At a glance
15 Oct
4 facts · 11 October 2026
Round date
15 October 2026
Visa
Skilled Independent (subclass 189)
Last round
4 June 2026, 10,000 invitations
Invitations so far in 2026-27
None issued in July, August or September
The Department of Home Affairs has updated its SkillSelect invitation rounds page: the next invitation round for the Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visa will be held on 15 October 2026. An earlier notice said the round was expected by 31 October. The Department asks that Expressions of Interest are up to date and that all information in them is accurate.
The last round was held on 4 June 2026. It issued 10,000 subclass 189 invitations with a tie-break date of 24 April 2026. The Department’s monthly table shows no subclass 189 or family-sponsored subclass 491 invitations issued in July, August or September 2026.
Invitations go to the highest-ranked Expressions of Interest by points score, with the earlier date of effect winning a tie. An Expression of Interest that is out of date, or claims points that cannot be evidenced, is the common reason an invitation is wasted. If your circumstances have changed since you lodged, update the Expression of Interest before the round.
State and territory nominations for subclass 190 and subclass 491 are made separately and are not affected by the Department’s rounds.
What it means
- Check that your Expression of Interest is current: points claimed, English result, skills assessment and work history all as they stand today.
- Points decide the order of invitations; where points are equal, the earlier date of effect is invited first.
- State and territory nominations for subclass 190 and 491 run separately and are not affected by this round.
General information only, current at 11 October 2026. Not immigration assistance. Source: Home Affairs. Eligibility depends on your circumstances and on the law as it stands on the day you apply.
Shoreline Migration · Registered Migration Agent · MARN 2619597
