August 2025 SkillSelect Invitation Round: Subclass 189 & 491 Update
Australia’s latest SkillSelect invitation round, held on 21 August 2025, brought welcome news for many skilled workers — especially those targeting the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) and Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) – Family Sponsored. With nearly 7,000 invitations issued, this marks one of the largest rounds in recent months.
👉 Looking for visa support? Book your free discovery call now.
Key Takeaways
6,887 invitations were issued for the Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visa.
150 invitations were issued for the Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491 – Family Sponsored) visa.
Minimum scores ranged from 65 to 110 points, depending on the occupation.
High demand occupations (e.g., healthcare, engineering, trades) dominated the round.
Breakdown of the August 2025 Invitation Round
Total Invitations by Visa Subclass
| Visa Subclass | Total Invitations | Tie Break Date |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled Independent (subclass 189) | 6,887 | August 2025 |
| Skilled Work Regional (491 – Family Sponsored) | 150 | May 2025 |
What Is a “Tie Break” Date?
When candidates have equal points, the Department uses the "date of effect" (i.e., when the EOI achieved that score) to decide who gets invited first. Earlier dates take priority.
Occupation-Wise Analysis
Skilled professionals in health, engineering, and trades saw strong invitation activity. Here's a summary of minimum invitation scores by occupation:
⚙️ Selected Occupation Minimum Scores (Sample)
| Occupation | 189 Visa | 491 Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Actuary | 90 | N/A |
| Carpenter | 65 | N/A |
| Clinical Psychologist | 75 | N/A |
| Electrician (General) | 65 | 75 |
| Electronic Equipment Trades Worker | 110 | N/A |
| Registered Nurse (Mental Health) | 80 | 90 |
| Plumber (General) | 65 | 80 |
| Welder (First Class) | 90 | N/A |
✅ You can view the full invitation breakdown by industry on our article here.
📈 Total Invitations in the 2025–26 Program Year (So Far)
| Visa Subclass | Jul | Aug | Sep–Jun |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skilled Independent (subclass 189) | 0 | 6,887 | 0 |
| Skilled Work Regional (491 – Family Sponsored) | 0 | 150 | 0 |
📝 Note: These figures do not include state or territory nominations, which are issued separately.
🏛️ State and Territory Nominations (2024–25 Year To Date)
| State/Territory | Subclass 190 | Subclass 491 (State Nominated) |
|---|---|---|
| ACT | 1,000 | 800 |
| NSW | 3,000 | 2,000 |
| NT | 800 | 800 |
| QLD | 600 | 600 |
| SA | 3,000 | 800 |
| TAS | 2,100 | 760 |
| VIC | 3,000 | 2,000 |
| WA | 3,000 | 2,000 |
What This Means for Skilled Migrants
The August 2025 round highlights a renewed focus on high-demand sectors such as:
Healthcare
Engineering and sciences
Construction trades
Education
Lower point thresholds (as low as 65 for some trades) show that Australia remains open to skilled talent, especially in critical areas.
🔍 Remember: Points alone aren’t enough — your EOI must meet the occupation group parameters and align with Australia's migration planning priorities.
FAQs
What is the minimum score for subclass 189 in August 2025?
It varied by occupation, with scores ranging from 65 to 110 points.
How often are SkillSelect invitation rounds held?
They are conducted periodically, and the number of invitations can vary based on EOI volume and planning needs.
Can I receive a state nomination if I’m not invited under SkillSelect?
Yes. State and territory nominations operate independently and may have different criteria. View our state nomination guide for more information.
What's the difference between 491 Family Sponsored and 491 State Nominated?
The 491 – Family Sponsored visa requires a relative in a designated regional area. The 491 – State Nominated requires nomination by a state or territory government.
Ready to apply or unsure of your next step?
👉 Book your free discovery call today
Let’s connect humanity — one visa at a time.
Disclaimer: Note: The information provided in this article is meant for general informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal advice. Although we strive to provide accurate and useful information, the nuances of Australian immigration law demand personalised advice from legal professionals. Given the dynamic nature of migration regulations, it is essential to consult with experienced immigration experts for tailored support.
