Migration consultancy Global Select reports that the Department of Home Affairs has revised its SkillSelect page, now stating the next Skilled Independent (subclass 189) invitation round is “expected to be held by 31 October 2026.” The round had previously been slated for the end of September but never materialised. The delay buys applicants an extra fortnight but also signals that the Department may batch a larger-than-usual number of invitations. Planning levels for 2026-27 allocate 21,090 places to the 189 class—4,000 more than last year—so mobility managers should anticipate a surge of permanent-residency grants as soon as November. Historical data show trade, health and teaching occupations receiving invites at the minimum 65-75 points. If that trend continues, employers in construction and healthcare could see critical skill gaps filled sooner. Global Select advises candidates to update Expressions of Interest, ensure skills assessments are valid, and have documentation ready to lodge within 60 days of invitation—a tight window that has tripped up many corporate transferees. For companies, the looming round means reassessing workforce planning: staff on temporary visas may convert to PR earlier, affecting tax status and fringe-benefit costs, while new hires abroad could target the 189 rather than employer sponsorship. HR teams should communicate the new timeline and encourage candidates to finalise English tests and health checks now.
