The Australian immigration program is facing significant uncertainty as we reach mid-August 2025. The Australian Government has not yet released the Migration Planning Levels for 2025/2026, delaying key skilled visa programs and causing stress for many applicants.
In this month’s Australian immigration update, we cover:
- Changes to English test requirements for Australian visas
- An increase in international student enrolments for 2026
- Which state is best for a National Innovation Visa nomination
- Updated visa processing times in Australia
- Delays affecting partner visa applications
At Work Visa Lawyers, we specialise in assisting individuals, families, and employers through the complex Australian visa process. Contact us if you need assistance to apply for an Australian visa.
No Migration Planning Levels Yet – Impact on Skilled Visas
As of mid-August, the Migration Planning Level for 2025/2026 has not been announced. Without this, states and territories have not opened applications for:
The last Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa invitation round was in November 2024.
Last year, allocations were announced in May. The only other delay of this scale occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic — but no such crisis is affecting us now.
Rather than speculating on the cause of the delay, applicants should prepare to lodge their Expression of Interest (EOI) by ensuring they have:
- A valid skills assessment (within the last 3 years)
- A valid English test result (within the last 3 years)
- Evidence of skilled work experience such as contracts and payslips
More International Student Places in 2026
The Albanese Government has announced 295,000 international student places for 2026, an increase of 25,000 compared to 2025.
All active international education providers will receive at least the same allocation as this year.
For those planning to study in Australia:
- Choose your course carefully to align with your migration pathway
- Consider the level of study and post-study visa options such as the Subclass 485 Graduate Visa
- Ensure you meet the student visa English requirements
English Test Updates – More Accepted Tests and New Score Requirements
From 7 August 2025, there are now nine accepted English language tests for many Australian visa applications, including three new tests:
- Cambridge C1 Advanced (C1 Advanced)
- CELPIP General (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program) – New test
- IELTS Academic, including One Skill Retake (OSR)
- IELTS General Training, including One Skill Retake (OSR)
- LanguageCert Academic – New test
- Michigan English Test (MET), including Single Section Retake (SSR) – New test
- Occupational English Test (OET)
- PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English)
- TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language – Internet-Based Test)
New minimum score requirements for PTE Superior English:
- Listening: 69
- Reading: 70
- Writing: 85
- Speaking: 88 (this high score in Speaking may be very difficult to achieve)
IELTS has kept the minimum of 8 in each band for Superior English.
New minimum score requirements for PTE Competent English:
- Listening: 47
- Reading: 48
- Writing: 51
- Speaking: 54
IELTS still requires a minimum of 6 in each band for Competent English.
New PTE English requirement for the Graduate Visa
The PTE score needed for the Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) is now lower:
- Overall: 55
- Listening: 40
- Reading: 42
- Writing: 41
- Speaking: 39
For IELTS, the minimum remains 6.5 overall, with at least 5.5 in each band.
All these changes take effect from 7 August 2025.
If you took a test before this date and it’s still valid, your scores would still count.
For the Graduate Visa, test results are valid if taken in the 12 months before the visa application date. For other visas, test results are valid for up to three years.
New Skills in Demand 482 Visa English Requirement
Changes are also coming from 13 September 2025 for English requirements for the Skills in Demand 482 visa:
Applications lodged on or after 13 September 2025 will accept Vocational level English at least IELTS 5 in each band or PTE:
- Listening: 33
- Reading: 36
- Writing: 29
- Speaking: 24
We wish all applicants the best of luck in preparing for their English language tests. For certain visas, such as the Subclass 482 Skills in Demand Visa, the English requirements have recently been lowered, making them more accessible.
However, for those seeking additional migration points for visas such as the Subclass 189, Subclass 190, or Subclass 491, the new PTE Superior English-Speaking score requirement of 88 presents a significant challenge.
With nine approved English language test options now available, it is important to select the one that best aligns with your strengths. Ensure that the test you choose is accepted for your intended visa subclass and that it allows you to achieve the maximum score required for Superior English, if that is your objective — as not all tests provide this opportunity.
Best State for National Innovation Visa Nomination
The National Innovation Visa is a direct permanent residency pathway for highly skilled and innovative individuals.
Currently, South Australia, New South Wales, and Victoria are accepting nominations.
Our review of the criteria suggests:
- South Australia and New South Wales are generally easier, with transparent requirements focused on demonstrating value to the state.
- Victoria requires a referral from a Victorian Government agency — with no public process — making it more challenging.
If you have strong professional ties or collaboration plans with a state, that’s where you should apply.
We have several videos explaining the National Innovation Visa, as well as a free assessment on our website where we can check your eligibility.
Updated Visa Processing Times in Australia
Processing times are one of the most discussed aspects of the migration process, and we understand how frustrating it can be when they become longer.
The Department of Home Affairs has recently updated its visa processing times. In the table below, you will find some of the main visa subclasses and the typical timeframes for processing.
Keep in mind that your visa may be finalised earlier than the published timeframe — particularly if your occupation is in high demand. However, it may also take longer if your case is more complex or if there are issues such as inconsistencies in your application or documentation, or health and character concerns.
Delays in Relationship Registration
To lodge a partner visa, many applicants choose to strengthen their application by registering their de facto relationship.
In South Australia, this process usually takes just over 28 days. However, current timeframes have extended to approximately two to three months due to a processing backlog.
One possible explanation for this delay is an increase in partner visa applications, potentially driven by the temporary closure of the skilled visa programs, including the Subclass 189, Subclass 190, and Subclass 491.
Final Advice for Visa Applicants
While we await the Migration Planning Level announcement, skilled visa applicants should use this time to:
- Prepare their skills assessment and English test results
- Gather all required employment and qualification evidence
- Monitor program opening dates closely
- Contact an immigration lawyer or migration agent to discuss their situation
If you need advice on your Australian visa application, contact us for a consultation. Since 2011, we have assisted thousands of individuals and businesses with their migration needs.
