The next Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent) visa invitation round is scheduled for 4 June 2026 — and for skilled migrants with an active Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect, the time to prepare is right now.
This is the final invitation round of the 2025–26 migration program year, which historically sees the Department of Home Affairs issue a larger batch of invitations to exhaust the annual visa cap before 30 June. That means your chances of receiving an invitation may be better in this round than in any previous round this year.
In this guide, Magpie Consultants — MARA-registered migration agents based in Epping, Melbourne — break down everything you need to know: what points scores will likely be needed, which occupations are being invited, and exactly what you must do before 4 June 2026 to give yourself the best possible chance.
What Is the Subclass 189 Visa?
The Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent) visa is Australia’s most sought-after permanent residency pathway because it requires no employer sponsorship, no state nomination, and no family sponsor. Once granted, you can live and work anywhere in Australia permanently.
To receive an invitation to apply, you must:
- Obtain a positive skills assessment for an occupation on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
- Score at least 65 points on the points test
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect
- Wait to be selected in an invitation round
The 65-point threshold is the minimum to submit an EOI — it does not guarantee an invitation. Real cut-off scores depend entirely on your occupation and the competition in each round.
Why the 4 June 2026 Round Matters
Australia moved to a quarterly invitation round system in the 2025–26 program year, replacing the unpredictable monthly rounds that had existed before. The four rounds this program year are spaced roughly three months apart.
The June 4 round is Quarter 4 of 2025–26 — the last round before the migration program year resets on 1 July 2026. This is significant for two reasons:
- Higher invitation volumes: The Department historically issues its largest batches in Q4 to fill the annual visa allocation before year-end.
- Last chance for this program year: If you miss this round, the next round will fall under the 2026–27 program year, and cut-off points may shift depending on the new annual cap.
The previous round on 13 November 2025 issued 10,000 invitations — up from 6,887 in the August 2025 round. This upward trend suggests Q4 2026 could be equally or more generous.
189 Visa Points Cut-Offs: What to Expect on 4 June 2026
Points cut-offs vary significantly by occupation and are never announced in advance. However, data from the November 2025 round gives a strong guide:
| Occupation Category | Typical Cut-Off |
|---|---|
| Healthcare (nursing, allied health) | 65 – 75 points |
| Construction trades | 65 – 75 points |
| Education & social services | 65 – 80 points |
| Architecture & construction management | 85 points |
| Engineering (chemical, civil) | 85 – 90 points |
| ICT & technology | 95 – 105 points |
| Highly competitive / oversupplied roles | 95 – 110 points |
The four-tier occupation priority system means that Tier 1 occupations (critical shortages — mostly healthcare, trades, and education) consistently attract invitations at or near 65 points. Tier 4 occupations (oversupplied or lower-priority) may require scores of 100 or more.
Key point for ICT professionals: Cut-off scores for technology and software roles have been rising due to high EOI competition. If you are in an ICT occupation and hold 95 or fewer points, consider whether you can legitimately boost your score before 4 June — through NAATI accreditation, additional qualifications, or a partner skills assessment.
In-Demand Occupations for the June 2026 Round
The following occupation categories are expected to receive priority in the 4 June 2026 round based on Government skills shortage data and the November 2025 round trends:
Healthcare & Nursing
- Registered Nurse (All Specialisations)
- General Practitioner
- Specialist Physicians
- Medical Imaging Professionals
Construction & Trades
- Electrician
- Plumber
- Carpenter
- Civil Engineering Professionals
Education
- Primary School Teacher
- Secondary School Teacher
- Early Childhood (Pre-primary) Teacher
Engineering
- Civil Engineer
- Structural Engineer
- Chemical Engineer
Community Services & Social Work
- Social Worker
- Welfare Worker
If your occupation sits in one of these categories and you hold 65–80 points, the June 4 round could be your invitation. For a full list of eligible occupations, visit the official Skilled Occupation List on Home Affairs.
How to Prepare Your EOI Before 4 June 2026
This is the most critical window. Here is a practical checklist to maximise your chances.
1. Review and Update Your EOI in SkillSelect
You can update your EOI at any time before an invitation is issued. Check every field: Is your points score accurate and maximised? Is your nominated occupation correctly listed? Is your skills assessment current and not expired? Is your English test result within the validity period?
2. Check Your Skills Assessment Validity
Most assessing bodies issue assessments valid for 3 years. If your assessment is approaching expiry, apply for a renewal before 4 June. An expired assessment at the time of invitation means you cannot proceed.
3. Maximise Your Points Legitimately
Common points-boosting strategies that many applicants overlook:
- Spouse/partner skills assessment: If your partner holds an eligible skills assessment and meets the English requirement, you receive 5 additional points.
- NAATI Credentialed Community Language: If you are proficient in a recognised community language other than English, NAATI accreditation earns you 5 points.
- Australian study requirement: If you completed at least two years of study in Australia leading to an eligible qualification, you receive 5 points.
- Professional Year: Completion of a Professional Year program in Australia earns 5 points.
4. Do Not Change Your Nominated Occupation
Changing your nominated occupation resets your EOI submission date — which is a tiebreaker when scores are equal. Unless absolutely necessary, keep your occupation unchanged to protect your queue position.
5. Speak to a MARA-Registered Migration Agent
The 189 visa is a permanent residency application with long-term consequences. A mistake in your skills assessment, EOI, or application can cost you years of waiting. Magpie Consultants’ MARA-registered agents (MARA #2619222) can review your EOI, identify points you may have missed, and guide you through the invitation and application process.
Book a consultation with Magpie Consultants →
What Happens After You Receive a 189 Invitation?
If you are invited on 4 June 2026, you will have 60 days to lodge a complete Subclass 189 visa application. This is a strict deadline — extensions are not granted.
Within those 60 days, you must gather:
- Police clearances from every country you have lived in for 12+ months (can take 4–8 weeks in some countries)
- Health examination results (must be completed through a Panel Physician)
- All supporting documents for your points claims
- Skills assessment and English test results
- Proof of work experience
Starting this preparation before 4 June means you are ready to lodge the moment you receive your invitation.
189 vs 491: Should You Consider Both?
If your points score is strong but your occupation is highly competitive for the 189, the Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional) visa is worth considering. The 491 is a provisional visa (5 years) but attracts lower cut-off scores and offers a pathway to permanent residence after 3 years of living and working regionally.
Magpie Consultants can assess your individual profile and advise whether pursuing both pathways simultaneously gives you the best outcome. Contact us to discuss your options.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the next 189 visa invitation round?
The next Subclass 189 skilled independent visa invitation round is scheduled for 4 June 2026. This is the Q4 round of the 2025–26 migration program year.
How many invitations are expected on 4 June 2026?
The Department does not announce invitation volumes in advance. However, the November 2025 round issued 10,000 invitations — the largest round of the year so far. As Q4 rounds historically aim to exhaust the annual allocation, a similar or higher volume is possible.
What is the minimum points score to get a 189 invitation?
The minimum EOI requirement is 65 points, but the actual cut-off varies by occupation. Tier 1 occupations (healthcare, trades) typically clear near 65–75 points; ICT and oversupplied occupations may require 95–110 points.
Can I update my EOI before the June 4 invitation round?
Yes. You can update your EOI in SkillSelect at any time before an invitation is issued. However, changing your nominated occupation resets your EOI submission date, which can affect your tiebreaker position in the queue.
How long do I have to lodge my 189 application after receiving an invitation?
You have 60 days from the date of invitation to lodge a complete Subclass 189 application. This deadline is not extendable.
Do I need a migration agent to apply for the 189 visa?
You are not legally required to use a migration agent, but given the complexity of the application, the volume of documents required, and the permanent consequences of errors, working with a MARA-registered agent is strongly recommended.
What happens if I miss the June 4 round?
If you are not invited on 4 June 2026, your EOI remains active for 2 years from the date of submission. The next round will fall under the 2026–27 program year, with a new annual allocation and potentially different cut-off thresholds.
Speak to a MARA Agent Before 4 June 2026
With the invitation round just days away, now is the moment to act. Magpie Consultants provides professional migration advice to skilled workers across Australia and internationally. Our principal agent, Umar Ashraf (MARA #2619222), specialises in skilled migration and has helped hundreds of clients receive 189 and 491 invitations.
Do not leave your EOI unchecked. One missed points claim can be the difference between an invitation and another three-month wait.
Contact Magpie Consultants for a 189 Visa Consultation →
Magpie Consultants is a registered migration and education consultancy based in Epping, Melbourne. All visa advice is provided by MARA-registered agents. Migration laws change frequently — always verify current requirements at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.
Umar Ashraf
MARA Registered Migration Agent & Education Consultant | MARA #2619222 | Epping, Melbourne VIC
Umar Ashraf is a MARA-registered migration agent specialising in complex cases, visa cancellations, ART tribunal appeals, and employer sponsorship. He provides consultations in English, Urdu, Punjabi and Hindi.
