Australia Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) Outlook for 2026: What to Expect After Major Changes

Leading Edge
21 hours ago
3 min read

The landscape for the Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) visa has undergone a massive transformation as we enter 2026. Once a broad pathway for any high-scoring professional, the 189 has been recalibrated into a precision tool designed to address specific national shortages.

At Leading Edge Migration, we want to ensure you are not planning your future based on outdated 2023 or 2024 data. Here is the definitive outlook for the Subclass 189 visa in 2026 and what the new "tiered" system means for you.

Subclass 189 visa Australia — The iconic front view of Australia's Parliament House in Canberra, with its distinctive flagpole soaring against a bright blue sky, showcasing the modern architecture of the nation's political hub.

1. The Shift to Quarterly Invitation Rounds for Subclass 189

The most significant operational change is the move from ad-hoc, unpredictable "drops" to a structured quarterly invitation schedule.

The 2026 Schedule: Invitations are now issued approximately every three months. For the current program year, we are looking at rounds in Q3 (January–March) and Q4 (April–June).
Why this matters: A quarterly system means competition is more concentrated. If your EOI is not optimised before the quarter begins, you may miss one of only four opportunities available this year.

2. The New 4-Tier Invitation System

In 2026, points are no longer the only factor. The Department of Home Affairs has introduced an Occupation Tier System to ensure the 189 visa targets the skills Australia needs most.

Tier Category	Description	Likely Points Threshold
Tier 1: Highest Value	Medical specialists (Oncologists, Surgeons), specialized Health roles.	75 – 80 Points
Tier 2: High Priority	Nurses, Midwives, Secondary & Early Childhood Teachers.	75 – 85 Points
Tier 3: Diverse Skills	Engineers, Social Workers, and Construction Trades.	65 – 85 Points
Tier 4: Competitive	ICT Professionals, Accountants, and Chefs.	95+ Points

The Reality Check: If you are in a Tier 4 occupation, the 189 visa is now a "prestige" pathway requiring near-perfect points. For most applicants in these fields, the Subclass 190 or 491 is now the more realistic route.

3. Key Strategy: The "Skills in Demand" Focus

The 2026 migration strategy heavily favors those who align with the Skills in Demand (SID) sectors. The government is using the 189 visa specifically to fill "residual" gaps that employer sponsorship and state nominations cannot meet.

Healthcare & Education: Continue to receive the lion's share of invitations with faster processing times (some grants occurring in under 4 months).
Construction Trades: Carpenters, Electricians, and Plumbers are seeing invitations at the 65-point minimum in some rounds due to the national housing crisis.

4. How to Compete in 2026: Beyond the 65-Point Minimum

While 65 is the technical minimum, the 2026 average for an invite in most professional sectors is 85–90 points. To get there, you must:

Maximise English: Superior English (PTE 79+ / IELTS 8.0) is effectively mandatory for 20 points.
Leverage Partner Skills: A partner with a valid Skills Assessment and Competent English adds 10 points—often the difference between an invite and another year of waiting.
Check Your "Date of Effect": In the quarterly system, if two people have the same points, the one who submitted/updated their EOI first wins. Do not wait to update your profile.

5. Multi-Pathway Planning is Mandatory

In 2026, relying solely on the 189 visa is a high-risk strategy. Leading Edge Migration recommends a "Triple-EOI" approach:

SC 189: For the independent, points-based dream.
SC 190: For state nomination (provides +5 points).
SC 491: For regional nomination (provides +15 points).

Expert Insight: "The 189 is now a 'bonus' visa for many. We advise our clients to secure state or regional nominations first, as these are currently more predictable and frequent than the 189 quarterly rounds." — Navneet Kaur (MARN 1801703)

Secure Your Future in the Next Quarterly Round

With the next 189 rounds approaching this quarter, is your profile positioned to win? Small errors in your EOI or an outdated Skills Assessment can cost you an entire year.

Would you like Leading Edge Migration to audit your EOI and identify exactly which tier your occupation falls into for 2026? Consult with our experts today.

Disclaimer: This blog provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. It's crucial to consult with a registered migration agent for personalised guidance based on your specific circumstances