Points Test Changes 2026: Trades Score Like Degrees

If you work in the building trades and you are thinking about permanent residence, the past fortnight has probably left you with a lot of questions. On 17/09/2026, the Minister for Home Affairs announced changes to the skilled points test that could lift the points value of housing trade qualifications. So, will tradies get more points? Possibly, but the change is announced, not yet law. This guide sets out what was actually said, what is already in force, and how to prepare sensibly.

What Was Announced: Points Test Changes 2026 for Trades

In his address to the National Press Club on 17/09/2026, the Minister explained that trade qualifications normally attract fewer points than university courses. He said that under the new points test, on implementation, housing trades would be treated the same way:

"...whereas you normally get more points for a university course than you get for a TAFE or trade, it will be the case under the new points test that we will, on implementation, be making sure that anyone who is skilled in the housing trades will get the same number of points as though it were a university qualification..." (Minister for Home Affairs, National Press Club, 17/09/2026).

That is a clear policy statement. It is not a change to the points table.

The Minister also said the points test was redone in consultation with Treasury, with the capacity to choose particular skills that will receive an uplift. For tradespeople, that suggests the change is intended to be targeted rather than a blanket rise for every qualification. The detail will matter, so watch for the official instrument or Department guidance before assuming your own trade is covered.

Announced Is Not the Same as Law

The words "on implementation" matter. The Minister described a redesigned points test but did not give a start date in the speech. The Department's Subclass 189 points table page was last updated on 11/06/2026, before the announcement, and we cannot confirm which trades will be covered or exactly how much the uplift will be.

The Department publishes the live table for each visa. For Subclass 189, it is on the Home Affairs points table page. Because the qualification rows on that page load dynamically, please open it directly to see the current values rather than relying on figures quoted in social media posts or third-party summaries. Subclass 190 and 491 applicants should check the equivalent page for their visa.

Will Tradies Get More Points? What We Do and Do Not Know

We know the Minister's intention: housing trades are to score the same as a university qualification once the new test is implemented. We do not yet know several practical details:

• which occupations or qualification types will be counted as "housing trades";
• the date the new points test will start;
• whether existing Expressions of Interest will be recalculated automatically or need to be updated;
• how the change will interact with skills assessment requirements and state nomination.

Until these are published on Home Affairs or in legislation, any claim that a specific trade will receive a specific number of points is a guess. We would rather tell you that plainly than have you make a decision on unverified information.

Ministerial Direction 122 Construction Priority: Already in Force

There is one part of the construction story that is already in effect. The Department's skilled visa processing priorities page confirms that Ministerial Direction 121 (Subclass 482) and Ministerial Direction 122 (Subclasses 189, 190, 491, 186, 494 and others) took effect on 19/09/2026 (Department of Home Affairs, skilled visa processing priorities).

Under Ministerial Direction 122, the first priority is applications in the construction, healthcare, teaching, agriculture, aquaculture, fishing and resources sectors, or Australia's law enforcement and defence interests. Applicants in Australia, when they lodge, come second. Priority processing changes the order in which applications are assessed. It does not change the criteria you must meet or guarantee an outcome. Our earlier post on Ministerial Direction 122 explains the full order.

Who May Benefit in Brisbane

Many carpenters, plumbers, electricians, bricklayers and other tradespeople in Brisbane and South East Queensland are already onshore on a Subclass 485 or 482 visa. For that group, two things may work together: a construction-sector priority at the processing stage, and, once implemented, a stronger points position for housing trades.

If you are on a Subclass 485 visa, it is also worth thinking about how much time remains on your visa and whether an employer-sponsored option could sit alongside a points-tested pathway. Whether you personally benefit depends on your occupation being on the relevant list, your skills assessment outcome, your English level, your age and your other points. Our post on the top occupations in demand in Australia in 2026 is a useful starting point for checking where your trade sits.

What the Announcement Does Not Change

It is easy to read a headline and assume everything about skilled migration has moved. The Minister was open in the same speech that some reforms cannot proceed without Parliament, noting that certain measures cannot be done "without legislation" and that a full expression of interest system for who arrives could only be introduced if legislation is passed. That is a reminder that the reform package is being delivered in stages.

For now, the requirements you already know still apply: a suitable occupation, a positive skills assessment where required, English language ability, age, and the other criteria for the visa you choose. A higher points value for a trade qualification, once it applies, would not replace those requirements. It would only change how your qualification is scored within the points test.

What to Do This Month If You Are a Tradesperson

You do not need to wait for the new points test to get organised. Sensible steps that are useful under either the current or the new rules include:

• confirm your trade is a nominated occupation for the visa you are considering, and check the assessing authority;
• start or complete your skills assessment, since it is required before you can lodge an Expression of Interest;
• gather evidence of your qualification, licence and work history;
• check your English test validity and whether it may be worth retaking to improve your points;
• review your Expression of Interest in SkillSelect, and update it if your circumstances have changed;
• watch the Home Affairs points table and the Minister's media releases for the implementation date.

Please do not lodge or delay a decision purely because of the announcement. Timing can matter for your circumstances, so it is worth getting individual advice first.

Where Migration Star Can Help

Migration Star is a registered migration practice in Eight Mile Plains, Brisbane. Our principal agent, Rohit Sharma (MARA No. 1797395), can review your trade qualification, skills assessment options and current points position, and explain how the announced changes may or may not affect you, subject to meeting criteria and Department requirements. You can read more about our services or book a 30-minute Migration Consultation ($165) at meetings-ap1.hubspot.com/rohit-sharma. Phone: 07 3519 5619. Address: Level 2, 8 Clunies Ross Court, Eight Mile Plains QLD 4113. You can also book a session with us online.

Information current as at 29/09/2026. Migration outcomes depend on individual circumstances. Visa criteria may change.

Information current as at 29/09/2026. Migration Star is a registered migration practice. Principal agent Rohit Sharma, MARA No. 1797395. Migration outcomes depend on individual circumstances. Visa criteria may change. This article is general information only and does not constitute migration advice. For advice on your specific situation, book a consultation at migrationstar.com.au.

Migration Star | MARA No. 1797395 | migrationstar.com.au | 07 3519 5619