Australian Immigration Update: 189 Invitation Strategy Revealed and Income Threshold Increases Announced

In this week’s comprehensive update, the Australian Immigration Agency (AIA) provides a detailed look into the latest shifts within the migration landscape. From significant increases in sponsorship income thresholds to the unveiling of internal Departmental data regarding the Subclass 189 invitation rounds, these developments are critical for both individual applicants and corporate sponsors.

Executive Summary

The Australian immigration sector is bracing for the 2026-27 program year with newly indexed income thresholds for skilled visas. Simultaneously, internal documents have provided unprecedented transparency into the selection criteria and invitation volumes for the Subclass 189 and 190 visas, highlighting a clear preference for healthcare, trades, and education sectors.

Core Skills and Specialist Skills Income Thresholds to Rise

Industry specialists have confirmed that both the Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) and the Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT) are indexed to rise at the conclusion of the current financial year. These changes are designed to align migration settings with current Australian economic conditions.

Commencing 1 July 2026, the following thresholds will apply:

• Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT): Increasing to $79,499 (up from $76,515).
• Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT): Increasing to $146,717 (up from $141,210).

AIA advises that these updated thresholds will apply to all relevant Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) and Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme) visa applications lodged on or after 1 July 2026. It is important to note that current visa holders are not affected by these annual indexation increases; however, any new nominations lodged after the deadline must meet the updated figures.

New South Wales 190 Invitation Round

The New South Wales government has scheduled an invitation round for the Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated visa for next week. For those seeking state nomination, Expressions of Interest (EOIs) must be lodged by the close of business on 1 March to be considered in this selection process. Our experts recommend ensuring all skills assessments and English language results are valid and correctly recorded in the SkillSelect system prior to this deadline.

Inside the 189 Invitation Process: FOI Secrets Revealed

Recent Freedom of Information (FOI) disclosures have provided a rare look at the internal administration of the Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent) visa. The data reveals the Department’s strategy for the remainder of the 2025-2026 planning cycle.

Invitation Volumes and Future Rounds

In recent major rounds, the Department issued 10,000 invitations for the Subclass 189 visa and 300 invitations for the Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional – Family Sponsored) visa. AIA notes that these volumes are intended to meet the majority of the annual planning levels. Consequently, applicants should anticipate only small “top-up” rounds in the third quarter of the financial year, rather than large-scale invitation events.

Priority Occupations

The FOI data confirms a heavy weighting toward essential services. The top ten occupations invited include:

• Registered Nurses: 2,992 invitations (29% of total)
• Carpenters and Joiners: 800 invitations (8% of total)
• Secondary School Teachers: 548 invitations (5% of total)
• Social Workers: 496 invitations (5% of total)
• Early Childhood Teachers: 418 invitations (4% of total)

Other high-performing sectors included Chemical and Material Engineers, Solicitors, and General Practitioners.

Points and Nationality Trends

Contrary to common belief that 100+ points are required for all occupations, the data shows that the majority of invitations were issued in the 75 to 90 point range.

Interestingly, lower point scores (65-70) were primarily allocated to trade occupations. The geographical data also highlights that the “lion’s share” of invitations—8,053 out of 10,000—were issued to applicants already living onshore in Australia, underscoring the advantage of being established within the local labor market.

Occupations Reaching Capacity

A critical takeaway for prospective migrants is the list of occupations that have effectively reached their ceilings for the current financial year. According to AIA analysis of the latest occupation stock figures, the following roles currently have no places available for the remainder of this financial year:

• Engineering: Industrial, Mechanical, Production, Civil, and Electrical Professionals.
• Information Technology: Software and Application Programmers, ICT Business and System Analysts, Computer Networking Professionals, and ICT Security Specialists.
• Trades and Services: Motor Mechanics and Chefs.
• Professional Services: Accountants, Auditors, and Database Administrators.

Applicants in these fields should consider alternative pathways, such as state-nominated or employer-sponsored visas, as the Subclass 189 route is currently restricted for these specific codes.

The Path Forward

The Australian Immigration Agency continues to advocate for greater transparency within the Department of Home Affairs. Providing applicants with realistic expectations regarding their point scores and occupational ceilings is essential for a fair and efficient migration system.

As the 1 July changes approach, we encourage all clients and prospective applicants to review their current status. Whether you are navigating the complexities of a 189 EOI or preparing a corporate sponsorship for the new financial year, expert guidance is paramount.

For tailored advice on how these updates affect your specific circumstances, contact the Australian Immigration Agency today to book a comprehensive consultation.