The Australian Department of Home Affairs has introduced a more structured approach to managing the Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) visa program. This involves a 4-tier occupation ceiling system designed to align migration intakes with Australia's long-term economic needs and immediate labour shortages.

What Are Occupation Ceilings?

Occupation ceilings are policy guidelines used to manage the number of invitations issued for the Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) and Skilled Work Regional Provisional (Subclass 491 Family Sponsored) visa programs. These ceilings do not apply to State/Territory nominated or employer-sponsored visas.

The ceiling for each occupation is calculated by taking the average stock figure — the average number of people employed in that occupation over the last four quarters — and applying a specific multiplier based on which tier the occupation falls into.

Data and charts representing skilled migration statistics

The 4-Tier Priority System

The Department now categorises occupations into four distinct tiers, each with a different multiplier that affects the total number of potential invitations.

1 Tier 1 — Critical High-Value Occupations

  • Multiplier: 4.0% — the highest available
  • Includes highly specialised roles with high social licence, such as medical specialists (e.g., cardiologists and oncologists)
  • Goal: To maximise the intake of these critical professionals

2 Tier 2 — High Priority Occupations

  • Occupations identified as government priorities, including health and education sectors
  • Aligned with occupations in Ministerial Direction No. 105 not already in Tier 1
  • Goal: To remain responsive to changing government priorities and essential service needs

3 Tier 3 — Diverse Occupations

  • A broad group of approximately 121 occupations not specified in other tiers
  • Selects candidates with the highest human capital scores (points) across a variety of fields
  • Goal: Ensure long-term labour market adaptability and protect against emerging shortages

4 Tier 4 — Oversupplied Occupations

  • Occupations with historically high EOI volumes — such as ICT professionals, accountants, and chefs
  • The Department applies lower ceilings to prevent oversupply and avoid these occupations dominating the total intake
  • Candidates in this tier often face higher competition and require higher points test scores
Professional reviewing immigration documents

How Occupation Ceilings Are Calculated for 2025–26

The remaining places for the 2025–26 program year are determined through a specific four-step methodology:

  1. Determine Stock: Calculate the average of the four quarterly figures for an occupation's employment stock.
  2. Apply Multiplier: Apply the multiplier associated with the occupation's tier (as described above).
  3. Minimum Floor: If the calculated ceiling is less than 500, a minimum ceiling of 500 is applied regardless.
  4. Deduct Recent Grants: The final "Remaining Places" figure is reached by subtracting visa grants already issued in that occupation for other skilled streams — including Subclasses 190, 186, 491, and 494 — during the 2024–25 period.

What this means in practice:

An occupation with a large existing workforce and a Tier 1 multiplier could receive significantly more invitations than a Tier 4 occupation with a smaller stock figure. Your occupation's tier directly determines how competitive your EOI pool will be.

Skilled professionals in a modern Australian workplace

Why the Change?

Migrants on the Subclass 189 visa are significant contributors to the Australian economy, often recording the highest participation rates and median annual incomes compared to other skilled visa programs.

By using this tiered system, the government aims to ensure that the points-tested program continues to:

  • Select the highest-quality candidates who can adapt to long-term economic changes
  • Address immediate critical workforce needs in priority sectors
  • Prevent oversupply in occupations where demand does not justify high intake
  • Maintain the integrity and economic value of the skilled independent migration program

For applicants, this means that simply meeting the points threshold is no longer sufficient. Which tier your occupation falls into now plays a decisive role in whether you receive an invitation.

Key Takeaways for Applicants

  • Check which tier your occupation is assigned to — this affects your competition level and invitation likelihood
  • Tier 4 applicants (ICT, accounting, chefs) should expect higher competition and may need to maximise their points score
  • Tier 1 and 2 occupations benefit from higher multipliers and more available places
  • The 500-place minimum floor protects smaller-volume occupations from having zero chances
  • Grants from other visa streams (190, 186, 491, 494) reduce available SC 189 places in the same occupation
DISCLAIMER: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or establish a lawyer-client relationship. Migration law and policy are subject to change. Please consult a registered migration agent or lawyer regarding your specific circumstances.
Leeco — Migration Law Firm, Sydney
Book a Consultation →