( Insights · Skilled Independent 189 )
How 189 invitations are actually prioritised
Documents released under freedom of information reveal the tiered model the Department uses to decide which occupations are invited first, and which are throttled.
( What was released )
The invitation round is not a single queue
Candidates in SkillSelect are often told one story: score more points, get invited sooner. Departmental documents released under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (FA 25/10/00198 · FA-25/11/00658) show a more deliberate machine behind Skilled Independent (189) invitation rounds: a tiered prioritisation model, recorded in a departmental minute signed on 25 May 2025.
Under the model, every eligible occupation carries an annual ceiling calculated from the estimated stock of workers in that occupation, multiplied by a percentage set by its tier. Occupations the economy needs most, the long-training, high-scarcity professions, sit in Tier 1 with a 4% multiplier. Occupations already arriving in volume through other visa programs sit in Tier 4 at 0.5%, deliberately throttled even when individual candidates hold strong scores.
The practical meaning for applicants is significant: your occupation is not just a gateway to eligibility; it largely determines how much room exists for you in each round, before your points score is ever compared to anyone else’s.
( The model, in motion )
Four orbits around one program
Every dot is a real occupation on the points-tested (MLTSSL) list. The closer the orbit, the higher the priority, and the faster places fill with intent rather than chance. Click a ring or a chip to see that tier’s occupations below.
closer orbit = higher priority · hover a dot · click a ring
212 of 212 occupations on the 189 (MLTSSL) list
| Occupation | ANZSCO (2013) | Tier | Ceiling multiplier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audiologist | 252711 | Tier 1 · Highest value | 4.0% |
| Cardiologist | 253312 | Tier 1 · Highest value | 4.0% |
| Cardiothoracic Surgeon | 253512 | Tier 1 · Highest value | 4.0% |
| Clinical Haematologist | 253313 | Tier 1 · Highest value | 4.0% |
| Dermatologist | 253911 | Tier 1 · Highest value | 4.0% |
| Diagnostic and Interventional Radiologist | 253917 | Tier 1 · Highest value | 4.0% |
| Emergency Medicine Specialist | 253912 | Tier 1 · Highest value | 4.0% |
| Endocrinologist | 253315 | Tier 1 · Highest value | 4.0% |
| Gastroenterologist | 253316 | Tier 1 · Highest value | 4.0% |
| General Practitioner | 253111 | Tier 1 · Highest value | 4.0% |
| Intensive Care Specialist | 253317 | Tier 1 · Highest value | 4.0% |
| Medical Diagnostic Radiographer | 251211 | Tier 1 · Highest value | 4.0% |
| Medical Oncologist | 253314 | Tier 1 · Highest value | 4.0% |
| Medical Practitioners nec | 253999 | Tier 1 · Highest value | 4.0% |
| Medical Radiation Therapist | 251212 | Tier 1 · Highest value | 4.0% |
| Midwife | 254111 | Tier 1 · Highest value | 4.0% |
| Neurologist | 253318 | Tier 1 · Highest value | 4.0% |
| Neurosurgeon | 253513 | Tier 1 · Highest value | 4.0% |
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist | 251213 | Tier 1 · Highest value | 4.0% |
| Nurse Practitioner | 254411 | Tier 1 · Highest value | 4.0% |
| Obstetrician and Gynaecologist | 253913 | Tier 1 · Highest value | 4.0% |
| Occupational Therapist | 252411 | Tier 1 · Highest value | 4.0% |
| Ophthalmologist | 253914 | Tier 1 · Highest value | 4.0% |
| Optometrist | 251411 | Tier 1 · Highest value | 4.0% |
| Orthopaedic Surgeon | 253514 | Tier 1 · Highest value | 4.0% |
| Otorhinolaryngologist | 253515 | Tier 1 · Highest value | 4.0% |
| Paediatric Surgeon | 253516 | Tier 1 · Highest value | 4.0% |
| Paediatrician | 253321 | Tier 1 · Highest value | 4.0% |
| Pathologist | 253915 | Tier 1 · Highest value | 4.0% |
| Physiotherapist | 252511 | Tier 1 · Highest value | 4.0% |
| Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon | 253517 | Tier 1 · Highest value | 4.0% |
| Podiatrist | 252611 | Tier 1 · Highest value | 4.0% |
| Psychiatrist | 253411 | Tier 1 · Highest value | 4.0% |
| Radiation Oncologist | 253918 | Tier 1 · Highest value | 4.0% |
| Registered Nurse (Aged Care) | 254412 | Tier 1 · Highest value | 4.0% |
| Registered Nurse (Child and Family Health) | 254413 | Tier 1 · Highest value | 4.0% |
| Registered Nurse (Community Health) | 254414 | Tier 1 · Highest value | 4.0% |
| Registered Nurse (Critical Care and Emergency) | 254415 | Tier 1 · Highest value | 4.0% |
| Registered Nurse (Developmental Disability) | 254416 | Tier 1 · Highest value | 4.0% |
| Registered Nurse (Disability and Rehabilitation) | 254417 | Tier 1 · Highest value | 4.0% |
| Registered Nurse (Medical Practice) | 254421 | Tier 1 · Highest value | 4.0% |
| Registered Nurse (Medical) | 254418 | Tier 1 · Highest value | 4.0% |
| Registered Nurse (Mental Health) | 254422 | Tier 1 · Highest value | 4.0% |
| Registered Nurse (Paediatrics) | 254425 | Tier 1 · Highest value | 4.0% |
| Registered Nurse (Perioperative) | 254423 | Tier 1 · Highest value | 4.0% |
| Registered Nurse (Surgical) | 254424 | Tier 1 · Highest value | 4.0% |
| Registered Nurses nec | 254499 | Tier 1 · Highest value | 4.0% |
| Renal Medicine Specialist | 253322 | Tier 1 · Highest value | 4.0% |
| Rheumatologist | 253323 | Tier 1 · Highest value | 4.0% |
| Sonographer | 251214 | Tier 1 · Highest value | 4.0% |
| Specialist Physician (General Medicine) | 253311 | Tier 1 · Highest value | 4.0% |
| Specialist Physicians nec | 253399 | Tier 1 · Highest value | 4.0% |
| Speech Pathologist / Speech Language Therapist | 252712 | Tier 1 · Highest value | 4.0% |
| Surgeon (General) | 253511 | Tier 1 · Highest value | 4.0% |
| Thoracic Medicine Specialist | 253324 | Tier 1 · Highest value | 4.0% |
| Urologist | 253518 | Tier 1 · Highest value | 4.0% |
| Vascular Surgeon | 253521 | Tier 1 · Highest value | 4.0% |
| Child Care Centre Manager | 134111 | Tier 2 · High priority | 2.0% |
| Clinical Psychologist | 272311 | Tier 2 · High priority | 2.0% |
| Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teacher | 241111 | Tier 2 · High priority | 2.0% |
| Educational Psychologist | 272312 | Tier 2 · High priority | 2.0% |
| Organisational Psychologist | 272313 | Tier 2 · High priority | 2.0% |
| Psychologists nec | 272399 | Tier 2 · High priority | 2.0% |
| Secondary School Teacher | 241411 | Tier 2 · High priority | 2.0% |
| Social Worker | 272511 | Tier 2 · High priority | 2.0% |
| Special Education Teachers nec | 241599 | Tier 2 · High priority | 2.0% |
| Special Needs Teacher | 241511 | Tier 2 · High priority | 2.0% |
| Teacher of the Hearing Impaired | 241512 | Tier 2 · High priority | 2.0% |
| Teacher of the Sight Impaired | 241513 | Tier 2 · High priority | 2.0% |
| Actuary | 224111 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Aeronautical Engineer | 233911 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Agricultural Consultant | 234111 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Agricultural Engineer | 233912 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Agricultural Scientist | 234112 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Airconditioning and Mechanical Services Plumber | 334112 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic | 342111 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Architect | 232111 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Artistic Director | 212111 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Arts Administrator or Manager | 139911 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Automotive Electrician | 321111 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Barrister | 271111 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Biochemist | 234513 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Biomedical Engineer | 233913 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Biotechnologist | 234514 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Boat Builder and Repairer | 399111 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Botanist | 234515 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Bricklayer | 331111 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Cabinetmaker | 394111 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Carpenter | 331212 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Carpenter and Joiner | 331211 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Cartographer | 232213 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Chemical Engineer | 233111 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Chemist | 234211 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Chiropractor | 252111 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Civil Engineer | 233211 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Civil Engineering Draftsperson | 312211 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Civil Engineering Technician | 312212 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Conservator | 234911 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Construction Project Manager | 133111 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Dancer or Choreographer | 211112 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Diesel Motor Mechanic | 321212 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Drainer | 334113 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Economist | 224311 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Electrical Engineer | 233311 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Electrical Engineering Draftsperson | 312311 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Electrical Engineering Technician | 312312 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Electrician (General) | 341111 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Electrician (Special Class) | 341112 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Electronic Equipment Trades Worker | 342313 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Electronic Instrument Trades Worker (General) | 342314 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Electronic Instrument Trades Worker (Special Class) | 342315 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Electronics Engineer | 233411 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Engineering Manager | 133211 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Engineering Professionals nec | 233999 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Engineering Technologist | 233914 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Environmental Consultant | 234312 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Environmental Engineer | 233915 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Environmental Manager | 139912 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Environmental Research Scientist | 234313 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Environmental Scientists nec | 234399 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Fitter (General) | 323211 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Fitter and Turner | 323212 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Fitter-Welder | 323213 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Food Technologist | 234212 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Footballer | 452411 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Forester / Forest Scientist | 234113 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Gasfitter | 334114 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Geophysicist | 234412 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Geotechnical Engineer | 233212 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Glazier | 333111 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Horse Trainer | 361112 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Hydrogeologist | 234413 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Industrial Engineer | 233511 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Joiner | 331213 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Land Economist | 224511 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Landscape Architect | 232112 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Life Scientist (General) | 234511 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Life Scientists nec | 234599 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Lift Mechanic | 341113 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Locksmith | 323313 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Management Consultant | 224711 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Marine Biologist | 234516 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Materials Engineer | 233112 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Mechanical Engineer | 233512 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Medical Laboratory Scientist | 234611 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Metal Fabricator | 322311 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Metal Machinist (First Class) | 323214 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Metallurgist | 234912 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Meteorologist | 234913 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Microbiologist | 234517 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Mining Engineer (excluding Petroleum) | 233611 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Motor Mechanic (General) | 321211 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Motorcycle Mechanic | 321213 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Music Director | 211212 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Musician (Instrumental) | 211213 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Natural and Physical Science Professionals nec | 234999 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Naval Architect / Marine Designer | 233916 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Nursing Clinical Director | 134212 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Orthotist or Prosthetist | 251912 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Osteopath | 252112 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Other Spatial Scientist | 232214 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Painter | 332211 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Panelbeater | 324111 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Petroleum Engineer | 233612 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Physicist | 234914 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Plasterer (Wall and Ceiling) | 333211 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Plumber (General) | 334111 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Pressure Welder | 322312 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Primary Health Organisation Manager | 134213 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Production or Plant Engineer | 233513 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Quantity Surveyor | 233213 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Renderer (Solid Plaster) | 333212 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Roof Plumber | 334115 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Sheetmetal Worker | 322211 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Shipwright | 399112 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Small Engine Mechanic | 321214 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Solicitor | 271311 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Statistician | 224113 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Stonemason | 331112 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Structural Engineer | 233214 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Surveyor | 232212 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Technical Cable Jointer | 342212 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Tennis Coach | 452316 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Transport Engineer | 233215 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| University Lecturer | 242111 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Valuer | 224512 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Veterinarian | 234711 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Wall and Floor Tiler | 333411 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Welder (First Class) | 322313 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Welfare Centre Manager | 134214 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Zoologist | 234518 | Tier 3 · Diverse | 1.0% |
| Accountant (General) | 221111 | Tier 4 · Oversupplied | 0.5% |
| Analyst Programmer | 261311 | Tier 4 · Oversupplied | 0.5% |
| Chef | 351311 | Tier 4 · Oversupplied | 0.5% |
| Computer Network and Systems Engineer | 263111 | Tier 4 · Oversupplied | 0.5% |
| Developer Programmer | 261312 | Tier 4 · Oversupplied | 0.5% |
| External Auditor | 221213 | Tier 4 · Oversupplied | 0.5% |
| ICT Business Analyst | 261111 | Tier 4 · Oversupplied | 0.5% |
| ICT Security Specialist | 262112 | Tier 4 · Oversupplied | 0.5% |
| Internal Auditor | 221214 | Tier 4 · Oversupplied | 0.5% |
| Management Accountant | 221112 | Tier 4 · Oversupplied | 0.5% |
| Multimedia Specialist | 261211 | Tier 4 · Oversupplied | 0.5% |
| Radio Communications Technician | 313211 | Tier 4 · Oversupplied | 0.5% |
| Software and Applications Programmers nec | 261399 | Tier 4 · Oversupplied | 0.5% |
| Software Engineer | 261313 | Tier 4 · Oversupplied | 0.5% |
| Systems Analyst | 261112 | Tier 4 · Oversupplied | 0.5% |
| Taxation Accountant | 221113 | Tier 4 · Oversupplied | 0.5% |
| Telecommunications Engineer | 263311 | Tier 4 · Oversupplied | 0.5% |
| Telecommunications Field Engineer | 313212 | Tier 4 · Oversupplied | 0.5% |
| Telecommunications Network Engineer | 263312 | Tier 4 · Oversupplied | 0.5% |
| Telecommunications Network Planner | 313213 | Tier 4 · Oversupplied | 0.5% |
| Telecommunications Technical Officer or Technologist | 313214 | Tier 4 · Oversupplied | 0.5% |
( How the machine works )
Five mechanics worth understanding
- 01Each occupation receives an annual ceiling: the estimated stock of workers in that occupation multiplied by its tier percentage.
- 02Ceilings are filled first by grants in the Employer Nomination Scheme (186), Skilled Nominated (190) and regional provisional programs; the 189 program invites into the places left over.
- 03A minimum threshold of 500 invitations applies to each unit group before selection reverts to points-test ranking across the tier.
- 04Invitation rounds were recommended to run on a regular schedule, generally quarterly for 2025-26, with targeted rounds available for emerging needs.
- 05The composition of tiers is reviewed annually and adjusted according to Ministerial Directions as they are implemented.
Source: Home Affairs.
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