The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) conducted its latest skilled migration invitation round on 30 May 2025, issuing a total of 187 nomination invitations under subclass 190 and subclass 491 visas. In this round, ACT issued 183 subclass 190 nominations and 4 subclass 491 nominations across various applicant groups. The majority of sc190 invitations were granted to Critical Skill Occupations and visa holders currently residing in Canberra. The invitation scores and quotas give insight into current ACT migration priorities as the 2024/25 program year nears its capacity. Breakdown of nominations from the 30 May 2025 round: Canberra Residents Overseas Applicants Remaining ACT Nomination Places for 2024/25: Click here: ACT Government – Nomination Invitation Rounds Download a copy of the Matrix invitation ranking
Sydney, June 2025 — The NSW Government has announced key details regarding its nomination criteria for the upcoming National Innovation Visa (NIV) program, scheduled to open for Expressions of Interest (EOIs) in early July 2025. Read more- The state will nominate candidates under five targeted pathways, aligning with the talent domains specified in Ministerial Direction No. 112. These include: The nomination process will be EOI-led and merit-based, designed to support individuals with exceptional achievements and global impact. NSW will assess applicants based on their track record of innovation, influence, and contribution to their field. Key Features of the NSW Nomination Approach: Further details are outlined in the official Fact Sheet and Program Presentation slides. The NSW Government also provided broader updates on: For detailed program guidance and documentation, applicants and stakeholders are encouraged to consult the official materials. Enquiries can be directed to the NSW Skilled and Business Migration team via niv@investment.nsw.gov.au Click Here: NSW-State-Migration-plan NSW Criteria for National Innovation Visa Fact Sheet Business and Skilled Migration NSW slides
NSW has reached its nomination allocation for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) for the 2024–25 program year. The NSW Government has confirmed that it has reached its full allocation for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) for the 2024–25 program year. As a result, no further invitations will be issued under this subclass until a new allocation is provided by the Australian Government at the beginning of the 2025–26 program year. What’s Changing? Stay InformedMonitor the NSW Government skilled migration page for the latest updates on nomination availability and criteria. Click here- NSW official Website
The Australian Government will raise income thresholds for skilled visa applications by 4.6% starting 1 July 2025. This includes updates to the CSIT, TSMIT, and SSIT figures. From 1 July 2025, the skilled visa income thresholds will be updated in line with annual indexation {Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE)}. These changes impact income eligibility requirements for employer-sponsored and skilled migration programs, ensuring wage settings reflect current economic conditions and workforce needs. What’s Changing?Effective from 1 July 2025: Impact on Labour Market Testing (LMT)Under the current legislative requirements: How to Prepare✔ Ensure all new LMT advertisements reflect the updated income thresholds if the nomination will be submitted from 1 July 2025 onward.✔ Review your organisation’s pay offerings to ensure compliance with the new CSIT, TSMIT, and SSIT levels.✔ Consider adjusting advertising and recruitment timelines to avoid processing delays. Why It MattersThese changes help maintain the integrity of Australia’s skilled visa programs by ensuring that migrant workers are paid appropriately and fairly, relative to Australian market conditions. Click here: Annual indexation of skilled visa income thresholds from 1 July 2025
Final applications under review; offshore EOIs remain open for nomination. South Australia has announced the closure of skilled migration Registration of Interest (ROI) applications for onshore applicants for the 2024–2025 program year. South Australia has officially closed skilled migration Registration of Interest (ROI) applications for onshore applicants for the 2024–2025 program year. Next Steps for Applicants- – If you are invited, submit your nomination application promptly. – If not invited this year, you may resubmit an ROI in the 2025–26 program. Click here – South Australia Skilled Migration Website
Instrument LIN 25/027 introduces major updates for international students applying under the Student Visa (Subclass 500). The Migration (English Language Tests and Evidence Exemptions for Subclass 500 (Student) Visa) Amendment (Pathway Programs) Instrument 2025 (LIN 25/027) officially amends the existing English language testing rules and eligible course listings under the Migration Regulations 1994. This legislative update supports transparency and offers more accessible education pathways for aspiring international students, reinforcing Australia’s reputation as a premier study destination. Click here – Federal Register of Legislation – LIN 25/027
The Department of Home Affairs is strengthening security for ImmiAccount by introducing Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), aligning with the Australian Government’s cyber security standards.From 18 June 2025, Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) will be mandatory for all ImmiAccount users. This new login requirement provides stronger protection of sensitive visa and immigration data by adding an extra layer of security. Learn what steps you and your clients should take to prepare. What’s Changing? From 18 June 2025, all users – new and existing – must set up MFA to access or make changes to their ImmiAccount. MFA will: How to Prepare To ensure a smooth transition for you and your clients:✔ Download an authenticator app (e.g. Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator) on your mobile device or computer.✔ Log in and verify your email address, especially if you haven’t accessed ImmiAccount in the past 6 months. Step-by-step instructions will be available in ImmiAccount starting 18 June 2025. Why MFA? MFA adds an essential layer of protection to your account beyond your password, helping secure sensitive visa and immigration data. Click here: Multi-factor Authentication for ImmiAccount
Ensure both visa subclasses are listed to avoid communication delays. The Department has issued updated guidance regarding how Registered Migration Agents (RMAs) and legal practitioners should notify them of appointments related to Partner visa applications. This clarification is intended to prevent delays in communication and visa processing. Both visa subclasses must be clearly identified on Form 956. In most cases, Partner visa applications are lodged as a combined package — either: To ensure correct correspondence, both visa subclasses must be clearly stated when notifying the Department of your appointment. This applies whether you are acting as the client’s representative or simply as an authorised recipient. For example, if appointed to assist with both subclass 820 and 801 applications, both subclasses must be explicitly listed at question 15 of Form 956. Important Notes: While written notification is accepted, Form 956 is strongly preferred for consistency. For new Partner visa applications, ensure both subclasses are listed from the outset. For existing applications, agents are asked to: Review the most recent Form 956 submitted, and Upload an updated form via ImmiAccount if any subclass was omitted. Failure to list both subclasses may result in communication being limited to only the subclass mentioned, causing unnecessary processing delays.
No need to reapply if you already hold a valid AITSL assessment. In December 2024, the designated skills assessing authority for Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teachers (ANZSCO 241111) officially changed from AITSL to ACECQA and now the Department has confirmed that existing AITSL assessments remain valid until their expiry date. The Department has confirmed that, for the purposes of the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program — including subclasses 189, 190, and 491 — existing positive skills assessments issued by AITSL will remain valid until their expiry date. There is no need for applicants to obtain a new assessment from ACECQA if their current AITSL assessment is still valid. When lodging an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect, candidates can nominate either AITSL or ACECQA as the assessing authority, depending on which one issued their assessment. The same policy applies to subclass 186 Direct Entry (DE) visa applications. A positive AITSL assessment may be accepted if: This update provides clarity and reassurance for early childhood teachers pursuing permanent or provisional migration pathways.
(TRA simplifies processing for skilled migrants navigating the Job Ready Program.) As of 16 May 2025, Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) has introduced updated time estimates for each stage of the Job Ready Program (JRP), making it easier for migrants and agents to plan ahead with confidence. Read More- The revised processing benchmarks include: (If you can’t attend the scheduled date, be sure to contact the RTO directly to make changes.) These changes aim to streamline the pathway to skilled employment, helping applicants move through the process more efficiently. Click here – TRA website