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Here are the results of the 2 most recent SkillSelect invitation rounds in July and August 2020. Chris Johnston comments on the likely future of the subclass 189 and 491 (family-sponsored) visas in the coming months.

 Skill Select Round Results

The Most Recent Australian SkillSelect Invitation Round Results for 2019/2020 program year, Occupation Lists for the Skilled - Independent Visa (subclass 189) and Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491)

(This article was originally posted as "The Most Recent Australian SkillSelect Invitation Round Results for 2018/2019 program year, Occupation Lists for the Skilled - Independent Visa (subclass 189) and Skilled – Regional Visa (Provisional) (subclass 489)" and includes the results from the 2018/2019 program year)

Skill Select Round Results

• January 2020
• December 2019
• January/Febuary 2019
• December 2018
• November 2018
• October
  
• September
  
• August
  
• July 
• June

SkillSelect Round Results January 2020

Good News for Skilled Visa Applicants as Invitations for 189 and 491 (family sponsored) Visas Increase

January 2020 SkillSelect Invitation Round

The latest report on invitations issued by the Department of Home Affairs shows that 1,000 invitations were issued for the Skilled Independent subclass 189 visa on 10 January 2020. This is a significant increase from the 250 invitations that were issued for the same visa subclass at the last round in December 2019.

A total of 300 invitations were issued for the subclass 491 (family sponsored stream) in this invitation round.

Cut-off Score – 90 Points

Whilst the number of invitations for both the 189 and the 491 (family sponsored stream) has increased, the minimum points remain high. The minimum points for both visa subclasses are 90 points. This minimum point score may be difficult for offshore applicants to access as most applicants rely on points earnt from studies in Australia or regional areas of Australia.

Although the positive change is that points awarded for state sponsorship has now increased to 15 points, in comparison to the previous 10 points.

Source: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skillselect/invitation-rounds

Still Tough Times for Some Occupations

Although there has been a slight decrease in the cut-off scores, minimum requirements for some occupations, such as accountants, auditors and electronic engineers, remain high. It is expected that the points for these occupations, particularly for accountants, will remain high or continue to rise. (link to https://www.workvisalawyers.com.au/news/all/accountants-applying-for-australian-migration-face-high-points-requirements-how-to-increase-your-points-for-employer-sponsored-rsms-187-ens-186-independent-189-489-and-state-nomination-190-skilled-visas.html)

Our View

Potential for More 189 Invitations

A total of 16,652 Skilled Independent 189 visas are available for the 2019-2020 financial year (link to https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/what-we-do/migration-program-planning-levels). Based on this number, we expect that the Department of Home Affairs may issue more monthly invitations. If over 1,300 invitations are issued per month for the 189, there is a potential for the point cut-off scores to decrease in future rounds. Regardless, scores for popular occupations, such as accountants, are likely to remain high.

More Family Sponsored Stream 491 Visas

There has also been an increase in invitations issued to the subclass 491 (family sponsored stream). In this round, a total of 300 invitations were issued in this stream. Previously, only 10 invitations were issued per month, with a rough estimate of 100 invitations for the year.  This meant that it was practically impossible to receive an invitation under this stream. With the recent increase in the number of invitations, the 491 (family sponsored stream) is becoming a more viable option.

 SkillSelect Round Results February 2019

The Department of Home Affairs has released the Australian SkillSelect Invitation Round Results for February 2019.

January marks the sixth month of the 2018/2019 migration year for Skilled Migration Visa invitations to be issued.

In February 2019, Home Affairs issued 1,490 Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visas and only 10 Skilled Regional (Provisional) (subclass 489) visas.

Through the past six months, Home Affairs has continued to issue only 10 Skilled Regional (Provisional) (subclass 489) visas, but up until this February, we have seen a significant drop in the amount of Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visas issued each month.

*The above figures do not include invitations issued for State and Territory Government nominated visa subclasses. State and Territory Governments nominate throughout the month for specific points tested skilled migration and business innovation and investment visas.

Main Differences

 Through the 2018/2019 program year, we have witnessed some major fluctuations within the SkillSelect round invitations. In December and January there was 2500 total invitations issued which is nearly double the number of visas issued in February. This may be attributed to high amount of invitations issued in October and November. As you can see below, there were less invitations issued at every point requirement. The major difference between the past few months and February were the amount of visa issued at 70 points.

Accountants tend to face some of the most competition and highest points requirements. Here are some tips on how accountants and other applicants can receive higher points.  

Below are two charts comparing the invitations issued based on points From November 2018 to February 2019.

While the largest changes are seen above in the Skilled Independent visas, it is worth noting that there was a slight change in the Skilled Regional visas. With that being said, the minimum point requirement for the subclass 489 has stayed firmly at 80 points.

Top 5 Most Popular Occupations

Currently, there are about 73 occupations on the occupation list. The table below shows the occupations with the most invitations issued and the invitation ceilings for the 2018-2019 program year. Each occupation on the list of eligible skilled occupations can be found using the four-digit ANZSCO code unit group.

*Occupations that are subject to pro rata arrangements. For Accountants (2211) the occupational ceiling also reflects volumes in other skilled visa categories.

Occupations That Have Zero Invitations Issued

Below is a list of occupations that have not been issued any invitations and their occupation ceiling. While this is not the complete list, this is the majority of occupations that have yet to receive a single occupation invitation. Furthermore, there are several occupations that have only received between 0 and 50 invitations.  

Monthly Points Requirement Changes

Due to demand and other factors the monthly invitation round results also release changes in minimum point requirements. These point changes are often

 SkillSelect Round Results December 2018

The Department of Home Affairs has released the Australian SkillSelect Invitation Round Results for December 2018.

November marks the sixth month of the 2018/2019 migration year for Skilled Migration Visa invitations to be issued.

In December 2019, Home Affairs issued 2,490 Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visas and only 10 Skilled Regional (Provisional) (subclass 489) visas.

Through the past six months, Home Affairs has continued to issue only 10 Skilled Regional (Provisional) (subclass 489) visas, but up until this December, we have seen continual growth in the amount of Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visas issued each month.

*The above figures do not include invitations issued for State and Territory Government nominated visa subclasses.

Main Differences

 Through the 2019/2019 program year, we have witnessed some major fluctuations within the SkillSelect round invitations. In October and November there was 4350 total invitations issued which is nearly double the number of visas issued in December. This may be attributed to low amount of invitations issued in July. As you can see below, there were less invitations issued at every point requirement. The major difference between the past few months and December were the amount of visa issued at 70 points.

Accountants tend to face some of the most competition and highest points requirements. Here are some tips on how accountants and other applicants can receive higher points.  

Below are two charts comparing the invitations issued based on points From September 2018 to December 2018.

While the largest changes are seen above in the Skilled Independent visas, it is worth noting that there was a slight change in the Skilled Regional visas. With that being said, the minimum point requirement for the subclass 489 has stayed firmly at 80 points.

Top 5 Most Popular Occupations

Currently, there are about 73 occupations on the occupation list. The table below shows the occupations with the most invitations issued and the invitation ceilings for the 2018-2019 program year. Each occupation on the list of eligible skilled occupations can be found using the four-digit ANZSCO code unit group.

*Occupations that are subject to pro rata arrangements. For Accountants (2211) the occupational ceiling also reflects volumes in other skilled visa categories.

Occupations That Have Zero Invitations Issued

Below is a list of occupations that have not been issued any invitations and their occupation ceiling. While this is not the complete list, this is the majority of occupations that have yet to receive a single occupation invitation. Furthermore, there are several occupations that have only received between 0 and 50 invitations.  

Monthly Points Requirement Changes

Due to demand and other factors the monthly invitation round results also release changes in minimum point requirements. These point changes are often

SkillSelect Round Results November 2018

The Department of Home Affairs has released the Australian SkillSelect invitation round results for November 2018. November marks the fifth month of the 2018 migration year for Skilled Migration Visa invitations to be issued.

In November 2018, Home Affairs issued 4340 Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visas and only 10 Skilled Regional (Provisional) (subclass 489) visas.

Through the past five months, Home Affairs has continued to issue only 10 Skilled Regional (Provisional) (subclass 489) visas, but we have seen continual growth in the amount of Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visas issued each month.

*The above figures do not include invitations issued for State and Territory Government nominated visa subclasses.

Main Differences

With the obvious difference being the amount of Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visas issued, there was a vast difference in the range of points for clients who were invited to apply. In fact, there was major growth in the amount of invitations issued at lower points. This is a welcomed change as many of our clients have found it extremely difficult to gain the necessary amount of points. Moreover, gaining the minimum amount of points does not mean that you will receive an invitation. For example, while a minimum requirement for a certain occupation could be 70 points, Home Affairs may issue the majority of invitations for that certain occupation at 80 points. This means that due to the high competition many qualified applicants still may not be issued an invitation.

Accountants tend to face some of the most competition and highest points requirements. Here are some tips on how accountants and other applicants can receive higher points.  

Below are two charts comparing the invitations issued based on points in September 2018 and October 2018.

While the largest changes are seen above in the Skilled Independent visas, it is worth noting that there was a slight change in the Skilled Regional visas.

Top 5 Most Popular Occupations

Currently, there are about 73 occupations on the occupation list. The table below shows the occupations with the most invitations issued and the invitation ceilings for the 2018-2019 program year. Each occupation on the list of eligible skilled occupations can be found using the four-digit ANZSCO code unit group.

*Occupations that are subject to pro rata arrangements. For Accountants (2211) the occupational ceiling also reflects volumes in other skilled visa categories.

Occupations That Have Zero Invitations Issued

Below is a list of occupations that have not been issued any invitations and their occupation ceiling. While this is not the complete list, this is the majority of occupations that have yet to receive a single occupation invitation. Furthermore, there are several occupations that have only received between 0 and 50 invitations.  

Monthly Points Requirement Changes

Due to demand and other factors the monthly invitation round results also release changes in minimum point requirements. These point changes are often

What To Expect In The Coming Months

With major differences seen from September to October/November it is tough to say exactly what is to come. With that being said, if the past two months are giving us a look into what is to come, we will see lots more invitations issued.

What we do know is that Home Affairs has allocated a total of 43,990 invitations to be issued for the 2018-2019 migration year. This meant that Home Affairs would have to issue approximately 3,665 invitations per month to reach the 43,990 cap. Up until October, it seemed unlikely that the cap would be met considering Home Affairs had been issuing significantly lower amounts of invitations per month. With only 5 months having past, we are sitting at an average of 2,942 invitations having been issued. Meaning there is still a gap of 723 invitations issued per month before we meet the cap.

With Home Affairs releasing 4,350 invitations in October and November it has brought the current total to 14,710 invitations issued, meaning that they seem to be back on track to meet the invitation ceiling. If we look at the round results from November 2017, we can see that there was a total to 11,321 invitations issued, significantly less than 2018.

All in all, it is great that David Coleman and Home Affairs have stepped up and began issuing a responsible amount of monthly invitations. We can only hope that this continues.

Do you need help with an Australian visa application?

At Work Visa Lawyers we are experienced in assisting applicants in all matters relating to Australian visa applications. Our areas of expertise include Skilled Migration visas, Business Skills Migration visas, Employer Sponsored Work Visas, Partner and other Family Migration visas as well as the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) Review, Judicial Review and Ministerial Intervention.

If you require further information regarding your Australia visa options you can contact us through:

(08) 8351 9956 or +61 8 8351 9956

or   This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

SkillSelect Round Results October 2018

The Department of Home Affairs has finally released the long-awaited Australian SkillSelect round results for October 2018 .

October marks the fourth month of the 2018 migration year for Skilled Migration Visa invitations to be issued.

In October 2018, Home Affairs issued 4340 Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visas and only 10 Skilled Regional (Provisional) (subclass 489) visas.

Through the past four months, Home Affairs has continued to issue only 10 Skilled Regional (Provisional) (subclass 489) visas, but we have seen continual growth in the amount of Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visas issued each month.

*The above figures do not include invitations issued for State and Territory Government nominated visa subclasses.

Main Differences

With the obvious difference being the amount of Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visas issued, there was a vast difference in the range of points for clients who were invited to apply. In fact, there was major growth in the amount of invitations issued at lower points. This is a welcomed change as many of our clients have found it extremely difficult to gain the necessary amount of points. Moreover, gaining the minimum amount of points does not mean that you will receive an invitation. For example, while a minimum requirement for a certain occupation could be 70 points, Home Affairs may issue the majority of invitations for that certain occupation at 80 points. This means that due to the high competition many qualified applicants still may not be issued an invitation.

Accountants tend to face some of the most competition and highest points requirements. Here are some tips on how accountants and other applicants can receive higher points.  

Below are two charts comparing the invitations issued based on points in September 2018 and October 2018.

While the largest changes are seen above in the Skilled Independent visas, it is worth noting that there was a slight change in the Skilled Regional visas.

Top 5 Most Popular Occupations

Currently, there are about 73 occupations on the occupation list. The table below shows the occupations with the most invitations issued and the invitation ceilings for the 2018-2019 program year. Each occupation on the list of eligible skilled occupations can be found using the four-digit ANZSCO code unit group.

*Occupations that are subject to pro rata arrangements. For Accountants (2211) the occupational ceiling also reflects volumes in other skilled visa categories.

Occupations That Have Zero Invitations Issued

Below is a list of occupations that have not been issued any invitations and their occupation ceiling. While this is not the complete list, this is the majority of occupations that have yet to receive a single occupation invitation. Furthermore, there are several occupations that have only received between 0 and 50 invitations.  

Why Were the Results Released So Late?

When asking this question, it is important to remember that Home Affairs has still been issuing the invitations in a timely manner. It is just the monthly round result statistics presented to the public that we have been awaiting. While we are unsure as to why the October round results were released in December, it could be due to a couple of factors. First, Home Affairs is currently in the process of upgrading their website and during the month of October, for the most part, their website was down. Second, after viewing the invitations issued it could be due to the sheer amount of invitations actually issued. Lastly, this is the first time Home Affairs has attempted to release monthly statistics. In the past, the round results had been released quarterly.

What To Expect In The Coming Months

With major differences being seen from September and October it is tough to say exactly what is to come.

What we do know is that Home Affairs has allocated a total of 43,990 invitations to be issued for the 2018-2019 migration year. This meant that Home Affairs would have to issue approximately 3,665 invitations per month to reach the 43,990 cap. Up until October, it seemed unlikely that the cap would be met considering Home Affairs had been issuing significantly lower amounts of invitations per month.

With Home Affairs releasing 4,450 invitations in October it has brought the current total to 10,360 invitations issued, meaning that they may be on track to meet the invitation ceiling. If we look at the round results from October 2017, we can see that there was a total to 10,616 invitations issued. So, now that it seems as though that that amount of invitations issued is back on track, this leads us to believe that Home Affairs may begin to level off the amount of invitations issued and begin to issue a consistent number of invitations.  With that being said, it is important to remember that we have still yet to see the round results for November, which was scheduled to be released 11 December.

Do you need help with an Australian visa application?

At Work Visa Lawyers we are experienced in assisting applicants in all matters relating to Australian visa applications. Our areas of expertise include Skilled Migration visas, Business Skills Migration visas, Employer Sponsored Work Visas, Partner and other Family Migration visas as well as the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) Review, Judicial Review and Ministerial Intervention.

If you require further information regarding your Australia visa options you can contact us through:

(08) 8351 9956 or +61 8 8351 9956

or   This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

SkillSelect Round Results September

After the political spill in late August and several weeks, Home Affairs has released the Australian Skill Select Round Results for September.

In September 2018, Home Affairs issued another 2490 Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visas and only 10 Skilled Regional (Provisional) (subclass 489) visas.

This is the exact same number of visas that were issued for the month of August, which bring the total amount of visas issued to 6010 since the beginning of the migration year.

*The above figures do not include invitations issued for State and Territory Government nominated visa subclasses.

Main Differences

While the total number of visas issued stayed the same, there was a vast difference in the points range for clients who were invited to apply.

 Skilled – Independent

605 visas granted to applicants with 70 points 

1,202 visas granted to applicants with 75 points

545 visas granted to applicants with 80 points

5 visas granted to applicants with 90 points

Skilled - Regional (Provisional)

5 visas granted to applicants with 80 points

5 visas granted to applicants with 90 points

Top 5 Most Popular Visas

Below you will see the current top 5 most popular visas bases on the amount of invitations issued to date.

Occupations That Have Zero Invitations Issued

On the other side of the spectrum, there are occupations that have had zero invitations issued. These are not in an order and there are plenty of other occupations that have not issued invitations, see the chart below.

Change between August & September

While there are significant changes between the August and September SkillSelect Round Results, it is also important to remember that there was a change in leadership and subsequent new Minister for Immigration in late August. Understandably, this could be the reason September’s results were released so late and why they look so different.

A major change we witnessed during the September round results was that there were invitations issued for people with 95 and 100 points. Another major change from August to September is that there was not a single invitation issued to any applicants that held 85 points.

All in all, we witnessed over 200 less independent visa invitations issued at 70 points, over 100 more issued at 75 points, 100 less issued at 80 points, and 100 less invitations issued at 85 points.

What can we expect for October?

We have seen a large difference between August and September which leaves the question, what should we expect for October?

Hopefully we will see a lot more visas being issued. By 20 September in the 2017-2018 program, Home Affairs had already issued a total of 8059 invitations; 7500 Skilled- Independent visas, and 559 Skilled Regional Visas. With that being said, the 2017-2018 program year only issued 16,296 of the available 43,990 invitations. If Home Affairs were to utilize the entire 43,990 possible invitations they would need to average approximately 3,665 invitations per month.

If Home Affairs does attempt to reach their invitation cap of 43,990 for the 2018-2019 program year, the next rounds will need to have significantly more invitations. For this to happen we may see further movement within the minimum points required for certain occupations.

Remember, the Invitation rounds for Skilled - Independent (subclass 189) and Skilled - Regional Provisional (subclass 489) visas will be run once a month. Invitation rounds are anticipated to run on the 11th day of each month but dates for the rounds are subject to change as we have seen from the month of September.

Invitation numbers in each round may vary depending on the number of applications being processed by the department.

Expect more changes and more difficult requirements for independent, employer, and state-sponsored visas as the competition for these phases will be high, in particularly, for those occupations that cannot get through the 189.

We have already seen a number of changes from states including the ACT Tasmania and South Australia in relation to sponsorship required months for the 190 and 489 Visas.

On 11 August Home Affairs released the second SkillSelect round results for the 2018 program year.

SkillSelect Round Results August 

For the month of August 2018 Home Affairs issued a total of 2500 invitations. While the amount of Independent 189 visas skyrocketed to 2490, the Regional 489 Visa invitations remained at exactly 10.

In July 2018 there were a total of 1010 invitations issued; 1000 Independent 189 and 10 Regional 489 Visa invitations sent. July 2018 round results here.

More Invitations to Follow Leadership Change?

The recent spill and leadership change happened on 21 August. This round of results is from before the leadership change. While we are still unsure as to how or if the leadership change will affect the upcoming round results, we are anticipating that having a dedicated Home Affairs Minister could help. Especially because the policy under Dutton seemed to have been aimed towards lowering the number of approvals.

It is also important to remember that the new Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, David Coleman, celebrates diversity and understands the pain of exclusion. Therefore, we are excited to see what impact he has on the remaining SkillSelect round results.

Top 5 Occupation Invitations Issued

*Occupations that are subject to pro rata arrangements. For Accountants (2211) the occupational ceiling also reflects volumes in other skilled visa categories.

Occupation Point Requirement Changes

For the majority of occupations within the 189 Independent Visa the minimum points required is set at 70 points. For the skilled regional sponsored 489 the minimum points required is 80 points. With that being said, the minimum required points have changed for some occupations since the last round results in July.

Invitations Issued Based on Points Score

Skilled – Independent

834 visas granted to applicants with 70 points

1,094 visas granted to applicants with 75 points

453 visas granted to applicants with 80 points

107 visas granted to applicants with 85 points

2 visas granted to applicants with 90 points

Skilled - Regional (Provisional)

9 Visas granted to applicants with 80 points

1 Visas granted to applicants with 85 points

Expect Even More Invitations Issued

As of 11 August 2018, there have been a total of 3510 invitations issued; 1010 in July and 2500 in August. During the 2017-2018 program Home Affairs had already issued a total of 4,466. With that being said, the 2017-2018 program year only issued 16,296 of the available 43,990 invitations. If Home Affairs were to utilize the entire 43,990 possible invitations they would need to average approximately 3,665 invitations per month.

If Home Affairs does attempt to reach their invitation cap of 43,990 for the 2018-2019 program year, the next rounds will need to have significantly more invitations. For this to happen we may see further movement within the minimum points required for certain occupations.

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Do you need help with an Australian visa application?

At Work Visa Lawyers we are experienced in assisting applicants in all matters relating to Australian visa applications. Our areas of expertise include Skilled Migration visas, Business Skills Migration visas, Employer Sponsored Work Visas, Partner and other Family Migration visas as well as the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) Review, Judicial Review and Ministerial Intervention.

If you require further information regarding your Australia visa options you can contact us through:

(08) 8351 9956 or +61 8 8351 9956

or   This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.