If you are waiting on an Australian skilled visa invitation in 2026-27 — Subclass 189, 190, or 491 — the start of a new migration program year is exactly when you need to be paying attention. Every 1 July, ceilings reset, occupation lists are reviewed, and state nomination programs reopen with fresh allocations.
This guide, reviewed by registered migration agent Umar Ashraf (MARN 2619222), covers what is known about the next 189 invitation round, which states have opened their 190 and 491 programs, and how the incoming 2027 points test reform should shape your strategy right now.
Table of Contents
- What Changed on 1 July 2026?
- When Is the Next Subclass 189 Invitation Round?
- State Nomination Status: 190 and 491 by State
- What Points Score Do You Need in 2026-27?
- The 2027 Points Test Reform — Why Timing Matters Now
- What Should You Do Right Now?
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Changed on 1 July 2026?
Australia’s skilled migration program runs on a financial-year cycle. From 1 July 2026, the 2026-27 Migration Program is set at 185,000 total permanent places, with a defined split between the skilled and family streams. Each state and territory receives its own annual allocation of 190 and 491 nomination places, and occupation lists (MLTSSL, STSOL/CSOL equivalents, and each state’s own list) are reviewed and republished for the new year.
In practice, this means a short administrative gap every July — last year’s allocations are exhausted, and this year’s have not yet been published or opened for new Registrations of Interest (ROI). This is normal, but it creates a window where EOI holders are simply waiting.
When Is the Next Subclass 189 Invitation Round?
As of early July 2026, no 189 round has been officially scheduled for the new program year. In the 2025-26 year, approximately 16,887 invitations were issued across two rounds (August and November 2025), meeting that year’s planning level in full.
Based on this pattern, the first 189 visa invitation round for 2026-27 is most likely to fall between August and November 2026 — but the Department of Home Affairs does not confirm exact dates in advance. Rounds are typically announced only 2-3 days beforehand via SkillSelect.
State Nomination Status: 190 and 491 by State
Every state manages its own 190 and 491 visa nomination program independently of SkillSelect’s national 189 rounds. Here is the status of each as the 2026-27 year begins:
| State/Territory | 2026-27 Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Victoria | Not yet opened | 2025-26 allocation was ~3,400 places (2,700 for 190, 700 for 491), rolling ROI assessment model |
| New South Wales | Not yet opened | 2025-26 190 list had ~150 eligible occupations; NSW typically republishes its skills list once per financial year |
| Queensland | Typically opens earliest | 2025-26 program had 2,600 combined places for 190/491 |
| South Australia | Check SA migration website | 2025-26 allocation was 2,250 places (1,350 for 190, 900 for 491) |
| Western Australia | Check WA migration website | Recent rounds have prioritised trade occupations |
| ACT, Tasmania, Northern Territory | Check individual territory websites | Typically smaller allocations, often with local residency or job offer requirements |
Note: state allocations and opening dates change every program year and are not published centrally — always confirm directly on the relevant state government migration website before assuming a program is open or closed.
What Points Score Do You Need in 2026-27?
The legal minimum to lodge an EOI is 65 points, but recent 189 and 190 invitation rounds have cleared at 85 to 105+ points for most competitive occupations. Points test details are available directly from the Department of Home Affairs points calculator.
State nomination adds a meaningful boost on top of your base score — 5 points for a 190 visa, 15 points for a 491 regional visa — which is why borderline candidates often pursue state nomination rather than waiting indefinitely for a competitive 189 round.
The 2027 Points Test Reform — Why Timing Matters Now
Australia’s points test has not been substantially updated in over a decade. The Government has confirmed a new points test will commence from 1 July 2027, following a consultation paper (expected June 2026) and draft legislation (expected by December 2026).
The reform is expected to weight age, English proficiency, and high salary job offers more heavily, and may shift the model from a pure points ranking toward one that also considers whether an applicant’s skills match a genuine workforce shortage. For the full breakdown of what’s changing and how to prepare, see our detailed guide to the 2027 points test reform.
What Should You Do Right Now?
- Lodge or update your EOI today. Every month your EOI sits at a lower score than necessary is a month of lost priority — small point gains (English retest, updated employment, added partner points) can matter.
- Register interest with every relevant state. You are not limited to one state — registering interest with Victoria, NSW, Queensland, South Australia, and Western Australia simultaneously maximises your chances across independent programs.
- Reassess your occupation against this year’s lists. Occupation lists are republished every program year — an occupation eligible last year may have moved between MLTSSL, STSOL/CSOL equivalents, or a state’s own list.
- Get your points assessed professionally before the 2027 reform. If your profile relies heavily on partner points, work experience, or a borderline English score, professional advice now can clarify whether waiting or acting under current rules is the safer strategy.
For the official current data on rounds and occupation ceilings, see the Department of Home Affairs SkillSelect invitation rounds page and the 2026-27 Migration Program planning levels.
Comparing which visa pathway suits your points score? See our guide to 189 vs 190 vs 491 and how state nomination works in detail.
Get Your Points Assessed — Book with Umar Ashraf
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the next 189 visa invitation round?
No 189 round has been officially scheduled yet for the 2026-27 program year. Based on past program years, the first round is most likely between August and November 2026, once the Department finalises the new year’s occupation ceilings under the 185,000-place Migration Program. Keep your EOI current in SkillSelect and watch for rounds announced only 2-3 days in advance.
Which states have opened their 2026-27 190 and 491 nomination programs?
As of early July 2026, most states — including Victoria, NSW, and Western Australia — have not yet published their 2026-27 allocations, as the program year only began 1 July. Queensland and South Australia typically open earliest. Check each state’s migration website directly, since opening dates vary and are not centrally announced.
What points score do I need for a 189 visa invitation in 2026-27?
Recent rounds have cleared at 85-105+ points for most occupations, well above the legal minimum of 65. With a points test reform planned for 1 July 2027 likely to reward age and English ability more heavily, competitive scores may shift further — but for now, treat 85+ as the realistic target for most occupations.
Does state nomination guarantee a faster invitation than the 189 visa?
Not always, but it generally does for borderline point scores, since state nomination visas (190, 491) add 5 or 15 points respectively on top of your base score. Victoria and NSW use rolling assessment models that can invite candidates outside of fixed SkillSelect rounds, which can be faster than waiting for a competitive 189 round.
Should I lodge my EOI now if the new points test starts in July 2027?
Yes. The Government has committed to honouring invitations issued before the new points test commences, meaning an EOI that receives an invitation under the current matrix before mid-2027 is assessed on today’s rules. EOIs still waiting when the new test starts are likely to be re-scored under the new matrix, which may help or hurt your position depending on your age and English level.
Reviewed by Umar Ashraf, Registered Migration Agent — MARN 2619222, Magpie Consultants. Sources: Department of Home Affairs SkillSelect, Migration Program planning levels, and state government migration websites, current as of 5 July 2026.
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.
