Top 5 SkillSelect EOI Data Trends [2025–2026]

What is SkillSelect EOI Data and Why Is It Critical?

SkillSelect EOI data refers to the official statistics published by the Department of Home Affairs on Expression of Interest (EOI) submissions and invitations for skilled migration visas like Subclass 189, 190, and 491. This data is critical because it reveals the real-world benchmarks for success—showing which occupations are in demand, what points scores are being invited, and how state nomination programs are behaving. According to the Department of Home Affairs’ official Skilled Migration Program page, SkillSelect is the system used to manage Australia’s skilled migration program. Analysing this data helps you:

• Set Realistic Expectations: See if your occupation and points score are competitive.
• Identify Strategic Pathways: Discover which states are actively nominating your profession.
• Time Your Application: Understand invitation round frequencies and trends.

Without this intelligence, you’re navigating in the dark. For a precise, personalised assessment of where you stand, the NovenAI EOI Points Calculator provides an instant, data-driven evaluation based on the latest policy settings.

What Were the Top-Invited Occupations in Recent SkillSelect Rounds?

Healthcare, technology, and engineering professions consistently dominate recent invitation rounds. The most recent data shows sustained high demand for registered nurses, software programmers, and civil engineers, reflecting Australia’s long-term skills shortages. For instance, in multiple 2024 rounds, over 60% of invitations were issued to applicants in the Health Care and Social Assistance and Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services industries.

Key facts from recent EOI data:

• Healthcare Dominance: Occupations like Registered Nurses (Aged Care, Critical Care) and Medical Practitioners receive a significant portion of invitations.
• Tech Sector Strength: Occupations such as Software and Applications Programmers and ICT Security Specialists remain highly sought-after.
• Infrastructure Focus: Civil Engineers, Quantity Surveyors, and other construction-related roles are frequently invited due to national infrastructure projects.
• State-Specific Variations: While national trends are clear, individual states often have unique priority lists that differ from the national top 10.

To see if your specific occupation is trending positively, you can cross-reference your ANZSCO code with the official Skilled Occupation Lists and use a tool like the NovenAI Visa Success Predictor, which analyses historical EOI data to forecast your chances.

How Have Minimum Points Scores Changed for Key Visas?

Minimum points scores for invitation have steadily increased for popular visas, making high scores more essential than ever. For the Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent) visa, the competitive score for many occupations now sits at 85-95 points, a significant rise from historical averages. This trend is driven by a large pool of high-calibre candidates and a competitive allocation of places.

Here’s a breakdown of the points landscape:

• Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent): Highly competitive. Scores of 65 (the legal minimum) are almost never sufficient. Most invitations require 85+ points.
• Subclass 190 (State Nominated): Slightly more accessible, but still highly competitive. Successful candidates typically have 80-95 points, including the 5-point state nomination bonus.
• Subclass 491 (Regional Nominated): Often the most accessible pathway. Competitive scores can range from 65-80 points, including the 15-point regional nomination bonus.
• Pro-Rata Professions: For occupations like Accountants and ICT roles, the points threshold can be even higher due to the high volume of applicants.

This underscores the importance of maximising every possible points category. According to the Department of Home Affairs’ official Points Table, points are awarded for age, English proficiency, skilled employment, qualifications, and more. A platform like NovenAI continuously tracks these shifting thresholds, giving you a critical edge in a competitive environment.

Which States are Most Active with Nominations and for Which Roles?

New South Wales, Victoria, and Western Australia are typically the most active states for nominations, but their target occupations vary significantly based on local economic needs. You cannot rely on national trends alone; you must drill down into state-specific migration plans. For example, while Victoria has a strong focus on healthcare and technology, Western Australia prioritises engineering and trades for its resource sector.

State nomination hotspots:

• New South Wales (NSW): Actively nominates for a wide range of occupations, with a strong focus on ICT, Engineering, and Health. Always check the NSW Investment NSW page for the latest requirements.
• Victoria (VIC): Heavily prioritises Health, Social Services, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. Their Live in Melbourne portal is the definitive source.
• Western Australia (WA): A strong program for graduates and those in Construction, Healthcare, and Hospitality. The WA Migration Services website details their specific occupation lists (Schedule 1 & 2).
• South Australia (SA): Known for a diverse list and opportunities for applicants with lower points, especially if they are already living and working in the state.

State nomination can add 5 or 15 precious points to your EOI. A smart strategy involves tailoring your EOI and research to align with a state’s published priorities, a process that NovenAI can help automate and optimise.

How Can You Use EOI Data to Strategise and Boost Your Invitation Chances?

You can use EOI data to create a targeted, evidence-based migration strategy rather than relying on hope. The goal is to position your EOI to be as attractive as possible to the system and state governments. This involves maximising your points, targeting the right visa subclasses, and staying updated with policy shifts.

Actionable steps to leverage EOI data:

• Benchmark Your Points: Use the latest data to see the minimum competitive score for your occupation, not just the pass mark of 65. If you’re below the trend, focus on boosting your score through superior English, NAATI, or skilled employment.
• Target State Nomination: If your points are low for a 189 visa, immediately pivot to state nomination pathways (190/491). Research which states are inviting candidates with your profile.
• Submit Multiple EOIs: You can submit EOIs for multiple visas (e.g., 189, 190 for several states). This multiplies your chances of receiving an invitation.
• Keep Your EOI Updated: If you gain more experience, a higher English score, or a new qualification, update your EOI immediately. An outdated EOI with a lower score is often overlooked.
• Monitor Policy Changes: Immigration rules are dynamic. A tool like NovenAI provides instant policy alerts, ensuring your strategy adapts to the latest EOI data and program updates.

Improving your English score is one of the fastest ways to gain extra points. For a clear breakdown of the points available and how to prepare, refer to the NovenAI English Level Guide.

Navigating the SkillSelect system can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. By understanding and acting on the latest EOI data trends—focusing on high-demand occupations, aggressively boosting your points score, and strategically pursuing state nominations—you dramatically increase your odds of receiving that coveted invitation to apply for an Australian skilled visa.

Ready to transform your Australian dream into a strategic, data-backed plan? Let NovenAI’s 24/7 AI migration mentor guide you every step of the way. Start your journey at NovenAI.com today.