Australia's Skilled Visa: Subclass 189 Invitations Expected by October 31, Tasmania Opens Nominations

Australia's Department of Home Affairs anticipates the next Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visa invitation round by October 31, 2026, a revision from its previous September target. Meanwhile, Tasmania has reportedly conducted its first state nomination round for the 2026-27 program year, offering pathways for skilled migrants.

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The Australian Department of Home Affairs has updated its guidance, indicating that the next invitation round for the Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visa is now expected by October 31, 2026. This adjustment follows an earlier anticipation for a round by September 30. Prospective Filipino skilled migrants should ensure their Expressions of Interest are up to date and accurate, as confirmed by official sources. The department does not pre-announce exact dates or guarantee that a round will occur.

Separately, Tasmania has reportedly initiated its 2026-27 state nomination program with its first invitation round on October 1, 2026. Reports indicate 38 invitations were issued for the Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa and 34 for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) (subclass 491) visa, totaling 72 invitations. This follows the opening of Tasmania's Skilled Migration State Nomination Program on August 17, 2026, with weekly invitations commencing from August 20, 2026, according to Migration Tasmania.

Minimum selection scores reported for Tasmania's recent round were 331 for subclass 190 and 71 for subclass 491, based on Tasmania's internal points system. These scores are distinct from the federal points test. For federal Skilled Independent visas, the last published round on June 4, 2026, saw 10,000 invitations issued with a tie-break date of April 24, 2026.

For Filipino professionals and skilled workers considering Australia, it's important to note that the core federal eligibility criteria, including the 65-point pass mark, occupation lists, and points-test structure, have not changed. While Ministerial Directions 121 and 122 influence the order of processing applications, they do not alter the fundamental requirements for skilled visas.