What's changed

In the June 4 round, the Department of Home Affairs invited the 10,000 highest-ranked Expressions of Interest for the Skilled Independent visa, recording a tie-break date of effect of April 24, 2026. Candidates in the SkillSelect pool are ranked by points score; where scores are equal, the Expression of Interest with the earlier date of effect is invited first.

The Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) Family Sponsored category received no invitations in this round. State and territory nominations for the Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa and the state-nominated subclass 491 visa are managed separately by state and territory governments and are not affected by departmental invitation rounds.

Who's affected

The Skilled Independent visa is a points-tested permanent visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, a state or territory government, or a family member. Invitation rounds determine which candidates in the SkillSelect pool may lodge a visa application, and the number of invitations and occupations in each round varies according to the needs of the Australian economy and the applications already on hand with the Department.

When the next round falls

The Department of Home Affairs has said the next Skilled Independent invitation round is expected to be held by September 30, 2026. Invitation rounds are run periodically through the program year, with the timing and size of each round set by the Department.