Australia’s Department of Home Affairs has released updated occupation ceilings for the 2025–26 financial year under the Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) visa.
If you are planning to apply for skilled migration, understanding Australis buclass 189 occupation ceilings is critical. It shows how many places are available for each occupation and which professions are close to being filled.
The figures were released under a Freedom of Information request (FA 26/01/00545)
What Is an Occupation Ceiling?
An occupation ceiling is the maximum number of invitations or grants allowed per occupation under Subclass 189. It ensures:
- Balanced migration intake
- No single profession dominates the program
- Workforce gaps are strategically managed
Important:
Occupation ceilings apply to Subclass 189 and certain 491 streams, not to employer-sponsored or state-nominated visas.
How Australia Calculates the Ceiling
According to the official calculation method, here is how the occupation ceilings are calculated.
Step 1:
Use ABS employment data (average workforce size).
Step 2:
Apply a multiplier based on occupation tier:
- Tier 1: 4%
- Tier 2: 2%
- Tier 3: 1%
- Tier 4: 0.5%
Step 3:
If the result is below 500, the minimum ceiling will be counted as 500.
Step 4:
Subtract previous visa grants to calculate remaining places. This means ceilings are data-driven, not random.
Occupations With High Remaining Places
Several occupations still show strong availability for 2025–26:
- Software & Applications Programmers – 3,800 remaining
- Accountants – 3,025 remaining
- Chefs – 3,110 remaining
- Civil Engineering Professionals – 2,013 remaining
- ICT Business & Systems Analysts – 2,018 remaining
These professions currently have a comfortable space under the ceiling.
Occupations With Very Limited Remaining Places
Some occupations are nearly exhausted:
- Podiatrists – 7 remaining
- Optometrists – 11 remaining
- Medical Laboratory Scientists – 13 remaining
- Barristers – fewer than 5
- Actors and Dancers – 0 remaining
Applicants in these fields may need to consider alternative visa pathways such as Subclass 190 or 491.
What This Means for Skilled Migration Applicants
If you are applying under Subclass 189:
- Your occupation ceiling matters.
- High remaining places suggest lower immediate ceiling pressure.
- Low remaining places increase competition risk.
The timing of the EOI submission becomes critical. However, the invitation also depends on:
- Points score
- Ranking against other candidates
- Government planning levels
Ceiling availability alone does not guarantee an invitation.
Should You Change Strategy?
You may consider:
- Reviewing your ANZSCO code accuracy
- Exploring state nomination (Subclass 190)
- Considering regional options (Subclass 491)
- Improving points (English, NAATI, partner skills)
A strategy review before EOI submission is highly recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does a high ceiling guarantee PR?
No. Invitation depends on ranking and points, not ceiling alone.
Do occupation ceilings apply to Subclass 190?
No. They apply to Subclass 189 and certain 491 streams only.
Are ceilings fixed for the whole year?
They can change based on operational circumstances.
If my occupation has few remaining places, should I still apply?
It depends on your points score and alternative visa options.
Disclaimer: All information is provided as a general guide only and does not constitute legal advice. It is important to note that immigration policies and operational practices are subject to sudden and unexpected changes.
Need Guidance on Your Skilled Migration Pathway?
Choosing the right strategy early can prevent delays and missed opportunities.
Book a consultation to review your occupation, points score, and visa pathway.