October SkillSelect Round

Conducted on 29 October, the second SkillSelect round for 2021 saw a total of 400 invitations issued; 200 each across the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa and Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Family Sponsored) visa categories.

According data released by Immigration, the minimum points score for the 491 visa rose to 80 points, with the EOI from April 2020. The 189 score also rose, with a minimum score of 90 points from an EOI in November 2020. The small invitation numbers and priority on employer-sponsored visa applications has meant a significant wait for SkillSelect applicants.

Pro-Rata Occupations

Only one of the pro-rata occupations received invites this round:

Occupation ID	Description	Minimum Points Score	Latest date of EOI
2335	Industrial, Mechanical and Production Engineers	90 (SC189)	11/2020

Occupation Ceilings

As per the previous round, Occupation Ceilings have not been published, providing no clarity on which occupations actually received invitations.

Alternative Options

State and Territory Migration programs have restarted, with new occupation lists and requirements. Applicants with an Expression of Interest for a Subclass 189 visa should consider any options under the State/Territory Migration programs.