Executive Summary – PR Alert In Melbourne
Australia is preparing for the 3rd SC 189 Invitation Round, expected on 5 February 2026. Recent trends highlight a major shift in PR opportunities:
- Trade occupations were invited from just 65 points
- 144 occupations received invitations
- Other occupations required up to 100 points
- IT occupations received ZERO invitations
This blog explains which fields currently have the best PR prospects, how students can increase their points, and what IT students should do if stuck in their courses.
SC 189 – Understanding the Latest Invitation Trend
Past Invitation Rounds
| Round | Date | Invitations | Highlights |
| 1st Round | 21 August 2025 | 6,887 | First major invitation after long gap |
| 2nd Round | Federal Govt Intake | 10,000 | Part of national workforce strategy |
| 3rd Round (Expected) | 5 February 2026 | TBA | Expected based on labour needs |
Key Insights from the Recent Rounds
A. 144 Occupations Received Invitations
- Indicates Australia is reopening skilled migration for critical sectors.
B. Trades Are Currently the Strongest Pathway
- 28 trade roles invited at just 65–70 points, lowest in Australia.
C. High Points Required for Non-Trade Roles
- Most non-trade occupations required 85–90 points, some competitive roles up to 100 points.
D. IT Occupations Received ZERO Invitations
- Includes Software Developers, System Analysts, Programmers, ICT Business Analysts, Web Developers, Cyber Security roles, Network Engineers
- Reason: Oversupply, EOI backlog, and government focus on trades & healthcare.
- IT students may need alternate strategies (covered below).
3. What These Trends Mean for International Students
- Trades → BEST PR chances
- Healthcare → Strong, stable demand
- Engineering → High long-term need
- Teaching → Highly valued nationally
- IT → Very low chance under SC 189 currently
Strategic course selection is now more critical than ever to avoid PR delays.
4. Courses with the Best PR Prospects (2025–2026)
A. Trade Courses (Top Priority – Invited at 65 Points)
Recommended for students who want faster PR:
- Carpentry course Australia – Certificate III in Carpentry
- Diploma of Automotive Technology – Automotive course in Australia
- Certificate III in Engineering Fabrication Trade
- Electrical Technician
- Air-conditioning & Refrigeration
- Cookery & Hospitality (Certificate III in Commercial Cookery)
Why Trade Courses Are Strong:
- Crucial for infrastructure, construction, and manufacturing
- Shortage expected to continue 10–15 years
- Easier skill assessment and work experience
B. Healthcare & Community Courses
High-demand PR courses:
- Diploma of Nursing Australia – Nursing course Australia – Diploma of Nursing Course
- Aged Care, Disability Support, Mental Health
- Early Childhood Education, Social Work, Allied Health Assistance
Why: Aging population keeps these roles in priority lists.
C. Engineering & Construction Courses
Recommended for: Civil, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, Drafting, Project Management
D. Teaching Courses
Recommended for: Early Childhood Teacher, Secondary School Teacher (STEM), Special Education
5. How Students Can Increase EOI Points
- Improve English Score – PTE 79+/IELTS 8 = +20 points
- NAATI CCL Exam – +5 points
- Regional Study – +5 points, opens 190/491 nomination
- State Nomination – +5 points (190), +15 points (491)
- Professional Year Program – +5 points
- Accurate Skill Assessment – Ensure ANZSCO code & qualifications match
6. Special Guidance for IT Students
IT roles received zero invitations, so SC 189 is not viable at present. Realistic options:
- Option A: Add a Trade Qualification (fastest PR route)
- Option B: Shift to PR-reliable fields: Nursing, Early Childhood Education, Social Work, Engineering Drafting
- Option C: Move to Regional Areas for better IT sponsorship
- Option D: Employer Sponsorship: 482 → 186 PR or 491 → 191 PR
- Option E: Combine English + NAATI + PY + Work Experience
IT Students Should Act Now to increase PR chances.
Courses Hyperlinked for PR Advantage
| Field | Course & Hyperlink |
| Healthcare | Diploma of Nursing Australia |
| Trade | Carpentry course Australia |
| Teaching | Teaching courses in Australia |
| Immigration Guidance | Immigration agent near me, Australian immigration agency Melbourne, Australian immigration agency, Best migration consultant |
| PR Eligibility | Permanent resident eligibility Australia, Permanent resident visa Australia |
The upcoming SC 189 February 2026 round in Melbourne clearly signals that trades, healthcare, teaching, and engineering offer the strongest PR pathways, while IT occupations remain highly competitive with zero federal invitations. International students must take immediate strategic steps- improving points, considering trade or healthcare courses, exploring regional study, and leveraging state nomination or employer sponsorship pathways – to maximize their chances of obtaining Australian permanent residency.
For expert guidance on course selection, visa pathways, and permanent residency, consult Shri Krishna Educational Consultants – your trusted Australian immigration agency and best migration consultant in Melbourne.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Why did IT occupations receive zero invitations?
Oversupply, high EOI backlog, and government prioritisation of trades, healthcare, engineering, and community services. - Are trade courses the best PR option?
Yes, trade occupations received invitations starting at 65 points. - Can IT students still get PR?
Yes, mostly through trades, community services, or employer sponsorship pathways. - How can I increase EOI points fastest?
Improve English, complete NAATI CCL, regional study, state nomination. - Which occupations required the highest points?
Accountants, medical scientists, and some engineering roles: 90–100 points. - What if I am already studying an IT course?
Re-evaluate PR pathway; consider adding a second PR-relevant qualification. - Can I apply for PR without work experience?
Yes. Many students secure PR via study points, English, NAATI, and state nomination. - Will February 2026 round follow the same pattern?
Probably yes, trades, healthcare, teaching, and engineering remain strong; IT low priority.
