Australia’s skilled migration landscape is undergoing significant transformation, with state governments taking unprecedented steps to reshape how international talent is attracted, assessed, and retained. For overseas candidates and Australian employers alike, understanding these shifts is critical to capitalising on emerging opportunities in priority sectors.
Federal Skilled Independent Visa Round: First Invitations Issued
The Australian Government has finally released its first round of Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) invitations, ending months of uncertainty. Our specialist team has compiled initial data from multiple sources to help employers and international candidates gauge which occupations remain competitive.
Recent minimum points scores by occupation:
- Architect: 85 points
- Carpenter: 65 points
- Early Childhood Teacher: 90 points
- Food Technician: 80 points
- Mining Engineer: 85 points
- Lawyer: 65 points
Notably, many Information Technology and Accounting occupations received minimal invitations during this round—a trend our recruitment experts have flagged as an ongoing concern for overseas professionals in these fields. We strongly advise candidates to verify their occupation’s current status through official SkillSelect data before committing to any migration strategy.
Victoria’s New Points Test: A Potential Federal Blueprint
The Victorian Government has quietly introduced its own Victorian Points Test (VPT) for state-nominated skilled visas—a development that may foreshadow the federal government’s anticipated points-based reforms. Our recruitment specialists believe this signals a structural shift toward more transparent, merit-based selection.
Seven Weighted Assessment Factors
The VPT evaluates candidates across seven categories:
- Age (carries the highest weighting)
- English language proficiency
- Years of professional experience in the nominated occupation
- Educational qualifications
- Occupational skill level
- Partner skills (if applicable)
- Annual income from skilled employment in Victoria
What This Means for International Recruitment
Our specialist team notes this framework represents a significant departure from previous approaches. Notably absent are points for Australian study, regional study, Professional Year programs, and community languages—elements that have historically advantaged former international students.
The age weighting is particularly striking. Candidates aged 20–29 receive maximum points, with reductions beginning at age 30. By age 44, only 16 age-related points remain available.
Consider two contrasting candidates:
- A 27-year-old single Master’s graduate with two years’ experience, superior English, and a $90,000 income in Victoria: 669 points
- A 38-year-old single PhD holder with eight years’ experience, superior English, and a $160,000 income: 750 points
This demonstrates how higher qualifications and substantial experience can offset age-related disadvantages—critical intelligence for employers recruiting internationally.
The VPT effectively equalises opportunities between former international students and overseas candidates who studied elsewhere, aligning with what our recruitment experts anticipate will become broader federal policy direction.
Political Landscape: Defending Skilled Migration
Immigration Minister Tony Burke has publicly defended Australia’s migration program against opposition proposals that would restrict international students’ access to the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). The Minister highlighted critical workforce shortages across:
- Aged care
- Healthcare (doctors and allied health professionals)
- Nursing
- Construction
Minister Burke continues advocating for an Expression of Interest (EOI) framework for student visa applications, which would provide the government with greater control over international student numbers and target enrolments toward sectors with identified skills shortages—particularly relevant for employers pursuing long-term talent pipelines.
NSW Skilled Nominated Visa: Expanded Pathways
New South Wales has released its updated occupation list for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190), with invitations commencing next week. This includes several IT occupations that will interest international technology professionals.
Key Requirements
For onshore candidates:
- Valid skills assessment for an occupation on NSW’s eligible list
- Employment in nominated occupation in NSW (minimum 20 hours/week), OR
- Six months continuous residence in NSW
For offshore candidates:
- Current residence outside Australia
- Six months continuous offshore residence
NSW uses the federal Expression of Interest (EOI) system, meaning selection remains highly points-competitive.
The Employer Sponsorship Opportunity
As points-tested pathways become more competitive, employer-sponsored visas are emerging as a strategic alternative for both Australian businesses facing skills shortages and international candidates seeking certainty. The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa and Employer Nomination Scheme offer structured pathways aligned with genuine labour market demand.
Key Takeaways for International Recruitment
- The Victorian Points Test signals a potential national shift toward age-weighted, qualification-focused selection criteria
- Visa 189 invitations remain limited for IT and accounting occupations—alternative pathways including state nomination and employer sponsorship should be prioritised
- Employer-sponsored pathways are gaining importance as governments address critical skills gaps in healthcare, construction, and aged care
- NSW has expanded opportunities with a refreshed 190 visa occupation list
- International candidates should obtain valid qualification recognition via Australian skills assessments before pursuing any pathway
