Australia’s Latest 189 Visa Invitation Trends (13th November): Strong Movement for Nurses, Trades & STEM Roles | Aussizz Group Analysis

Australia has issued another significant round of Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa invitations, and this latest round shows clear, data-driven preferences in the occupations Australia wants most today.

Nurses Continue to Lead the 189 Visa Invitation Priority – With Faster Movement for 2024–25 EOIs

Across both major rounds, Registered Nurses remained the strongest occupation group:

• Registered Nurse NEC
• RN (Critical Care & Emergency)
• RN (Mental Health)
• RN (Aged Care)
• RN (Medical)
• RN (Perioperative)
• RN (Surgical)

Points invited: 75–85

Trend shift:

This round invited more specialisations, and based on Date of Effect of EOIs (2024-25) were picked – meaning the queue for nurses is moving faster.

Trades Receive Higher Invitation Volume in the Latest Round

Trade occupations have shown exceptionally strong results:

• Carpenter
• Painting Trades Worker
• Wall & Floor Tiler
• Bricklayer
• Welder
• Metal Fabricator

Points range: 65–85

Trend comparison:

• As per the last few rounds trades remained winner and invites kept in high number and steady points

This reflects Australia’s expanding infrastructure, construction and housing needs.

Engineering & Science Occupations Show Slight Point Softening – But Still Competitive

High-skill STEM occupations continue to receive invitations:

Previously required (August round):

• 90–95 for many engineering/science occupations

Current round invites:

• Many occupations invited at 85–90
• Some as low as 80, depending on occupation

Occupations invited in both rounds:

• Chemical Engineers
• Petroleum Engineers
• Civil Engineering Drafters
• Materials Engineers
• Environmental Consultants
• Environmental Research Scientists
• Life Scientists (General)
• Biotechnologists
• Food Technologist

Trend Update: Points required have slightly decreased, opening opportunities for more STEM applicants.

Early Childhood Teachers & Social Workers Remain High-Priority Essential Services

Australia continues to prioritise essential service sectors:

Strong invitations for:

• Early Childhood (Pre-Primary) Teachers
• Secondary School Teachers
• University Lecturers
• Social Workers

Points:

• Teachers: 85–90
• Social Workers: 75–90
• University Lecturers: 90–95

These roles remain essential in social development, childcare, and education.

Onshore Applicants Still Favoured – But Offshore Invitations Have Increased Slightly

21 August Round:

• Almost 100% onshore

Current Round:

• Still 90–95% onshore
• Offshore invitations seen for:
  • Petroleum Engineers
  • Telecommunications Engineer
  • Some Registered Nurses
  • Certain research specialists

Implication: Australia still prefers applicants already contributing locally, but highly specialised offshore profiles are increasingly considered as there could be possibility that less number of specialised applicants applying from offshore.

EOIs from 2024–2025 Are Moving Much Faster

A major change in the current round:

• Many invitations have 2024 and 2025 Dates of Effect
• The department is clearing EOIs faster as per Date of Effect
• Backlogs appear to be reducing for high-demand occupations

Points Summary Across Both Invitation Rounds

What These 189 Trends Mean for 2025–26 Skilled Migration Applicants

• Onshore applicants continue to have the strongest advantage
• Nurses and trades are moving faster than any other group
• STEM points requirements may be easing slightly
• Offshore applicants have a visible but small opportunity
• Focus on Strong English, partner points, Australian experience still boost EOI ranking

FAQs (Answered Through Contextual Insight)

What points are needed for a 189 visa in 2025?

Most occupations receiving invitations in 2025 sit between 75–85 points, especially in high-demand essential services like nursing and trades. Applicants in STEM, scientific and specialised technical occupations often require 85–95 points due to higher competition in those fields. While these ranges give a strong indication, exact cut-offs can shift depending on occupation ceilings and how many EOIs are lodged in each category. Applicants aiming for faster invitations should target the upper end of their occupation’s typical range.

Which occupations got the most invites?

The largest number of invitations went to Registered Nurses, followed by trades (carpenters, painters, tilers), engineers, teachers, social workers, and medical practitioners. These fields reflect Australia’s national skills priority list and ongoing shortages across healthcare, education, construction and STEM sectors. Many of these occupations received invitations across multiple states and branches. This consistency shows that these fields are likely to remain strong for future invitation rounds as well.

Does having a recent EOI help?

It is not about recent EOIs it is about lodging EOIs with higher points and similar points in same occupation group can be pick up by Date of Effect of EOI ultimately. Applicants should ensure their EOIs are up-to-date and optimised.

Can offshore applicants still get invited?

Yes – offshore applicants can still receive invitations, but mostly in highly specialised occupations where local supply is limited. Examples include roles such as petroleum engineers, certain scientific positions, and niche STEM specialists. Offshore invites remain limited compared to onshore, but strong experience and high points significantly improve the chances. Those targeting 189 offshore should aim for the upper end of their occupation’s points range.

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