Australia’s Latest 189 Visa Invitation Round: What Happened on 21 August 2025 & What to Do Next

Introduction: A Big Day for Skilled Migrants

The Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa is one of the most sought-after permanent visas for skilled workers wishing to live and work in Australia. Unlike state-nominated or employer-sponsored visas, the 189 visa doesn’t require sponsorship, offering full work rights and permanent residency.

On 21 August 2025, the Australian Department of Home Affairs conducted a long-anticipated 189 visa invitation round, bringing renewed hope for thousands of skilled migrants across the globe.

In this article, we’ll cover:

What happened in the latest round

Who got invited (points, occupations)

What to do after receiving an invitation

Step-by-step process to lodge your 189 visa application

Critical tips, timelines, and consultation advice

What Happened in the 189 Visa Invitation Round on 21 August 2025?

Total Invitations Issued

According to the Department of Home Affairs, 7,200 invitations were issued under the Skilled Independent Subclass 189 visa in the round held on 21 August 2025. This marks the second-largest invitation round of 2025, following the March round.

Minimum Points Required

Visa Subclass	Minimum Points	Date of EOI Lodgement (Cut-off)
Subclass 189	85 Points	15 June 2025

The minimum cut-off score for invitations was 85 points, a slight decrease from the previous round (which had a 90-point threshold). However, competition remains strong, especially in high-demand occupations.

Occupations Invited

While the complete occupation list is still being finalised, early reports suggest that the following high-demand occupations were heavily invited:

ICT Business Analysts

Software Engineers

Registered Nurses (All categories)

Secondary and Primary School Teachers

Electricians

Mechanical and Civil Engineers

Accountants and Auditors

Medical Laboratory Scientists

Applicants in healthcare, engineering, education, and ICT continue to see strong demand.

What to Do After Receiving a 189 Invitation

Congratulations if you’ve received an invitation! But don’t relax just yet — the clock is ticking.

You Have 60 Days to Lodge Your Visa Application

From the day you receive your invitation, you have 60 calendar days to lodge your Subclass 189 visa application. No extensions are granted, so preparation is key.

Here’s a comprehensive guide on what you should do next:

Step 1: Accept the Invitation via SkillSelect

Log in to your SkillSelect account.

Confirm your intent to apply by accepting the invitation.

Begin preparing for your visa application on ImmiAccount.

Important: You cannot update your EOI after receiving the invitation.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

You must submit all required documents within the 60-day window. These typically include:

Personal Identity:

• Valid passport (bio-data page)
• Birth certificate
  

Skills & Qualifications:

Positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority

Degree/Diploma certificates and academic transcripts

English Language Proficiency:

ELTS / PTE Academic / TOEFL results (must be valid at time of application)

Work Experience:

Employer reference letters (detailed job duties and durations)

Payslips, tax records, or contracts to support claimed experience

Health & Character:

Police clearance certificates (for all countries where you’ve lived ≥12 months in the last 10 years)

Organise health examinations via Bupa Medical Visa Services

Step 3: Lodge Your 189 Visa Application

Using your ImmiAccount, complete and submit your visa application along with the necessary documentation.

You’ll need to:

Complete the online visa form

Upload supporting documents

Pay the visa application fee:

• AUD 4,640 for the main applicant
• Additional fees apply for secondary applicants
  

Step 4: Undergo Medical Examinations and Biometrics

After lodging your application, you’ll receive a Health Assessment referral letter and possibly a biometrics request.

Book your medical exams through Bupa Visa Medical Services

Attend biometric appointments if requested (usually required for offshore applicants)

Step 5: Monitor Your Application

You can track your application’s progress via ImmiAccount.

Typical processing time for the 189 visa:

6 to 11 months (as of August 2025)

Tip: Do not book travel or make commitments based on expected approval dates.

What If You Didn’t Receive an Invitation?

If you didn’t get an invite this round, don’t lose hope. Here’s what you can do:

Review your EOI: Are your points maximised? Could you retake English exams for a higher score?

Update your skills assessment if it’s expiring soon.

Explore alternative visas: Consider the 190 visa (State Nomination) or 491 visa (Regional).

Book a consultation with a Registered Migration Agent to improve your strategy.

Final Thoughts

The 21 August 2025 invitation round for the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa offered thousands of applicants a shot at permanent residency in Australia. If you’re among the invited — well done! But the journey isn’t over. Carefully follow the post-invite steps to ensure your application is timely, accurate, and well-supported.

And remember: The 60-day deadline is strict. Professional assistance can make a huge difference in avoiding costly errors or rejections.

Remember:

This post is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional immigration advice. Given the uniqueness of every case, engaging with a registered migration agent is highly recommended for bespoke guidance and to navigate the specific details of your situation effectively. Book a visa consultation with a Registered Migration Agent