Advisory firm Migrate2Australia issued its 21 September bulletin confirming that Directions 121 and 122 are now fully operational, making Monday the first business day under the new skilled-visa priority framework. The firm reiterates that the Directions affect processing order only and do not alter points, occupation lists or eligibility criteria. The bulletin also notes Department of Home Affairs guidance that the next Skilled Independent (subclass 189) invitation round is “expected by 30 September 2026”. While the minimum points threshold remains 65, actual invitation scores hinge on occupation ceilings and demand; candidates therefore have roughly ten days to update Expressions of Interest and ensure supporting documents (skills assessments, English tests) remain valid. State- and territory-nomination programmes are in flux: New South Wales and Queensland remain closed pending final federal allocation, Victoria is yet to open, and the Northern Territory reopened in August with 1,850 places. Tasmania’s rumoured 17 September invitation round (37 x 190, 26 x 491) is unverified and applicants are advised to check official channels before acting. For global mobility managers eyeing Australia’s points-tested pathway, the takeaway is to prepare files early but set expectations that invitations may tighten once the new priority rules begin reshuffling the Department’s workload.
Source: Migrate2Australia
