What is Australia’s SkillSelect Invitation Round? Key Insights & FAQs

Australia’s SkillSelect Invitation Round is a process run by the Department of Home Affairs to invite selected candidates to apply for skilled migration visas. These rounds are held periodically and are used to invite candidates who have submitted an Expression of Interest (EOI) for specific skilled visa subclasses like the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) and Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) – Family Sponsored. Invitations are issued based on a candidate’s points score, occupation, and other selection criteria.

1. What are the visa subclasses covered in the invitation round?

The invitation rounds apply to:

• Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)
• Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) – Family Sponsored

2. How often do invitation rounds occur?

Invitation rounds occur periodically throughout the program year, with the number of invitations varying based on application volumes and program priorities.

3. What is an occupation ceiling?

An occupation ceiling limits the number of invitations issued for certain skilled occupations to maintain diversity in the migration program.

4. How are candidates ranked in SkillSelect?

Candidates are ranked based on their points score. If multiple applicants have the same score, priority is given to those who submitted their Expression of Interest (EOI) earlier.

5. How many invitations were issued in the latest round?

On 7 November 2024, the following invitations were issued:

• Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189): 15,000 invitations (tie-break date: January 2023)
• Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) – Family Sponsored: 0 invitations

6. What were the minimum points required for invitation in key occupation?

Some examples of the minimum points required for subclass 189 invitations:

• Accountant (General) – 95 points
• Civil Engineer – 85 points
• Software Engineer – 95 points
• Registered Nurse (Aged Care) – 70 points
• Chef – 85 points
• Electrician (General) – 65 points

The minimum points vary for each occupation based on demand and available places.

Read here for more comprehensive list: Australia’s Latest Invitation Round Outcomes – November 2024

7. How many invitations have been issued in the 2024-25 program year so far?

• Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189): 22,973 invitations (as of November 2024)
• Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) – Family Sponsored: 0 invitations

8. What is the status of state and territory nomination so far?

Between 1 July 2024 and 28 February 2025, state and territory governments issued:

• Subclass 190 nominations: 9,580 invitations
• Subclass 491 nominations: 5,143 invitations

The highest number of nominations were issued by Victoria (2,740 for subclass 190 and 1,535 for subclass 491).

March 15, 2025