Subclass 189 Invitation Rounds Post-COVID

How Immigration Policies Have Changed and What It Means for You

The Labour Government (elected in May 2022) has issued the largest number of invitations for the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) to skilled workers in recent years. The last invitation round in December 2022 is the largest in years and reflects the shift in strategy to run the program, with the government seeking to respond to current skills and labour shortages.

Recent Skilled Independent Subclass 189 Invitation Rounds

There have been three invitation rounds this program year, totalling a staggering 59,182 invitations issued by the federal government to apply for Subclass 189. This is a positive step forward for the program and represents a significant uplift in invitation numbers compared to previous years, including pre-COVID-19.

Department of Home Affairs – SkillSelect invitation Round 2022

What to expect from the increased number of invitations?

Australia’s strict COVID-19 border closures heavily impacted the Migration program. Still, while Australia has been slow at welcoming skilled migrants back to its shores, the latest invitation rounds suggest a positive trend in Australian Skilled Immigration policies.

This new approach by the Department may mean that providing you have a score of at least 65 points, an invitation to apply for a visa can be expected by the next invitation round. However, it is worth highlighting that some ANZSCO occupations naturally have more EOIs lodged than others. This means that the number of invitations issued each round may be limited, and not all candidates who complete an EOI will receive an invitation to apply for a visa.

If you are preparing to apply for a Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) visa, you must plan each step carefully. It is a long process to apply for a skilled visa, and steps such as the English test or the Skills Assessment are crucial. It is vital to remember that requirements can and do change, and it is a good idea to keep checking as you go to ensure that you have not been adversely affected by any changes.

We can help you prepare and lodge what could be a life-changing visa application. Our in-depth knowledge of Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) law and procedures, allows us to help our clients submit a “decision-ready” application. This is an application that includes all supporting documents and information needed for the processing officer to make a decision at the earliest possible.