Proposed SkillSelect Invitation Rounds Reform – Subclass 189 Occupation Tiers (2025–26)

Why the government is proposing changes

The documents explain that points-tested skilled visas are intended to support Australia’s economic needs by attracting highly capable skilled workers. They also note concerns about irregular invitation rounds and the need for clearer public-facing information about how invitation decisions are made. A more structured approach is intended to provide greater certainty to applicants and help align invitations with workforce priorities.

Key proposed changes

• More predictable invitation rounds: Invitation rounds may run on a regular schedule (generally quarterly in 2025–26), with flexibility to run targeted rounds if needed.
• Tiered prioritisation: Occupations are grouped into four tiers (highest value, high priority, diverse, and oversupplied).
• Occupation ceilings: A limit (ceiling) is set for invitations in each occupation. Once the ceiling is reached, further invitations for that occupation may be reduced or paused for that program year.
• Better coordination with other programs: The approach considers invitation and grant volumes across other skilled visa pathways (including state/territory nominations and employer sponsorship) to help fill gaps and maintain diversity.
• Improved public information: The documents indicate a need to update public-facing guidance so applicants understand the framework and priorities.

Regular and predictable invitation rounds

Under the proposed model, SkillSelect invitation rounds for the subclass 189 visa will generally be held quarterly, with the flexibility to run targeted rounds if specific shortages emerge during the year. This regular schedule is intended to reduce uncertainty for applicants and ensure Australia does not lose high-value talent to other countries.

A new “tiered prioritisation” model

Occupations will now be grouped into four tiers, each with different priority levels and invitation limits (called “occupation ceilings”). These ceilings are calculated using workforce data and are designed to balance diversity, skill shortages, and economic needs.

In simple terms:

• Tier 1 focuses on critical, highly skilled professions with strong long-term demand
• Tier 2 includes important priority roles such as teachers, psychologists and social workers
• Tier 3 ensures diversity across engineering, science, trades, and specialist professions
• Tier 4 limits invitations for occupations that already have very high numbers of applicants

Once the occupation ceiling for a role is reached, no further invitations are issued for that occupation in that program year.

What this means for future visa applicants

For skilled migrants, the key takeaway is clear: occupation choice matters more than ever. Candidates in high-priority health, education and critical skill roles will continue to be favoured, while invitations for traditionally oversubscribed professions will be carefully controlled.

The government believes this approach will deliver a skilled migration program that is fairer, more transparent, and better aligned with Australia’s long-term needs.

Tier 1 – Highest value occupations (Critical health and medical professions)

Tier 1 includes occupations that are considered critical to Australia’s long-term economic and workforce needs. These roles are characterised by strong projected demand, significant skill shortages, and high levels of human capital. The document explains that these occupations are often difficult to fill domestically and typically require advanced skills, qualifications, and experience. Because of their importance, Tier 1 occupations are given the highest priority in SkillSelect invitation rounds, with higher occupation ceilings applied to maximise the intake of workers in these roles.

Tier 1 (4-digit ANZSCO) – Occupation Unit Groups

Tier 1 (6-digit ANZSCO) – Occupations

Tier 2 – High priority occupations (Education and social services)

Tier 2 occupations are also identified as important to Australia’s economy and society, but they are not assessed as being as scarce or critical as those in Tier 1. These occupations may still face shortages or strong demand, particularly in essential services such as education and community support. The document indicates that Tier 2 roles receive targeted priority, with occupation ceilings applied at a lower level than Tier 1, ensuring these occupations continue to be selected while maintaining balance across the skilled migration program.

Tier 2 (4-digit ANZSCO) – Occupation Unit Groups

Tier 2 (6-digit ANZSCO) – Occupations

Tier 3 – Diverse occupations (Engineering, science, trades, arts, and specialist roles)

Tier 3 is designed to support diversity across the skilled migration intake. Occupations in this tier are not classified as critical shortages but are still considered valuable to Australia’s economy across a wide range of industries, professions, and trades. The document explains that this tier allows the program to fill skills needs broadly and avoid over-concentration in a narrow set of occupations. Selection in Tier 3 helps maintain a balanced and adaptable workforce, with invitations issued once higher-priority tiers have been addressed.

Tier 3 (6-digit ANZSCO) – Occupations

Tier 4 – Oversupplied occupations (Invitation limits apply)

Tier 4 includes occupations that are assessed as having very high volumes of candidates already available through SkillSelect and other migration pathways. These occupations typically have strong interest from applicants but do not face shortages at the same level as other tiers. The document explains that Tier 4 is intended to manage and restrict oversupply, using lower occupation ceilings to prevent these roles from dominating invitation rounds. Invitations for Tier 4 occupations may still occur, but they are carefully controlled to preserve the overall effectiveness and balance of the skilled migration program.

Tier 4 (6-digit ANZSCO) – Occupations