Australia Migration News Roundup: Key Updates in March and April 2025
Neetu Sharma
in Australia Immigration News, Australia Migrants, Australian Migration Strategy & Policy
As the Australian migration landscape continues to evolve, several key changes have emerged across skilled visa programs, income thresholds, and nomination pathways. Here’s a concise summary of the major updates and policy shifts that have shaped migration in March and April 2025.
State and Territory Nomination Program Updates
✔️ Victoria
The 2024–25 Skilled Visa Program closed new Registrations of Interest (ROIs) on April 29, 2025. Victoria received 5,000 places — 3,000 for Subclass 190 and 2,000 for Subclass 491. Assessments for previously submitted ROIs are still ongoing.
✔️ Tasmania
The Subclass 491 Overseas Applicant Pathway is now closed due to extended processing times. No new applications are being accepted at this time.
✔️ Northern Territory
The new NT DAMA III commenced in March 2025 and will remain in effect until June 30, 2030. This third agreement includes 325 occupations and an annual cap of 1,500 nominations under the Skills in Demand or Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa.
Note: The NT Skilled Migration program has reached its nomination limit for the current program year. New applications are suspended.
✔️ Western Australia
WA continues to support applicants by waiving application fees for the 2024–25 State Nominated Migration Program.
✔️ South Australia
South Australia’s 2024–25 General Skilled Migration program remains open and continues to invite eligible applicants.
✔️ Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
The latest Canberra Matrix Invitation Round was held on January 30, 2025. Another round was expected before March 27, 2025.
Visa Program and Policy Changes
✔️ Skills-in-Demand
Introduced in December 2024, this visa replaced the Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) visa (Subclass 482). It features three streams:
- Specialist Skills
- Core Skills
- Labour Agreements
✔️ Income Threshold Increases (Effective 1 July 2025)
TSMIT: Raised from AUD 73,150 to AUD 76,515
Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT): Raised to AUD 141,210
These new thresholds apply to nominations under the Skills in Demand (subclass 482) and Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visas.
✔️ Work Experience Requirement Update
From November 23, 2024, the required work experience for Subclass 482 visa applicants was reduced from 2 years to 1 year.
Student & Graduate Visa Updates
✔️ Student Visa (Subclass 500)
Application fee increased to AUD 1,600 (from 1 July 2024)
Valid CoE required at time of application (from 1 January 2025)
✔️ Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
English requirement increased to IELTS 6.5 overall (minimum 5.5 in each band)
Age and other eligibility changes were also introduced
Migration Program & Other Key Developments
✔️ Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
Set at 185,000 places, with:
- 71% for Skill stream
- 28% for Family stream
✔️ New National Innovation Visa
This visa replaces the Global Talent visa (Subclass 858) and targets highly skilled migrants in critical sectors.
✔️ Closure of Business Visa Pathway
The Business Innovation and Investment Program (Subclass 188/888) has now officially ceased.
✔️ Pacific Engagement Visa (PEV)
Applicants selected in the January–February ballots must submit their visa applications promptly.
✔️ Migration Agents Regulation
Two migration agents were sanctioned by the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA).
News Source:
Department of Home Affairs – News & Media
Live in Melbourne – Skilled Migration Program
Migration WA – Latest News
Trades Recognition Australia
