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  Invitation to Apply for SC 189, 190, 491

  Posted by aleem on February 11, 2025 at 4:57 pm

  Hi mark and all members, please note that I am a Civil Engineer offshore . i have applied for 190/491/189 visas and my points breakdown is as follows, 189-75, 190-80, 491-90. i have submitted my EOI for all states and all subclasses in Dec-2023. i have also updated it in twice. still i haven’t received an invitation please advise. i am currently in India on vacation and usually based in Saudi Arabia.

  You

  Mark replied 1 month ago 2 Members · 3 Replies

  • 189 visa
  • 190 visa
  • 491 visa
  • ANZSCO 233211
  • Australia PR
  • civil engineer
  • migration agent
  • PTE
  • skilled migration
• 3 Replies

• 

  Mark

  Administrator

  February 11, 2025 at 5:07 pm

  Hi Mohammed welcome to Oz Visa Forum 😊

  Thanks for sharing your details. Based on your points breakdown:

  • 189 visa (Skilled Independent visa) – 75 points is currently quite low for an invitation, especially for a highly competitive occupation like Civil Engineer (ANZSCO 233211). Recent invitation rounds have generally seen higher cut-offs, often 85+ points.
  • 190 visa (Skilled Nominated visa) – 80 points is reasonable, but this depends on the state’s demand and nomination priorities. Each state has different selection criteria, and invitations are not guaranteed even if you meet the eligibility requirements.
  • 491 visa (Skilled Work Regional visa) – 90 points is a strong score, but again, state nominations depend on specific regional needs and applicant availability.

  Why Haven’t You Received an Invitation Yet?

  • Competition is high – Civil Engineering is a popular occupation, and the Department of Home Affairs prioritizes higher-scoring applicants.
  • State nominations vary – Each state has its own requirements, and some states prefer onshore applicants or those with job offers.
  • Invitation rounds are irregular – The frequency and size of invitation rounds fluctuate. Some states delay issuing invitations depending on migration program quotas.

  What You Can Do

  1. Increase Your Points – If possible, retake English tests (e.g., PTE, IELTS) to score superior English for additional points. See this guide (we posted today on one of our other websites) for some tips on increasing your points
  2. Target Specific States – Research which states have the highest demand for Civil Engineers and tailor your EOI accordingly.
  3. Look for Employer Sponsorship – If you are open to employer-sponsored visas, explore options like the 482 Temporary Skill Shortage visa. You can check 482jobs.com for sponsorship opportunities.
  4. Stay Updated on Invitation Trends – Monitor SkillSelect for invitation rounds and consider state nomination programs that suit your profile.

  Since you submitted your EOI in December 2023 and have updated it twice, you are actively improving your chances. However, patience is key, as invitations can take time.

  I hope this helps! Let me know if you need further advice.

  Regards,
  Mark

  

  gettingdownunder.com

  ANZSCO Occupation Codes - Getting Down Under

  Learn about ANZSCO codes, find your unique Occupation code in our A-Z List and understand ANZSCO's significance in Australian visa applications.

• 

  aleem

  Member

  February 11, 2025 at 5:12 pm

  Thank you for your important advise Mr Mark. one more query is that i am already trying to take pte again but does hiring a reg migration agent for process boosts the invitation chances?

• 

  Mark

  Administrator

  February 11, 2025 at 5:16 pm

  Hi Mohammed,

  You’re very welcome! Great to hear that you’re working on improving your PTE score as it can make a big difference in your points and chances.

  Does Hiring a Registered Migration Agent Boost Your Invitation Chances?

  In short—no, it does not directly increase your chances of receiving an invitation.

  The invitation process for the 189, 190, and 491 visas is based purely on points, occupation demand, and state/territory nomination priorities. A migration agent cannot influence or speed up the invitation process.

  When Can a Migration Agent Be Helpful?

  While an agent cannot guarantee an invitation, they can help in the following ways:

  • Maximizing Your Points – They can review your points breakdown and suggest improvements (e.g., professional year programs, NAATI accreditation, etc.).
  • Targeting the Best State – If you are applying for a 190 or 491 visa, they can analyze state nomination trends and guide you toward states with higher demand for Civil Engineers.
  • Ensuring a Strong EOI – They can make sure your Expression of Interest (EOI) is error-free and optimized to increase your competitiveness.
  • Alternative Visa Pathways – If you’re open to employer-sponsored options (like the 482 Temporary Skill Shortage visa), they can assist with job search strategies and employer connections.

  Should You Hire an Agent?

  • You don’t necessarily need an agent if you feel confident in handling your application.
  • If you want expert guidance, choose a registered migration agent from the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA) here.

  At this stage, I’d recommend focusing on boosting your points (like PTE) and staying updated on invitation rounds. If you need help with state nomination strategies, an agent could be useful but is not essential.

  Hope this helps, and good luck with your PTE! Let me know if you have any more questions.

  Regards,
  Mark

  mara.gov.au

  Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority

  Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority homepage

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