Australia expected to hold subclass 189 visa invitation round

Australia is expected to conduct its next Skilled Independent subclass 189 visa invitation round by 30 September 2026. The subclass 189 is a points-tested permanent visa for skilled workers that does not require employer or state sponsorship. Prospective applicants must have an active Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect. The Department of Home Affairs has advised candidates to ensure their EOI information, including occupation, employment history, and qualifications, remains accurate and up to date.

Regarding general visa processing, the Department of Home Affairs reported various timeframes as of late September 2026. The government is currently prioritizing skilled visa processing for onshore applicants and those supporting critical industries. For example, the 482 Visa Specialist Skills Stream is processing within 37 to 78 days, while the 482 Visa Core Skills Stream ranges from 4 to 9 months. The 186 Visa Direct Entry and Transition streams show longer processing windows of 21 to 25 months.