Get your Expression of Interest (EOI) ready! The Department of Home Affairs has confirmed that the next invitation round for the Skilled Independent visa (Subclass 189) will take place on 13 November 2025.
This timely announcement gives you a definitive date to aim for—a valuable opportunity to fine-tune your application and maximise your chances of receiving an invitation to permanent residency in Australia.
What Is the Subclass 189 Visa?
The Subclass 189 visa is one of Australia’s most sought-after pathways to permanent residency for skilled professionals who are not employer-sponsored.
Unlike state-nominated or regional visas, the 189 visa allows you to live and work anywhere in Australia with complete flexibility. It’s a points-tested visa, meaning your eligibility depends on achieving a competitive points score through factors like age, English proficiency, work experience, and qualifications.
Priority Occupations for November 2025
In this upcoming round, Australia is actively seeking highly skilled workers across priority sectors including:
- Educators & teachers – addressing critical shortages in schools across the country
- Health & aged-care professionals – nurses, allied health workers, and medical practitioners
- Medical specialists – doctors in high-demand specialties
- Trades and allied professions – electricians, carpenters, plumbers, and construction specialists
If your occupation falls within these categories, now is the time to ensure your EOI is current and your points score is as competitive as possible.
What You Should Do Now
With the invitation round just days away, here’s your action plan to maximise your chances:
1. Update Your EOI in SkillSelect
Log into the SkillSelect system and ensure all information is current. Update your EOI with:
- Recent work experience gains
- New English test results (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL)
- Partner skills contributions
- NAATI accreditation or professional year completion
- Any new qualifications or certifications
Even a small points increase can make the difference between receiving an invitation or missing out.
2. Verify Your Skills Assessment
Ensure your skills assessment is valid and matches your nominated occupation (ANZSCO code). An expired or incorrect skills assessment will result in your EOI being overlooked, regardless of your points score.
3. Calculate Your Points Score
Review your current points total using our points calculator tool. Consider whether you can quickly boost your score through:
- Superior English (8+ in IELTS or equivalent in other English tests): adds 10-20 points
- Partner skills: adds 5-10 points depending on their qualifications
- NAATI accreditation: adds 5 points
- Professional Year: adds 5 points
- State nomination (if 189 points are insufficient): consider Subclass 190 or 491 pathways
4. Prepare Documentary Evidence
If invited, you’ll need to submit a complete visa application within 60 days. Start gathering:
- Educational certificates and transcripts
- Employment references and payslips
- English test results
- Police clearances
- Health examination arrangements
- Partnership evidence (if claiming partner points)
5. Submit Early
Don’t wait until the last minute. Ensure your EOI is submitted and current well before 13 November. The system processes EOIs based on points score first, then by date of effect—the earlier your EOI reached its current points score, the better your chances in a tie-break scenario.
Insights from Previous Invitation Rounds
Understanding past invitation rounds can help you set realistic expectations and refine your strategy.
Invitation Volume & Timing
Recent rounds have shown significant variation in invitation numbers:
- 21 August 2025: 6,887 invitations issued for Subclass 189
- 7 November 2024: 15,000 invitations issued for Subclass 189
- 25 May 2023: 7,427 invitations (priority occupations only—health & education)
Key insight: Larger rounds like November 2024’s 15,000 invitations indicate broader eligibility, while smaller, targeted rounds focus on priority occupations. This variability means staying prepared is essential—you never know when your occupation will be prioritised.
Minimum Points & Occupation Breakdown
Points requirements vary dramatically by occupation. Here’s what recent rounds have shown:
August 2025 Round:
- Trades & construction: Cut-offs as low as 65 points (bricklayers, carpenters, electricians)
- Health & allied health: Most invited at 75-80 points (clinical psychologists, physiotherapists)
- Highly competitive occupations: Cut-offs reaching 90-110 points (accountants, ICT professionals, engineers)
November 2024 Round:
- Accountants: 95 points required
- Actuaries: 85 points
- Trades: 65-70 points
Critical takeaway: Your occupation’s demand level directly impacts the points threshold. High-demand trades may succeed with 65-70 points, while competitive professional roles often require 85-100+ points.
When multiple applicants have the same points score, the date of effect (when your EOI reached that score) determines who receives an invitation first. Earlier is always better.
Occupation Focus Trends
Australia consistently prioritises:
- Health & education sectors – teachers, nurses, allied health professionals
- Construction and trades – addressing infrastructure projects and labour shortages
- STEM and professional roles – engineers, ICT specialists (more competitive but still critical)
If your occupation falls within these priority areas, your pathway is stronger—but optimising your points score remains non-negotiable.
Strategic Considerations for Your Migration Journey
The 13 November announcement provides clarity, but your success depends on strategic preparation:
If Your Occupation Is Highly Competitive
If you’re in a competitive field (accounting, IT, engineering), consider:
- Achieving superior English scores (IELTS 8+ or equivalent in other tests)
- Completing a professional year
- Gaining additional work experience (especially in Australia)
- Exploring state nomination options through Subclass 190 or Subclass 491
If Your Occupation Is in High Demand
Trades and priority health roles may have lower thresholds, but don’t assume you’re guaranteed an invitation:
- Past rounds show variation—don’t rely on consistently low thresholds
- Maximise your score anyway to improve your position in the queue
- Ensure your skills assessment is from the correct assessing authority
Keep Your EOI Current
Migration policy and points allocations can change. Quarterly invitation rounds are now the expected pattern, so:
- Review your EOI regularly
- Update information as circumstances change
- Stay informed about policy updates and migration news
Have a Plan B
If you miss this round, don’t be discouraged. Consider:
- State nomination pathways – 190 and 491 visas add extra points
- Regional migration – broader occupation lists and lower competition
- Employer sponsorship – 482 TSS visa or 186 ENS visa
- Boosting points for the next round
How WiseKangaroo Can Help You Succeed
Navigating Australia’s skilled migration system requires expertise, precision, and strategic planning. At WiseKangaroo, we specialise in guiding skilled professionals like you through every step of the journey.
Our Services Include:
Points Assessment & Maximisation We’ll calculate your exact points score, factoring in all available contributions, and identify the fastest ways to boost your score.
EOI Preparation & Lodgement We’ll prepare your Expression of Interest with accuracy and strategic positioning to maximise your invitation chances.
Skills Assessment Coordination We’ll guide you through the skills assessment process with the appropriate assessing authority for your occupation.
Strategic Migration Planning We’ll identify the best visa pathway for your circumstances—whether that’s 189, 190, 491, or employer sponsorship.
Complete Visa Application Support If invited, we’ll prepare your complete visa application, ensuring all documentation meets Department of Home Affairs requirements.
Plan B Development If your occupation doesn’t receive invitations this round, we’ll develop alternative pathways—state nomination, regional visas, or timing adjustments.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Book a free eligibility assessment with our registered migration agents. We’ll review your profile, calculate your points, and develop a personalised strategy for the 13 November round and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What points score do I need for the 189 visa in November 2025?
A: The minimum is 65 points to submit an EOI, but competitive scores vary by occupation. Recent rounds show trades requiring 65-70 points, health professionals 75-80 points, and competitive occupations like accounting or IT requiring 90-100+ points. Your specific occupation’s demand determines the actual threshold.
Q: Can I update my EOI after submitting it?
A: Yes, you can update your EOI at any time before receiving an invitation. However, if your points increase, the “date of effect” resets to when you reached the new score, which may affect your position in the queue during tie-breaks.
Q: What happens if I miss the November 13 round?
A: Don’t worry—SkillSelect invitation rounds are expected to continue quarterly. Use the time to boost your points, explore state nomination options, or consider alternative visa pathways. We can help you develop a Plan B strategy.
Q: How quickly do I need to apply after receiving an invitation?
A: You have 60 days from receiving your invitation to lodge a complete visa application. This is a strict deadline—if you miss it, your invitation expires and you’ll need to wait for another round.
Q: Should I consider state nomination if my 189 points aren’t high enough?
A: Absolutely. State nomination through Subclass 190 adds 5 points, while regional nomination through Subclass 491 adds 15 points. Both can significantly improve your chances and offer alternative pathways to permanent residency.
Stay Smart, Stay Ready
With the 13 November 2025 invitation round approaching and future rounds expected quarterly, your timing and preparation will make the difference between success and missed opportunity.
Start preparing now:
- Update your EOI today
- Calculate your points score
- Gather your documentation
- Consider strategic points boosts
- Develop a backup plan
Need expert guidance? Our team of registered migration agents is ready to help you navigate the complexities of skilled migration and maximise your chances of success.
Last updated: 7 November 2025. Information current as of publication date. Migration policies and invitation rounds are subject to change. Always verify with the Department of Home Affairs for the most current information.
This article is for general information only. For specific advice about your circumstances, consult a registered migration agent.
