Occupation Invitation Analysis by Industry – Which Jobs Are Easiest to Get Invited? (Based on Minimum Scores)

Australia recently released its invitation results by occupation, showing the minimum points required across a wide range of industries. The lower the points, the easier it is for applicants to receive an invitation due to lower competition and fewer requirements.

This article breaks down each industry, identifies which occupations have the lowest thresholds, and highlights migration opportunities for skilled workers.

1. Construction, Trades & Technical Services – EASIEST Across All Industries

Key Insight:Trades consistently record the lowest points — indicating very strong demand and low competition, especially for State Independent 189 Visa.

Lowest Scoring Occupations (189 & 491 = 65 – 70points)

These trades are currently among the easiest pathways:

Occupations	189 Points	491 Points (Family Stream)
Airconditioning & Mechanical Services Plumber	65	70
Bricklayer	65	70
Carpenter	65	65
Carpenter & Joiner	65	N/A
Electrician (General)	65	65
Fibrous Plasterer	65	65
Gasfitter	65	80
Glazier	65	N/A
Joiner	65	N/A
Plumber (General)	65	70
Solid Plasterer	65	65
Stonemason	65	N/A
Wall & Floor Tiler	65	75
Drainer	70	N/A
Electrician (Special Class)	70	N/A
Painting Trades Worker	70	70
Roof Plumber	70	N/A

These results reflect significant nationwide workforce shortages in construction and building services. Trades remain the strongest and easiest pathway across the entire occupation list, with many roles getting invited at just 65 points!

2. Healthcare & Allied Health – Moderate to Strong Demand (Mostly 75–80 Points)

Healthcare occupations show consistent demand, with most minimum scores between 75–80 points.

Lowest Scores in Healthcare (189 = 75 points)

These roles show good accessibility:

Occupations	189 Points	491 Points (Family Stream)
Audiologist	75	80
Childcare Centre Manager	75	N/A
Emergency Medicine Specialist	75	N/A
General Practitioner	75	85
Medical Diagnostic Radiographer	75	85
Medical Radiation Therapist	75	N/A
Midwife	75	75
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist	75	N/A
Occupational Therapist	75	80
Optometrist	75	85
Pathologist	75	N/A
Physiotherapist	75	75
Podiatrist	75	N/A
Registered Nurse (Medical, Emergency, Paediatrics, etc.)	75	80
Sonographer	75	N/A
Speech Pathologist	65	85
Psychiatrist / Psychologists nec	65	75
Vascular Surgeon	75	N/A

3. Science, Engineering & Technology – High Competition STEM (Mostly 85–95 Points)

Many engineering and science occupations were invited at 85 points or higher. 

Occupations	189 Points	491 Points (Family Stream)
Chemical Engineer	85	N/A
Civil Engineering Draftsperson	85	N/A
Civil Engineering Technician	85	N/A
Materials Engineer	85	N/A
Environmental Consultant, Manager, Research/Scientist	85	N/A
Biotechnologist	85	N/A
Biochemist	85	N/A
Life Scientists	85	N/A
Mining Engineer	85	N/A
Marine Biologist	85	N/A
Materials Engineer	85	N/A
Petroleum Engineer	85	N/A
Metallurgist	85	N/A
Statistician	85	N/A
Cartographer	90	N/A
Hydrogeologist	90	N/A
Telecommunications Engineers	90	N/A
Metal Machinist (First Class)	95	N/A

4. Creative, Media & Arts – High Points Required (85–90)

Creative industries remain very competitive, requiring 85–90 points.

Occupations	189 Points	491 Points (Family Stream)
Artistic Director	85	N/A
Arts Administrator/Manager	85	N/A
Architect	85	N/A
Landscape Architect	85	N/A
Multimedia Specialist	90	N/A
Musician (Instrumental)	90	N/A

5. Education & Social Services – Moderate Demand (75–85 Points)

Occupations	189 Points	491 Points (Family Stream)
Early Childhood Teacher	85	N/A
Secondary School Teacher	75	85
Special Needs Teacher	75	90
Special Education Teachers nec	75	N/A
Welfare Centre Manager	85	N/A
Social Worker	75	85

6. Business, Management & Law – Mostly Very High Points (85–90)

Occupations	189 Points	491 Points (Family Stream)
Management Consultant	85	N/A
Economist	85	N/A
Barrister	90	N/A
Valuer	85	N/A

7. Medical Specialists – Mixed (75–100 Points)

Specialist doctors vary widely:

Occupations	189 Points	491 Points (Family Stream)
Paediatrician	75	N/A
Pathologist	75	N/A
Emergency Medicine	75	N/A
Medical Oncologist	80	N/A
Neurologist	80	N/A
Ophthalmologist	80	N/A
Intensive Care Specialist	80	N/A

8. Summary Table – Easiest vs Most Competitive Occupations

✅ EASIEST (Lowest points across 189 & 491)

(65–70 points)

Occupation	189 Score	491 Score (Family Stream)
Carpenter	65	65
Electrician (General)	65	65
Bricklayer	65	70
Plumber (General)	65	70
Painting Trades	70	70
Fibrous Plasterer	65	65
Wall & Floor Tiler	65	75
Solid Plasterer	65	65
Stonemason	65	N/A
Joiner	65	N/A

❗ MOST COMPETITIVE (Highest points)

(90–100 points)

• Dermatologist – 100

• Osteopath – 100

• Barrister – 90

• Cartographer – 90

• Telecommunications Engineers – 90

• Multimedia Specialist – 90

• Electronic Instrument Trades Workers – 95

• Metal Machinist – 95

Overall Conclusion: Which Industries Are the Easiest?

1. Trades & Construction

Lowest scores (65–70), highest demand, fastest processing.

2. Healthcare – Good, Moderate Points (75–80)

Strong demand for nurses, radiographers, therapists, GPs.

3. Education & Social Work – Moderate (75–85)

Consistent invitations, especially teaching roles.

4. STEM – Competitive (85–95)

Occupations are receiving invites but with higher points.

5. Business & Legal – Very Competitive (85–90)

Receiving invites in this last round but with higher points.

Want to Know Your Eligibility? Plan your PR Pathway!

The 189 visa offers a unique opportunity in that it requires no state or employer sponsorship to be able to apply. If you are interested in getting advice on your best options to plan your pathway in your current occupation - or if it is too competitive and you are looking for alternative visa options, we can help you plan your next steps!

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