Australia has conducted a new Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) invitation round on 15 October 2026, bringing encouraging developments for skilled professionals seeking permanent residency in Australia.

The invitation round is particularly important for applicants who have submitted an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect and are waiting for an invitation to apply for Australian permanent residency.

Early reports indicate that invitations have been received across several occupations, including registered nurses, teachers, engineers, social workers, scientists and construction trades.

Important: As of this update, the Australian Department of Home Affairs has not yet published the complete official results for the 15 October 2026 round. The occupation scores discussed below are based on early reported invitations and should not be interpreted as official minimum invitation scores.

1. October 2026 Subclass 189 Invitation Round — Quick Summary

What Does This Mean?

The latest invitation activity indicates that Australia continues to invite eligible skilled workers through its independent skilled migration program.

However, invitation scores differ considerably between occupations, and meeting the minimum eligibility requirement of 65 points does not guarantee an invitation.

2. Occupations and Points Reported in the 15 October 2026 Round

Early invitation reports provide an indication of the occupations receiving invitations and the points scores of selected applicants.

The following table presents a selection of reported invitations.

Healthcare, Education and Social Services

Engineering, Science and Other Professional Occupations

Construction and Trade Occupations

Important clarification: These figures represent individual invitations reported by applicants or migration service providers. They are not verified occupation-wide minimum scores. The official SkillSelect results may include additional occupations, different minimum scores and more invitations than those publicly reported so far.

3. What Is the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)?

The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is one of Australia's principal points-tested permanent residency pathways.

It allows eligible skilled workers to obtain Australian permanent residency without requiring sponsorship from an Australian employer or nomination by a state or territory government.

Key Benefits of Subclass 189

Successful applicants can generally:

• Live permanently in Australia.

• Work in their chosen occupation or another lawful occupation.

• Study in Australia.

• Access Medicare, subject to eligibility.

• Include eligible family members in their visa application.

• Sponsor eligible relatives under applicable immigration programs.

• Apply for Australian citizenship when they meet the relevant requirements.

Unlike Subclass 190 and Subclass 491, the Skilled Independent Visa does not require state or territory nomination.

4. How Does Australia Select Applicants for Subclass 189?

Australia uses the SkillSelect system to identify eligible candidates for invitation.

Applicants first submit an Expression of Interest containing information about their qualifications, employment experience, English language proficiency and other relevant factors.

Their profiles are assessed under Australia's points-tested migration framework.

Points Are Generally Awarded For:

• Age

• English language proficiency

• Overseas skilled employment experience

• Australian skilled employment experience

• Educational qualifications

• Australian study

• Partner qualifications or English proficiency

• Professional Year completion, where applicable

• Other eligible points-test factors

The minimum points threshold for Subclass 189 eligibility is generally 65 points.

However, 65 points is not a guaranteed invitation score.

Applicants compete within the SkillSelect system, and actual invitation scores can vary by occupation, demand and invitation-round settings.

5. What Do the October 2026 Invitation Scores Tell Us?

The early results offer several interesting observations.

Healthcare Occupations Continue to Receive Invitations

Registered nurses across multiple specialisations have appeared in the reported invitation results.

This includes aged care, mental health and other nursing categories.

Several reported nursing invitations were issued at approximately 75 points, although other applicants reported higher scores.

This indicates continued invitation activity in healthcare occupations.

Teaching and Social Services Remain Relevant

Teachers and social workers have also appeared among reported invitations.

Reported scores for teaching occupations have varied, demonstrating that different occupations can experience different levels of competition.

Construction Trades Show Invitations at Lower Points

Some reported invitations for carpenters and other construction trades have appeared at scores starting from 65 points.

This is particularly relevant for skilled tradespeople considering Australian permanent residency.

However, these reports should not be interpreted as a guarantee that all applicants in these occupations with 65 points will receive invitations.

Engineering and Science Occupations Show Higher Scores

Some engineering and science occupations have appeared at reported scores of 85–95 points.

This demonstrates why applicants should assess their competitiveness according to their specific nominated occupation rather than relying on a general points benchmark.

6. Comparison With the Previous Invitation Round

The previous officially published Subclass 189 invitation round took place on 4 June 2026.

During that round, Australia issued 10,000 invitations under Subclass 189.

The minimum points varied considerably across occupations.

Note: June figures are official minimum invitation scores. October figures are individual reported scores, not official minimums. Consequently, this table should not be used to calculate definitive increases or decreases in occupation cutoffs.

7. What Does This Invitation Round Mean for Pakistani Applicants?

For skilled professionals in Pakistan, the October 2026 invitation round provides useful information about the occupations receiving invitations and the points scores reported by selected candidates.

Applicants considering Australian permanent residency should focus on three important factors.

1. Your Occupation Matters

Invitation scores are not identical across occupations.

An applicant with 75 points in one occupation may receive an invitation, while another applicant with a higher score in a different occupation may remain in the EOI pool.

2. A Positive Skills Assessment Is Essential

Applicants generally need a suitable skills assessment from the relevant Australian assessing authority.

For example, the applicable assessing authority depends on the nominated occupation.

3. Improving Your Points Can Improve Competitiveness

Applicants may be able to improve their points through factors such as:

• Higher English language test scores

• Additional eligible skilled employment experience

• Eligible partner points

• Other recognised points-test criteria

Any claimed points must be supported by evidence and satisfy the applicable requirements.

8. Already Submitted an EOI? What Should You Do?

Applicants who have already submitted an Expression of Interest should review their SkillSelect profiles.

Recommended Actions

Check your SkillSelect account: Confirm whether an invitation has been received.

Review your EOI information: Ensure your claimed points and personal details remain accurate.

Check your skills assessment: Confirm that it remains valid for the relevant requirements.

Review English test validity: Ensure your English language evidence meets the applicable requirements.

Prepare supporting documents: Applicants receiving invitations should be ready to provide evidence supporting the claims made in their EOI.

Observe the application deadline: Invitations generally specify a deadline for submitting the visa application. Applicants should follow the deadline stated in their invitation.

9. Did Not Receive an Invitation? What Happens Next?

Not receiving an invitation in the October round does not necessarily mean an applicant is ineligible for Australian skilled migration.

An EOI may remain active for consideration in future rounds, subject to SkillSelect requirements.

Applicants may consider:

• Improving their points score.

• Reviewing their nominated occupation and skills assessment.

• Updating eligible employment experience.

• Improving English language proficiency.

• Exploring Subclass 190 state nomination opportunities.

• Considering Subclass 491 regional skilled migration pathways.

• Monitoring future invitation rounds.

The most appropriate pathway depends on the applicant's individual circumstances and eligibility.

10. When Will the Official October 2026 Results Be Released?

The Department of Home Affairs has not yet published the complete official occupation-wise results for the 15 October 2026 Subclass 189 invitation round.

The official publication is expected to clarify:

• Total number of invitations issued

• Occupations invited

• Minimum points scores by occupation

• Tie-break information

• Other relevant invitation-round statistics

Until those results are published, early invitation reports should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

October 2026 Subclass 189 Round — Summary for Applicants

The 15 October 2026 invitation round is an important development for skilled professionals seeking Australian permanent residency.

Here are the main takeaways:

1. Australia has conducted a new Subclass 189 invitation round. Invitations have been reported across healthcare, teaching, engineering, science and construction occupations.

2. Reported invitation scores vary significantly. Early reports show scores ranging from approximately 65 to 95 points.

3. Some construction trades have reported invitations at 65 points. However, this does not establish the official minimum cutoff for every trade occupation.

4. Healthcare and teaching occupations continue to feature in invitation reports. Several nursing and teaching occupations have received reported invitations.

5. Official results are still awaited. The Department of Home Affairs has not yet confirmed the complete invitation totals and occupation-wise minimum scores.

6. Applicants should focus on accurate EOIs and competitive points scores. A higher score may improve competitiveness, but no particular score guarantees an invitation.

Stay Updated With Jaggi Consultants

Jaggi Consultants is closely monitoring Australia's Subclass 189 invitation rounds, SkillSelect results and skilled migration developments.

We will continue publishing updates as the Australian Department of Home Affairs releases official invitation statistics, occupation-wise points requirements and other important immigration announcements.

Follow Jaggi Consultants for the latest news covering Australian skilled migration, Subclass 189, Subclass 190, Subclass 491, skills assessments and permanent residency pathways.

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