Planning to apply for a subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa?
The next invitation round for New South Wales is coming up on 13 November 2025.

Here’s what we’ve observed from recent invitation trends:

• Construction trades (plumbers, electricians, carpenters, etc.) – strong at lower points, around 65
• Doctors and nurses – around 80 points
• Education professionals – university lecturers and early childhood teachers around 85 points
• Professionals such as lawyers (95 points) and engineers (90 points)

It’s expected that this upcoming round will continue to favour construction, healthcare, engineering, and education professionals, with construction trades again likely to be invited from 65 points upward.

The last round saw approximately 6,000 Expressions of Interest (EOIs) submitted, and this figure is expected to remain steady.

Key reminders for 189 visa applicants

Before lodging your EOI, make sure that:

• You are under 45 years of age
• Your IELTS results are valid (within the last 3 years)
• Your skills assessment is current
• You can provide evidence of your qualifications – course name, study dates, qualification obtained, etc.
• You can prove the points you’ve claimed, including your employment history, duties, and salary, and that your experience closely aligns with your nominated occupation
• If you’ve nominated your spouse, their IELTS and skills assessment are also up to date
• If you’ve claimed Credentialed Community Language (CCL) points, you have valid NAATI certification
• If you’ve studied regionally or completed a Professional Year, you can provide evidence of this at the time of invitation

Good luck to all applicants preparing for the November 189 visa round!