Last week, new invitation rounds were issued by Canberra and Western Australia, with official reports published this Mondayofficial reports. This round brought some pleasant surprises, though those very surprises may also raise some concerns about what comes next.

Let’s start with Western Australia (WA), which attracts the most attention

2,001 subclass 190 and 500 subclass 491 invitations — a total of 2,501. This would have been a substantial number even in the previous financial year.

General Stream Schedule 2 had the highest number of invitations

Let’s first look at the submission requirements for this stream:

– Occupation on the list with a relevant skills assessment

– EOI score of at least 65 points

– English language proficiency of at least 6 in each band

–Subclass 190 requires a 6-month job offer in WA related to the nominated occupation (except construction trades); subclass 491 has no job offer requirement for any occupation

–Applicants from overseas, interstate, or locally based (but not local graduates) are all eligible to apply

It is easy to see why this stream receives the most applications. Besides points scores, the job offer is the most critical requirement.

The state government once again issued the highest number of invitations through this stream (as in previous rounds), with many occupations including accounting, IT, and engineering receiving invitations. A closer analysis reveals that the distribution followed clear priorities:

–Popular but non-priority occupations， — all high scorers already based in WA

Typical occupations include: accounting, IT, and non-construction engineering, all requiring 95–105 points

–Interstate or overseas applicants who received invitations: all fall under the four priority industries, with scores ranging from 65–95 points

WA’s four priority industries this financial year are (in no particular order):

Construction, health and social services, and education and training have been priority sectors in most states this year. We can take a particular look at invitations for tourism and hospitality-related occupations — scores varied considerably, but opportunities were given across the board.

Our clients who received invitations

High volume, but with a plan

Let’s start with the planning aspect

For non-priority occupations, the state selected strong candidates who had already committed to relocating within the state, so applicants’ efforts were not wasted.

As for the four priority industries, it appears WA genuinely faces significant workforce shortages this year. Many occupations broke the previous financial year’s rule of only inviting in-state applicants. WA had previously emphasised the shortage of construction workers more than the other three priority industries, but as the official website states the rankings are in no particular order, and this round the state government put that into action.

Turning to the local graduate stream, while the numbers were not the highest, the occupations and scores invited were quite favourable (no job offer or work experience required for any occupation via the graduate stream for either 190 or 491). The state government still prioritises looking after its own graduates.However, for ultra-competitive occupations like IT and accounting, applicants should be prepared for stiff competition — be open to the 491, or boost points through PTE, CCL, and work experience.

Now on the high volume of invitations

First, do not directly compare the 2,988 pre-invitations issued across two rounds against the quota of 2,350 (1,500 + 850).

For a pre-invitation to ultimately “convert” into an actual state nomination quota place, applicants must submit formal documentation to the state government for assessment. Only upon approval does it count towards the actual quota. General Stream Schedule 2 documentation includes the job offer. If the submission is not completed within 28 days of receiving the invitation, the pre-invitation lapses — this is what is known as the acceptance rate.

The acceptance rate for streams that do not require a job offer is considerably higher than for those that do. For example, the graduate stream and construction trades via General Stream Schedule 2 will have higher acceptance rates. Where a job offer is required, the acceptance rate for applicants already in WA is higher than for those overseas or interstate.

So it does not necessarily mean WA is in an over-allocation situation after two rounds — the actual outcome depends on the acceptance rate. We will follow up with the state government for further information, though the data will be somewhat delayed as it can only be compiled after submission deadlines have passed.

Canberra

Last week, 168 invitations were issued, all subclass 491. 74 went to the in-territory general stream, 85 to overseas applicants, and 7 through the small business stream. The minimum invitation score was 80 points.

– This round, Canberra still showed no discernible occupational preference

–an occupation’s popularity directly correlates with the invitation score

Besides accounting, engineering, and IT, contract administrators, restaurant/cafe managers, and finance managers all scored very high in Canberra state nominations, while many other occupations could receive invitations at 65 points or lower.

As at 13 October:

–224 subclass 190 state nomination places remain, and 310 for subclass 491

– The subclass 190 approval rate is 88%, and 81% for subclass 491

Last week, our Canberra office received confirmation from the territory government:

– This round issued only subclass 491 invitations to balance the total number of 491 and 190 invitations issued, as the remaining 491 quota was higher than for 190

– The next round will include both subclass 491 and 190 invitations

–The territory government aims for a steady pace, with invitations and quota usage sustained through to the end of the financial year

–Overseas invitation numbers will be further reduced going forward

This year’s invitation trend: unpredictable

So opportunities could arrive at any moment?

So far this financial year, every state nomination programme except NSW has issued at least one round of invitations. The biggest characteristic is the unpredictability of invitation rounds — opportunities can arrive at any time. This is because most state governments, facing significantly reduced quotas, have not established clear submission rules. They have not imposed strict barriers on submission requirements, setting priorities while also saying other occupations still have a chance, and not narrowing the occupational scope。

So it all comes down to watching the invitations — but state governments themselves appear to be navigating this by trial and error, without yet forming specific rules。Some want to spread invitations through to the end of the financial year, others want to wrap up early, and all must factor in actual acceptance rates. Striking this balance is extremely difficult.

If the previous round was generous, the next round pulls back (e.g. Victoria). If the previous round focused too narrowly on priority occupations, the next round feels the need to give opportunities to the large pool of other occupation applicants. They find it hard to pass on experienced overseas applicants, yet know they should prioritise their own graduates.

For applicants — particularly those in state priority industries/occupations, or with high points scores, or extensive relevant work experience — opportunities may arrive without warning.

As always, stay positive, cast a wide net, and act quickly. In the second half of the financial year, many states will start running low on quota, and even if they want to provide opportunities and surprises, they may simply not have the capacity.

Contact our consultants below to assess the most suitable pathway based on your occupation and individual circumstances

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