Australian Immigration Update: Analysing the Latest 189 Invitations and the JRP Advantage

Welcome to Riverwood Migration’s monthly update on Australian immigration. This October, we witnessed a significant and welcome surge in 189 independent skilled visa invitations, alongside continued opportunities in the state-sponsored and employer-sponsored streams. This article provides a detailed breakdown of the latest trends and explores a strategic, often overlooked pathway for qualified applicants.

1. A Closer Look at the October 189 Invitation Round

The second round for this financial year demonstrated both volume and diversity. Key takeaways include:

• Expansive Reach: Invitations were issued across a wider range of occupations than anticipated.
• Teaching and Social Services: Early Childhood Teachers saw bulk invites at 85 points, while Secondary Teachers and Social Workers successfully received invites at 75.
• Healthcare in High Gear: Roles from Nurses (75+) to Psychologists (85) saw strong invitation numbers, reflecting ongoing national priorities.
• The Trades Advantage: Crucially, skilled trade occupations such as Carpenters and Electricians continued to be a reliable pathway, with reported invites as low as 65-70 points.

2. Beyond the 189: The Job Ready Program (JRP) – A Faster Track to PR

For many applicants struggling with high points scores in competitive fields, the Job Ready Program (JRP) for trade occupations presents a viable and often faster alternative.

What is the JRP?

The JRP is a structured skills assessment pathway managed by Trades Recognition Australia (TRA). It is designed for international students and graduates of CRICOS-registered trade courses.

The 4-Step JRP Process:

• Complete a Certified Course: e.g., a Certificate III or IV.
• Provisional Skills Assessment (PSA): Apply after course completion.
• Job Ready Employment (JRE): Work full-time for 12 months in your nominated occupation.
• Job Ready Final Assessment (JRFA): Apply for a full skills assessment upon successful completion of JRE.

3. Top JRP Pathways for 2025

We highlight three high-demand occupations with excellent migration prospects:

• Bricklayer: With a national shortage and projects backlog, this trade offers stability and a clear path to PR.
• Metal Fabricator: Fuelled by Australia’s renewable energy boom, this role offers high earning potential and diverse employment opportunities.
• Wall and Floor Tiler: The construction and renovation boom ensures consistent high demand and attractive wages across major cities.

Conclusion: A Multi-Pronged Strategy is Key

The recent 189 round is encouraging, but a smart immigration strategy should not rely on a single visa stream. The JRP pathway for skilled trades represents a strategic, demand-driven route to call Australia home.

Are you making the most of all your immigration options? The experts at Riverwood Migration can provide a personalised assessment of your profile and guide you towards the most efficient pathway, whether it’s the 189, state nomination, or the JRP.

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