Invitation rounds apply to Skilled Independent Visas (subclass 189) and Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visas (subclass 491) – Family Sponsored. Invitations are usually released quarterly and each round varies depending on the number of applications that are received and processed by the Department of Home Affairs.

Details of the 25 May 2023 SkillSelect invitation round has been released on the Department’s website.

Invitations issued

On this page you will find information about SkillSelect Invitation Rounds:

• Since May 2020, the way the SkillSelect Invitation Rounds are run have shifted to a targeted approach to prioritise the occupations Australia needs given the impacts of COVID-19. See our page on Bespoke Invitation Rounds for 189 and 491 Visa (Family Sponsored Visa).
• The most recent SkillSelect Invitations were released on 21 January 2022. See our page on the Latest Subclass 189 and 491 Invitation Round Analysis.
• Due to border closures and travel restrictions, Australia’s border had remained closed for 2 years. Now that the world is reopening following the impacts of COVID-19, the State and Territory Skilled Visa Programs are beginning to reopen. For more information about the State/Territory Skilled Migration Programs see our page on Which Australian States/Territories are open for Offshore Skilled Migration program?
• The Skilled Migration Program is highly competitive. For further information about the most common occupations selected in the 2021 Skilled Migration program see our page on Top Occupations for Australia Immigration 2021 – Skilled Migration.

Occupation Ceilings

Occupation ceilings may be applicable to the invitations issued for some occupations in the subclass 189 and subclass 491 – family sponsored visa programs. Occupation ceilings are a reasonable limit on the number of Expression of Interest (EOIs) that can be invited. Occupation ceilings do not apply to State or Territory Nominated visa subclasses.