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

If you’re considering migrating to Australia as a skilled worker, one of the most common questions is: Should I apply for the Temporary Core Skills 482 Visa or go straight for the 186 Direct Entry Permanent Residency Visa?

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.

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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:

1. 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.

2. Skills Assessment often not required (unless you're a tradesperson or applying for certain administrative roles).

3. Have at least 1 year of work experience in the last 5 years.

4. Lower English requirement – IELTS 5.0 or PTE 36

5. 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).

186 Direct Entry Visa – Permanent Residency Visa

The 186 Visa (Direct Entry stream) grants permanent residency from the day it is approved.

186 Direct Entry Visa Requirements: 

1. Occupation on the Core Skills Occupation List – This is the same occupation list used for the 482 visa.

2. Full Skills Assessment by the relevant assessing authority.

3. At least 3 years of full-time, post-qualification work experience.

4. Competent English – IELTS 6.0 or PTE 50.

5. Under 45 years of age – with limited exemptions available.

If you’re a recent graduate, or your work history is informal and you don’t have solid references, you might not meet these requirements yet.

Side-by-Side Comparison – 482 Visa vs 186 Visa

Transitioning from Temporary 482 Visa to 186 Permanent Residency 

If you begin on a 482 visa, you can later transition to permanent residency through the 186 Visa Temporary Residence Transition Stream.

To do this, you’ll need:

• At least 2 years of full-time work on a 482 Visa

• 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)

• May allow for lower English levels

Which Visa Is Right for You? 482 or 186 Visa? 

If you:

• Have a positive skills assessment

• Have 3+ years of experience

• Are under 45

Then the 186 Direct Entry is likely the best option for you.

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:

• Assess your eligibility

• Understand your visa options

• Prepare a tailored visa strategy

Contact us or book an appointment to discuss your situation. 

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Sources: 

482 Visa Core Skills Stream: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/skills-in-demand-visa-subclass-482/core-skills-stream

186 Visa Direct Entry: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/employer-nomination-scheme-186/direct-entry-stream

186 Visa Temporary Residence Transition Stream: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/employer-nomination-scheme-186/temporary-residence-transition-stream

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

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

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

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Which type of 482 Visa have you applied for? 

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

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

Processing times for old TSS 482 Visa applications are longer

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

• 50% processed in 5 months

• 90% processed in 9 months

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

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

Core Skills Stream

• 50% processed in 51 days

• 90% processed in 3 months

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

Specialist Skills Stream

• 50% processed in 8 days

• 90% processed in 67 days

482 Visa priority processing times

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

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

 
Priority 2: Visas related to healthcare or teaching occupations

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

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

 
Priority 5: All other visa applications

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

Accredited sponsors

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

Long processing times may lead to refusals

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

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

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

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

Contact us if you need any assistance. 

Book an Appointment

Sources

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

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

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

• What is expected from the Australian Federal Election results?

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

• When will the next 189 invitation round happen?

• Increase in Student and Training Visa refusals

• Minimum salary for sponsorship increasing

• Visa application fees increasing

• 188 Business Visa extension

• Visa processing times

Visa Grants and Invitations

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

Visa grants:

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

• 186 visas granted under both Transition Pathway and Direct Entry

• DAMA visa issued in agriculture for a Production Horticulturist

• 408 Temporary Activity visas granted for entertainment industry applicants

• Global Talent visa grant

South Australian state nominations:

• Registered Nurse – 65 points, 491 visa

• ICT Customer Support Officer – 75 points, 190 visa

• Chef in regional SA – 70 points, 491 visa

Federal Election: What Does It Mean for Immigration?

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

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

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

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

Next 189 Invitation Round

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

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

190 and 491 Visa Updates

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

Victoria: Closed

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

Tasmania: Partially closed

491 Overseas (Job Offer) pathway: Closed

190 Health Sector pathway: Open

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

New South Wales: Partially closed

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

Other 190 and 491 pathways remain open

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

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

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

Minimum Salary for Sponsorship Increasing

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

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

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

Visa Application Fees Increasing

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

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

Student and 407 Visa Refusals Increasing

Student Visa Refusals:

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

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

Check our Genuine Student page for more information.

Training Visa Refusals: 

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

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

Refusals may be due to:

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

• No clear training plan

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

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

188 Visa Extension

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

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

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

• You’ll need strong evidence of business activity

• You’ll also need state sponsorship

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

Visa Processing Times

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

Do you need help with you visa application?

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