The Department of Home Affairs has released the list of occupations invited in the November 189 Invitation Round.
This was a significant round, with 15,000 EOIs invited across many occupations, ranging from 65 to 115 points.
In this blog post, we will discuss the key occupations invited, the points required for eligibility, and how this round compares to the two previous rounds in 2024.
What is the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)?
The 189 Visa is a Permanent Residency visa in Australia. This visa is a points-based system, where applicants must meet specific criteria, including work experience, English proficiency, and educational qualifications. The 189 Visa is not tied to a specific employer, offering more flexibility to work and live anywhere in Australia.
The 189 Invitation Round is a key component of this process, where the Australian government invites applicants who have lodged their Expression of Interest (EOI) to apply for the visa. Invitations are based on the applicant’s points score, with higher scores leading to a better chance of receiving an invitation.
The November 2024 189 Invitation Round
In the November 2024 189 Invitation Round, a total of 15,000 EOIs were invited. The round invited a range of occupations with varying points thresholds, with skilled workers from several industries benefiting from the opportunity to apply for the 189 Visa.
Like the last two rounds in June and September, the November invitation round included many trades such as Bricklayer, Cabinetmaker, Carpenter, Electrician, Painter, and Plumber, all with a minimum of 65 points.
Occupations Invited in the November 2024 Round
The following are some examples of the occupations invited in the November 2024 round, along with the minimum points required for each:
- Bricklayer, Cabinetmaker, Carpenter, Electrician, Painter, and Plumber: Invited with a minimum of 65 points.
- Architect, Construction Project Manager, Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teacher, Midwife, Social Worker, and Registered Nurses: Invited with a minimum of 70 points.
- Educational Psychologist, Pathologist, Metal Fabricator and General Practitioner: Invited with a minimum of 75 points.
- Civil Engineers, External Auditors, and Motor Mechanics: Invited with a minimum of 85 points.
- Accountants, ICT Business Analysts, and Diesel Motor Mechanics: Invited with a minimum of 95 points.
Comparison to the 2024 Invitation Rounds
This November 2024 invitation round follows two earlier rounds that took place in June 189 Invitation Round and September 189 Invitation Round 2024. The first round in June invited approximately 5,292 EOIs, while the September round saw 7,973 invitations.
Interestingly, the migration planning level for 2024-2025 indicates that the government planned to grant 16,900 visas for the Skilled Independent visa. However, more invitations have already been issued, with 7,973 invitations in September and 15,000 in November, totalling 22,973 invitations this financial year.
One key trend in 2024 has been the higher number of invitations for skilled trades in the building sector with many occupations being invited with minimum of 65 points.
Will there be more 189 invitation rounds this financial year?
There is a possibility of additional 189 invitation rounds in the coming months, as the Australian government continues to prioritize skilled migration to address critical workforce shortages. However, given the high number of invitations already issued, there may not be further rounds. Despite this, we remain hopeful that additional invitations will be extended during this financial year.
If you are looking for guidance on your 189 visa application or need help with your Expression of Interest (EOI), don’t hesitate to reach out to an experienced immigration lawyer or migration agent to help you navigate the process.
If you are not receiving an 189 visa invitation, you should also consider other visa options, such as employer-sponsored visas (186 visa, 482 visa, 494 visa), DAMA, or a Partner Visa if you have an Australian partner.
Sources:
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skillselect/invitation-rounds
