Skilled Migration Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189). In each invitation round, the number of invitations varies depending on the number of applications and government priorities.
The big question is: “Can you really get a 189 visa with just 65 points?”
The answer is yes, but only for specific occupations. According to the Department of Home Affairs SkillSelect, the latest invitation round in November 2025 showed that some occupations were invited at the minimum points requirement of 65.
This blog will explain which occupations were invited at 65 points and what that means for your chances of getting Australia PR.
The next round of invitations could be as early as May, so it’s important to plan your application as early as possible. Book a consultation with Pathway to Aus to help you assess your chances.
Can You Get Invited at 65 Points for the 189 Visa?
It’s important to note that 65 points is only the minimum requirement for the 189 visa. In most cases, applicants need higher points to receive an invitation.
Because of occupation ceilings, there is a limit to how many applicants can be invited per occupation in each round. Invitations are based on your points score, occupation demand, and your ranking in SkillSelect
Getting invited at 65 points is possible, but only for high-demand occupations with lower competition.
Which jobs got invited at 65 points for the 189 visa?
Below is the list of occupations invited at 65 points in the latest invitation round:
- Airconditioning and Mechanical Services Plumber
- Bricklayer
- Carpenter
- Carpenter and Joiner
- Electrician (General)
- Fibrous Plasterer
- Gasfitter
- Glazier
- Joiner
- Plumber (General)
- Solid Plasterer
- Stonemason
- Wall and Floor Tiler
This list is made up mostly of trade occupations, particularly in the construction sector where demand is high.
However, it’s important to note that not all trade occupations are invited at 65 points, and invitation scores can change in each round.
If you’re considering a trade pathway, you can explore options to study a trade on the Pathway to Aus website.
Not Sure If Your Occupation Qualifies?
If you’re not sure whether your occupation could be invited at 65 points, it’s important to understand your options early.
You can also explore your options to study or migrate to Australia with Pathway to Aus.
Why These Occupations Got Invited at 65 Points
There is currently a strong demand in Australia for trade occupations, especially in construction. We can see from here that the government cares about building houses. In addition to this, the health and education sectors are also in demand, but require higher points. Both of these are usually jobs employed by the government, because the government is trying to fill its needs.
According to Jobs and Skills Australia, 36% of occupations are experiencing shortages nationally and around 50% of shortages are in the Technicians and Trades workers.
Because of this, these occupations are given higher priority, there is often less competition, and lower points may still be enough for an invitation.
What This Means For You
If you’re in a trade occupation, especially one listed above, you may have a strong chance of receiving a 189 visa invitation even at lower points.
However, if you are not in one of these occupations, you may need higher points (85–95+) or you may need to explore alternative visa pathways.
If your occupation is on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List, you might want to consider State Nomination or Employer-Sponsorship.
Not Sure If 65 Points Is Enough for You?
Not sure if your occupation is competitive or if 65 points is enough?
You can also check other visas to Australia that may be available to you.
Important Things to Keep in Mind
It is important to note that being invited at 65 points in one round does not guarantee the same result in future rounds.
Invitation scores can change depending on occupation ceilings, the number of applicants, and government priorities.
This means you can use past invitation rounds as a reference, but you should not rely on them completely.
Pathways to Improve Your Chances
To improve your chances of getting invited:
- Update your Expression of Interest (EOI)
- Improve your points (English, work experience, partner points)
- Check if your occupation is in demand
- Consider state nomination (491 or 190 visa) or employer-sponsorship
- Explore alternative pathways
If you are planning to study, you may need a student visa, or you can explore other visas to Australia.
How Pathway to Aus Can Help
All of this information can feel overwhelming. If you are unsure where to start, Pathway to Aus offers expert guidance.
We can assess your points and occupation demand, help you plan your PR strategy, improve your chances of getting invited,and guide your EOI and visa pathway.
If you’re aiming for a 189 visa and not sure if your points are enough, you can Book a Consultation with our team to discuss your options.
If you’re planning your pathway to Australia PR, it’s always better to understand your chances early and make a plan.
