Executive Summary
Maximize Your EOI Points – Time is running out! The next SC 189 invitation round is just 2 months away in February 2026. Here’s your action plan to boost your EOI points and increase your PR chances.
Your Current Situation: Quick Reality Check –
| Occupation Category | Point Requirements | Invitation Status | What It Means for YOU |
| Trade Occupations | 65-70 points | Active invitations | Best chance right now! |
| Healthcare & Nursing | 75-85 points | Active invitations | Strong opportunities |
| Teaching | 80-90 points | Active invitations | Good prospects |
| Engineering | 85-95 points | Active invitations | Need higher points |
| IT Occupations | Not invited | Zero invitations | Need alternate plan |
2-Month Action Plan: Boost Your Points Fast
Strategy 1: Improve Your English Score (Up to +20 Points!)
This is your FASTEST point booster if you have time before February:
- Current score 65-70 (Competent)? You get 0 points
- Achieve 79+ in PTE or IELTS 8? You get +20 points!
- Why it matters: This single improvement can take you from 65 to 85 points
What to do in next 2 months:
- Book PTE/IELTS exam for January 2026 (results take 2-5 days for PTE)
- Focus on speaking and writing sections—they’re the biggest score boosters
- Take mock tests weekly to track improvement
- Consider PTE coaching for faster results
Strategy 2: NAATI CCL Exam (+5 Points)
Easiest 5 points you can get!
- Community Credential Language Test
- Tests your ability to translate conversations
- Available in multiple languages (Hindi, Punjabi, Mandarin, etc.)
- Exam takes only 20 minutes
- Results in 2-3 weeks
Your 2-month action plan:
- Book NAATI CCL exam for January 2026
- Start practice with sample dialogues (2-3 hours daily)
- Focus on medical, legal, and community service terminology
- Many students pass on first attempt with 4-6 weeks preparation
Strategy 3: Professional Year Program (+5 Points)
If you’re already in Australia studying:
- 12-month program in Accounting, IT, or Engineering
- Gives +5 points PLUS Australian work experience
- Must be enrolled and started (completion not required for points)
Can you start before Feb 2026?
- Check if January intakes are available
- Some providers offer flexible start dates
- Even starting the program gets you closer to eligibility
Strategy 4: State Nomination (+5 or +15 Points)
THIS IS HUGE for February round:
- 190 visa (State Nominated): +5 points + direct PR
- 491 visa (Regional Sponsored): +15 points + pathway to PR
What to do NOW:
- Check Victoria, NSW, SA, QLD state nomination lists
- See if your occupation is eligible
- Prepare state-specific documents (varies by state)
- Some states have monthly rounds—you could get invited before federal round!
Regional areas offer BETTER chances for IT students!
Strategy 5: Partner Skills (+10 Points)
to Maximize Your EOI Points – If your partner meets requirements:
- Must have Competent English (PTE 50+ or IELTS 6)
- Must have positive skill assessment in eligible occupation
- Must be under 45 years old
2-month checklist:
- Get partner’s skill assessment done (takes 6-8 weeks typically)
- Book English test for partner if needed
- Update EOI with partner details
Strategy 6: Australian Study Requirement (Check You Have This)
Most students already have this, but verify:
- Completed at least 2 years of Australian study
- Must be CRICOS registered course
- Gives you +5 points automatically
Smart Course Switches (If You’re Stuck in IT or Low-Priority Field)
There are so many options to change course –
Option A: Add a Trade Qualification (6-12 months)
Fastest route to 65-point invitations:
- Carpentry course Australia – Certificate III in Carpentry
- Diploma of Automotive Technology – Automotive course in Australia
- Certificate III in Engineering Fabrication Trade
- Certificate III in Commercial Cookery
Why this works:
- Trades invited at ONLY 65 points
- You can keep your IT skills for career flexibility
- Apprenticeship pathways available
- High employment rates
Option B: Switch to Healthcare (Strong Long-Term Demand)
Aging population = guaranteed demand for 10+ years:
- Diploma of Nursing Australia – Nursing course Australia
- Diploma of Nursing Course – Diploma of Nursing
- Aged Care and Disability Support
- Mental Health Support Work
Timeline: 18-24 months for diploma programs
Option C: Teaching Pathway (Respected Profession)
- Teaching courses in Australia
- Early Childhood Teachers (high demand)
- Secondary Teachers (especially STEM subjects)
Good for: Students with strong English and communication skills.
Point Calculator: Where Do YOU Stand?
Calculate your current points and target:
| Point Category | Your Score | How to Improve |
| Age (25-32 years) | 30 points | Can’t change quickly |
| English (PTE 79+) | 20 points | Study 2 months, retake exam |
| Australian study | 5-20 points | Already have or can’t change fast |
| Work experience | 5-20 points | Takes time to build |
| NAATI CCL | 5 points | Can get in 6-8 weeks! |
| Professional Year | 5 points | Enroll now if eligible |
| State nomination | 5-15 points | Apply in January 2026 |
| Partner skills | 10 points | Get assessed now |
REALISTIC TARGET: Add 10-20 points in next 2 months through English + NAATI + State nomination preparation
Special Alert: IT Students
You received ZERO invitations in recent rounds. Here’s the truth:
Don’t wait hoping IT invitations will start. Take action NOW with alternate pathways.
Your 3 best options:
- Add trade qualification (fastest to 65 points)
- Move to regional area for better IT sponsorship chances
- Target employer sponsorship (482 → 186 pathway)
Regional IT opportunities exist in: Tasmania, South Australia, Northern Territory, regional Victoria/NSW
Your February 2026 Game Plan
Month 1 (December 2025):
- Book PTE/IELTS exam for January
- Register for NAATI CCL exam
- Check state nomination eligibility
- Get skill assessment verified
- Book consultation with migration agent
Month 2 (January 2026):
- Take English test (aim for 79+ PTE or 8 IELTS)
- Take NAATI CCL exam
- Submit state nomination application (if eligible)
- Update EOI with new points
- Research course switch options if needed
Before Feb 5, 2026:
- EOI updated with maximum possible points
- All supporting documents ready
- Backup plan prepared (state nomination or course switch)
Check Your Eligibility Today
Understanding your permanent resident eligibility Australia status and exploring permanent resident visa Australia options is crucial for making the right decisions in these critical 2 months.
Don’t guess your pathway—get expert assessment!
Your Australian PR Journey Starts NOW
The February 2026 SC 189 invitation round is approaching fast, and the data is clear: trade occupations, healthcare, teaching, and engineering offer the strongest PR pathways, while IT occupations face significant challenges with zero federal invitations in recent rounds.
You have exactly 2 months to:
- Boost your EOI points through English, NAATI, and state nomination
- Consider strategic course switches if you’re in low-priority fields
- Prepare backup pathways through regional areas or employer sponsorship
The students who act NOW will be the ones receiving invitations in February 2026.
Don’t let this opportunity pass—every point matters, and every week counts.
Get Expert Guidance from Melbourne’s Trusted Migration Consultants
Shri Krishna Educational Consultants – your Australian immigration agency Melbourne and best migration consultant – offers personalized support for:
- EOI point optimization strategies
- Course selection aligned with current PR priorities
- State nomination application assistance
- Skill assessment guidance
- Complete visa application support
As a MARA-registered Australian immigration agency and experienced immigration agent near me, we’ve successfully guided 500+ students to Australian PR since 2015.
Book your consultation today and turn your PR dream into reality before the February 2026 round.
The February invitation round won’t wait – start your point-boosting journey today!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When is the next SC 189 invitation round expected? The next SC 189 invitation round is expected on 5 February 2026. This gives current applicants approximately 2 months to improve their EOI points and strengthen their applications.
2. Why did IT occupations receive zero invitations in recent rounds? IT occupations received zero invitations due to oversupply in the market, a significant EOI backlog, and the Australian government’s current focus on trade occupations, healthcare, and engineering sectors to address critical workforce shortages.
3. What are the minimum points required for trade occupations? Trade occupations are currently being invited at just 65-70 points, which is the lowest threshold in Australia. This makes trades the fastest and most accessible pathway to Australian PR for international students.
4. How can I increase my EOI points in the next 2 months? You can boost your points quickly by: improving your English score to PTE 79+ or IELTS 8 (+20 points), completing NAATI CCL exam (+5 points), applying for state nomination (+5-15 points), and enrolling in a Professional Year program (+5 points if eligible).
5. What should IT students do if they want Australian PR? IT students should consider adding a trade qualification for faster PR (65 points pathway), switching to healthcare or teaching courses, moving to regional areas for better sponsorship opportunities, or pursuing employer sponsorship through 482→186 or 491→191 visa pathways.
6. Which courses offer the best PR prospects right now? Trade courses like Carpentry course Australia, Diploma of Automotive Technology, and Certificate III in Commercial Cookery offer the best prospects. Healthcare courses like Diploma of Nursing Australia and Teaching courses in Australia also remain strong options.
7. How long does it take to prepare for NAATI CCL exam? Most students can prepare for the NAATI CCL exam in 4-6 weeks with dedicated practice of 2-3 hours daily. The exam itself takes only 20 minutes, and results are typically available within 2-3 weeks, making it one of the fastest ways to gain 5 additional points.
8. Can I still apply for PR without work experience in Australia? Yes, you can apply for PR without Australian work experience by maximizing points through other categories: English proficiency (up to 20 points), NAATI CCL (5 points), Australian study (5-20 points), state nomination (5-15 points), and partner skills (10 points). Strategic planning is essential to reach competitive point thresholds.
