We understand how frustrating it can be when you're waiting on a visa decision. Many applicants expect a quick turnaround after submitting their 482 Visa application, only to find themselves waiting months with little to no updates.

In this blog, we’ll break down the current processing times for both the older Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) 482 Visa and the new Skills in Demand (SID) 482 Visa. 

We’ll also explain what might be causing delays, how priority processing works, and what steps you can take if your visa is taking longer than expected.

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Which type of 482 Visa have you applied for? 

The Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) 482 Visa was accepting applications up until 6 December 2024 after which it closed. The new Skills in Demand (SID) 482 Visa opened on 7 December 2024.

Therefore, applicants who applied before 7 December 2024 are awaiting a decision on the old TSS 482 Visa, while those who applied on or after 7 December 2024 are waiting for a decision on the SID 482 Visa.

Processing times for old TSS 482 Visa applications are longer

The standard processing times for the TSS 482 Visa for the Medium- and Short-Term Streams are currently, at the time of writing, as follows:

• 50% processed in 5 months

• 90% processed in 9 months

Processing times for Skills in Demand (SID) 482 Visa applications are shorter

Processing times for the Skills in Demand 482 Visa are currently reported by the Department of Home Affairs as:

Core Skills Stream

• 50% processed in 51 days

• 90% processed in 3 months

This means that 10% of applications are taking longer than 3 months—sometimes much longer.

Specialist Skills Stream

• 50% processed in 8 days

• 90% processed in 67 days

482 Visa priority processing times

There are also several other considerations that affect 482 Visa processing times, such as the occupation you’ve applied for. Under Direction 105, processing priorities are assigned as follows:

Priority 1: Employer-sponsored visas for occupations to be carried out in a designated regional area

 
Priority 2: Visas related to healthcare or teaching occupations

 
Priority 3: Employer-sponsored visas where the applicant is nominated by an approved sponsor with Accredited Status

 
Priority 4: Permanent and temporary visa subclasses that count towards the migration program, excluding the Subclass 188 (Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa

 
Priority 5: All other visa applications

If you fall under Priority 5, your application may take longer to be processed.

Accredited sponsors

Nominations and visa applications from accredited sponsors are generally processed faster. From an employer’s perspective, applying to become an accredited sponsor can significantly reduce processing times.

Long processing times may lead to refusals

If your application is taking significantly longer than the standard processing times, it may be undergoing additional checks. Depending on the findings by the Department of Home Affairs, there may be further information requests—or in some cases, the application may be refused.

Make sure all required information has been provided, and that your medical examinations and character requirements have been completed, as these are crucial to visa processing.

What can I do if my 482 Visa is taking longer than standard processing times?

You may wish to follow up with your Registered Migration Agent (RMA) or Immigration Lawyer for an update.

Contact us if you need any assistance. 

Book an Appointment

Sources

Visa Processing Times: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-processing-times/global-visa-processing-times

Direction 105: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-processing-times/skilled-visa-processing-priorities

Welcome to the May 2025 edition of Australian Immigration News from Work Visa Lawyers! In this blog, we will cover the following topics:

• What is expected from the Australian Federal Election results?

• Which states are still open this financial year for the 190 visa and 491 visa?

• When will the next 189 invitation round happen?

• Increase in Student and Training Visa refusals

• Minimum salary for sponsorship increasing

• Visa application fees increasing

• 188 Business Visa extension

• Visa processing times

Visa Grants and Invitations

Before we begin with the news, we’d like to share some recent visa grants and invitations:

Visa grants:

• 482 visas granted for Cooks, Chefs, Diesel Motor Mechanics, Motor Mechanics, and Occupational Health and Safety Adviser

• 186 visas granted under both Transition Pathway and Direct Entry

• DAMA visa issued in agriculture for a Production Horticulturist

• 408 Temporary Activity visas granted for entertainment industry applicants

• Global Talent visa grant

South Australian state nominations:

• Registered Nurse – 65 points, 491 visa

• ICT Customer Support Officer – 75 points, 190 visa

• Chef in regional SA – 70 points, 491 visa

Federal Election: What Does It Mean for Immigration?

Anthony Albanese was re-elected on 5 May, and with this result, we expect the Migration Strategy announced by Labor in December 2023 to continue. This includes proposed reforms to the points test for the 189 visa, 190 visa, and 491 visa, as well as potential changes in regional migration.

I’ve posted a full video discussing the federal election results — Please check the video on our YouTube channel. 

The Prime Minister has also announced the composition of his new ministry, with no major changes in the Immigration and Citizenship portfolio:

Tony Burke MP remains the Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Immigration and Citizenship.

Next 189 Invitation Round

Many people are asking when the next 189 visa invitation round will take place. We believe it may be around August or September, as we’re nearing the end of the financial year. 

The last round was in November 2024, when the government issued 15,000 invitations for the 189 visa.

190 and 491 Visa Updates

With the financial year ending in June 30, here’s a summary of the current state nomination status:

Victoria: Closed

Northern Territory: Partially closed (only accepting onshore applicants with visas expiring before 1 July 2025)

Tasmania: Partially closed

491 Overseas (Job Offer) pathway: Closed

190 Health Sector pathway: Open

From 5:00 PM on Monday, 19 May 2025, ROIs will only be accepted from candidates who have been allocated a Gold Pass

New South Wales: Partially closed

Pathway 1 for the 491 visa (employer sponsorship) is closed

Other 190 and 491 pathways remain open

Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, and ACT: Still open

If you are not receiving an invitation, look into other visa options like the 482 or 186 employer-sponsored visas. 

On our YouTube channel, we have videos explaining the 482 visa and 186 visa, as well as a video with tips on how to find a sponsor.

Minimum Salary for Sponsorship Increasing

The Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) or Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) is increasing from $73,150 to $76,515 on 1 July 2025.

This affects new applications for the 482, 186, and 494 visas.

This change may make it harder for occupations like Chefs and Childcare Workers to be sponsored, as their salaries often fall below the new threshold.

Visa Application Fees Increasing

Visa fees will also increase from 1 July 2025 — as they do every financial year.

If you want to avoid higher application costs, consider lodging your visa before 1 July.

Student and 407 Visa Refusals Increasing

Student Visa Refusals:

According to recent data, of 39,594 appeals lodged with the ART in early 2025, 24,131 were student visa refusals. The likely explanation is that Student visa refusal rates have risen due to new government efforts to reduce net migration.

To improve your chances, make sure your application reflects that you meet the genuine student criteria. 

Check our Genuine Student page for more information.

Training Visa Refusals: 

The 407 Training Visa is also seeing more refusals. Previously, around 92% of 407 visas were granted, based on a Freedom of Information request from late 2024 — but that has now changed.

The issues could be with any of the three stages of the Training visa: Sponsorship, Nomination, and Visa.

Refusals may be due to:

• Not being a genuine training applicant (e.g., applying only because a Graduate Visa isn’t an option)

• No clear training plan

Appeal options may vary with the 407 Training Visa.Sometimes there is the ability to appeal to the ART, however, there may be circumstances where there is no path to appeal.

Seek tailored advice if planning to apply for a Training Visa.

188 Visa Extension

We’ve received an increasing number of inquiries about 188 visa extensions. This is mostly due to COVID-19 disruptions and delays in business progression.

Some visa holders now need more time to meet the criteria for the 888 Permanent Residency visa.

If you or someone you know is seeking an extension, remember:

• You’ll need strong evidence of business activity

• You’ll also need state sponsorship

Don’t leave it to the last minute — preparation is key.

Visa Processing Times

In recent months, we’ve heard concerns about delays in visa processing. Here are the current average times:

Do you need help with you visa application?

If you need assistance with your visa application, contact our team at Work Visa Lawyers. We’re here to guide you through every step.

Many visa applicants get confused when they want their partner to join their temporary visa and assume it is a Partner Visa, but it is actually a Subsequent Entrant Visa.

A Subsequent Entrant Visa allows family members to join the primary visa holder in Australia.

This option is available across various visas such as the Skills in Demand  sc-482 visa, a student visa sc-500, a Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) 494 visa, or a Temporary Graduate sc-485 visa, and many other temporary visas, offering a pathway for dependent family members such as spouses, de facto partners, and dependent children to join the primary applicant's visa.

Book an Appointment 

Subsequent Entrant vs Partner Visa

A subsequent entrant visa is different to a Partner Visa. A Partner Visa is only for those in a relationship with an Australian citizen or permanent resident.   

We have videos on Partner visas including the Onshore, offshore and Fiancee Visa on our YouTube channel.

In this blog, we will explain what a subsequent entrant visa which allow you to add your partner and dependent children to some temporary visas. 

We will be providing information in relation to:

• who can apply as a subsequent entrant?
• the different situations in which someone may enter Australia as a subsequent entrant
• what is involved in adding people who are already in Australia on a different visa.

Who Can Apply for a Subsequent Entrant Visa?

The eligibility criteria depend on the specific visa subclass but generally apply to:

• Spouses and de facto partners of the primary visa holder
• Dependent children under a certain age (usually under 23)
• Other eligible dependents, such as family members who rely on the primary applicant financially or due to health conditions

Situations Where Someone Can Enter Australia as a Subsequent Entrant

Several visa categories allow for subsequent entrant applications. Below are the most common situations where a person may apply for a subsequent entrant visa.

1. Partner and Family Reunification
   One of the most common reasons for a subsequent entrant visa is when a primary visa holder moves to Australia and their spouse or dependent children join them later.
2. New Marriage or Relationship
   If a primary visa holder was single at the time of their visa application but later got married or entered a de facto relationship, their new spouse or partner may apply for a subsequent entrant visa. This is very common for many temporary visa holders in Australia who arrived single, met someone, started a relationship, and now want this person to be added to their visa.
3. Family Members Unable to Apply Initially
   Sometimes, family members cannot apply for a visa at the same time as the primary applicant due to personal, financial, or documentation issues. They may still be eligible to apply later.
4. Newborn Children Born After Visa Grant 

If one parent holds a temporary visa at the time of your child’s birth:

The visa holder must inform Department of Home Affairs about the child as soon as possible (even if the baby does not have a passport yet) so Department of Home Affairs can determine if the baby can be added to the current visa or any pending visa applications.

If both parents hold a different substantive visa at the time of birth, the child is taken to have been granted one of each of the visas of the same class and on the same terms and conditions as the parents.

For the 482 visa, the child must be included in the sponsorship.

5. Employer-Sponsored Subsequent Entrants
   If a person holds a visa under employer sponsorship, their dependents may join them later as subsequent entrants, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.

Key Requirements for a Subsequent Entrant Visa

While the specific requirements vary by visa subclass, most subsequent entrant applications require:

• Proof of relationship – Marriage certificates, birth certificates, and evidence of a de facto relationship if applicable. The applicant must be a spouse relationship, either married or de facto. 

For a de facto relationship must be living together for at least one year or have registered a relationship. If the couple is married or have their relationship registered, it is not mandatory having been living together for at least one year.

• Financial capacity – The primary visa holder must show they can support their dependents financially
• Health and character checks – Standard immigration health and background checks apply
• Visa validity – The primary visa holder must still hold a valid visa at the time of the subsequent entrant’s application

How much will a subsequent entrant visa application cost?  

The cost of a subsequent entrant visa application in Australia varies depending on the specific visa subclass. The subsequent entrant will have to pay the same fee as the main applicant.  

How much will it cost to add my newborn child to my visa?

In most cases, no costs apply for adding a newborn child to your visa. However, you must inform the Department of Home Affairs, and the baby will be added to your visa.

Can I add a subsequent entrant while I’m waiting for my 491 or 190 visa to be granted?

If you claimed points as single, you cannot add someone to your visa while waiting for it to be granted. However, if you claimed points for having a partner but, for some reason, they did not join your visa at the time of application, you may be able to add them later.

Can I add someone to my 491 visa after it has been granted if I claimed points as single?

Yes, you can, but you must provide evidence that your relationship started after your visa application when you claimed single points.

Contact Work Visa Lawyers

If you need assistance with a subsequent entrant visa application, please contact one of our immigration lawyers our migration agents.

Book an Appointment 

April has brought many important updates and changes in Australian immigration. In this blog, we’ll cover:

• The federal election and possible major changes if the Coalition wins
• DAMA updates
• 482 visa updates
• State nomination updates for the 190 visa and 491 visa
• And much more

We’ve also had a big month at Work Visa Lawyers — including many 482 visa grants, a 494 visa grant, and our first National Innovation Visa invitation for a client in the health industry.

We also received multiple invitations for the 491 visa and 190 visa in South Australia, with a minimum of 65 points. We’ll list the different occupations and points later in this blog.

Book an Appointment

Federal Election – April Announcements Overshadowed by Trump Headlines

The federal election has been scheduled for 3 May 2025. Voting is compulsory for Australian citizens, and the results will shape immigration policy over the next three years.

However, the spotlight has been somewhat stolen by US President Trump, who announced tariff changes on 2 April 2025. His headlines have dominated the news cycle since.

Still, there are key policy announcements from both major parties.

Coalition Announcements

Peter Dutton, Leader of the Opposition, has proposed:

• A reduction of 80,000 student visas
• Increased student visa fees
• A review of the Subclass 485 Graduate Visa

He stated:

“Student visa application charges will also rise to $5,000 for Group of Eight universities and $2,500 for other international students.”

This is a major increase from the current $1,600 fee.

He also proposed a $2,500 fee to change education providers, and a referendum to allow deportation of dual citizens convicted of crimes in Australia.

Dutton also plans to reduce Australia’s net overseas migration by 100,000, down from the current level of 185,000.

Labour Response

The Labour government has criticised these proposals as “savage cuts”, warning they would impact key sectors such as construction, aged care, and tourism, which rely heavily on skilled migrant workers.

If re-elected, the Albanese Labour government is expected to maintain similar migration levels to those currently in place.

Early polling suggests a likely Labour victory — meaning temporary visa holders in Australia may not need to stress over Coalition policies just yet. We’ll cover the final election results and immigration impacts in our May 2025 update.

Global and Economic Context – Are We Cutting Golden Gooses?

With Trump’s tariffs shaking global trade, recession concerns are rising. During recessions, Australia relies on sectors that bring investment and jobs, such as:

• International students (a major export and local employer)
• Business and investor visa programs

However, these very visa streams are being reduced or cut entirely. Is Australia killing off its goose that lays golden eggs?

Perhaps it’s time to reconsider.

482 Visa Updates

The Subclass 482 visa has no caps on numbers, making it an attractive option for skilled workers and graduates frustrated by slow invitations for 189, 190, or 491 visas.

Challenges

The main challenge? Finding a sponsor.

We know it’s hard, so we’ve made a video and a blog with tips on how to find an employer sponsor.

Nomination Refusals Increasing for Chefs and Cooks

There’s been a rise in nomination refusals for chefs and cooks in pubs and restaurants.
Reasons cited by the Department of Home Affairs include:

• Failure to meet Labour Market Testing (LMT)
• The decision maker believes the position is not genuine

We’ll continue monitoring this and keep you updated.

482 Nomination & Visa Processing Delays

The Migration Institute of Australia (MIA) recently wrote to Minister Tony Burke and Assistant Minister Matt Thistlethwaite MP regarding the slow processing times for 482 visas (both the former Temporary Skill Shortage and current Skills in Demand).

We’ll share any updates as they come.

482 and 494 Work Conditions Clarified

The Department of Home Affairs has confirmed:

Subclass 482 visa and 494 visa holders who stop working for their original sponsor but have lodged a new nomination do not need to stop working for the new sponsor, even if the 180-day limit under Conditions 8607(5) or 8608(5) has passed.

This means applicants can continue working with that new employer while waiting for their new nomination to be processed.

DAMA Updates

• The Far North Queensland DAMA has been updated with 51 new occupations.
• The Orana DAMA (NSW) has been extended by 12 months.
• A new DAMA has been approved for the Northern Territory.

For more information, visit each region's official DAMA site.

Property Ban for Foreign Buyers

From 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2027, temporary residents and foreign-owned companies are banned from purchasing established properties in Australia — including houses, apartments, and units — unless an exception applies.

A review will determine whether this ban will be extended beyond March 2027.

407 Training Visa Refusals

There has been a significant increase in Training visa refusals compared to last year, when 92% were approved, according to Freedom of Information data from the Department of Home Affairs.

In some cases, no appeal is available.
If you're applying for a 407 visa, ensure you meet all requirements and have a clear, structured training plan — or consider visa options that allow for appeal.

State Nomination Updates – 190 & 491 Visas

Tasmania

• 491 visa (Overseas Applicant – Job Offer) pathway is closed for the rest of the 2024–25 program year
• 190 visa (Health Sector Job Offer) pathway remains open

Visa Stats as of now:

• 190 visa: 1,403 of 2,100 nominations used (298 ROIs on hand)
• 491 visa: 513 of 760 nominations used (275 ROIs on hand)
• Over 89% approval rate for applications processed this year

If you're in Tasmania and meet the criteria, your chances are strong.

South Australia

Our clients recently received invitations under South Australia’s program:

• Early Childhood Teacher – 70 points (190 visa)
• Community Worker – 70 points (190 visa)
• Registered Nurse – 65 points (190 visa)
• Project and Programme Administrator – 75 points (190 visa)
• Finance Manager – 70 points (491 visa)
• ICT Customer Support Officer – 75 points (190 visa)
• Chef (regional SA) – 75 points (491 visa)

New South Wales

• NSW has received over 110,000 EOIs for 491 visa and 190 visa
• Only 5,000 places available for the entire program year
• They are halfway through their allocation
• Expiring visas are not a priority factor for invitations

If you are not receiving invitations, consider other options:

• Employer-sponsored visas (like 482 visa, 186 visa, or 494 visa)
• A partner visa if you have an Australian citizen or PR partner

We have dedicated videos on finding a sponsor and partner visa pathways on our YouTube channel.

Do You Need Help With Your Australian Visa?

We are one of Australia’s largest immigration law firms, assisting individuals and businesses since 2011.

If you need help applying for an Australian visa, contact us or book an appointment.

Book an Appointment

It has been hard to know how the National Innovation Visa (NIV) has been going since it started in December 2024.

There have been a lot of questions and speculations as to how difficult it is to get an invitation considering the factors mentioned in Ministerial Direction No 112. Is it harder to get an invitation for the NIV compared to the Global Talent Visa?

When there is a lack of intormation sometimes the best thing to do is an Freedom of Infomatoin request to the Australian Government.

We thought of asking the Department of Home Affairs, how many Expressions of Interest (EOIs) have been submitted and how many have received an invitation since the introduction of the National Innovation Visa?

How Many EOI submitted for the NIV so Far?

We received a response from the Department regarding our request and the Department advised that as on 21 March 2025 they have received a total of 3510 NIV EOIs and they have issued a total of 70 NIV invitations.

Only 70 invitations for the National Innovation Visa since December last year. That seems like a low number!

Which means that only about  2% have received an invitation.

The top 3 priority sectors are:

1. Critical technologies with 834 EOIs received;
2. Health Industries with 554 EOIs received; and
3. Financial Services and FinTech with 372 EOIs received.

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Here are the Most Invited Sectors!

The top 3 sectors of those who got invited were:

1. Critical technologies – 23 invitations;
2. Health Industries – 23 invitations; and
3. Renewables and low emission technologies – 9 invitations.

We recently received an invitation to apply for the National Innovation Visa for one of our clients who worked in the Health Industries sector. Please check our Instagram video for more information about the invitation.

Check your own sector in the FOI results here:
https://www.workvisalawyers.com.au/images/National-Innovation-Visa-Updates-FOI.pdf

More Details on the Most Successful NIV Sectors:

Critical Technologies

Critical technologies are those technologies that were identified by the Australian government which can impact Australia’s national interest including the country’s economic prosperity, national security and social cohesion. These include the fields of:

• advanced manufacturing and materials technologies
• artificial intelligence (AI) technologies
• advanced information and communication technologies
• quantum technologies
• autonomous systems, robotics, positioning, timing and sensing
• biotechnologies
• clean energy generation and storage technologies.

Health Industries

Health Industries is not just any person working in Health. They are looking for specialisations such as:

• antimicrobial resistance
• artificial intelligence in health
• biochemistry and cell biology
• biotechnology
• genomics
• emerging health threats and emergencies
• health economics
• implantable and wearable devices
• infectious disease prevention
• pharmaceuticals and precision medicine
• medical science manufacturing for therapeutic products.

Renewables and low emission technologies

They are looking for the following specialisations:

• bio-methane production
• circular economy innovations
• clean energy technology
• emission reduction and carbon storage
• green metals
• low-carbon liquid fuels
• processing and refining of critical minerals
• renewable energy generation
• transmission, distribution or storage
• renewable hydrogen
• Waste to Energy (WtE) technology.

It is not surprising that the top sectors are Critical technologies, Health Industries and FinTech as in addition to EOI candidates who work in these sectors there are also a number of Digitech talents who have specialisations in these sectors who can submit an EOI under these sectors now that pure Digitech has been removed as a priority sector.

Why are the Invitations So Low for the NIV?

However, despite having the third highest EOIs received, there are no invitations extended in the Financial Services and FinTech sector. This could be because this sector is a Priority four Tier 2 sector.

It is also interesting to note that there are less than 5 invitations extended to those in the arts and less than 5 invitations for those in the sports. As Arts and Sports are not included in any priority sectors those that got the invitation would have been ‘recipients of international ‘top of field’ level awards.’

The Global Talent Visa and the National Innovation Visa are allocated 4,000 places for the 2024-2025 Financial Year. 

As there are less than 3 months left before the end of the current financial year and some of the places are already used up by the Global Talent Visa applicants, there are not a lot of places left and most of the EOI candidates can expect to wait longer to see if they will get an invitation.

Next Big Opportunity for the NIV New Allocations from 1 July 2025:

The next allocation for the NIV will be from the 1 July 2025.  This will be a big opportunity because the Global Talent Visa is now shut.  So all the allocations from the 1 July 2025 will need to go to the NIV.

So there is a strong incentive to get your EOI for when the new allocations open from the 1 July 2025, to give you the best chance of getting an invite.

Try Our Free Assessment for the National Innovation Visa Here:

If you want to check  your eligibility for the NIV, we have a free assessment tool on our website - https://www.workvisalawyers.com.au/services/national-innovation-visa/free-niv-assessment.html

Getting the information from the Department is useful. It provided us with some insight regarding the popular sectors and it is good to know that invitations are still being issued even if there are just a few at the moment.

Book an Appointment

Learn more about the National Innovation Visa: 

https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/national-innovation-visa-858

https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/visas-for-innovation/national-innovation-visa

The Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) is an important visa pathway to permanent residency for many people in Australia, especially those over 45 and under 55 years old. 

There are skill shortages across various industries such as health, agriculture, and hospitality.  The South Australian DAMA provides a wider range of occupations, and concessions on age, salary, English, and work experience for visa applicants. 

Book an Appointment

What is the South Australia DAMA? 

The South Australia DAMA is a labour agreement between the Australian Government and businesses in South Australia.  

It is designed to address local skill shortages by allowing employers in South Australia to sponsor overseas workers under more flexible conditions than standard employer-sponsored visas. 

South Australia has two DAMAs, covering different regions and industries: 

•        Adelaide City Technology and Innovation Advancement DAMA – focuses on tech, creative industries, and advanced manufacturing 
•        South Australian Regional Workforce DAMA – covers industries such as healthcare, agribusiness, tourism, construction, and hospitality 

Some common occupations that apply for DAMA in South Australia include: 

•        Child care workers
•        Aged or disability Carers 
•        Horticulture workers 
•        Chefs and Cooks
•        Hospitality Workers
•        A range of ICT occupations
•        Production operators
•        Truck Drivers
•        Nurses over 45 years old 

What Are the Visa Options Under the South Australia DAMA? 

There are three different employer-sponsored visas available under DAMA: 

•        482 Skills in Demand Visa – a temporary visa that can lead to permanent residency after two years if the employer nominates the visa holder for a Subclass 186 visa (Temporary Residence Transition Stream) 
•        494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa – a provisional visa leading to permanent residency after three years by applying for the 191 visa. 
•      186 Employer Nomination Scheme (Labour Agreement) visa – a permanent visa that employers can nominate 482 visa holders for, after they have worked in the occupation for 3 years

These visas help employers fill critical skill shortages while providing a pathway to permanent residency for skilled migrants. 

What Are the DAMA Concessions? 

•        Age Concession up to 55 – Some occupations have no age concession, or the concession may be only under 50  
•        Salary Concession – some DAMAs allow for up to 10% reduction in the minimum salary requirement. For example, while a standard employer-sponsored visa requires a minimum salary of $73,150, under DAMA, businesses can sponsor workers at $65,835 per year.  These amounts will change every year as the TSMIT and Core Skills Threshold go up.
•        English Concession – some DAMA occupations have lower English language requirements than standard employer-sponsored visas  
•        Work Experience Concession – the required work experience period is lower than in standard employer-sponsored visas. For example, a Subclass 494 visa usually requires at least three years of full-time experience, but under some DAMAs, applicants can qualify with just 12 months of experience 

Industries Covered by the South Australia DAMA 

The South Australia DAMA supports a wide range of occupations across key industries, including: 

•        Healthcare and aged care 
•        Agriculture and agribusiness 
•        Construction and trades 
•        Hospitality and tourism 
•        Manufacturing and engineering 
•        Technology and innovation 

Each DAMA agreement includes a list of eligible occupations, and some roles may be eligible for age, English, and salary concessions. 

We recently had DAMA visas granted for occupations such as sommelier, horticulture worker, aged and disabled carer and electronic engineering draftsperson. 

Who is Eligible for the South Australia DAMA? 

To apply under the South Australia DAMA, you must meet certain criteria, including: 

•        An eligible occupation listed under the South Australia DAMA agreement 
•        A job offer from a South Australian employer 
•        Relevant skills and experience in your occupation 
•        English language requirements (concessions may apply) 
•        Receiving at least the minimum salary required (concessions may apply) 

Unlike standard employer-sponsored visas, DAMA allows for more flexible eligibility, especially for older applicants, those with lower English proficiency, and those earning slightly below the standard TSMIT. 

How to Apply for a South Australia DAMA Visa 

The DAMA visa process involves several steps: 

1.      Find a South Australian Employer to Sponsor you – you must have a job offer from an approved employer in an eligible DAMA occupation 

2.      Employer Applies for DAMA Endorsement – your employer must get approval from the South Australian Government to sponsor workers under DAMA 

3.      Labour Agreement Application – the employer enters into a labour agreement with the Australian Government 

4.      Nomination & Visa Application – once the agreement is approved, the employer nominates you, and you can apply for the visa through the Department of Home Affairs 

Why to apply for a South Australia DAMA? 

The South Australia DAMA is an excellent opportunity for skilled and semi-skilled migrants who want to work and settle in regional South Australia. 

With greater flexibility, employer sponsorship, and pathways to permanent residency, it is an attractive option for those who may not qualify under standard visa programs. 

Regional areas usually also offer benefits such as lower cost of living and good job opportunities for some industries.  

If you are looking to apply for a DAMA in South Australia or across Australia, please book an appointment to discuss your situation. 

DAMA in other states

There are 13 DAMAS in Australia including:

-          All of Western Australia

-          All of Northen Territory

-          All of South Australia

-          Much of New South Wales through the ORANA DAMA

-          Some of Victoria

-          Some of Queensland

-          Tasmania and the ACT do not have DAMA

How can we assist you? 

If you are a business, we can help you register your business under a labour agreement and assist with visa applications for your employees. 
If you are an individual, we can assist with your visa application. 

Please book an appointment to discuss your situation in more detail.

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How to find an employer to sponsor you? 

We don’t assist applicants in finding an sponsor, however, we have a blog and a YouTube video with tips on how to find a business to sponsor you in Australia.

Since the Department of Home Affairs released the new National Innovation Visa (NIV), replacing the Global Talent Visa in December 2024, we have been receiving many inquiries about this new visa.

The National Innovation Visa is a permanent residency visa designed for exceptionally talented individuals from around the world, including global researchers, entrepreneurs, innovative investors, athletes, and creatives.

We have a service page and a YouTube video explaining more about the National Innovation Visa and also offer a free assessment on our website, where our team can provide you with an evaluation of your eligibility.

In this blog we will discuss some of the main questions we are receiving about the National Innovation Visa. 

Who is eligible to apply for the National Innovation Visa?

Applicants must demonstrate exceptional and outstanding achievements in one of the targeted sectors, such as critical technologies, education, health, energy, infrastructure and transport, or research or has exceptional and outstanding achievements in sports or the arts.

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How is the process to apply for the National Innovation Visa?

High-talent individuals must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the Department of Home Affairs and obtain a nomination from an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or organization. If the applicant receives an invitation, they can apply for the National Innovation Visa.

Is there an age limit for applicants to apply for the National Innovation Visa?

There is no age limit to apply for the National Innovation Visa. However, applicants under 18 or over 55 may need to demonstrate how their work will provide exceptional benefit to Australia.

Do I need a job offer to apply for the NIV?

A job offer is not necessarily required. The focus is on the applicant's achievements and potential contributions to Australia. However, having a job offer in Australia for a job that has a salary equal to or more than the Fair Work High Income Threshold will help.

Do I need a nominator? 

Yes. You need a nominator to attest to your achievements and expertise. The nominator can be a state or territory government, an Australian company, or an Australian citizen or permanent resident who is also an expert in your field. 

Check out our blog for tips on how to find a nominator for the National Innovation Visa.

What are the visa costs for the National Innovation Visa?

The visa application fee for the main applicant of the National Innovation Visa in the 2024-2025 financial year is AUD 4,840. For dependents over 18 years old, the visa fee is AUD 2,425, and for dependents under 18 years old, the visa fee is AUD 1,210.

The fees increase every new financial year. 

Additional costs, including translation for documents, police clearances, medical exams, and immigration lawyers or agents’ fees, may apply as extra expenses.

What are the English language requirements?

Applicants aged 18 years or older must demonstrate at least 'Functional' English, which is 4.5 in IELTS and 30 in PTE. If this requirement is not met, a second visa application charge applies.

Can I bring my family with me?

Yes, the visa allows applicants to include immediate family members, such as spouses and dependent children, in their application.

What is the processing time for the visa?

Processing times vary based on the complexity of the application and the applicant's specific circumstances. If it follows the same processing time as the Global Talent Visa, the visa will likely take between 6 to 12 months to receive a decision.

How can we assist you in applying for the National Innovation Visa?

If you have any questions about the new National Innovation Visa, please complete our free assessment available on our website so we can assess your eligibility. 

You can also book an appointment with one of our lawyers or registered migration agents to discuss your situation. 

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In this March immigration news blog, we will cover all the latest Australian immigration updates, including:

• A preview of immigration policies in the lead-up to the federal election

• An increase in the income threshold for the 482 visa, 186 visa and 494 visa

• Details on South Australia’s 190 visa and 491 visa

Recent Visa Grants

To start, we are sharing some of the visas that we have recently obtained for our clients:

• Partner Visa 100

• Global Talent Visa applied for last year

• 186 visa transition pathway

• 482 Short-Term Stream visa applied for offshore

• 494 DAMA visa for aged or disability care

• Citizenship approval

• Student visa

• 190 visa grant for a Marketing Specialist applied for in 2023

• 190 visa grant for a Software Tester applied for in 2023

• Visitor visa subclass 600

If you are looking to apply for an Australian visa, please contact us by booking an appointment. We can assist with your visa application.

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Australian Federal Election and Immigration – Policy Preview for Major Parties and Independents

If the current Labor government wins, it is expected to continue with the following policies:

• Maintain migration allocation levels similar to 2025, which is 185,000 visas for that year.
• Continue with migration strategy reforms, which were announced in December 2023. This may include a review of the points-based system for GSM visas, including the 189, 190, and 491 visas.
• Following consultation in 2024, release plans for regional visas. 
• No business or investor visas are planned to be available.

Recently, in Direction 114, the current government assigned the lowest processing priority to the Significant Investor Visa (SIV).

This demonstrates that the government is not interested in investor visas or even prioritizing the processing of SIV applications. This will be disappointing for those with applications still in the processing backlog.

If the Liberal Party and a potential coalition government win:

• Liberal leader Peter Dutton has previously stated that he would cut the migration allocation to approximately 140,000 per year.
• In contrast to Labor’s stance, Peter Dutton has expressed support for reintroducing the Significant Investor Visa (SIV).

This contrasts with the Albanese government, which abolished the Significant Investor Visa, closing it from 1 July 2024.

If the Greens win:

The Greens, Australia’s third-largest party, have immigration policies that are more positive towards migrants.

• The Greens place a greater emphasis on humanitarian and refugee visas, with less focus on skilled migration.

Independents:

Some independents hold anti-immigration views.

Then there are the Teals, who are often independent candidates that have won former conservative seats.

The Teals have a range of perspectives on migration, but may be more supportive of skilled migration.

If the election is close, major parties may need to collaborate with smaller parties or independents to form a government.

There could be a wide range of outcomes in relation to migration policies following the election.

With GSM Visas Slowing Down, Employer-Sponsored Visas Are on the Rise

• No new invitations for the 189 visa this month
• Northern Territory is closed for new 190 and 491 visas
• New South Wales Pathway 1 for 491 is closed
• Other states continue to issue invitations
• More employer-sponsored visas are being granted, including 482 visa, 186 visa, and 494 visa
• Labour Agreement visas, including DAMAs, continue to increase

482 Visa Self-Sponsorship

We frequently receive questions about self-sponsorship, which can be challenging and often leads to refusals.

However, in some cases, where the need for a genuine position can be demonstrated, applications can be successful.

We have posted a full video on our YouTube channel explaining both successful and unsuccessful cases. 

Income Thresholds Increasing Again

From 1 July 2025, the income threshold for the Core Skills Stream of the 482 visa will increase from $73,150 to $76,515 per year. 

The income threshold is also the minimum salary for the 186 visa and the 494 visa. 

At a practical level, many employers and applicants may aim to lodge their nomination before this increase takes effect.

With this rise, some occupations with lower salaries, such as childcare workers, chefs, and cooks, may find it harder to secure employer sponsorship.

Specialist Skills Threshold

The Specialist Skills Income Threshold will increase from $135,000 to $141,210 in the next financial year.

This is the minimum salary requirement for a 482 Skills in Demand Specialist Skills Stream.

New 482 Visa Processing Times

When the Skills in Demand 482 Visa was introduced, processing times were promised to be just 7 days.

However, that has not lasted. The Department of Home Affairs has now updated processing times:

• 50% of applications are processed in 30 days

• 90% of applications are processed in 47 days

Please remember that processing times refer to the time taken to reach a decision—not necessarily a positive one. Many businesses and applicants choose to work with migration professionals to maximize their chances.

With the new Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), there are now 456 occupations available for the 482 visa.

One of the most common questions we receive is: How do I find a sponsor?

We have created a video and website page explaining the best ways to find a sponsor. 

Pacific Engagement Visa Updates

The Pacific Engagement Visa aims to bring 3,000 workers per year from Pacific nations and Timor-Leste to Australia. However, it is currently facing major delays, leaving many hopeful applicants disappointed.

• The program was launched last year and operates through a ballot (lottery) system for permanent residency.

• Over 56,000 people applied, but less than 5% of available visas have been allocated after five months.

• Many applicants who invested time and money are now frustrated with the lack of updates from the government.

• Another major challenge is securing a job offer, as it is difficult to do so without already having a visa.

South Australia 190 and 491 Visa Updates

South Australia has provided an update on its state nomination program for the 190 visa and 491 visa.

Key updates:

• Over 50,000 registrations of interest have been received for just 3,800 available places in the 2024-2025 financial year. 
• This year’s program is more competitive than last year when SA received 12,000 registrations of interest. 
• Half of the allocation has already been filled. 
• Most invitations have been issued to onshore applicants. 
• Registrations are still being accepted, and invitations will be issued until June 2025. 
• English language skills and work experience are key selection criteria.
• High priority occupations include construction, teaching, health, defence, space, and cybersecurity. 
• There is a high demand for applications from medical diagnostic radiographers, sonographers, podiatrists, floor finishers, glaziers, electricians, roof tilers, plumbers, ambulance officers, and cabinetmakers. If your occupation is one of those just mentioned, you may have a better chance to be invited.

If you have submitted an Expression of Interest but have not received an invitation, you may still have a chance—especially if you are in a high-priority sector, as half of the allocation is still available.

However, due to high competition, you may want to consider other visa pathways, such as employer sponsorship or a partner visa if you have an Australian Permanent Resident or Citizen partner.

Contact us: 

We are one of the largest Australian immigration law firms, assisting thousands of individuals and businesses since 2011. You can book an appointment by clicking the button below.

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Sources: 

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-12-08/dutton-walks-back-promise-to-cut-net-migration/104699216

https://greens.org.au/policies/immigration-and-refugees

https://www.9news.com.au/national/liberals-consider-reviving-pay-to-stay-visa-program/055bf247-e152-4dbb-b98a-56619ab754bc

https://peo.gov.au/understand-our-parliament/parliament-and-its-people/people-in-parliament/independents

https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skillselect/invitation-rounds

https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/labour/earnings-and-working-conditions/average-weekly-earnings-australia/latest-release

https://www.migration.sa.gov.au/

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-03-03/pacific-engagement-visa-applications-delays/104947294

In case you missed it, the internet is buzzing about the news and video of an American influencer who took a baby wombat from its mother.

What she (probably) initially thought was a good idea to get more views for her social media accounts may now be the reason for her to get deported out of Australia.

The now-deleted video showed Sam Jones snatching a joey wombat from its mother and carrying it to a car while a man can be heard laughing in the background while filming Ms Jones.

This video has now come to the attention of Australian Federal Government top officials including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke.

Ms Jones who according to her social media describes herself as “wildlife biologist and environmental scientist” was in Australia reportedly on a Visitor Visa. We are not sure exactly what subclass of visa she had.

The incident prompted a backlash among the Australian public and now the Australian government is reviewing whether she breached the conditions of her visa.

It is now reported that while her visa is under review, Ms Jones has now left Australia.

Reasons for cancellation?

What are the reasons for the Home Affairs Minister to cancel her visa?

Breach of  Visitor visa conditions

Visitor visa comes with certain conditions including work restrictions (condition 8101). Visitor visa holders can not work while in Australia. If by making the video with the aim of getting more views and earning money from it, Ms Jones may found to be “working” and may be found in breach of condition 8101.

General visa cancellation grounds

The Home Affairs Minister has broad visa cancellation powers including a non-delegable personal powers to cancel a visa on character grounds under s501of the Migration Act. 

If Ms Jones is found to have breached wildlife protection laws or animal welfare laws, then she can potentially be found to breach the character requirement for Australian visa holders.

The Minister also has the power to cancel visas under s116 of the Migration Act, that is, if the Minister is satisfied that it is in the public interest to cancel the visa.

Some may remember what happened to a certain famous tennis player, Novak Djokovic, back in January 2022 where the Minister cancelled his visa invoking s116 on the ground that Djokovic’s presence in Australia is or may be, or would or might be, a risk to the health, safety or good order of the Australian community or a segment of the Australian community.

It is possible that the Minister may exercise this power again.

It can be argued by the Australian government that the action of Ms Jones, considering that she is an ‘influencer’ and may have a number of followers there is a possibility that she or her actions will encourage this kind of behaviour and will endanger Austrralian protected species and therefore there it is against the good order of  Australian society.

Effect of cancellation when she already left Australia?

Would a cancellation even affect her Australian visa status now that she has voluntarily left Australia? Some would say that reviewing and subsequently cancelling Ms Jones’s visa will be useless.

If a visa is cancelled under s116 of the Act, the visa holder faces a 3-year ban pursuant to public interest criteria (PIC) 4013 and 4014 of the Migration Regulations 1994 from applying for a further Australian visa due to the cancellation under s116.

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke is quoted as saying that "Either way, given the level of scrutiny that will happen if she ever applies for a visa again, I’ll be surprised if she even bothers.”

Which does not bode well for Ms Jones.

Broader Implications

Effect of the upcoming Australian Federal Elections

Just like in the case of Djokovic which happened during a federal election year (2022),  this incident with Ms Jones also happened during a time when a federal election is scheduled to be held. Immigration is one of the key issues in the campaign and politicians want to be seen as being tough on immigration.  They need to be seen as protecting the Australia and the Australian public.

Ms Jones can potentially be used as an example of how tough politicians can be on immigration.  If visa holders do not want to be in this position, this is not the time to give the Australian government a reason to cancel your visa.

Implications of cancelling visitor visas

The video of the “influencer” may be distressing  and considered by a lot of Australians as “appalling” but is her action enough to cancel her visa or ban her from Australia.

We have heard of Australian doing foolish acts while overseas, should other countries retaliate and cancel their visas too?

More articles: 

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-03-13/us-influencer-wombat-video-visa-under-review/105047538

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-03-14/sam-jones-baby-wombat-video-leaves-australia/105051630

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-03-15/sam-jones-us-influencer-apologises-for-snatching-wombat-video/105055984

To apply for an Australian visa, your work experience can play a significant role. Both overseas and Australian employment can be considered, and the terms of employment do not usually matter, they can be casual, part-time or full-time, self-employed or as an employer. 

Meeting work experience requirements for visas and skills assessments depend significantly on the facts and evidence of each person's particular case. Different periods of experience must be carefully examined to ensure the requirements can be met.

If you have overseas work experience, you can prove it using reference letters, payslips, bank statements, and other documents that confirm your occupation, duration of employment and salary.

If you are in Australia, your experience will count whether you work casually, part-time, full-time, or under an ABN or TFN.

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Here are some visas that require relevant employment experience: 

1. General Skilled Migration Visas (Subclass 189, 190, and 491)

These visas are for individuals with skills that are in demand in Australia.

• Work experience requirement: Post-qualification, relevant work experience is often required for a skill assessment. The more experience you have, the more points you can claim in the points-based system. 

• How it counts: Only work that exceeds 20 hours per week can be counted. Full-time, part-time, casual, and self-employment can all count as long as the work is relevant to your nominated occupation.

Each state has different criteria regarding the required number of work hours and whether the applicant must be living in the state or not.

Besides work experience, you will need to meet additional requirements to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) for the 189 visa, 190 visa, or 491 visa.

2. Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482)

The 482 visa allows employers to sponsor foreign workers for skilled roles.

• Work experience requirement: At least one year of full-time experience in the nominated occupation. 

Part-time or casual experience can also be counted and will be calculated pro rata. For example, if you work part-time (20 hours per week) for two years, it will be equivalent to one year of full-time experience.

ABN experience may also count if the applicant has sufficient documentation to support it.

• How it counts: The work experience should show you have the necessary skills for the job you’re being sponsored for. The employer will need to verify your experience as part of the sponsorship application.

3. Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186) Direct Entry Stream 

The 186 Direct Entry Visa is a visa for skilled workers nominated by an employer sponsor that leads directly to permanent residency.

• Work experience requirement: You need at least 3 years full-time of relevant work experience. Generally, the experience needs to be post-qualification. 

• How it counts: Similar to the 482 visa, your experience needs to be in the nominated occupation and directly related to the role. 

Part-time or casual experience might be considered, but it could be prorated depending on the hours worked.

ABN experience may also count if the applicant has sufficient documentation to support it.

4. Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa (Subclass 494)

The 494 visa is for skilled workers nominated by their employer to work in regional areas in Australia.

• Work experience requirement: You need at least 3 years full-time of relevant work experience. Generally, the experience needs to be post-qualification. 

• How it counts: The experience needs to be in the nominated occupation and directly related to the role. 

Part-time or casual experience might be considered, but it could be prorated depending on the hours worked.

ABN experience may also count if the applicant has sufficient documentation to support it.

5. Training Visa (Subclass 407)

The Training Visa allows applicants to undertake structured workplace-based training in Australia to improve their skills or meet licensing/registration requirements.

• You must have at least 12 months of relevant work experience in your occupation within the last 24 months before applying. The experience can also be studying. 

• The experience can be full-time or part-time, but it must be directly related to the training program you are applying for.

• Volunteer work may be considered if it is structured, documented, and relevant to the training.

How Work Experience is Assessed:

Skill assessments: For General Skilled Migration Visas (subclass 491/190/189), Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa (Subclass 494), and Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186) Direct Entry Stream, a positive skill assessment is mandatory. 

For the Skills in Demand Visa (subclass 482), a skill assessment may be required depending on your occupation and the country of passport. 

Do You Need Help with an Australian Visa?

If you’re looking to apply for an Australian visa, we can assist you with your visa application.

Since 2011, we have helped thousands of applicants and businesses with immigration matters, Australian visas, permanent residency and citizenship.

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