On August 21, the minimum score for the Nurse NEC (National Employment Classification) category in the current round of invitations rose to 80 points. Does this mean that high-score competition will become the norm?

This article will analyze historical invitation data and the EOI (Expression of Interest) pool to scientifically predict the minimum score for the next round of invitations.

2024-2025 Key Months Nurse NEC EOI Data

Key Data and Trend Analysis

Historical Invitation Situation Reference
In October 2024, the total number of EOI pools with scores of 70 and above was 2,373 applicants.
In the November 2024 round, a total of 1,268 invitations were issued, with a minimum score of 70. However, 70 points were not fully cleared, indicating that competition for higher scores has already started accumulating.

2. Significant Backlog in the High-Score Pool
In the latest round of invitations in August 2025, the minimum score for the RN NEC category was 80 points, but there was still a significant number of applicants in the 80-point and above pool (a total of 1,111 = 847 + 231 + 33). Even applicants who submitted their EOIs with 80 points on August 19 did not receive an invitation.
The estimated number of invitations for this round was only between 300 and 500, once again confirming the fierce competition at high score levels, leaving little to no chance for those with medium and low scores.

3. Future EOI Pool Growth Prediction
Based on the trend of 1,347 additional applicants (2101-2022+1268) in the 70+ score pool from July to December 2024, it is estimated that by December 2025, the total number of applicants with scores of 70+ will reach 5,653 (4806-500+1347).
It is especially worth noting that as of July 2025, there were already 1,538 applicants with scores above 75, and this number is expected to continue increasing by the end of the year.

Next Round Invitation Score Prediction
If the next round of invitations occurs at the end of 2025, and the number of invitations is similar to November 2024 (around 1,200-1,300 people):

Given the large and continuously growing pool of applicants with 75+ points, the likelihood of applicants with 70 points being invited in this round is very low;

The minimum invited score is expected to remain at 75 points, with the possibility that only those with 80 points will be invited.

Suggestions and Strategies
Applicants with scores between 70 and 75 should focus on increasing their points, for example:

Aim for an additional 20 points in language proficiency;

Complete NAATI/CCL certification or accumulate more work experience;

Also, closely monitor alternative pathways such as the 190 state nomination, 491 regional nomination, and employer sponsorship to broaden migration opportunities.