From 1 July 2025, income thresholds for skilled visas will increase by 4.6%, in line with updates to the Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE). These changes deliver on commitments outlined in the Australian Government’s Migration Strategy and reflect recommendations from the Migration Review.
This annual indexation ensures that wages for skilled migrants grow in step with Australian earnings—helping to prevent skilled migration from being used to undercut local workers.
For nomination applications lodged on or after 1 July 2025, employers must offer a salary that meets or exceeds the new threshold or the annual market salary rate —whichever is higher.
These changes do not apply to:
Existing visa holders, or
Nominations lodged before 1 July 2025.
High Income Threshold Updates
The High Income Threshold will also raise from 1 July 2025:
Current: $175,000
New High Income Threshold (from 1 July 2025): $183,100
The High Income Threshold is one of the factors that may be used to assess the applicant's exceptional and outstanding achievements.
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:
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.
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.
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
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.
Why State Nomination Can Help You Secure an NIV Invitation Faster!
If one state or territory nominates you, you will have a better chance to be invited for the National Innovation Visa.
Under Directon 112, those nominated by a state get the second highest priority. The highest priority is for international prize winners, such as the Nobel prize.
State nominations being open mean for many NIV applicants this will involve a three-stage process:
Obtain State Nomination (Completed form 1000 and letter/statement of support)
Submit Expression of Interest to the Department of Home Affairs; and
If invited, submit Visa application for NIV.
Which State is Best for NIV Nomination?
The short answer, if you have a proven business track record or a collaboration lined up in a state, then that is the best state. If you don’t have an existing relationship or collaboration with a state, it’s the perfect time to begin making that connection.
Below is a quick comparative table of the frameworks of the states who have announced their criteria:
State
NSW
QLD
SA
Framework status
Implemented
Under development
Implemented
Applications opened
TBA – likely July 2025
TBA
Yes
Applicant categories
Academic and Researcher
Entrepreneur
Innovative Investor
Sports Professional
Creative Professional
Entrepreneurs
Innovative investors
Athletes
Creatives
Global researchers and thought leaders
Entrepreneurs
Innovative investors
Creatives
Other globally talented individuals, including athletes
Criteria
Similar to DHA criteria for determining ‘exceptional and outstanding achievements’ (Direction no. 112)
Proof of nexus or contributions in the state for some categories.
NIV nominations won’t be granted:
· For passive investment (not the BIIP)
· For vague or unsubstantiated ideas
· On potential alone
· For those without a track record
Depending of the applicant category, additional criteria such as:
· Investment thresholds and proofs of funds,
· Contribution to state events or industries,
· Evidence of established business/investment in QLD
Similar to DHA criteria for determining ‘exceptional and outstanding achievements’ (Direction no. 112)
Proof or nexus or contributions in the state for some categories.
For investors the following ventures are not ‘innovative’ for the purpose of nomination:
Cafes and restaurants
Consulting firms/companies
Employment/labour hire agencies
Franchises
Purchase of existing enterprise
Real Estate/rental management
Retail.
Application process
1. Expression/Registration of Interest
2. Shortlisting
3. Invitation
4. Application and third party endorsement
5. Decision
6. Lodgment of Form 1000 and letter of support
7. Follow up, able to provide additional information if needed.
1. Expression/Registration of Interest
2. Shortlisting
3. Invitation
4. Application/Interview
5. Decision
6. Provided Form 1000 and statement/letter of support
1. Expression/Registration of Interest
2. Contacted if application progresses
3. Interview
4. Decision
5. Provided Form 1000 and statement/letter of support
Assessed by
Investment NSW
Trade and Investment Queensland
Skilled and Business Migration
For a detailed summary of the abovementioned State’s nomination process refer to our information page on NIV.
When Can I Apply?
South Australia nominations are open now, meaning you can apply right not for their state nomination.
New South Wales nominations are anticipated for July 2025.
Interested in Applying?
Having successfully assisted hundreds of applicants for the Distinguished Talent and Global Talent visas, we are now helping clients with the latest talent-focused visa—the National Innovation Visa.
If you’re interested in applying for the National Innovation Visa, we encourage you to contact us. You can also complete our free assessment to determine your eligibility for an invitation.
In short, if you meet the requirements for the 186 Visa, going straight to permanent residency is often the best path. But not everyone qualifies immediately—and that’s where the temporary 482 Visa becomes a valuable stepping stone to living and working in Australia.
In this blog, we’ll explain what each visa involves, their pros and cons, and how to decide which one fits your situation best.
Requirement for the 482 Visa and the 186 Direct Entry Visa
To apply for 482 or 186 visas, you must have an Australian employer to sponsor and nominate you.
We know this can be difficult—especially if you’re currently overseas—but it’s not impossible. Thousands of skilled workers secure employer sponsorship in Australia every year.
We’ve created a video and a blog with tips on how to find a sponsor in Australia to assist you in this journey.
Skills in Demand 482 Visa – Temporary Visa with Permanent Residency Pathway
The Skills in Demand 482 Visa (Core Skills Stream) allows you to live and work in Australia for up to four years. It is a more accessible option for many skilled workers and enables them to start working in Australia sooner.
482 Visa Requirements:
Have an occupation on the Core Skills Occupation List – There are 456 eligible occupations including Registered Nurse, Civil Engineer, Chef, ICT Business Analyst, Marketing Specialist, Content Creator, Agricultural Technician and Mechanic.
Skills Assessment often not required (unless you're a tradesperson or applying for certain administrative roles).
Have at least 1 year of work experience in the last 5 years.
Lower English requirement – IELTS 5.0 or PTE 36
No age limit – There is no age limit to apply for a 482 visa. We’ve seen applicants over 45 successfully obtain and renew 482 visas for years. However, to apply for permanent residency, the applicant must be under 45 years old (unless exemptions apply).
An employer to nominate you for a 186 Visa Temporary Transition Stream
Competent English: IELTS 6.0 or PTE 50
To be under 45 years old at the time of application
This pathway makes the 482 visa a stepping stone to PR for those who don’t yet meet the 186 Direct Entry criteria.
What If You’re Over 45 or Not on the Core Skills List?
If you’re over 45 or your occupation isn’t on the Core Skills List, you may still have options—particularly through Labour Agreements like the DAMA (Designated Area Migration Agreements).
These agreements:
Offer more flexible age limits (up to 55 years old)
Include a wider range of occupations (e.g. truck drivers, horticultural workers, carers)
But if you don’t yet meet the above criteria and need to start working in Australia sooner, then the 482 visa is a strong, flexible option that can lead to Permanent Residency after two years.
Applying for a 482 or 186 visa
Our team of experienced migration professionals can help you:
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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 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.
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:
Visa Type
50% Processed In
90% Processed In
TSS 482 visa (old stream)
5 months
8 months
Skills in Demand 482 visa (Core Skills)
43 days
84 days
PR 190 visa
18 months
21 months
491 visa
20 months
22 months
191 visa
5 months
12 months
820 Partner visa
15 months
32 months
801 Partner visa
8 months
17 months
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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)
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:
Critical technologies with 834 EOIs received;
Health Industries with 554 EOIs received; and
Financial Services and FinTech with 372 EOIs received.
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.
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.’
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
