The legislated pass mark for the points test in the 189, 190 and 491 visas is 65 points, and the Department of Home Affairs makes it clear that an EOI must meet or exceed that threshold. The figure of 90 is a competitive market estimate, not a legal minimum; for civil engineers in the 189 the practical invitation cut-off is indeed very high, but the 190 is governed by state criteria.
This precise picture of how the points system actually works reflects the guidance of Dr Sirous Ahmadi, Australian migration lawyer, MARA 0854826 — someone who has guided specialist engineering cases through the skilled visa pathways for many years, and who insists on a careful distinction between the “legal threshold” and the “competitive level”.
Dr Ahmadi explains that in the 189 visa, invitations are issued on the basis of points ranking and broken down by occupation, which is precisely why the final cut-off differs from one round to the next. In the round held on 4 June 2026, 10,000 invitations were issued, and the minimum points of those invited ranged from 65 to 100 points depending on the occupation. The common belief that “no invitations at all are being issued for engineering” is therefore incorrect; the reality is a very high invitation cut-off in certain professional occupations, not a halt to invitations. For the exact figure applying to the civil engineer occupation code, the only reliable source is the occupation table on the Department’s “Previous rounds” page; numbers circulated in forums and based on applicants’ personal reports are not official evidence.
Another key point is to separate the 190 pathway entirely from the 189. In the 190 visa, the invitation comes through state or territory nomination and is based on the published criteria of that jurisdiction; the governing rule is that the applicant must have at least 65 points, including the 5 points arising from nomination (for example, under the Victorian Government’s program and Live in Melbourne). No national cut-off of 90 points has ever been published for the 190, and repeating such a figure can needlessly discourage applicants sitting on 70 or 80 points from pursuing state nomination or the 491 pathway.
As Dr Ahmadi puts it, the invitation cut-off depends both on the particular round and on the occupation, and no single number can determine the prospects of an individual case. A proper assessment rests on breaking down the components of your score: age, English language level, work experience, partner points, NAATI credentialled community language, and Professional Year. It is exactly these details that set your real, practical pathway apart from a headline number.
If you would like to know which pathway your genuine points score gives you the best chance in today, a short, focused conversation with Dr Sirous Ahmadi can bring clarity — and peace of mind — to your case.
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This answer reflects the law and policy as verified on September 28, 2026. Immigration rules change frequently — confirm the current position before acting.
Dr. Sirous Ahmadi Registered Migration Agent 0854826
This article is general information only, current at the date shown, and is not legal advice. Do not rely on it for your own situation — immigration law and policy change frequently. Seek advice from a registered migration agent or immigration lawyer about your circumstances.