Enter your valid email address to receive a verification code.
Once you receive the code, enter it and click “NEXT” to proceed.
Step 3: Select Your Account Type and Enter New User Details
You will be prompted to choose between:
Individual – for personal visa applications
Organisation – for companies or registered migration agents
Enter the following New User Details:
First and last name
Contact number
Tip: Ensure these match your identity documents for a smoother visa application process.
Step 4: Account Details
Login Details:
Create a Username and Password Choose a secure username and password. Typical password requirements include:
At least 14 characters
A mix of uppercase and lowercase letters
Numbers and special characters
Set Security Questions
Select and answer security questions. These will be used if you ever need to recover your account.
Review and Accept Terms
Read the terms and conditions carefully. Tick the checkbox to accept them and continue.
Step 5: Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Before your account is fully created, you must set up Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). This adds an extra layer of security to prevent unauthorized access and cyberattacks.
Tip: Ensure your email and mobile number are accessible during this step.
Steps to Enable MFA:
Download the Microsoft Authenticator App Available on Google Play (Android) or App Store (iOS)
Scan the Generated QR Code Open the app and scan the QR code shown on the ImmiAccount setup screen
Enter the 6-Digit Authentication Code The app will display a 6-digit code. Enter it into the ImmiAccount page to verify.
This ensures your account remains secure and accessible only by you. Keep your mobile device safe and handy for future logins.
Step 6: Log in – ImmiAccount Has Been Created Successfully
Welcome to the latest edition of Australian Immigration News from Work Visa Lawyers. In this article, we cover the key updates for September 2025. September 2025 has been one of the busiest months in immigration news for some time, with major announcements on visas, testing, allocations, and labour agreements.
This month brings significant developments, including updates on the 2025–26 Migration Program, interim allocations, English test changes for the 482 visa, the latest Subclass 189 invitation round, and more.
Immigration Back in the Headlines
From the federal election in May until mid-August 2025, immigration news was relatively quiet. During this period, the newly appointed Minister for Home Affairs, Tony Burke, had not made any major announcements on skilled visas.
This changed dramatically in late August, with several immigration-related stories making headlines:
On 31 August 2025, anti-immigration rallies were held across Australia, with participation from extremist groups including neo-Nazis.
The Federal Labor Government quickly condemned the rallies and reaffirmed its support for migration.
Liberal Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price made controversial comments suggesting “large numbers” of Indian people were migrating to Australia because the Indian community votes for Labor. Following backlash, she lost her place on the Liberal front bench.
Soon after these events, the immigration planning levels for 2025–26 were officially announced, bringing migration back into national focus.
The Australian Government Confirms 2025–26 Migration Program
This is the same as last year, so there’s no increase or decrease in the overall program size.
Program Breakdown:
Skilled visas:
44,000 Employer Sponsored – the largest category. However, with so many Subclass 482 visa holders waiting to transition, we may see longer PR processing times.
4,300 Talent and Innovation visas, which includes the new National Innovation Visa (subclass 858) as well as the old Global Talent and Distinguished Talent visas (which are now closed to new applications). With more places allocated, we expect to see more NIV invitations.
We offer a free NIV assessment to evaluate your eligibility — you can find the link in the description.
1,000 Business Innovation and Investment visas – these places are just to clear the backlog, as no new applications are being accepted.
8,500 Parent visas (though parent visas continue to experience very long wait times).
What does this mean?
Skilled visas such as the 189, 190, and 491 will remain highly competitive.
While the Federal Government have not provided the allocations for the 190 and 491 visas to the states and territories at this stage, some states have already received small interim allocations.
Interim Allocations Explained
Interim allocations are small, temporary visa quotas provided to states and territories. They allow limited invitations while states wait for their full annual allocation to be released by the Federal Government.
This is not the first time interim allocations have been used. A similar process occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020–21, and it is happening again now.
Stay in the loop with our social media pages - Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. We’re always committed to staying up to date with the latest news and keep you in the know.
This interim allocation will only be used for those who were provisionally approved but could not be nominated with the 2024-2025 nomination before all the places were used.
Sc-190 applicants with visas expiring soonest or those currently holding a Bridging Visa will be prioritised.
Western Australia has received a small interim allocation for 2025–26, which will be used to finalise pending 2024–25 applications. The new program year will only open once the Government provides the full allocation.
Queensland Interim Allocations
Migration Queensland has received an interim allocation of 250 places, with the full quota expected by the end of September. Applicants must lodge a new ROI for the 2025–26 program to be considered for nomination.
Migration Queensland announced that Queensland Skilled Migration Program for 2025-26 will open for Registration of Interest (ROI) on 19 September 2025.
As part of Migration Queensland 2025-2026 program, they have introduced a few changes such as:
revised onshore and offshore occupation lists
new onshore pathway for Building and Construction workforce
changes to work experience requirements
changes to certain selection factors
Victoria and New South Wales didn’t publish the interim allocations yet.
Once the Federal Government releases full allocations, states are expected to publish their updated nomination criteria and reopen fully.
Subclass 189 Invitation Round
After nine months without invitations, a new Skilled Independent Subclass 189 visa invitation round was finally held on 21 August 2025. The previous round had taken place in November 2024.
This round brought positive news for many applicants, with invitations issued across construction, health, and teaching sectors. Occupations invited included carpenters, painters, engineers, nurses, doctors, and teachers.
The Department of Home Affairs released the full list of invited occupations and points.
Key Outcomes:
Over 6,800 invitations were issued across more than 130 occupations.
Construction trades such as carpenters, electricians, and bricklayers were invited at only 65 points.
Health roles were also strong — many doctors and nurses were invited around 80 points.
Education professionals included university lecturers at 85 points and childcare managers at 90 points.
Unfortunately, accountants and chefs did not receive invitations in this round.
The Department has indicated that invitation rounds will be held quarterly, with the next expected before December 2025.
Subclass 491 Family Sponsored Stream Returns
Another important highlight of the August round was the return of invitations for the Subclass 491 Family Sponsored stream.
It had been a long time since we last saw invitations in this category, making this great news for people who already have family in Australia and are seeking a pathway to settle here.
Total invitations issued: 150 EOIs.
Occupations invited included:
Trades: Bricklayer, General Electrician, Gasfitter
Health: Cardiologist, Midwife, Registered Nurse
Education: Early Childhood Teacher
This marks a significant reopening of the 491 Family Sponsored option. Hopefully, more invitations will follow in future rounds.
From 13 September 2025, the English test requirements for the PTE have been reduced.
New PTE Requirements:
Listening: 33
Reading: 36
Writing: 29
Speaking: 24
This is a major drop, especially in speaking, compared to the old requirement of 36 in each band. For English tests taken before 13 September, applicants are still required to meet the old requirements.
Other key updates include:
IELTS remains the same at a minimum of 5 in each component.
One Skill Retakes are now allowed, which will help many applicants who struggled with just one test area.
Three new English tests are now accepted for the 482 visa:
LanguageCert Academic Test
Michigan English Test (MET)
CELPIP General
Altogether, the government now accepts nine English language tests for Australian Migration. This makes the visa more accessible for many skilled workers around the world.
Labour Agreement Updates
Labour Agreements have continued to grow rapidly. According to information shared at a Migration Institute of Australia (MIA) meeting with the Department of Home Affairs, Labour Agreements have increased by 53.4% in the past year.
This means more employers are sponsoring skilled workers through customised agreements.
One of the key benefits of Labour Agreements is that they can provide concessions, such as allowing applicants up to 55 years of age to obtain permanent residency in Australia.
At Work Visa Lawyers, we have produced several resources about Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs) and tips on how to find a sponsor in Australia. You can find these on our YouTube channel and website.
Core Skills Occupation List Review
Jobs and Skills Australia will soon begin consultations to review the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).
Work Visa Lawyers plans to recommend the following occupations be added back to the list:
If you think an occupation should be added, let us know in the comments on our YouTube September Immigration News — and explain why. Community input can help shape these recommendations.
The consultation details will be published by Jobs and Skills Australia. We will also share updates on our social media channels as soon as more information becomes available.
Bridging Visa B Update
There are currently delays in Bridging Visa B processing.
The Department of Home Affairs now recommends lodging applications 2 to 4 weeks before your intended departure date.
A Bridging Visa B is necessary if you hold a Bridging Visa A and plan to travel overseas. Without it, you cannot re-enter Australia.
How Work Visa Lawyers Can Help
Since 2011, Work Visa Lawyers has been assisting thousands of individuals, families, and employers with their Australian visa applications. We provide:
Expert legal advice tailored to your circumstances
Support with skills assessments, EOIs, visa lodgements, administrative Review Tribunal (ART) reviews, and Federal Court appeals
Guidance on complex matters, including DAMAs and employer sponsorship
For personalised advice, book a consultation with Work Visa Lawyers today.
What Are Interim Allocations for State 190 or 491 Visas?
The Department of Home Affairs sometimes provides states and territories with a small, temporary batch of nomination places. These are called interim allocations.
In simple terms, interim allocations act as a “bridge” so that migration programs don’t completely pause between July and when the final numbers are handed down.
Why Interim Allocations Are Important
For applicants, interim allocations mean that invitations may still be issued early in the program year, but they will usually be very limited. States often use these places to:
Prioritise candidates who submitted a Registration of Interest (ROI) in the previous program year
Focus on occupations that are in critical demand
Assist applicants with urgent visa situations, such as those whose visas are close to expiring
Interim Allocations in the Past
This is not the first time interim allocations have been used. For example, in the 2020–21 program year, during the COVID-19 pandemic, interim allocations were provided before the full annual quotas were confirmed.
Interim Allocations in 2025-26
In the 2025–26 program year, the states and territories received interim allocations in early September while still waiting for the full allocation number be released. This allowed them to issue a small number of invitations ahead of the full allocations being announced later in the year.
In practice, the gap between interim allocations being released and the full allocation being confirmed is usually only a matter of weeks or a couple of months.
For ACT the 2025-26 interim allocation is 165 nomination places:
ACT permanent 190 nomination: 85 places
ACT provisional 491 nomination: 80 places
For Tasmania, this allocation is a total of 165 places:
85 for subclass 190 visa
80 for subclass 491 visa
South Australia and Western Australia didn’t provide the number of interim allocation provided.
What Applicants Should Do
If you are planning to apply for a 190 or 491 visa, it’s important to be prepared:
Keep your EOI/ROI up to date with accurate details, English test results and skills assessments
Gather your supporting documents so you are ready if invited
Stay informed by checking the announcements on state and territory migration websites
Interim allocations are a temporary but important part of Australia’s skilled migration program. While numbers are small, they allow states to continue nominating candidates before the full annual quotas are set. For applicants, being prepared early can make the difference between securing an invitation or missing out.
You can contact us if you need any assistance with your visa application or pathways for your permanent residency in Australia.
6 Best Visas to Live and Work in Australia If You’re Over 45
Navigating the Australian visa system can be daunting, especially if you're over the age of 45. Many skilled migration pathways impose strict age caps, but that doesn’t mean your dream of living and working in Australia is over.
Whether you're an experienced professional, entrepreneur, or a parent looking to reunite with family, there are still strong options available in 2025. This article outlines the six best Australian visas for applicants aged over 45, reflecting the latest updates from the Department of Home Affairs—and aligned with our new YouTube video on this topic.
1. DAMA – Designated Area Migration Agreements
What is DAMA?
DAMA is a special visa arrangement between the Australian Government and specific regional areas experiencing skill shortages. It allows employers in those regions to sponsor overseas workers for roles that may not be listed on standard skilled occupation lists.
Benefits for Applicants over 45:
DAMAs often allow age concessions of up to 55 years old.
Offers flexibility on English language and skill requirements.
Strong option for industries like hospitality, agriculture, and aged care.
Work Visa Lawyers Tip:
We can assist you in identifying DAMA-approved regions and guiding employers through the labor agreement process.
2. National Innovation Visa (NIV) - Subclass 858
What is the NIV?
The National Innovation Visa (NIV) replaced the Global Talent Visa on 7 December 2024. It is still under subclass 858, but introduces updated eligibility criteria. This visa is an excellent option for individuals over 45, and offers a direct pathway to Australian permanent residency.
Who is it for?
The NIV is a permanent visa specifically designed for exceptionally talented individuals from across the world, including:
Global researchers
Entrepreneurs
Innovative investors
Athletes and creatives
How is my Expression of Interest (EOI) assessed?
Your EOI is considered based on the indicators of exceptional and outstanding achievements claimed and the NIV program priorities. Invitations for the NIV are provided in the following priority order:
Priority 1 – Exceptional candidates from any sector who are global experts and recipients of international ‘top of field’ level awards.
Priority 2 – Candidates from any sector nominated on the approved Form 1000 by an expert Australian Commonwealth, State or Territory Government agency.
Priority 3 – Candidates with exceptional and outstanding achievements in a Tier One sector, which includes:
Critical Technologies
Health Industries, and
Renewables and low emission technologies.
Priority 4 – Candidates with exceptional and outstanding achievements in a Tier Two sector, which includes:
Agri-food and AgTech
Defence Capabilities and Space
Education
Financial Services and FinTech
Infrastructure and Transport
Resources
While you don’t need to be in one of the nine sectors mentioned under Priority 3 and 4 above to receive an invitation, it can make your application more competitive.
Work Visa Lawyers Tip:
We offer a free NIV eligibility assessment to determine whether you qualify for this visa and how to best position your application for success.
3. Skills in Demand (SID) Visa – Subclass 482 (Formerly TSS Visa)
What is Subclass 482?
The Skills in Demand (SID) visa, formerly known as the TSS (Subclass 482), allows Australian employers to sponsor skilled workers for temporary positions where local labor is insufficient.
Benefits for Applicants over 45:
No age limit to apply
Allows you to live and work in Australia for up to 4 years
Pathway to permanent residency (Subclass 186 TRT) after 2 years
More than 450 occupations under Core Skills Occupation List
Permanent Residency Pathway:
Applicants can transition to permanent residency through the Subclass 186 Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream after 2 years of working on the 482 visa, instead of the previous requirement of 3 years
The 186 TRT visa does have an age limit of under 45 years, but it allows for age exemptions for:
High-income earners (FWHIT: AU$ 183,100)
Academics
Regional medical professionals
Senior executives or long-term employees
Work Visa Lawyers Tip:
Our team can help ensure your employment and nominated role aligns with SID requirements, boosting long-term residency success.
A permanent employer-sponsored visa with three streams: Direct Entry, Labour Agreement, and Temporary Residence Transition (TRT).
Benefits for some applicants over 45:
While there's an age cap of 45 years, the 186 TRT provides several exemptions for:
Academics at senior levels
Medical practitioners in regional areas
High-income earners (FWHIT: AU$ 183,100)
Accessible via the 482→186 TRT pathway
Work Visa Lawyers Tip:
We specialize in identifying eligibility for these age exemptions and guiding your PR strategy based on your work and migration history.
5. Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801 or 309/100)
What is a Partner Visa?
Allows spouses or de facto partners of Australian citizens, PRs, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia permanently.
Why It's Perfect for 45+ Applicants:
No age restriction
Focus is on proving a genuine and ongoing relationship, not age or employment
Pathway from temporary (820 or 309) to permanent residency (801 or 100)
Work Visa Lawyers Tip:
We can help with preparing robust documentation and statutory declarations to reduce the chance of refusal or delays.
6. Parent Visas (Subclass 103, 143, 804, 864)
What Are Parent Visas?
Designed for parents of settled Australian citizens or permanent residents. Includes both contributory (faster, higher cost) and non-contributory (slower, lower cost) options.
Benefits for Applicants over 45:
No strict age limit
Options include:
Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143) – faster processing
Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804) – for pension-eligible parents already in Australia
Key Requirement:
Must pass the Balance of Family Test—at least 50% of your children must be Australian citizens or PRs.
Work Visa Lawyers Tip:
We can assist with assessing your eligibility and navigating the long queue times for parent visas.
Watch the Full YouTube Video for Visual Guidance
Looking for a visual breakdown of your options? Our latest YouTube video walks you through all six Australian visa pathways featured in this article.
Whether you’re a first-time applicant or planning your next move, this video is designed to help you understand the visa process with clarity and confidence.
FAQs
Q: What are the best visas for over 45s in Australia? A: The best options include the DAMA, Subclass 858, SID 482, 186 Employer Nomination (with exemptions), Partner, and Parent visas.
Q: Is there any age limit for skilled migration visas in Australia? A: Yes—most skilled visas (189/190) cap at 45. However, Subclass 482, 858, and 186 (with exceptions) allow for applicants over the age of 45..
Q: Can I get PR after 45 in Australia? A: Yes. Pathways exist through employer-sponsored visas (with exemptions), innovation visas, and partner or parent categories.
Q: Does the SID 482 visa have an age limit? A: No. You can apply at any age for the 482 visa but age limits apply for the permanent Subclass 186 visa..
Over 45? Your Australian Future Is Still Possible
If you're over 45 and still dreaming of building a life in Australia, you have more options than you think. From employer sponsorship and innovation to family reunion visas, pathways remain open—even under evolving immigration laws.
Get a professional visa assessment today from our experienced team at Work Visa Lawyers. We’re here to make your transition smooth, legal, and successful.
Government Confirms 2025–26 Immigration Intake: 185,000 Permanent Migration Places
On 2 September 2025, the Australian Government, through the Minister for Home Affairs Tony Burke, confirmed that the Permanent Migration Program for 2025–26 will be maintained at 185,000 places. This continues the migration intake from the 2024–25 program year, with the same levels and settings remaining in place. The announcement, made via an official media release from the Department of Home Affairs, ensures continuity for visa applicants, employers, and migration stakeholders.
What Has Been Confirmed
The 2025–26 migration intake remains steady at 185,000 permanent places, reflecting no changes in the program size or policy settings from the previous year. This decision follows consultations with states and territories, signaling a continued focus on skilled migration and the importance of migration to Australia’s economic and social fabric.
The Government has reassured us that visa application processing will continue without disruption, ensuring that existing pipelines of skilled, employer-sponsored, and family visa applicants remain active and operational. However, the extended closure of the state migration programs has been very disruptive for many migrants who have been waiting for an invitation for 491 or 190 visa to be able to remain in Australia when their visa expires, or who may be having a birthday soon that might mean they no longer meet the visa requirements.
Implications for Skilled Migration Pathways
For skilled migrants and employer-sponsored visa applicants, this confirmation provides welcome predictability. Although the detailed distribution of the 185,000 places across visa streams is yet to be released, it is anticipated that employer-sponsored and skilled independent categories will continue to receive substantial allocations, as they did in the previous financial year.
This is an opportunity for skilled professionals to stay proactive by reviewing their visa readiness, especially with regard to:
English language tests – Check expiration dates for tests like IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL, and schedule new tests if needed.
Family and Partner Visas & State Nomination
The "same level and settings" for the 2025–26 program year suggest that family and partner visa allocations are also expected to remain consistent with last year’s levels. This brings reassurance to applicants who are in the process of reuniting with family members or sponsoring a partner.
On the state and territory nomination front, while the specific allocations to each jurisdiction are still pending, we might expect that the 491 (Skilled Work Regional Provisional Visa) and 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa) programs will also resume soon. Applicants are encouraged to prepare ahead of time, as nomination programs can open and fill quickly.
What’s Next
While the total migration intake is now official, the breakdown of allocations across streams and regions has not yet been published. These details will clarify:
How many places are assigned to Skilled, Family, Special Eligibility, and Child visa streams.
How allocations will be distributed between states and territories, especially for nomination programs.
States and territories are expected to begin opening their nomination programs shortly, and many are likely finalizing program criteria and application timelines.
Your Pathway Starts Here
The Australian Government’s decision to maintain the Permanent Migration Program cap at 185,000 places for the 2025–26 financial year offers much-needed certainty for migrants and employers. While we await further details on the distribution of these places, it is crucial for potential applicants to stay informed and act proactively.
The best way to prepare? Ensure your documents are valid, monitor announcements from your preferred state or territory, and be ready to lodge your application when the time comes.
Book a consultation with Work Visa Lawyers today to receive a professional visa assessment tailored to your circumstances. Our experienced migration lawyers and registered agents are ready to guide you through every step of the process—from skills assessments to state nomination and visa lodgement.
Why Is It Important to Write a Good Genuine Student Statement?
Applying for an Australian Student Visa (subclass 500) is an exciting step toward studying abroad. But beyond academic documents and financial proof, one requirement can make or break your application — the Genuine Student (GS) statement.
This statement is more than a formality. It is your chance to prove to the Department of Home Affairs that your purpose for coming to Australia is genuine: to study, gain knowledge, and then return home to apply your skills. A strong GS statement can greatly improve your chances of visa approval.
The Role of the GS Statement in Student Visa Applications
The GS statement is a personal declaration where you outline your study plans, financial capacity, and reasons for choosing Australia. It reassures immigration officers that you are a serious applicant who intends to comply with visa conditions.
Without a well-prepared GS statement, even strong academic results and financial documents may not be enough.
5 Reasons Why the GS Statement Matters
1. Proving Genuine Intentions
Australian immigration authorities must be confident you are applying for a visa to study only. The GS statement helps show that your stay in Australia will be temporary, and your goal is not migration or full-time work.
2. Demonstrating a Clear Study Plan
Your GS statement should highlight:
Why you chose your specific course and education provider.
How the course relates to your academic background and career goals.
Why you prefer to study in Australia rather than your home country or another destination.
This proves that your education and career choices are well thought out.
3. Showing Ties to Your Home Country
Visa officers need to see that you have strong reasons to return home after completing your studies. A strong GS statement includes:
Family connections, employment, or property ownership.
Job opportunities waiting after graduation, such as a job offer or family business.
4. Supporting Financial Capacity
You must demonstrate that you can cover your tuition and living expenses. The GS statement supports your financial documents by explaining:
Who is sponsoring you (parents, family, or self-funding).
That your financial support is stable and reliable.
5. Influencing Visa Decisions
Even with a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and financial proof, a weak or unclear GS statement can lead to visa refusal. Immigration officers carefully review your statement, so presenting a strong and honest account is essential.
The Real-World Impact of a Strong GS Statement
Students with clear, structured, and honest GS statements tend to have higher visa approval rates. Officers look for consistency between your statement and the rest of your documents. If your GS statement appears vague or inconsistent, it raises red flags.
Conclusion
The Genuine Student (GS) statement is one of the most critical parts of your Student Visa 500 application. It demonstrates your genuine intent, outlines your study plan, and reassures immigration officers that you will return home after completing your studies.
Taking the time to prepare a clear, honest, and well-structured GS statement can make all the difference in your visa success.
Ready to take the next step in your study journey?
A well-written Genuine Student statement can be the difference between visa approval and refusal.
Read more about preparing your Student Visa 500 application here and book a consultation with our migration experts to get personalised guidance.
482 Visa Secondary Applicants: Work & Study Rights for Spouses in Australia
The Skills in Demand (SID) 482 Visa is a popular migration pathway that allows skilled professionals to live and work in Australia. While the primary applicant must work for their sponsoring employer, many spouses and partners wonder: What about family members?
If you’re the spouse or de facto partner of a 482 visa holder (either TSS or SID), you may be curious about your rights — especially regarding employment and education.
Can 482 Visa Secondary Applicants Work or Study Freely in Australia? Yes — and with no major restrictions.
As a secondary applicant (spouse or de facto partner), you have full work rights in Australia. This means you are not limited by occupation, employer, or industry.
You can:
Work full-time, part-time, or casually
Choose any sector, including starting your own business
Apply for any job without needing sponsorship
Choose not to work, if you prefer
In addition, you are free to study in Australia without added visa conditions. Just note that international student fees may apply depending on your course.
No matter which stream the primary visa holder is on, the secondary applicant’s rights remain the same in terms of work and study. There are currently no restrictions linked to the stream for partners or spouses.
Practical Tips for 482 Visa Spouses and Partners
To help you take full advantage of your rights, consider these key steps:
Apply for a TFN and Superannuation
As soon as you arrive in Australia, apply for a Tax File Number (TFN) and register for superannuation. This ensures you can legally work and begin accruing retirement contributions right away.
Maximise Job Flexibility
Use the freedom to work in any field to build valuable local experience. Continuing in your area of expertise may support future visa or permanent residency options for your family.
Explore Study Opportunities
Consider upskilling or retraining in Australia. Whether it’s a short course, certification, or degree, this is an excellent time to improve your qualifications. Just be mindful of international tuition costs.
Stay Updated on Policy Changes
Immigration policies can change. Keep up with announcements from the Department of Home Affairs, or consult a registered migration professional to stay informed.
Need Legal Advice or Migration Support?
If you're unsure about your current work rights, thinking about switching careers, or planning a permanent residency application as a family — don’t leave it to guesswork.
This round brought positive news for many applicants, with invitations issued across the construction, health, and teaching sectors. Occupations invited included carpenters, painters, engineers, nurses, doctors, and teachers.
At a time when the Australian Government has not yet announced the 2025–26 allocations for the 189, 190, and 491 visas, the August 2025 invitation round came as a welcome news.
We hope the new allocations will be released soon and that state nominations will reopen shortly.
Invitation Round Overview
The Department of Home Affairs released the full list of invited occupations and points.
Key Outcomes:
6,887 invitations
Invitations were issued across more than 130 occupations
Construction trades such as carpenters, electricians, and bricklayers were invited at only 65 points
Health roles were also strong — many doctors and nurses were invited around 80 points
Education professionals included university lecturers at 85 points and childcare managers at 90 points
Unfortunately, accountants and chefs did not receive invitations in this round
The Department has indicated that invitation rounds will be held quarterly, with the next expected before December 2025.
If you are waiting for an invitation, it’s important to keep your Expression of Interest (EOI) and documents up to date. Make sure that your English test results, skills assessments, and all declarations are current, as outdated information could affect your eligibility.
You should also look for opportunities to maximise your points. This may include claiming partner skills, completing a professional year, or retaking an English test to achieve a higher score. Even a small increase in points can improve your position in SkillSelect.
Finally, consider alternative visa pathways if the subclass 189 visa remains highly competitive and state nomination programs for the 190 and 491 visas are still closed. Employer-sponsored visas such as the 482 visa, 186 visa or 494 visa may offer a more practical route to securing permanent residency in Australia.
Contact us if you need assistance with applying for an Australian visa.
The Australian immigration program is facing significant uncertainty as we reach mid-August 2025. The Australian Government has not yet released the Migration Planning Levels for 2025/2026, delaying key skilled visa programs and causing stress for many applicants.
In this month’s Australian immigration update, we cover:
Changes to English test requirements for Australian visas
An increase in international student enrolments for 2026
At Work Visa Lawyers, we specialise in assisting individuals, families, and employers through the complex Australian visa process. Contact us if you need assistance to apply for an Australian visa.
No Migration Planning Levels Yet – Impact on Skilled Visas
As of mid-August, the Migration Planning Level for 2025/2026 has not been announced. Without this, states and territories have not opened applications for:
Last year, allocations were announced in May. The only other delay of this scale occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic — but no such crisis is affecting us now.
Rather than speculating on the cause of the delay, applicants should prepare to lodge their Expression of Interest (EOI) by ensuring they have:
A valid skills assessment (within the last 3 years)
A valid English test result (within the last 3 years)
Evidence of skilled work experience such as contracts and payslips
For IELTS, the minimum remains 6.5 overall, with at least 5.5 in each band.
All these changes take effect from 7 August 2025. If you took a test before this date and it’s still valid, your scores would still count.
For the Graduate Visa, test results are valid if taken in the 12 months before the visa application date. For other visas, test results are valid for up to three years.
New Skills in Demand 482 Visa English Requirement
Changes are also coming from 13 September 2025 for English requirements for the Skills in Demand 482 visa:
Applications lodged on or after 13 September 2025 will accept Vocational level English at least IELTS 5 in each band or PTE:
Listening: 33
Reading: 36
Writing: 29
Speaking: 24
We wish all applicants the best of luck in preparing for their English language tests. For certain visas, such as the Subclass 482 Skills in Demand Visa, the English requirements have recently been lowered, making them more accessible.
However, for those seeking additional migration points for visas such as the Subclass 189, Subclass 190, or Subclass 491, the new PTE Superior English-Speaking score requirement of 88 presents a significant challenge.
With nine approved English language test options now available, it is important to select the one that best aligns with your strengths. Ensure that the test you choose is accepted for your intended visa subclass and that it allows you to achieve the maximum score required for Superior English, if that is your objective — as not all tests provide this opportunity.
Best State for National Innovation Visa Nomination
The National Innovation Visa is a direct permanent residency pathway for highly skilled and innovative individuals.
Processing times are one of the most discussed aspects of the migration process, and we understand how frustrating it can be when they become longer.
The Department of Home Affairs has recently updated its visa processing times. In the table below, you will find some of the main visa subclasses and the typical timeframes for processing.
Keep in mind that your visa may be finalised earlier than the published timeframe — particularly if your occupation is in high demand. However, it may also take longer if your case is more complex or if there are issues such as inconsistencies in your application or documentation, or health and character concerns.
Delays in Relationship Registration
To lodge a partner visa, many applicants choose to strengthen their application by registering their de facto relationship.
In South Australia, this process usually takes just over 28 days. However, current timeframes have extended to approximately two to three months due to a processing backlog.
One possible explanation for this delay is an increase in partner visa applications, potentially driven by the temporary closure of the skilled visa programs, including the Subclass 189, Subclass 190, and Subclass 491.
Final Advice for Visa Applicants
While we await the Migration Planning Level announcement, skilled visa applicants should use this time to:
Prepare their skills assessment and English test results
Gather all required employment and qualification evidence
Monitor program opening dates closely
Contact an immigration lawyer or migration agent to discuss their situation
If you need advice on your Australian visa application, contact us for a consultation. Since 2011, we have assisted thousands of individuals and businesses with their migration needs.
Australia’s National Innovation Visa (NIV) – Subclass 858 is designed to attract talented entrepreneurs, researchers, and business people from around the world to contribute to the country’s innovation-driven economy.
The NIV is an Australian permanent residency visa for internationally recognised individuals with exceptional talent. If the applicant receives nomination for the NIV from a state or territory, their chances of getting invited for the National Innovation Visa increase.
Why State Nomination Can Help You Secure a National Innovation Visa Invitation Faster
If a state or territory nominates you, you will have a better chance of being invited for the National Innovation Visa.
Under Ministerial Direction 112, those nominated by a state receive the second-highest priority. The highest priority is for those considered as global experts and international prize winners, such as Nobel Prize recipients.
The South Australian criteria include being able to demonstrate benefit to the South Australian economy and the ability to create jobs.
National Innovation Visa – South Australia State Nomination Criteria
South Australia is open, meaning you can apply for state nomination.
The South Australian criteria include the opportunity to provide evidence of current employment in South Australia, or a job offer with a salary at or above the Fair Work High Income Threshold (AUD).
The document checklist also includes the option of a support letter from a South Australian State Government agency referring you to submit a National Innovation Visa Registration of Interest (ROI) application.
So, having connections to South Australia is an advantage.
South Australia also rules out some types of investment activities, including cafés and restaurants, consulting firms, franchises, and buying existing businesses as these are not considered as ‘innovative’
South Australia has a Registration of Interest system (ROI). If your application progresses, you will be contacted by South Australia.
Their assessment process will include a panel interview of candidates.
National Innovation Visa – New South Wales State Nomination Criteria
The New South Wales criteria focus strongly on demonstrating benefits to New South Wales.
For the Entrepreneur Pathway – New South Wales wants "innovative and scalable business ventures with high growth potential for NSW".
For the Investor Pathway – New South Wales wants "innovative ventures, contributing to their success and the growth of the innovative ecosystem in NSW".
New South Wales will have their own seven-stage Expression of Interest (EOI) process. This will include, in stage 4, New South Wales seeking independent expert endorsement.
The New South Wales Government recently gave a presentation where they explained what the NIV is not for:
Not for passive investment
Not part of the Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP)
Not for vague or unsubstantiated ideas
Practical Considerations
For those seeking state nomination, the NIV will now be a 3-stage process:
State Nomination
Department of Home Affairs (DHA) Expression of Interest (EOI) – then, if invited
Visa application
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 for you.
If you don’t have an existing relationship or collaboration with a state, it’s the perfect time to begin making that connection.
