Australia’s skilled migration program plays a crucial role in attracting highly qualified professionals from across the world. The latest SkillSelect invitation round, held on 7 November 2024, issued invitations for the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) and the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) – Family Sponsored. This blog provides an overview of the invitation process, occupation ceilings, key statistics from the latest round, and an analysis of trends across industries.

Invitation Process Overview

• The Department of Home Affairs conducts periodic invitation rounds.

• The highest-ranked Expressions of Interest (EOIs) are invited based on the points system.

• In cases where multiple EOIs have the same score, the “tie-break” system is used, prioritising EOIs based on the earliest date of effect.

• State and territory government-nominated visas are not included in the federal invitation rounds.

Invitation Round Results – 7 November 2024

The November 2024 invitation round saw a significant number of invitations issued for subclass 189, but none for subclass 491 (Family Sponsored).

Minimum Points Score by Occupation (Ordered by Score Requirement)

The following table highlights the minimum scores required for occupations invited under subclass 189, ordered from lowest to highest points.

Total Invitations Issued in 2024-25 Program Year

The following table summarises invitations issued throughout the current program year:

State and Territory Nominations (July 2024 – January 2025)

State and territory governments continue to nominate EOIs for specific visa subclasses. The table below outlines the number of nominations received for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) and Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491).

Most Attractive States for Skilled Migration

Based on the number of state nominations, Victoria (2,436 subclass 190 and 1,232 subclass 491) emerges as the most attractive state for skilled migrants, followed by South Australia (1,923 subclass 190 and 343 subclass 491) and New South Wales (917 subclass 190 and 587 subclass 491). Tasmania and Western Australia also present strong opportunities with over 1,000 nominations in subclass 190 combined.

The best states for Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190):

1. Victoria (2,436) – Strong demand in multiple sectors.

2. South Australia (1,923) – Consistent opportunities in healthcare and trade occupations.

3. New South Wales (917) – Popular for IT and finance roles.

The best states for Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491):

1. Victoria (1,232) – Highest number of regional visa nominations.

2. New South Wales (587) – Growing demand in regional areas.

3. Western Australia (681) – Strong demand in mining, trades, and agriculture.

4. Analysis of Occupation Demand and Points Trends

High-Demand Occupations (65-75 Points)

Occupations requiring 65-75 points indicate high demand, as fewer points are needed to secure an invitation. These roles are typically in construction, healthcare, and education, including:

• Trades (Carpenters, Plumbers, Welders, Bricklayers)

• Nursing & Midwifery (Registered Nurses, Midwives)

• Teachers (Secondary School Teachers)

Moderate-Demand Occupations (85-90 Points)

Roles requiring 85-90 points suggest a competitive field with a balanced demand, such as:

• Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Environmental Engineers)

• Science & Healthcare (Biomedical Scientists, Medical Radiographers, Physicists)

• Accounting & Auditing (External Auditors, Management Consultants)

Highly Competitive Occupations (95+ Points)

Occupations requiring 95+ points reflect lower availability or government restrictions to maintain balance. These include:

• IT & Technology (Software Engineers, ICT Business Analysts, Computer Network Engineers)

• Senior Healthcare Roles (General Practitioners, Intensive Care Specialists)

• Accounting & Financial Management (Management Accountants, Primary Health Organisation Managers)

Conclusion

The November 2024 SkillSelect invitation round was a strong month for subclass 189 applicants, with 15,000 invitations issued. However, subclass 491 (Family Sponsored) did not receive any invitations. Given the demand for skilled migration in Australia, understanding the points-based ranking system and staying updated on invitation rounds can improve an applicant’s chances of success.

The analysis of state nominations highlights Victoria, South Australia, and New South Wales as the most attractive states for skilled migrants at the present time, offering the highest chances of nomination in subclass 190 and 491.

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Note: The information provided in this article is meant for general informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal advice. Although we strive to provide accurate and useful information, the nuances of Australian immigration law demand personalised advice from legal professionals. Given the dynamic nature of migration regulations, it is essential to consult with experienced immigration experts for up-to-date insights tailored to your individual circumstances. We strongly advise seeking professional guidance to navigate the complexities of Australian immigration law effectively and to achieve the most favorable outcomes for your immigration journey.