April Round Results: 1,200 Invitations Across 189 and 190
The Department of Home Affairs released the April 2026 SkillSelect round results on 10 April, with approximately 1,200 invitations issued for skilled migration visas. This round maintained a similar volume to March but with notable variations in occupation-specific cutoff points. The General Skilled Migration (GSM) continues to prioritise applications with higher points and those targeting state-nominated positions (190 visa).
For the first time since December 2025, the April round issued slightly more 189 (independent) visas relative to 190 (state-sponsored) visas, reflecting increased quota availability and a conscious Department strategy to balance pathway diversity. However, state nomination remains the more accessible route for most applicants, especially those in secondary occupations.
Occupation Cutoff Points: Where Your Points Need to Be
The April round saw significant variation across key occupations. Software Engineers, consistently in high demand, required 85 points to receive an invitation—unchanged from March. This reflects the saturation in this occupation and the need for strong English proficiency (20 points at Professional level) plus relevant skills or education to reach this threshold. Accountants faced a steeper climb at 90 points, the highest cutoff across major occupations, due to sustained demand and a large applicant pool holding accountancy qualifications globally.
Nurses, particularly Registered Nurses, experienced one of the best outcomes this round at 75 points. This reflects both employer demand across Australian aged care and hospitals, and the government's conscious effort to support healthcare sector workforce stability. Nurses with only the base 60 points (age, education, English, work experience) can reach 75 with just a Diploma in a relevant field (5 points) and a state nomination bonus (10 points).
Other key cutoffs in April: Mechanical Engineers at 80 points, Veterinarians at 85 points, Psychologists at 88 points, and Data Analysts at 82 points. Hospitality managers dropped slightly to 79 points as the state offers (particularly from regional areas) increased quota allocation. Construction managers remained stable at 78 points.
What Changed From March to April
March's round saw accountants at 95 points; April's drop to 90 represents a modest but meaningful improvement. This may reflect a slight slowing in accountancy applications or departmental decisions to address specific regional skills shortages. Software engineers held steady, confirming they remain in extremely high demand globally. The invitation volume increased by approximately 100 invitations month-on-month (from ~1,100 in March), suggesting modest quota increases as we move into the mid-year budgeting cycle.
Notably, 190 visa quota allocation shifted toward healthcare and allied health professionals. Physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and speech pathologists all saw point reductions of 2–3 points, reflecting state government priorities to address regional health service gaps. This is particularly pronounced in regional Queensland, South Australia, and Tasmania state nominations.
What This Means for Your Application
If you're currently sitting at 70–75 points and haven't received an invitation, state sponsorship (190) is your clearest pathway forward. A 190 nomination adds 5 points, reducing the effective cutoff by that amount. For nurses at 75 points nationally, a state nomination invitation becomes viable with just 70 points. For software engineers, even at 80 points, a 190 nomination significantly improves your chances within state-specific allocation pools.
If you're currently at 60–65 points, consider upskilling before the next round. A PTE English test targeting a higher band (Professional or Superior) can add 10–20 points. An Australian Diploma or Advanced Diploma (5 points), or completion of a Professional Year program in your occupation (5 points), can bridge the gap. These moves are realistic within 6–12 months and dramatically improve your chances in subsequent rounds.
Looking Ahead: May and Beyond
No official announcement has been made about May's round volume, but based on quarterly patterns, we expect invitation numbers to remain stable or slightly increase as we approach mid-year budget adjustments (typically June–July). Occupations in healthcare, construction, and skilled trades are likely to maintain lower points requirements. Technology roles will remain highly competitive. Partnership with a state sponsor should be your strategy if you're below the national cutoffs.
Still Unsure About Your Pathway?
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