The Department of Home Affairs has released the results of the latest SkillSelect invitation round, held on 4 June 2026, providing valuable insights for skilled migrants hoping to secure Australian permanent residency.
A total of 10,000 invitations were issued for the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189), matching the size of the previous invitation round. However, there were no invitations issued for the Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) visa, continuing a trend that many prospective migrants will be watching closely.
If you’re planning to apply for skilled migration, these results offer important clues about current invitation trends, minimum points scores, and which occupations are receiving invitations.
Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
The Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa remains one of Australia’s most competitive migration pathways, offering permanent residency without requiring employer sponsorship or state nomination.
The June invitation round again allocated 10,000 invitations, indicating the Australian Government’s continued focus on attracting skilled workers through independent migration.
For applicants currently waiting in the SkillSelect pool, this consistency is encouraging, although invitation scores continue to vary significantly depending on occupation.
No Invitations for the Subclass 491 Visa
No invitations were issued for the Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional Visa – Family Sponsored stream during this invitation round.
While this may disappoint applicants hoping for a regional pathway, it’s important to remember that the majority of Subclass 491 visas are issued through state and territory nomination programs, which operate independently of the federal SkillSelect invitation rounds.
Applicants should continue monitoring individual state nomination programs, as invitation activity varies throughout the year.
Invitation Scores: What Did It Take?
The most common invitation score during this round was 80 points.
Several occupations received their first invitations at the following minimum score:
| Occupation | Minimum Invitation Score |
| Endocrinologist | 80 |
| Fitter and Turner | 80 |
| Footballer | 80 |
| Shipwright | 80 |
While 80 points was the most common invitation score overall, many skilled trades continued to receive invitations with fewer points.
Skilled Trades Continue to Perform Well
One of the strongest themes from the June invitation round is the continued demand for many trade occupations.
The following occupations were invited with 65 points:
- Glaziers
- Plasterers
- Plumbers
- Stonemasons
However, several trade occupations remained more competitive, including:
- Cabinetmakers
- Electronic Equipment Trades Workers
- Fitters
These occupations generally required 80 points to receive an invitation.
This demonstrates that while many trade occupations continue to benefit from Australia’s ongoing skills shortages, invitation thresholds still differ considerably between occupations.
Health Occupations Continue to Lead
Healthcare remains one of Australia’s strongest migration sectors.
Nursing occupations once again represented a significant proportion of invitations, with many applicants receiving invitations on 75 points.
Australia’s continued investment in healthcare and aged care means skilled health professionals remain well positioned under the skilled migration program.
Limited Engineering Invitations
Engineering professionals saw fewer opportunities during this round.
Only a limited number of Engineering Technician-level occupations received invitations, while many professional engineering occupations saw little or no invitation activity.
Applicants in the engineering sector should continue monitoring future invitation rounds and consider state nomination pathways where appropriate.
No Invitations for Chefs, Motor Mechanics, Accounting or IT
Some occupations once again missed out entirely during the June invitation round.
No invitations were issued for:
- Chefs
- Accounting occupations
- Information Technology occupations
Notably, accounting and IT occupations were also absent from the previous invitation round, suggesting these professions continue to experience higher levels of competition or lower invitation priorities under the current migration program.
Applicants in these occupations may wish to explore alternative pathways such as employer sponsorship or state nomination, depending on their circumstances.
What These Results Mean for Skilled Migrants
The June 2026 SkillSelect invitation round highlights several important trends:
- The Australian Government continues to issue large numbers of Subclass 189 invitations.
- Healthcare remains one of the strongest sectors for skilled migration.
- Many traditional trade occupations continue to perform well.
- Some professional occupations, particularly accounting and IT, remain highly competitive.
- Regional invitations through the federal SkillSelect system remain limited.
Because invitation scores and occupation demand can change between rounds, prospective migrants should avoid relying solely on previous invitation results when planning their migration strategy.
Preparing for the Next SkillSelect Invitation Round
The next SkillSelect invitation round is expected to take place in September 2026, giving skilled migrants an opportunity to review their position and strengthen their applications ahead of time.
If you are currently waiting in the SkillSelect pool, now is the time to assess your points score, update your Expression of Interest (EOI) if your circumstances have changed, and explore alternative pathways such as state nomination or employer sponsorship if your occupation remains highly competitive.
Staying prepared can help ensure you are ready if an invitation opportunity becomes available.
Note that most state-nominated programs are currently closed while awaiting a new allocation from Immigration.
Get Expert Advice on Your Skilled Migration Options
SkillSelect invitation rounds provide valuable insights, but every migration journey is unique. Your eligibility depends on factors such as your occupation, points score, work experience, qualifications, English language ability, and the visa pathways available at the time you apply.
Whether you’re waiting for an invitation, considering employer sponsorship, or exploring state nomination, obtaining professional migration advice can help you make informed decisions and maximise your chances of success.
Contact AVIE today to discuss your skilled migration options and develop the right strategy for your Australian visa application.