June 2025 marks the final month of the 2024–2025 financial year, and several major updates have already been announced for the new financial year and the new migration year starting 1 July.
In this blog, we’ll cover:
- Key changes expected from 1 July
- State closures for the 190 and 491 visas and their reopening dates
- A rise in both applications and refusals for the 482 visa
- National Innovation Visa (NIV) criteria across states and territories
Recent Visa Grants
This month we’ve had a range of visa grants, including:
- An adoption visa grant
Three Key Changes Expected from 1 July 2025
1. Visa Fee Increases
All visa application fees will increase from 1 July. A significant rise is expected for student visas—from $1,600 to $2,000—as previously proposed by the Labor government. We’ll confirm this if officially announced.
2. Higher Salary Requirements for Employer-Sponsored Visas
- The Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) and Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) will rise from $73,150 to $76,515.
- The Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT) will increase from $135,000 to $141,210.
These are the minimum salaries that the employer must pay when sponsor someone on a 482, 186 or 494 visas.
3. New Allocations for the 189, 190, and 491 Visas
The federal government is expected to release updated nomination allocations soon. Once states receive this information, they will publish new criteria and reopen their nomination systems.
For the 189 visa, the most recent 189 visa invitation round was in November 2024. The next round is expected around August or September 2025.
What Else Happened in June 2025?
Increase in 482 Visa Applications and 482 Visa Refusals
There has been a 41% increase in 482 visa applications compared to the previous year, suggesting more opportunities for applicants. However, refusals have also risen.
A common reason is that the Department finds the nominated position is not genuine—e.g., a small café sponsoring a full-time chef when the need does not appear justified.
We’ll soon post a video on our YouTube channel on how to avoid a 482 visa refusal.
482 Visa Processing Delays
Many applicants have asked about the delays in 482 visa processing. We’ve addressed this in a video available now on our YouTube channel.
Growth in DAMA applications
Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs) continue to gain popularity, offering key benefits for employers and skilled workers in regional areas. These benefits include:
- Access to more occupations (e.g., aged care workers, skilled horticultural workers)
- Concessions on salary and age (up to 55)
- Possible English language concessions
At the recent MIA Regional Migration Conference in Adelaide, it was reported that South Australian DAMA lodgements increased from 600 to 1,700 in the past year.
190 and 491 Visa Updates
The following states and territories are currently closed to new EOIs:
- South Australia
- Queensland
- Northern Territory
- Victoria
- New South Wales – already reached its quota for 2024–2025
- Tasmania – 90% of places used; closing soon
- Western Australia and ACT – expected to close in the coming weeks
Once the government releases the 2025–2026 allocations, states will update their criteria and reopen—typically between July and October.
While waiting, consider completing your skills assessment and improving your English test scores to maximise your points.
National Innovation Visa (NIV) Updates
The NIV (subclass 858) is a permanent residency visa for internationally recognised individuals with exceptional talent.
South Australia and New South Wales have published their state nomination criteria for the National Innovation Visa.
South Australia Criteria National Innovation Visa
South Australia (SA) is the first state to open for the NIV process.
Key highlights:
- Evidence of current employment in SA or a job offer
- Option to include a support letter from a South Australian Government agency
- SA has a Registration of Interest system (ROI). If the application progresses, the applicant will be contacted by South Australia. Their assessment process will include a panel interview of candidates.
- Not eligible if your investment involves cafes, restaurants, consulting firms, franchises, or buying existing businesses
Having connections to South Australia is a clear advantage.
New South Wales (NSW) Criteria
NSW has strong requirements that focus on benefits to the state:
- Entrepreneur Pathway: NSW wants an “innovative and scalable venture with high growth potential in NSW”
- Investor Pathway: NSW wants "Innovative ventures, contributing to their success and the growth of the innovative ecosystem in NSW"
- NSW will have a seven-stage EOI process, including independent expert endorsement at stage 4
Thinking about to apply for the National Innovation Visa? Check your eligibility with our FREE NIV assessment.
Those are the key updates from June 2025. We’re expecting even more changes and announcements as the new financial year begins.
We understand this period can be overwhelming—especially if policy changes affect your migration pathway. If you need guidance, our team is here to help.
Book a consultation with one of our registered migration agents or immigration lawyers to discuss your options.
Sources:
https://migration.qld.gov.au/visa-options/skilled-visas
https://www.migration.tas.gov.au/skilled_migration
https://www.nsw.gov.au/visas-and-migration/skilled-visas
https://theterritory.com.au/migrate/migrate-to-work/northern-territory-government-visa-nomination
https://www.act.gov.au/migration/home
