The Department of Home Affairs conducted a SkillSelect invitation round on 13 November 2025, issuing thousands of invitations under the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189).
This round again confirms that Australia’s skilled migration program is being driven by sector specific workforce needs, with points outcomes varying significantly depending on occupation group.
Overview of the November 2025 Invitation Round
Invitations were issued based on points score, followed by date of effect where scores were equal. While the minimum threshold to lodge an Expression of Interest remains 65 points, the actual points required to receive an invitation differed widely across sectors. Let’s dive into the specific sectors and the expected scores for each.
Health and Aged Care
Health occupations continued to be a major priority. Nursing roles in particular performed strongly, reflecting ongoing national shortages.
Indicative points for Nursing roles: 75 points. Only Registered Nurse (Developmental Disability) was the nursing occupation being invited at 80 points.
Indicative points for other health roles: 75 to 85 points.
Applicants with current registration, strong English results and recent dates of effect were more competitive in this round.
Trades and Construction
Trade occupations again featured prominently, aligned with infrastructure delivery and housing demand. Some trade roles were invited at the lower end of the points scale such as Bricklayer or Fibrous Plasterer.
Indicative points range: 65 to 85 points
Education and Social Services
Teaching and essential social service roles continued to attract invitations, particularly in early childhood and secondary education. These occupations remain in steady demand but are more competitive than trades and nursing.
Indicative points range: 85 to 90 points
STEM and Professional Occupations
Engineering, science and technical professional roles were invited in more limited numbers. While still recognised as critical, these occupations remain highly competitive.
Indicative points range: 85 to 95 points or higher
Applicants in these sectors generally required strong English scores, skilled partner points or Australian experience to remain competitive.
Concluding Thoughts
The 13 November 2025 SkillSelect invitation round shows a continued focus on health, trades, education and selected STEM occupations. Nurses and trades were invited at lower average points compared to professional roles, while education and STEM occupations generally required higher scores.
If you were not invited, this does not mean your skilled migration pathway has ended. Reviewing your points strategy, keeping your Expression of Interest updated and exploring alternative nomination options can significantly improve future prospects.
At Migration Affairs, we focus on aligning client profiles with sector demand, points optimisation and strategic timing to improve outcomes in an increasingly competitive skilled migration system. Please contact our team of experts for tailored advice on a suitable pathway for you.
📧 info@migrationaffairs.com.au
🌐 migrationaffairs.com.au/contact
📞 +61 2 8226 8777
Changes to the migration program can occur without notice. The above information is not intended to be legal advice and is correct as of the date of writing this article.
Contact Migrations Affairs to speak with our immigration experts for tailored advice on the circumstances and eligibility.