SkillSelect Invitation Rounds February 2020
What is an Expression of Interest invitation round?
If you are applying through the skilled migration stream then this process will be applicable to you. After obtaining a positive skills assessment and English test you will need to lodge an Expression of Interest, commonly referred to an EOI. EOI’s are lodged online via SkillSelect.
If you are lodging an EOI for a Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) or Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491), you will be subject to invitation rounds. Invitation rounds currently take place once a month, usually on the 11th.
What do invitation rounds tell us?
Each month the invitation round results are published on SkillSelect. This is a good indication to determine if you have enough points to secure a Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) visa, and how long it may take you to secure an invite. Invitations are not guaranteed and your EOI will expire after 2 years.
What were the latest invitation round results?
The latest invitation round – 11 February 2020 – saw 1,500 invitation issued.
| Visa subclass | Number of invitations issued |
| Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) | 1,000 |
| Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) – Family Sponsored | 500 |
The minimum points score for a Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) was 90. The latest date of effect was 16/11/2019. This means applicants needed 90+ points to secure an invitation, and those who had the minimum 90 points waited 4 months to secure an invitation.
The minimum points score for a Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) – Family Sponsored was 85. The latest date of effect was 08/01/2020. This means applicants needed 85+ points to secure an invitation, and those who had the minimum 85 points waited nearly 3 months to secure an invitation.
The above minimum points scores do not apply to pro-rata occupations. Due to high levels of demand, certain occupations are subject to pro-rata arrangements to ensure invitations are available throughout the year. This includes various occupations in finance, engineering and ICT. You can check if this applies to you by visiting SkillSelect. The minimum points score and date of effect for pro-rata occupations are also listed on SkillSelect.
How many points do I need for a skilled visa?
You can lodge an EOI on 65 points, however what many people don’t realize is meeting the minimum threshold of 65 points has not been enough to secure a 189 invitation for years! The last 6 months of invitation rounds saw no 189 invitation issued on under 80 points. Realistically, you require at least 80 points to have a chance of securing a 189 visa and we do not anticipate this lessening any time soon.
How can I increase my points?
There are two primary ways to increase your points score; The English Test and State Sponsorship (visa subclasses 190 and 491).
You can use Visa Go Australia’s free points calculator to determine your skilled points score. Alternatively, you can seek advice from our licensed Migration Agent Darren Chatt MARN:0211214 by booking a consultation.
