189, 190 and 491 Points Test 2026: Has Australian Skilled Migration Changed?
By
Australia has changed a great deal in 2026, from student visas to visa processing priorities, so skilled migrants are asking whether General Skilled Migration (GSM) has changed too. For subclass 189, 190 and 491 applicants, the short answer is that the existing system is still running, but reform has been announced and state programs are moving fast.
In Short:
The current SkillSelect points test still applies to the Skilled Independent (189), Skilled Nominated (190) and Skilled Work Regional (491) visas. You still need an Expression of Interest (EOI) and at least 65 points, and 65 does not guarantee an invitation. The Government has announced a redesigned points test, but it has not yet replaced the current one.
Is the Current Points Test Still in Use?
Yes. Home Affairs still ranks EOIs under the existing framework, which covers:
- age
- English language ability
- Australian and overseas skilled employment
- educational qualifications
- Australian study and specialist education
- regional study
- partner skills
- professional year
- state or territory nomination
For the 189, 190 and 491, you need at least 65 points before you can be considered. Eligibility is not the same as competitiveness. Actual invitation scores often sit well above 65, depending on occupation and round.
What Has the Government Announced?
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke announced a redesigned skilled-migration points test, developed with Treasury, at the National Press Club on 17 September 2026. It will give construction trade qualifications the same value as university qualifications. You can read a summary of the address in this Mondaq analysis.
What is and is not confirmed:
| Question | Position |
|---|---|
| Has a redesigned points test been announced? | Yes, on 17 September 2026 |
| What is the stated change? | Housing trades are to be scored like university qualifications |
| Which occupations count as “housing trades”? | Not listed in the speech, and no definition had been published as at 12 October. |
| What are the new point values? | No new points table had been published, and that source found no regulation amending the points test as at 12 October 2026. |
| When does it start? | Burke said it applies “on implementation”. Check Home Affairs for a commencement date. migratiomigratio |
The points test sits in Schedule 6D of the Migration Regulations 1994 and applies to the main points-tested skilled visas. Until a new schedule and commencement date are published, plan under the rules in force.
Subclass 189: What the October Round Showed
The 15 October 2026 round was the first Home Affairs 189 round of the 2026-27 program year and the first since 4 June. Reports showed trades such as carpenters, bricklayers, tilers, electricians and joiners invited at 65 to 70 points. Other occupations needed much higher scores, and some, including some ICT and accounting groups, reportedly saw few invitations.
Two practical points:
- If you were invited on 15 October, your 60 days to lodge run to 14 December 2026.
- If you were not invited, your EOI stays active for the next round. Check the Home Affairs page for the next round date.
So “Do I have 65 points?” is the wrong question. Ask how competitive your score is for your occupation.
Subclass 190: States Set the Rules
The 190 is still a permanent visa that needs state or territory nomination, but each jurisdiction controls its own occupation priorities, residence and employment rules, ROI systems and invitation methods. That is why you see big announcements from individual states without any change to the federal test. Recent examples:
| Jurisdiction | Recent activity |
|---|---|
| Victoria | Introduced the Victorian Points Test for ranking ROIs |
| NSW | Reopened subclass 190 with an updated NSW Skills List |
| Tasmania | Invited 38 subclass 190 and 32 subclass 491 candidates on 23 October. |
| Western Australia | Issued 1,227 invitations on 14 October (836 for 190 and 391 for 491). |
| ACT | Invited 261 subclass 190 candidates on 12 October, with no 491 invitations. |
These are state nomination changes, not a replacement of the federal GSM points system.
Subclass 491: Same Federal Framework, Varied State Pathways
The 491 still needs 65 points, an eligible occupation and either state or territory nomination or eligible family sponsorship. State settings differ widely. Some jurisdictions favour people already living and working in regional areas, while others run offshore, occupation-specific or graduate pathways. A sound 491 strategy needs more than a federal points calculation.
Why Your EOI Still Matters
You can update an EOI in SkillSelect before an invitation if your circumstances change. An EOI normally stays active for two years unless removed earlier. Every claim must be supportable with evidence if you are invited, so review your English result, work experience, qualifications, skills assessment, partner claims and state interests regularly.
Should You Wait for the New Points Test?
For most people, no. The current system is operating, and a profile that is competitive today may not benefit from waiting. The sensible approach is to ask two questions:
- What are my options under the current system?
- How might the proposed test change my position, for example if I hold a construction trade qualification?
What to Do Now
- Keep your EOI accurate and current.
- Confirm your occupation is still eligible and your skills assessment is valid.
- Test whether a better English result would add points.
- Monitor every state and territory, not only one.
- Check whether your occupation sits in a state priority industry.
- Do not claim anything you cannot prove.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has the 189, 190 and 491 points test changed in 2026?
Not formally, as far as we can confirm. A redesigned test has been announced, but no new points table or start date has been published.
What is the minimum score for a 189, 190 or 491 visa?
65 points, but that is only the entry threshold.
Will trades get more points?
The Government has said housing trades will be scored like university qualifications on implementation. Occupations and values have not been published.
Does the Student visa reform affect skilled migration?
No. It has not replaced or suspended the GSM system.
Should I update my EOI?
Yes, whenever your circumstances change, so that every claim is accurate and evidenced.
Planning Your 189, 190 or 491 Pathway?
If you are unsure how recent changes affect you, a registered migration agent can review your EOI, points, occupation, skills assessment and state nomination options.
Book a consultation at provisa.setmore.com or call 02 9007 4409.
Migration is a process, not a problem. Let us take you through the process.
General information only, not migration advice. Points test settings, invitation rounds and state programs change often, so verify current rules with the Department of Home Affairs and the relevant state or territory.