As experienced migration agents, we know that the Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) visa is one of the most coveted pathways to Australian permanent residency. Recently, the Department of Home Affairs formally introduced a significant change to how these invitations are issued: a four-tier prioritisation model.
This new system marks a strategic shift away from simple points-based ranking toward a model that targets specific skills Australia desperately needs. If you have an Expression of Interest (EOI) in the pool or are planning to submit one, understanding where your occupation fits into these tiers is now critical to your success.
Why the Change?
Previously, the system applied a minimum occupation ceiling of 1,000 invitations. However, this often resulted in oversubscribed occupations dominating the rounds, while specialised skills were overlooked.
The new model lowers the minimum threshold to 500 invitations per occupation to ensure a more diverse intake and prevent oversupply in saturated markets. Invitations are now issued based on a combination of your points ranking and occupation-specific ceilings applied within each tier.
Here is how the four tiers break down:
Tier 1: Highest Value Occupations
This tier is for the “gold standard” skills—roles that require long training times, are highly specialised, and are difficult to replace domestically. Because of their critical importance, Tier 1 occupations receive the highest weighting (a 4.0% multiplier) to maximise intake.
Who is included? This tier is dominated by highly trained medical specialists and healthcare professionals, including:
• Specialists: Cardiologists, Oncologists, Neurologists, and Surgeons.
• Allied Health: Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, and Sonographers.
• Nursing: Registered Nurses across various specialisations (Critical Care, Aged Care, Mental Health, etc.).
Tier 2: High Priority Occupations
Tier 2 captures occupations that are current government priorities, particularly in the health, education, and social sectors. These applicants remain in a strong position for invitations.
Who is included?
• Education: Secondary School Teachers, Early Childhood Teachers, and Special Education Teachers.
• Social Support: Social Workers and Psychologists.
• Management: Child Care Centre Managers.
Tier 3: Diverse Occupations
This tier includes 121 occupations not listed in Tiers 1 or 2. The goal here is to select candidates with high human capital to build a workforce adaptable to future shortages.
Who is included? This is a broad category covering professionals, trades, and scientists, such as:
• Engineering: Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Mining Engineers.
• Trades: Electricians, Carpenters, Plumbers, Mechanics, and Chefs.
• Science & Design: Architects, Chemists, Veterinarians, and Quantity Surveyors.
• Legal: Solicitors and Barristers.
Tier 4: Oversupplied Occupations
This tier contains occupations that historically have very high volumes of EOIs. The Department applies restrictive settings here to avoid a single occupation group dominating the migration program.
Who is included?
• Accounting: Accountants (General, Taxation) and Auditors.
• IT Professionals: ICT Business Analysts, Software Engineers, Developer Programmers, and Network Engineers.
• Hospitality: Chefs.
Note: Applicants in Tier 4 often require significantly higher points scores due to the intense competition.
What This Means for You
The most important takeaway from this update is that points alone are no longer the full story.
Under this new framework, your occupation’s tier is a decisive factor. An applicant in a Tier 1 or Tier 2 role may receive an invitation with a lower points score, whereas a candidate in a Tier 4 occupation may face a longer wait even with high points.
How VisaTasker Can Help
Strategic planning has never been more important. At VisaTasker, our experienced agents can help you navigate this new landscape by:
• Analysing your profile: We determine exactly which tier your occupation falls into.
• Assessing reality: We provide a realistic assessment of your invitation prospects based on current trends.
• Strategy: We advise on points maximisation and alternative visa pathways if you are in a highly competitive tier.
If you are considering the Subclass 189 visa, do not leave your application to chance. Contact VisaTasker today to understand where you stand and how to improve your chances of calling Australia home.
Disclaimer: Migration laws and occupation lists are subject to change. Please consult with a registered migration agent for advice specific to your circumstances.
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Reviewed by VisaTasker Migration Services
MARA Registered Migration Agent · MARN 2318017
This article is written and reviewed by VisaTasker Migration Services, a MARA-registered migration agency based in Australia. As registered agents, we are bound by the Migration Agents Code of Conduct and required to provide accurate, up-to-date advice based on Australian migration legislation. Information is reviewed against the latest Department of Home Affairs policy.
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