Understanding the Occupation Tier System for SC189 Invitations

A newly released Freedom of Information (FOI) document provides insight into how the Department of Home Affairs might be handling Skilled Independent (subclass 189) invitation rounds. Dated May 2025, this internal policy Meeting Minute describes a reform package for the 189 program and introduces a four-tier occupation structure that prioritises occupations by rank. 

The tier model has not been publicly published by the Department and there has been no formal announcement; however recent 189 invitation rounds closely reflect the patterns in the Minute. The proposal appears to have been accepted by the Director of Independent Skills, Talent and Business before the start of the 2025–26 program year, which also suggests that the tier structure is already shaping how invitations are being issued. 

Pursuant to the Minute, all eligible skilled occupations are assigned to four tiers, with Tier 1 at the highest priority for 189 selection and Tier 4 at the lowest for invitations. 

It is important to understand that this is not legislation – it is an internal planning tool. Even so, the tier model offers practical insight into why some occupations continue to receive invitations much faster than others. 

For strategy purposes, the tiers help us understand how the Department is viewing each occupation in the independent skilled program. This can guide you when planning realistic and achievable pathways to permanent residency. 

How the four tiers work 

The FOI document groups occupations into four tiers.  

The grouping is based on demand, training time, government priorities and supply levels within SkillSelect. 

Overview of the four occupation tiers 

Why this matters for your migration planning 

The tier system helps explain why invitation outcomes differ widely between occupations. For example, some applicants will receive invitations at lower points because their occupations sit in Tier 1 or Tier 2. Others may wait longer periods despite strong points because their occupations sit in Tier 4. 

For example, Chefs and most ICT and accounting occupations fall into Tier 4. This results in smaller occupation ceilings and fewer 189 invitations each year. Therefore, for these occupations, relying on the 189 program may be less reliable. 

Employer sponsored pathways such as the Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visa or the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa may offer stronger outcomes if your occupation is on a lower tier.  

Other key reforms in the FOI document 

The FOI Minute sets out several other proposed changes to how SkillSelect operates.  

These reforms point to a shift toward a more structured and coordinated approach to invitation management. 

1. More frequent and predictable invitation rounds 

The Minute recommends moving toward a predictable quarterly schedule, with the flexibility for more frequent rounds where required. We have seen there to be quarterly rounds, which is a part of the Department’s aim to reduce long waiting periods and improve responsiveness to skill shortages. 

2. Greater public transparency 

The Department intends to improve communication with skilled applicants. This includes clearer information about invitation timing, program priorities and how the selection process works. The aim is to reduce uncertainty and encourage high value candidates to submit EOIs. 

3. Recalibrated occupation ceilings 

The Department suggests that occupation ceilings will be recalculated using new multipliers for each tier. These ceilings would be managed across the entire skilled program, not only within the 189 program. Importantly, this means that subclass 186, 190 and 491 grants count toward the ceiling before 189 invitations are issued. 

4. Earlier identification of priority skills 

The Department plans to use SkillSelect data more actively to identify emerging labour market needs. This would allow the Department to shift invitations when required, while maintaining diversity through Tier 3. 

These reforms show a clear move toward a more coordinated, transparent and responsive skilled migration program. 

How Ethos Migration Lawyers can help 

If you would like guidance on how this information may affect your occupation or your permanent residency pathways, please contact Ethos Migration Lawyers for further assistance.