SkillSelect Round Results — April 2026: Who Got Invited & What It Means for You
The April 2026 SkillSelect invitation round has closed. Engineering, IT and Healthcare occupations all moved. Here's the full breakdown of invitation numbers, cut-off scores, and exactly what to do if you didn't receive an invite this round.
The April 2026 SkillSelect invitation round has closed. Engineering, IT and Healthcare occupations all moved. Here's the full breakdown of invitation numbers, cut-off scores, and exactly what to do if you didn't receive an invite this round.
- ~1,200 invitations issued in April 2026 (up ~100 on March)
- Registered Nurses had the best outcome at 75 points
- Accountants eased to 90 (from 95); Software Engineers held at 85
- 190 state nomination adds 5 points and opens state-specific pools
- Below 65? A higher PTE band can add 10–20 points before the next round
The Department of Home Affairs released the April 2026 SkillSelect round on 10 April, issuing roughly 1,200 invitations across the Skilled Independent (189) and state-nominated (190) programs. Volume held close to March — but the occupation-by-occupation cut-offs moved in ways that change the maths for thousands of applicants. Below is the full breakdown: who got invited, where the cut-offs landed, and the exact moves to make if an invitation didn't arrive.
April 2026 round at a glance
April round: 1,200 invitations across 189 & 190
Approximately 1,200 invitations were issued — a similar volume to March, but with notable variation in occupation-specific cut-offs. General Skilled Migration continues to reward higher point scores and state-nominated positions (the 190 visa).
For the first time since December 2025, the round issued slightly more 189 (independent) invitations relative to 190 — reflecting increased quota availability. Even so, state nomination remains the more accessible route for most applicants, especially in secondary occupations.
Occupation cut-offs — where your score needs to be
Cut-off movement: March → April
Software Engineers held at 85 — a reflection of global saturation and the need for Superior English (20 points) plus strong skills. Accountants faced the steepest climb at 90, the highest among major occupations. Nurses, by contrast, had one of the best outcomes at 75, driven by demand across aged care and hospitals.
A 190 nomination adds 5 points and shifts you into a state-specific pool that bypasses the national cut-off. For most applicants sitting at 70–75, it is the single highest-impact move available.
What changed from March to April
March saw accountants at 95; April's drop to 90 is modest but meaningful. Software engineers held steady, confirming sustained demand. Overall invitation volume rose ~100 month-on-month. Notably, 190 allocation shifted toward healthcare and allied health — physiotherapists, occupational therapists and speech pathologists all saw 2–3 point reductions, most pronounced in regional QLD, SA and TAS.
If you're sitting at 70–75 points without an invitation, state nomination is your clearest path forward — it adds 5 points and opens pools that bypass the national cut-off.
What this means for your application
At 70–75 points with no invitation, a 190 nomination changes which pool you compete in. For nurses at a national 75, a state invitation becomes viable at just 70. At 60–65 points, upskill before the next round: a PTE result at Professional or Superior band can add 10–20 points; an Australian Diploma (5) or a Professional Year (5) bridges the gap — realistic within 6–12 months.
A common, costly mistake: leaving an Expression of Interest untouched for months. An outdated EOI with old claims can cost you invitations — refresh it the moment your points or circumstances change.
Are you in the running?
A 30-second read on your eligibility signal across the key levers.
A quick read on your Australian migration eligibility.
Indicative only — not personal migration advice.
Your next 90 days
- 1Week 1~1 hr
Lock your exact points
Confirm your score and identify the quickest wins (English band, partner points, NAATI).
- 2Weeks 2–4short
Lodge or refresh your EOI
Submit accurate claims for 189/190/491 and flag the states you qualify for.
- 3Months 2–3ongoing
Target state nomination
Match your occupation to state programs actively inviting at your score.
Before the next round — get ready
0/5 doneMay and beyond
No official May volume has been announced, but quarterly patterns suggest stable-to-slightly-higher numbers as mid-year budget adjustments arrive (June–July). Healthcare, construction and skilled trades are likely to keep lower thresholds; technology roles stay competitive.
If you're below the national cut-offs, make a state sponsor central to your strategy — and get an expert read on your fastest realistic pathway before the next round closes.
Wondering how this applies to your situation?
Get an honest, no-obligation read on your pathway from a MARA-registered agent.
People also ask
What points score did I need in the April 2026 round?
It depends on your occupation. Registered Nurses were invited from 75 points, Software Engineers needed 85, and Accountants needed 90. State nomination (190) effectively lowers these by 5 points and opens separate state pools.
Is 190 state nomination easier than 189?
For most applicants, yes. A 190 nomination adds 5 points and you compete within a state-specific allocation rather than the national pool — which is why it remains the more accessible route, especially for healthcare and regional occupations.
I didn’t get invited this round — what should I do?
Two moves: pursue state nomination if you’re at 70–75 points, and lift your score before the next round (a higher PTE band, a Professional Year, or an Australian qualification). A MARA-registered agent can map the fastest realistic path for your occupation.