189 Visa Invitation Cutoffs by Occupation: 2026 SkillSelect Round Data

#What is the current invitation round cutoff score for architecture occupation under subclass 189?

Architecture has historically been a mid-demand occupation in SkillSelect. In early 2026 rounds, invitations were issued at 85 points; however, as the EOI pool grew and the annual program allocation tightened, the effective floor rose to 90. At VJ Consulting and Education, we advise architects to treat 90 as the working minimum — any EOI lodged at 85 may remain queued indefinitely unless program conditions change or age-based points are refreshed.

#What are the current invitation scores for subclass 189 by occupation in Australia?

The table below summarises known invitation thresholds observed across 2026 SkillSelect rounds. These are effective cutoffs — the lowest score at which invitations were issued in any given round. Occupations not listed either received no invitations or are subject to state nomination pathways instead.

#What were the 189 visa invitation rounds in August and October and what scores were invited?

DOHA typically conducts invitation rounds on or around the 11th of each month. The August 2026 round was notable for issuing invitations to civil engineers and architects at 90 points — a slight increase from the 85-point floor seen in March and April. October continued that trend, with nursing remaining the standout occupation where 65-point EOIs were progressed.

For occupations with large queue backlogs — particularly ICT and accounting — October 2026 saw virtually no movement below 100 points. This reflects DOHA's ongoing prioritisation of healthcare and construction trades as part of Australia's National Skills Agreement workforce strategy.

#What are the current queue numbers for civil engineer 189 visa in Australia?

Civil engineering remains one of the more active queues in SkillSelect, driven by Australia's sustained infrastructure investment across major states. While invitations are being issued, they are not unlimited. DOHA allocates places across many occupations within the skilled independent ceiling, so civil engineers at 85 points face meaningful waiting periods — often 3–6 months — before invitation.

At 90 points or above, civil engineers can reasonably expect an invitation within 1–3 rounds, based on current queue data observed at VJ Consulting. Below 85, the wait is indefinite under current program settings.

#How many people are queuing for civil drafter 189 visa in Australia?

Civil drafter is listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), which makes it eligible for the 189 pathway. However, DOHA has not issued invitations to this occupation in every monthly round during 2026. When invitations are issued, the effective cutoff has sat at 90 points.

Applicants in this occupation often ask whether state nomination is a better option. In many cases, the Subclass 491 regional pathway or the Subclass 190 state-nominated visa may offer faster outcomes, particularly for those in or willing to relocate to regional areas.

#How many EOI applicants are in the queue for subclass 189 nursing occupation?

Nursing is DOHA's highest-priority occupation group for 189 invitations in 2026. The queue is large, but so is the invitation volume — nurses at 65 points have received invitations in multiple consecutive rounds this year. This stands in stark contrast to most engineering and ICT occupations, where 90+ points are required.

The volume of the nursing queue should not discourage applicants at the lower score bands. Unlike ICT, where queue depth at 95 points can mean a wait of many months, the nursing program has maintained consistent invitation throughput aligned with Australia's healthcare workforce needs.

#Has anyone received a 189 visa invitation as a Statistician in Australia?

Statistician is on the MLTSSL, which grants 189 eligibility, but DOHA does not treat it as a priority occupation in the way nursing or select engineering roles are treated. Invitations have been confirmed in at least two 2026 rounds, but they were not issued in every round. Applicants at 90 points should expect to wait 3–6 months or longer.

For statisticians with strong employer ties, the Subclass 482 Skills in Demand visa or employer-sponsored 186 ENS pathway may provide a more direct route to permanent residence than waiting on a 189 invitation that may not materialise within a predictable timeframe.

#Have mechanical engineers received invitations for subclass 189 visa recently?

Mechanical engineering has seen a modest but consistent invitation pattern in 2026. Unlike ICT where 100+ points are regularly required, mechanical engineers with a well-constructed points profile at 90 have found the 189 pathway accessible — though not guaranteed in every round.

The key variables affecting mechanical engineers are age (the 25–32 bracket maximises age points), Australian study (adds 5 points), and a Credentialed Community Language qualification if applicable. At VJ Consulting and Education, we routinely audit client profiles to identify achievable point gains before EOI lodgement.

#Are Mechanical Engineers receiving 189 visa invitations in current SkillSelect rounds?

The invitation status for mechanical engineers has improved slightly since the beginning of 2026, when 85-point applicants were occasionally progressed. The current floor of 90 reflects increased EOI lodgement volume as more engineers complete skills assessments with Engineers Australia and enter the queue.

If you are a mechanical engineer currently sitting at 85 points, consider whether a professional year, community language credential, or a partner skills assessment could push your score to 90. These additions are achievable and can significantly change your invitation timeline.

#Are electrical engineers currently receiving 189 visa invitations in Australia?

Electrical engineering has been among the more consistently invited engineering disciplines in 2026, reflecting strong demand from Australia's energy transition infrastructure — including renewable energy projects across Queensland, Victoria, and Western Australia. This occupational demand has kept the score threshold slightly more accessible than some other engineering streams.

However, applicants should not assume 85 points guarantees an invitation in every round. Round-to-round variation means a 85-point electrical engineer may wait 2–4 months. At 90 points, the wait is typically one to two rounds.

For those considering state nomination as an alternative, both VIC 190 and QLD 190 have included electrical engineers in recent nomination rounds, sometimes at lower effective thresholds than the federal 189 program.

#Are quantity surveyors receiving 189 visa invitations in Australia?

The quantity surveyor occupation sits on the MLTSSL and is eligible for 189 nomination, but the EOI pool is disproportionately concentrated at 90 points, meaning applicants at that score face longer queuing times as DOHA works through a deep backlog. Applicants at 95+ points have been reliably invited in 2026.

VJCE strongly recommends quantity surveyors consider state nomination pathways as a parallel strategy. The Subclass 190 pathway adds 5 points to your score and has had quantity surveyors on the occupation list in several states during 2026. The Subclass 491 regional option adds 15 points, which may be transformative for applicants currently at 80–85.

#Have cabinet makers received 189 visa invitations in Australia?

Cabinet maker is listed on the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), not the MLTSSL. This is a critical distinction: STSOL occupations are not eligible for the Subclass 189 independent visa. Cabinet makers who have received advice suggesting a 189 pathway may have been given incorrect information and should seek a professional assessment immediately.

The realistic pathways for cabinet makers include the Subclass 190 state-nominated visa (where certain states have placed cabinet maker on their occupation list) and the Subclass 491 regional visa. Employer-sponsored options such as the Subclass 482 SID may also be relevant for those with a willing Australian employer.

At VJ Consulting and Education, we have assisted skilled tradespeople in similar situations navigate from an apparent dead-end into viable state-nominated or employer-sponsored pathways. The key is to understand your occupation's list classification before investing time and money into an EOI that cannot produce an invitation.