Australia 2025-26 Skilled Migration: Nov 13 Subclass 189 Invitation

Australia’s Department of Home Affairs has set an invitation round for the Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) visa on 13 November 2025, marking a pivotal moment in the 2025–26 skilled migration program. The date falls in the early months of the new program year and will affect applicants in the SkillSelect pool who rely on competitive points rather than state or employer nomination.

Officials have also confirmed interim allocations for state and territory nomination pathways, shaping how governments distribute limited places while the Commonwealth finalizes broader planning numbers.

Interim allocations by state and territory

• New South Wales
  • 3,600 places overall
  • 2,100 for Subclass 190
  • 1,500 for Subclass 491
  • This gives Australia’s largest state more room to draw skilled workers in key sectors.
• Australian Capital Territory
  • 1,600 places split evenly:
  • 800 for Subclass 190
  • 800 for Subclass 491
  • Supports Canberra’s pipeline of onshore graduates and professionals.
• Tasmania
  • Additional 450 interim places
  • 300 for Subclass 190
  • 150 for Subclass 491
  • Has begun weekly invitation rounds, easing pressure for applicants facing visa expiry or shifting points.
• Victoria
  • Small interim allocation:
  • 200 for Subclass 190
  • 180 for Subclass 491
  • A cautious start likely to target specific occupations.
• Western Australia
  • Additional interim allocations confirmed; exact numbers not finalized.
  • Held a limited invitation round on 29 October 2025 and plans another in November 2025.
  • Staged approach spreads opportunities while calibrating demand.
• South Australia
  • Received additional interim allocations; officials have not finalized exact figures.
  • Expected to balance regional employer needs with temporary resident churn.
• Northern Territory
  • Operating under very restrictive conditions.
  • Limited nominations are mainly for onshore applicants facing urgent visa expiry or age-related points loss.
  • Reflects scarce places and acute local needs.

Interim allocations will continue to drive nomination activity until the Commonwealth confirms full annual totals.

National program context

• The 2025–26 Australian migration program sets:
  • Total intake: about 262,500 places
  • Skilled streams: 190,000 places
• This mix emphasizes filling skill shortages and supporting regional areas while maintaining integrity settings.
• States and territories are using interim allocations to manage immediate demand across:
  • Health
  • Engineering
  • Digital
  • Education
  • Trades

What the 13 November 2025 Subclass 189 invitation round means

• The invitation round is significant for applicants not seeking state or employer nomination.
• The Subclass 189 is a points-tested route aimed at mid-career professionals who meet Australia’s skill and English standards without sponsorship.
• Home Affairs has urged candidates to keep their Expressions of Interest (EOI) current and accurate.

Important reminders:
– Up-to-date qualifications, experience, and points claims can determine whether a candidate receives an invitation.
– An outdated employment end date or missing qualification can reduce a points score below the cut-off.

VisaVerge.com notes that interest in independent places typically spikes after long gaps between rounds, making accuracy and timing especially important this month.

Jurisdictional patterns and practical effects

• New South Wales is expected to absorb many onshore graduates and skilled workers already contributing to the state economy.
• Tasmania’s weekly rounds aim to provide certainty for applicants at risk of falling into bridging visa limbo.
• Victoria’s small interim numbers will force prioritization of select occupations.
• Western Australia’s two-phase round strategy helps smooth processing loads and spread opportunities across months.
• South Australia’s pending figures indicate cautious balancing between regional needs and temporary resident churn.
• The Northern Territory’s strict onshore focus reserves scarce nominations for time-sensitive cases.

Advice for applicants

1. Review and update your EOI immediately:
   • Ensure employment dates, qualifications, and skills assessments are correct.
   • Confirm English test validity and any other supporting evidence.
2. Prioritize accuracy:
   • Minor corrections can shift a candidate’s position in the pool, especially when applicants cluster around the likely invitation threshold.
3. Consider pathway strategy:
   • If state nomination places are limited in your target jurisdiction, the Subclass 189 independent route may be the best near-term option.
   • Alternatively, jurisdictions with larger interim allocations (e.g., NSW, ACT) may offer more regular nomination opportunities.
4. Act quickly if eligible for Tasmania’s weekly rounds or WA’s staged invitations.

The department’s reminder to maintain accurate EOIs is not a formality: an outdated entry can cost an invitation in a tight selection.

Where to find official information

For official program details and visa criteria, consult the Department of Home Affairs page:
– Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)

Outlook

• The 13 November 2025 Subclass 189 invitation round is likely to shape early outcomes for points-tested candidates.
• Interim allocations will steer nomination activity through the coming weeks until the Commonwealth finalizes allocations across subclasses for the program year.
• With 262,500 total places planned and 190,000 reserved for skilled migrants, much depends on how quickly the Commonwealth confirms allocations and how precisely applicants update EOIs before selection windows open.