February Immigration News 2026: An Anti-Immigration Party Is Rising, State Nomination Updates and the Best Australian Visas for 2026

In this February immigration update, we focus on the information that will help you plan and apply for Australian permanent residency (PR) in 2026.

This month’s key topics include:

• A significant political shift that couldimpactfuture migration settings
• The most popular employer-sponsored visas: Subclass 482 and Subclass 186
• State nomination updates for the Subclass 190 and Subclass 491
• DAMAs and regional migration pathways
• Queensland’s approach to the National Innovation Visa
• The predicted new income threshold for employer-sponsored visas

Watch the Full Video:

Political Shift: The Rise of One Nation and Immigration Policy

One Nation is now recording its second-highest approval rating. This is a major political shift that could ultimately lead to a reduction in immigration. This may negatively impact the chances of many people seeking Australian permanent residency.

The Rise of One Nation

To quote the Australian Financial Review on 1 February:

“Following two weeks of Coalition infighting, first-preference support for One Nation has jumped to 26 per cent, up from 17 per cent in December. One Nation overtaking the Liberals and Nationals for the first time ….”

In the same poll, Labor was at 34 per cent.

What are the current immigration policies of One Nation?

According to their website, One Nation’s migration policies include:

• Capping visas at 130,000 per year — referring to permanent residency visas, which are currently set at 185,000 per year
• Deporting 75,000 illegal migrants
• Reintroducing Temporary Protection Visas (TPVs)
• Proposing an eight-year waiting period for citizenship and welfare eligibility

The history of One Nation began with an anti-immigration maiden speech by Pauline Hanson in 1996. There have been many ups and downs since then.

In her maiden speech, she called for multiculturalism to be abolished, with anti-multiculturalism themes continuing to the present.

One Nation is generally anti-immigration, and if it gains more popularity, this could reduce immigration in the future.

For example, major parties could adopt or move closer to One Nation policies. This previously occurred during the John Howard period.

State Nomination News: 190 and 491 Visa Updates

New South Wales 491 Visa Closed

On 19 January 2026, New South Wales opened and closed its 491 Pathway 1 and Pathway 3 on the same day due to exceptionally high demand. Many people missed out simply because they couldn’t apply quickly enough.

Is NSW selecting the best candidates or just the fastest applicants?

South Australia Invitation Rounds

South Australia is currently running invitation rounds on the first Monday of each month.

For February, South Australia invited:

• 227 applicants for the Subclass 190 visa
• 137 applicants for the Subclass 491 visa

Health professionals were the clear winners in this round.

If you are working in healthcare or an allied health occupation, South Australia may currently offer stronger prospects than some other states.

Northern Territory Closure

The Northern Territory has now closed to new applications.

According to the NT Government website:

“The NT Government has now received sufficient applications to fill the nomination allocation for the 2025–26 program year. The NT nomination portal is now closed to new applications. Applications lodged prior to the closure will continue to be assessed, with outcomes to be provided by 30 June 2026.”

We expect more states to start closing soon.

Should You Move States for State Nomination?

This is one of the most common questions we receive.

Work Visa Lawyers is cautious with this advice because every state is dealing with the same issue: large numbers of temporary visa holders competing for a relatively small number of state nomination places.

We are now well into the 2025–26 program year, which ends on 30 June 2026.

There is a real risk that you:

• Relocate
• Spend significant money
• Change jobs
• And then the state program closes shortly after

Relocating is expensive, and finding new employment takes time. Migration decisions should be strategic — not reactive.

Please book an appointment before you move states. 

Employer-Sponsored Visas: 482 and 186 Pathways

This brings us to employer-sponsored visas, such as:

• Subclass 482 (Core Skills stream)
• Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme – Permanent Residency)

If you secure a genuine job offer with strong prospects of sponsorship in your occupation, I am much more open to relocation.

At the moment, employer-sponsored visas can be a more reliable pathway than waiting for state nomination invitations.

Of course, finding an employer willing to sponsor you is not easy. We have published guidance on how to approach employers strategically and position yourself for sponsorship.

DAMAs: A Growing Alternative Pathway

We are seeing increasing interest in Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs).

DAMAs are employer-sponsored migration pathways designed for specific regional areas.

Traditionally, interest was driven by:

• A broader range of eligible occupations
• Access for truck drivers, disability carers, and other critical roles
• Age concessions (particularly for applicants aged 45–55)

Increasingly, however, we are seeing applicants turn to DAMAs after years of trying — and failing — to receive invitations for the Subclass 189, 190, or 491 visas.

This is especially common for onshore applicants who are not receiving invitations and need a more realistic pathway to Australian PR.

National Innovation Visa: Queensland Focus

We are seeing strong interest in Queensland’s state nomination options under the National Innovation Visa framework.

Queensland currently offers:

• An entrepreneuroptionrequiring a $1 million investment
• An investoroptionrequiring a $5 million investment

Entrepreneurs and investors often do not fit neatly into traditional migration models. Their education may not align with their professional history, they may not suit skills assessments, and they are typically not dependent on a single employer.

The flexibility of the National Innovation Visa is what makes it so attractive.

We offer a free assessment for those wishing to explore whether this pathway could suit their circumstances.

New Income Threshold for Employer-Sponsored Visas

The new income threshold for the upcoming financial year, starting on 1 July, will be announced soon.

If the government applies a similar increase to last year (approximately 4.6%) the minimum salary requirement for employer-sponsored visas such as the Subclass 482 and Subclass 186 could rise from $76,515 to approximately $80,000.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics will publish its latest Average Weekly Earnings report on 26 February, which will provide a clearer indication of the likely increase.

If you are close to the current threshold, timing may become critical.

Hate Speech Laws and Migration Policy

Hate speech law changes have now been enacted, and we will continue to monitor how these affect migration policy, visa decision-making, and visa cancellation powers.

Planning Your Australian PR Strategy in 2026

The Australian migration landscape is becoming increasingly competitive and politically sensitive. With tighter state nomination programs, rising income thresholds and potential political shifts influencing migration caps, applicants must approach their Australian permanent residency strategy with careful planning and informed decision-making.

Key takeaways for 2026 include:

• State nomination pathways (Subclass 190 and Subclass 491) are highly competitive

• Employer-sponsored visas (Subclass 482 and Subclass 186) may offer greater certainty

• DAMAs are becoming a realistic and structured regional alternative

• Income thresholds for sponsored visas are likely to rise

• Political developments could influence future migration caps and policy settings

In this environment, relying on timing or chance is no longer sufficient. A clear, strategic migration plan — tailored to your occupation, visa history and long-term goals — is more important than ever.

Work Visa Lawyers is recognised as one of Australian’s leading immigration law firms, with extensive experience in skilled migration, employer-sponsored visas, DAMAs, partner visas, global talent, national innovation visa and complex migration matters. 

Our team of immigration lawyers and registered migration agents provides strategic advice through both in-person consultations in Adelaide and secure online consultations for clients across Australia and overseas.

If you are planning your Australian PR pathway in 2026, obtaining professional guidance early can significantly improve your prospects and reduce unnecessary risk.

Talk to an Immigration Lawyer

Many people planning their future in Australia are asking the same question:

Will I ever get permanent residency in Australia? 

If you are studying, working, or living in Australia on a temporary visa, you may be wondering whether permanent residency is still realistic in 2026 — or whether the system has moved out of reach.

This article looks at the real migration opportunities for 2026, using current data and practical strategies. We also address difficult but important topics, including:

• The lack of invitations for the 189 visa, 190 visa, and 491 visa

• Visa cancellations and stricter checks

• How major events, such as the Bondi Beach attack, may influence immigration processing

Our goal is to help you make smarter, more realistic decisions about your migration pathway.

How the Recent Bondi Beach Attack Is Affecting Australian Immigration Processing

We would like to begin by expressing our sincere condolences to the victims and families affected by the tragic Bondi Beach attack in December.

For people living in Australia on temporary visas, this event may have broader implications. We expect to see:

• Stricter background and character checks

• Increased visa cancellations

• Greater scrutiny across visa applications

We will address this topic in more detail in a separate article, as it deserves careful and sensitive discussion.

Are 189, 190 and 491 Visas Still Realistic in 2026?

The reduction in places for the 190 and 491 visas has caused many people to ask whether Australia is still achievable.

The answer is yes — for some people. However, the strategy has changed.

For many years, points-tested visas such as the 189 visa, 190 visa, and 491 visa were the primary goal for skilled migrants, with employer sponsorship seen as a second option. That is no longer the case.

Employer-Sponsored Visas: The Strongest Pathway in 2026

If your goal is Australian permanent residency, employer-sponsored visas are now the strongest and most realistic options in 2026.

These include:

• 482 Skills in Demand visa

• 186 Employer Nomination Scheme

• 494 Regional Employer Sponsored visa

• DAMA and Labour Agreements

Australian businesses are facing genuine skills shortages across multiple sectors and are actively seeking reliable workers. As a result, we have seen:

• A significant increase in employer-sponsored visas

• A sharp reduction in state nomination places, including the 190 visa and 491 visa

Visas such as the 482 visa provide a pathway from temporary work to permanent residency through the 186 visa and many migrants are using this pathway as the first option.

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Why State Nomination Is More Competitive Than Ever

Many people ask whether they should target states like Western Australia or Tasmania, which often appear to have more flexible criteria.

However, the reality is this:

• Tasmania has 1,850 nomination places in 2025-26 financial year

• Western Australia has 3,400 places — with 3,355 already issued 

• Combined, that is only 5,250 nominations

You are not competing against hundreds of applicants — you are competing against hundreds of thousands of skilled migrants who already have:

• Skills assessments

• English test results

• Work experience

• Active EOIs

Most applicants, no matter how qualified, will never receive an invitation.

This does not mean the General Skills Migration (GSM) program is dead — but it is highly competitive. 

Which Occupations Are Still Receiving Invitations?

Looking at invitation results from 2025, one thing is clear: Australia is inviting only where there is genuine demand.

If you are under 45 and your occupation is clearly in shortage, it may still be worth:

• Obtaining a skills assessment

• Improving your English score

• Positioning your EOI strategically

High-Demand Jobs in Australia for Skilled Migration

Occupations currently receiving invitations include:

• Construction trades (bricklayers, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, roofers)

• Construction managers

• Healthcare professionals

• Secondary school teachers

When GSM Is Not the Best Migration Pathway

Some occupations remain on the skilled lists but are not receiving invitations, including:

• Marketing specialists

• Accountants

• Cooks

• Enrolled nurses

• Software engineers

• Contract administrators

• Niche roles such as artistic directors, copywriters, and dog handlers

In these cases, GSM visas may not be your strongest pathway.

Alternative Visa Options to Consider

Instead, you should consider:

• Employer-sponsored visas

• Alternative pathways, such as partner visas if you have an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident partner

We understand that employer sponsorship is not easy — especially if you are offshore — but thousands of applicants succeed each year, and you may be one of them.

Check our blog, “How to Find a Sponsor,” for helpful tips on how to find an Australian business to sponsor you.

Queensland National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858) – 2026 Update

Queensland has now opened nominations for the National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858).

This visa offers direct permanent residency and targets exceptionally talented individuals, including:

• Entrepreneurs

• Innovative investors

• Researchers

• Athletes

• Creatives

Permanent Residency Pathway for Individuals: 

• Up to the age of 55, or higher in exceptional cases 
• High-value entrepreneurs who commit AUD $1 million to new ventures in Queensland 
• Innovative investors who invest AUD $5 million in Queensland’s innovation ecosystem

This is one of the strongest permanent residency pathways currently available.

 
We have published a detailed guide explaining the Queensland NIV nomination process.

 
We also offer a free NIV assessment, where our team can check your eligibility.

Adelaide University Opens: What This Means for Students

Following the merger of the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia, Adelaide University has officially opened enrolments, becoming the largest university in Australia.

This will bring:

• More international students

• Increased investment in South Australia

However, students must have a clear migration strategy before enrolling and applying for a student visa, especially if permanent residency is part of the long-term plan.

Check our blog “Best 8 courses to study in Australia to get PR”. 

Student Visa Changes for India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Bhutan

Applicants from India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Bhutan may face increased scrutiny, as Australia has updated student visa assessment levels to strengthen integrity measures.

These changes may have been triggered by reports of widespread fraudulent degree practices. As a result, it is more important than ever for students to submit strong, well-documented applications.

Student Visa Expiry Reminder: Avoid Becoming Unlawful

We are seeing a large number of student visas expiring in March, many around the 15th.

Every year, people make the same mistake — waiting too long.

If your visa is expiring soon:

• Do not wait until the last minute

• Understand your next visa options early

• Lodge a valid application before expiry

Options may include course extensions, graduate visas, or transitions to skilled visas — but timing is critical.

How We Can Help You Plan Your Migration Strategy for Australia in 2026 

Migration to Australia in 2026 is still possible — but it requires realistic expectations, the right strategy, and early planning.

At Work Visa Lawyers, we are widely regarded as one of the best migration lawyers and one of the best registered migration agents in Adelaide, with extensive experience across skilled, employer-sponsored, and permanent residency pathways.

If you would like tailored advice based on your individual circumstances, please book an appointment and talk to our team.

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Australian Immigration News – Latest updates

Major visa cuts, backlogs, and new opportunities revealed at the MIA National Migration Conference

Big changes have just been announced in Australian immigration — including potentially visa quota reductions and major updates straight from the Migration Institute of Australia’s National Migration Conference in Melbourne.

Are your migration plans about to change? Let’s take a closer look at what’s happening.

Migration Quotas and State Nomination – Up to a 30% Cut

The Federal Government has confirmed a total of 185,000 permanent migration places for the 2025–2026 financial year — the same overall number as last year.

However, there’s growing concern that state and territory allocations will be significantly smaller, as the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) continues to face backlogs from unprocessed visa applications.

For example, Western Australia’s Premier Roger Cook is fighting to prevent a reduction from 5,000 to 3,400 skilled migration places. He has formally written to the Federal Government, urging them to reconsider the cuts.

If WA faces a 30% reduction, similar cuts may occur across other states — except for Queensland, which is expected to see an increase after receiving a very small allocation of only 1,200 places last year.

At this stage, only small interim allocations have been released, allowing states to issue a limited number of invitations for Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 visas.

Many states have already published their eligibility criteria for this financial year, and some are already open for Expressions of Interest (EOIs).

A detailed update on each state’s 190 and 491 requirements will be published separately soon.

Deportations and Visa Cancellations

According to several news articles, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed that the first transfer to Nauru under a new agreement has taken place, triggering an upfront payment of AUD 408 million. The deal — expected to cost around AUD 2.5 billion — has faced criticism from human rights groups.

Additionally, the government has made headlines by denying entry to certain individuals, including Dutch athlete Steven van de Velde, a convicted child sex offender, under section 501 visa cancellation powers.

Key Takeaways from the MIA National Migration Conference 2025

In early October, the Migration Institute of Australia’s National Migration Conference was held in Melbourne. Chris Johnston from Work Visa Lawyers attended the event alongside our lawyer Shamsiya Mohammadi, gathering valuable insights about the government’s direction in migration policy.

Visa Processing and Backlogs

According to Damien Kilner from the Department of Home Affairs, the backlog of pending visa applications remains a serious challenge.

As of October 2025, there are:

• 58,000 pending Subclass 186 Employer-Sponsored Visa applications, compared to an annual target of 44,000 places.

• 98,000 pending Partner Visa applications, with an annual target of 40,500.

This means that the partner visa backlog is growing by approximately 25,000 applications per year, and without major reform, waiting times could extend to five years or more.

DAMA Update – More Regional Flexibility Ahead

The Department of Home Affairs confirmed that it favours full-state DAMA agreements rather than fragmented regional ones.

This suggests that:

• Tasmania may soon receive its own state-wide DAMA.

• Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria could move toward full-state DAMAs, replacing the current patchwork approach with more consistent coverage.

This would provide greater flexibility for employers in regional areas to sponsor overseas workers under the Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) program.

Political Debate: Labour vs. Liberal on Migration Policy

The conference also featured a lively political debate between Labour and Liberal representatives.

Julian Hill MP, Assistant Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, spoke about rebuilding a coherent migration system after years of inconsistent policies and underinvestment.

Hill confirmed that net overseas migration has fallen by more than 40%, returning to pre-COVID levels, and emphasised the economic importance of international students, who support over 250,000 Australian jobs.

He stated:

“Australia is not facing mass migration — our borders remain tightly controlled.”

Hill also criticised the opposition, saying the Liberals were:

“Both terrified of yet cuddling up to One Nation, calling for ‘massive cuts’ to migration, but never saying how or where that should occur.”

In response, Liberal Senator Paul Scarr, Shadow Minister for Immigration, took a more measured stance.

He argued that:

“Our immigration policy must be in our national interest. But, more than that, the debate in relation to immigration policy must be conducted in a way which is also in our national interest — it must not seek to inflame emotion.”

Scarr called for:

• Greater transparency in the migration program.

• A return to multi-year migration planning (which has not been reintroduced).

• Faster processing times for the new Skills in Demand (SID) 482 visa, which are currently exceeding expectations.

While both sides of politics offered valid points, the ongoing lack of certainty and predictability continues to affect Australian businesses and regional employers struggling with skill shortages — as well as visa applicants themselves seeking confidence in the system.

Where Are the Opportunities for Applicants?

Despite the cuts and backlogs, there are still strong opportunities in key sectors.

Under Ministerial Direction 105, healthcare professionals and teachers are being prioritised for skilled visa processing. 

The federal and state governments are also prioritising construction workers and tradespeople due to the housing crisis. 

For those outside these priority sectors, employer sponsorship or partner visas may be the most practical migration pathways.

Check out our blog “How to find a sponsor”. 

Rising Interest from U.S. Citizens

There has been a noticeable increase in protection visa applications from U.S. citizens between August 2024 and July 2025, according to Department of Home Affairs data.

Work Visa Lawyers has also assisted many U.S. citizens applying for partner visas, reflecting a growing interest in migration pathways to Australia from the United States.

National Innovation Visa Granted – Critical Technology 

The new National Innovation Visa (NIV) continues to show promising results.

In October, Work Visa Lawyers successfully obtained a National Innovation Visa grant for a client working in critical technologies (cyber security).

The processing time was impressively fast, the visa was lodged in August and granted in October, taking just two months.

If you are a global talent or entrepreneur working in high-tech or innovation sectors, you may be eligible for this visa.

You can check your eligibility with our Free NIV Assessment on the Work Visa Lawyers website.

What to Expect Next? 

Australia’s migration landscape is shifting rapidly, with significant cuts to state allocations, extended processing delays, and increasing political debate about migration levels.

While there is uncertainty, opportunities remain strong in healthcare, education, construction, and technology sectors.

At Work Visa Lawyers, we continue to monitor all official updates from the Department of Home Affairs and state and territory governments.

Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook or YouTube for short updates. 

Applying for an Australian Visa

If you want to discuss your specific situation or visa options, please book an appointment with one of our lawyers.

Our experienced team of immigration lawyers and registered migration agents can guide you through your best options.

Contact Work Visa Lawyers today to book a consultation and get personalised advice for your visa pathway.

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In this blog, we bring you the latest updates and key developments in Australian migration for July 2025.

We also invite you to check out our YouTube channel, where we’ve published over 300 videos and have a community of over 67,000 subscribers.

Our goal has always been to provide useful, reliable information for anyone looking to migrate to Australia. If you're considering applying for an Australian visa or seeking permanent residency, our YouTube channel is a valuable resource filled with free content to help guide you through your journey.

You’ll also find videos on specific topics such as:

• How to find an employer sponsor

• How to calculate your migration points

• What visa options are available if you’re over 45 years old

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Visa Grants

This month, we’ve had some exciting visa news and grants to celebrate, including:

• 482 employer-sponsored visas

• 189 permanent residency visa

• Partner visa

• A Global Talent visa grant

• An invitation for the National Innovation visa in the Critical Technologies Sector

New Financial Year

July marks the start of the 2025–2026 financial year, which runs until 30 June 2026.

We’ve also seen a few key changes this month, such as:

• An increase in visa application fees

• A higher minimum salary requirement for employer-sponsored visas

• Updates in Australia–US relations and how they may affect immigration

• Positive changes to the South Australian DAMA, where PR is now available after just 2 years on a 482 visa (previously 3 years)

There’s one big question that everyone is asking: 

Where are the migration numbers and visa allocations for visas like the 189, 190, 491, the National Innovation Visa, and other visas?

As of now, there’s no official timeline or guidance from the Federal Government.

Last year, the allocation was 185,000 places, and the announcement was made on 14 May 2024. However, this year, the allocations still haven’t been released — and without them, the states and territories cannot reopen for new Expressions of Interest (EOIs).

We’re hoping the announcement comes soon — and as always, we’ll keep you updated as soon as we hear more.

While you are waiting, make sure your English results and Skills Assessment have not expired — if they have, we suggest getting new ones. 

DAMA Updates

South Australia DAMA

Applicants holding a 482 visa through the DAMA can now apply for the 186 Permanent Residency after just 2 years — instead of 3 years as previously required.

This is fantastic news and will no doubt increase interest in the SA DAMA program. The DAMA program allows applicants up to 55 years old to get PR in Australia.

There are also concessions on salary, with a 10% reduction to the TSMIT, as well as English and work experience concessions.

The South Australia DAMA was also extended until 30 June 2026.

There are almost 400 occupations, including truck drivers, chefs, winery workers, child care, aged care and disability support workers, hospitality workers, and much more.

We hope the other states make the same change soon.

Please check our detailed video on our YouTube channel explaining the SA DAMA or check our South Australia DAMA page. 

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Top 10 Occupations for DAMA – from Vetassess

Vetassess has released the 10 most common DAMA occupations that apply for skills assessment. The occupations are:

• Truck Driver

• Aged or Disabled Carer

• Retail Supervisor

• Waiter

• Agricultural and Horticultural Mobile Plant Operator

• Fruit Farm Worker

• Barista

• Accounts Clerk

• Café or Restaurant Supervisor

• Forklift Driver

Far North Queensland DAMA

VETASSESS has been confirmed as the Skills Assessing Authority for many DAMA occupations, including:

• Beef Cattle Farm Worker

• Pharmacy Sales Assistant

• Swimming Pool Technician

• Taxi Driver

• And many other occupations

Massive Rise in People from the US Wanting to Move to Australia

An increasing number of Australians are returning home from the US, leaving high-paying tech and science jobs due to job insecurity, burnout, and cuts under Donald Trump’s administration — particularly to DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) and science funding.

At the same time, American professionals — especially in software engineering, data, and product roles — are actively seeking work in Australia, drawn by its lifestyle and more stable work environment.

Recruiters report a 350% increase in US applicants this year, with some candidates willing to accept pay cuts of up to $600,000.

We’ve never had so many people from the US looking to move to Australia — either skilled individuals or Australian citizens partnered with US citizens who are now looking to relocate from the US.

Key reasons for the exodus include:

• Mass layoffs in US tech companies

• Trump-era cuts to DEI and science agencies

• Harsh work culture and fears over AI replacing jobs

• Tougher US immigration policies

If you need assistance to apply for an Australian visa or to discuss your visa options, please book an appointment with one of our lawyer or registered migration agents. 

Rise in the Income Threshold

• The Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) and the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) increased from $73,150 to $76,515. This applies to the 482, 186, and 494 visas.

• The Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT) increased from $135,000 to $141,210, applying to the Specialist Skills stream of the Skills in Demand 482 visa.

• The High-Income Threshold increased from $175,000 to $183,100. 
  This threshold is one of the factors that may be used to assess the applicant's exceptional and outstanding achievements for the National Innovation Visa program.

Visa Fees Increased

Most visa fees increased by around 3%, while the Student Visa fee had a significant increase of 25%, from $1,600 to $2,000. 
 
Appeals fees also increased by approximately 3%.

National Innovation Visa - South Australia State Nomination is open

Registrations of Interest (ROI) for South Australian nomination under the Subclass 858 National Innovation Visa are now open. 
Nomination is available to applicants both in Australia and offshore.

We offer a free National Innovation Visa eligibility assessment to help you find out if you qualify.

Kanye West’s Visa Cancelled

The Department of Home Affairs recently cancelled Kanye West’s Australian visa.

The reason for the cancellation is that the American rapper released a song called Heil Hitler — referencing Hitler and promoting Nazism.

West is currently married to Bianca Censori, an Australian citizen from Melbourne. 
So, the visa is likely to have been a visitor visa, allowing him to visit his wife’s family in Australia.

There are powers to cancel visas under the Migration Act, including s116(1)(e) and s501.

We predicted this might happen to Kanye West — back in 2022 in an article we published in relation to the cancellation of tennis superstar Djokovic’s visa.

If you hold an Australian visa and have social media — be careful what you post on it. 

Climate Change Visa for Tuvalu

Nearly one-third of Tuvalu's population — a country island located in the Pacific Ocean — has applied for a new climate visa to live in Australia, as rising sea levels threaten the island nation.

Under a groundbreaking agreement, Australia is offering 280 visas per year to Tuvalu citizens. Over 3,000 people have already entered the ballot.

Scientists warn Tuvalu may become uninhabitable within 80 years, with two of its nine atolls already mostly submerged.

Those were the main updates in Australian immigration for July 2025.

If you need any assistance in applying for an Australian visa, please book an appointment to discuss your situation. We have been helping individuals and businesses since 2011 to obtain Australian visas, permanent residency, and citizenship.

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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:

• Employer-sponsored 482 visa

•  Employer-sponsored 186 visas

• 494 DAMA visas

• Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) 191 visas

• An adoption visa grant

Three Key Changes Expected from 1 July 2025

1. Visa Fee Increases 
All visa application fees will increase from 1 July. A significant rise is expected for student visas—from $1,600 to $2,000—as previously proposed by the Labor government. We’ll confirm this if officially announced.

2. Higher Salary Requirements for Employer-Sponsored Visas

• The Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) and Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) will rise from $73,150 to $76,515. 

• The Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT) will increase from $135,000 to $141,210. 

These are the minimum salaries that the employer must pay when sponsor someone on a 482, 186 or 494 visas.

3. New Allocations for the 189, 190, and 491 Visas 
The federal government is expected to release updated nomination allocations soon. Once states receive this information, they will publish new criteria and reopen their nomination systems.

For the 189 visa, the most recent 189 visa invitation round was in November 2024. The next round is expected around August or September 2025.

What Else Happened in June 2025?

Increase in 482 Visa Applications and 482 Visa Refusals

There has been a 41% increase in 482 visa applications compared to the previous year, suggesting more opportunities for applicants. However, refusals have also risen. 

A common reason is that the Department finds the nominated position is not genuine—e.g., a small café sponsoring a full-time chef when the need does not appear justified.

We’ll soon post a video on our YouTube channel on how to avoid a 482 visa refusal.

482 Visa Processing Delays

Many applicants have asked about the delays in 482 visa processing. We’ve addressed this in a video available now on our YouTube channel.

Growth in DAMA applications

Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs) continue to gain popularity, offering key benefits for employers and skilled workers in regional areas. These benefits include:

• Access to more occupations (e.g., aged care workers, skilled horticultural workers)

• Concessions on salary and age (up to 55)

• Possible English language concessions

At the recent MIA Regional Migration Conference in Adelaide, it was reported that South Australian DAMA lodgements increased from 600 to 1,700 in the past year.

190 and 491 Visa Updates

The following states and territories are currently closed to new EOIs:

• South Australia

• Queensland

• Northern Territory

• Victoria

• New South Wales – already reached its quota for 2024–2025

• Tasmania – 90% of places used; closing soon

• Western Australia and ACT – expected to close in the coming weeks

Once the government releases the 2025–2026 allocations, states will update their criteria and reopen—typically between July and October.

While waiting, consider completing your skills assessment and improving your English test scores to maximise your points.

National Innovation Visa (NIV) Updates

The NIV (subclass 858) is a permanent residency visa for internationally recognised individuals with exceptional talent.

South Australia and New South Wales have published their state nomination criteria for the National Innovation Visa.

South Australia Criteria National Innovation Visa

South Australia (SA) is the first state to open for the NIV process. 

Key highlights:

• Evidence of current employment in SA or a job offer

• Option to include a support letter from a South Australian Government agency

• SA has a Registration of Interest system (ROI). If the application progresses, the applicant will be contacted by South Australia. Their assessment process will include a panel interview of candidates.

• Not eligible if your investment involves cafes, restaurants, consulting firms, franchises, or buying existing businesses

Having connections to South Australia is a clear advantage.

New South Wales (NSW) Criteria

NSW has strong requirements that focus on benefits to the state:

• Entrepreneur Pathway: NSW wants an “innovative and scalable venture with high growth potential in NSW”

• Investor Pathway: NSW wants "Innovative ventures, contributing to their success and the growth of the innovative ecosystem in NSW"

• NSW will have a seven-stage EOI process, including independent expert endorsement at stage 4

Thinking about to apply for the National Innovation Visa? Check your eligibility with our FREE NIV assessment.

Those are the key updates from June 2025. We’re expecting even more changes and announcements as the new financial year begins.

We understand this period can be overwhelming—especially if policy changes affect your migration pathway. If you need guidance, our team is here to help.

Book a consultation with one of our registered migration agents or immigration lawyers to discuss your options.

Sources: 

https://www.migration.sa.gov.au/news-events/national-innovation-visa-nominations-open-high-performing-individuals

https://www.migration.sa.gov.au/news-events/update-registration-interest-onshore-applications-2024-2025

https://liveinmelbourne.vic.gov.au/news-events/news/2025/update-victorias-skilled-visa-nomination-program-2024-25-has-closed-to-new-roi

https://migration.qld.gov.au/visa-options/skilled-visas

https://www.migration.tas.gov.au/skilled_migration

https://www.nsw.gov.au/visas-and-migration/skilled-visas

https://theterritory.com.au/migrate/migrate-to-work/northern-territory-government-visa-nomination

https://migration.wa.gov.au/

https://www.act.gov.au/migration/home