1️⃣ 189 Invitations Officially Released — Independent Skilled Migration Reopens!
On November 13, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) conducted a new Subclass 189 Independent Skilled Migration Invitation Round. This is the second major nationwide round since the July program-year opening — attracting huge attention from skilled migration applicants!
Highlights of this round:
- Applies to all EOI applicants (both onshore and offshore)
- Covers high-demand occupations across Engineering, IT, Healthcare, Education, and Trades
- Cut-off scores remain high (around 85–95 points)
- Offshore applicants are back on the priority list!
If you’ve already lodged your EOI, check your email! If not, update your scores and documents ASAP — the next round usually follows in 6–8 weeks.
2️⃣ Tasmania Officially Confirms New Quotas for 190 & 491
Just a few days earlier (Nov 7), Migration Tasmania announced its 2025–26 program-year quotas 👇
📊📊 Official Numbers:
- Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Permanent Visa): 1,200 places
- Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa): 650 places
This marks the full activation of Tasmania’s nomination program — quotas are live, systems are open, and applicants can now submit their Registration of Interest (ROI)!
3️⃣ Dual Policy Signals: What It Means
Federal level (189) — Releasing new invitations shows a clear pro-migration stance: Australia continues to welcome skilled professionals, especially onshore workers and shortage occupations.
State level (190/491) — Stable, regional-focused nominations emphasize long-term settlement and contribution.Tasmania maintains its “live and work genuinely in Tasmania” policy direction, rewarding applicants with true local engagement.
4️⃣ Recommendations & Action Plan
✅ For 189 Applicants
- Update your EOI immediately: Ensure qualifications, English, experience, and skills assessment are valid.
- If your score is 80–95, refresh your EOI date to stay competitive.
- Note: Onshore candidates continue to have a slight edge.
✅ For 190 / 491 (Tasmania)
- Submit your ROI early to secure a quota slot.
- Demonstrate strong ties to Tasmania (study, work, or residency).
- Check income thresholds: e.g., A$57,000/year or A$28.85/hour.
- Prepare support docs: employer reference, study record, lease/rent proof, etc.
5️⃣ Summary — 189 + 190/491 Dual Activation = Golden Window for Migration!
The Nov 13 189 invitation + Nov 7 Tasmania quota release signal the true start of Australia’s new migration year.
- A high-score 189 applicant aiming for independence, or
- A Tasmania-based student or worker seeking a solid 190/491 pathway,
🎯 Now is the key entry window!Want to know whether 189 or a state nomination suits you better? 💬 Comment or DM us — our professional consultants can help evaluate your occupation, points, and optimal migration pathway so you can act fast and seize this policy opportunity!



