I'm Kirk. If you would like to plan your studies and migration to Australia, add me on WeChat at NewstarsMel03.
The Department released its official report today on the 15 October invitation round, confirming 20,000 invitations (see the lead image). Our earlier estimate of 15,000–20,000 was broadly accurate. It really is a case of ‘one round a year, then a whole year off’. I stand by my earlier view. With only just over 20,000 Subclass 189 visa grant places this year, there is a strong chance that no further Subclass 189 invitations will be issued this financial year before the new points system reforms, or that any further rounds will be very small.
Invitation scores for popular occupations
A wide range of occupations was covered. Figure 2 shows the scores and how far the queue progressed for popular occupations, while Figures 3–7 show the scores for all occupations.
- The three popular pathways, plus secondary teaching
Nursing 70 points / Social work 80 points / Early childhood teaching 90 points / Secondary teaching 80 points
As mentioned earlier, the backlog for early childhood teaching still points to enormous pressure. If you work in early childhood teaching and have a job, try having more discussions with your employer. Consider another approach instead of focusing solely on Subclass 189.
- Health occupations were generally in the 70–85-point range.
- Blue-collar trades continued to receive invitations at the low score of 65 points. There is little more to add here. Blue-collar workers are clearly a high priority, with an urgent need for their labour.
- Solicitors were invited at 65 points.
- With IT so competitive, we have also suggested strategies for switching pathways (see Figure 8). You can refer to my post on the subject.
- There were no invitations for accountants in this round.
Migration trends suggested by the invitation round
Looking at the trend, state nomination may still be the focus this financial year. Although only three states have announced allocations (Tasmania, the Northern Territory and Victoria’s Subclass 190 allocation, with Western Australia’s allocation reported in the media), New South Wales, Canberra and Western Australia have already issued their first rounds of invitations, while Tasmania continues to issue invitations steadily each week. Plan ahead and consider whether to switch pathways or move to the relevant state in advance,
