As Parliament prepares for its final sittings of the year, two important bills Migration Amendment (Strengthening Sponsorship and Nomination Processes) Bill 2024 and Administrative Review Tribunal and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 are set to be discussed and possibly voted on during the upcoming sessions. The Parliamentary Sitting Periods for the remainder of the year are scheduled as follows: from 27 October to 6 November 2025, and again from 24 to 27 November 2025, before Parliament rises for the year. Migration Amendment (Strengthening Sponsorship and Nomination Processes) Bill 2024 This bill focuses on updating the Subclass 482 Skills in Demand (SID) visa program. Key changes include: Administrative Review Tribunal and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 This bill has drawn significant attention, particularly in relation to student visa refusals. It proposes that applicants whose student visas are denied will only be able to have their refusal reviewed “on the papers.” Additionally, this may set a precedent for similar changes to other temporary visa applications in the future. Click here: Submissions received by the Committee
The Migration Amendment (Strengthening Sponsorship and Nomination Processes) Bill 2024 introduces significant changes to the Subclass 482 Skills in Demand (SID) visa program, with updates to income thresholds and an extended validity period for labour market testing (LMT). The Bill’s progress has seen support from both the Senate and the Government, ensuring its continued movement through Parliament. The Migration Amendment (Strengthening Sponsorship and Nomination Processes) Bill 2024 was initially introduced to Parliament last year and aims to bring important adjustments to the Subclass 482 Skills in Demand (SID) visa program. The key provisions of the Bill include: The Bill, which was first introduced in Parliament in 2024, lapsed at the end of the parliamentary session in July 2025. However, on 2 September 2024, the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee released a report recommending that the Senate pass the Bill, with some additional amendments and suggestions. The Government responded positively, agreeing with the Committee’s recommendation, and provided an official response to the Senate, which was tabled on 20 October 2025. Members are encouraged to visit the Australian Parliament House (APH) website for further details on the tabled documents. As the Bill continues through the legislative process, further updates will be shared as they become available. Click here- Migration Amendment (Strengthening Sponsorship and Nomination Processes) Bill 2024 Australian Government response to the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee Report: Migration Amendment (Strengthening Sponsorship and Nomination Processes) Bill 2024
The Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA) has shared an important update from the Department of Home Affairs regarding the VEVO Helpdesk. As of 16 October 2025, the contact details for the VEVO Helpdesk have changed. The complete OMARA communication can be accessed below: The contact details for the VEVO Helpdesk have changed. The previous email address vevo.helpdesk@homeaffairs.gov.au is no longer in use. We encourage industry users to contact us via our online enquiry forms, as this allows us to receive all relevant information to quickly and effectively address your enquiry. You will also be provided a reference number for acknowledgment of receipt. Please use the VEVO web form for your enquiry: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/departmental-forms/online-forms/vevo-enquiry-form . If your enquiry is urgent, please include the word ‘urgent’ in the details field. Response times We have recently transitioned to a new enquiry management system to improve service delivery. This has resulted in some temporary delays in the processing of enquiries which we are working to remediate. We aim to respond to your enquiry within 5 business days. Please do not submit multiple forms for the same enquiry within this timeframe as this can delay processing of the original enquiry.
On Thursday, 16 October 2025, the Department of Home Affairs hosted an information session for members on the Subclass 858 National Innovation Visa (NIV). The session provided updates on program priorities, invitation processing, and recent statistics on Expressions of Interest (EOIs). Program Overview: Feature Details Visa Name National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858) Program Type Invitation-only Target Group High-calibre, exceptional talent applicants Assessment Basis Indicators of exceptional and outstanding achievement and alignment with Ministerial Direction 112 (MD 112) Program Goal To attract individuals contributing to Australia’s innovation and priority sectors Program Statistics Metric Count EOIs submitted 9,000+ Invitations issued 304 Visas granted ~85 Candidates are invited according to the following: Information on the number of invitations issued is available on the Department’s website and is updated quarterly. Information on issued invitations is available on the Department’s website and is updated quarterly. Once an EOI is submitted, it cannot be edited or withdrawn. If an applicant’s situation changes to strengthen their case, a new EOI must be lodged with updated details. Key Takeaways: Click here: Department of Home Affairs- National Innovation Visa
The Hon Minister Giles MP, Minister for Skills and Training, has approved the Institution of Surveyors New South Wales (ISNSW) as the new assessing authority for the Surveyor occupation (ANZSCO 232212). This appointment ensures continuity in the assessment process for skilled migration in the Surveyor occupation. Key Considerations: Click here: Department of Employment and Workplace Relations
The annual Occupation Shortage List (OSL) from Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) highlights areas of high demand in the national and regional workforce. For 2025, the OSL is published in both OSCA 2024 and ANZSCO 2022 formats. Alongside the OSL, JSA has provided supporting insights through reports including: Key Highlights Regional Impacts Regional areas face greater pressure than cities, with 21 occupations in shortage only outside capital cities. This shows the need for targeted support to strengthen workforce supply in these regions. Click here: Occupation Shortage List and Occupation Shortages Reports
The Australian Immi App is now available in additional countries, making visa applications faster and more convenient for eligible applicants. This expansion helps streamline the process of submitting passport details and facial images digitally. As of 30 September 2025, the Australian Immi App is accessible to users in South Africa, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, and the Solomon Islands. The app provides a faster, cheaper, and more convenient way for eligible applicants to provide their passport details and facial image during the visa application process. Click here: Australian Immi App
As states and territories await final allocations from the Australian Government, several have already opened or updated their skilled migration programs for the 2025–26 program year. Below is a summary of key changes and announcements from NSW, Tasmania and the ACT. NSW The NSW Government will largely continue with the program settings from last year, introducing only a few minor changes to improve the application process. Key Change Details Updated Skills Lists NSW and Regional NSW skills lists have been revised to better match current labour market needs. TSMIT/CSIT Definition Formal definitions for Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) and Comparable Salary Income Threshold (CSIT) have been added. Study in Regional NSW Exceptions introduced for applicants delayed entering Australia due to student visa processing delays (Pathway 3 – Direct Application). Nomination Fees Fees for subclass 491 and subclass 190 nominations increased to $363, reflecting CPI adjustments. Invitation Rounds Invitations issued every 2–3 weeks until NSW allocation is fully utilised. Tasmania – Program Opened on 6 October 2025 Tasmania’s Skilled Migration State Nomination Program is now open for the 2025–26 program year. In anticipation of final allocations, Migration Tasmania has introduced several updates to improve accessibility, transparency, and candidate outcomes. Key Changes to the 2025-26 Program: Key Change Details Website Update New website design makes it easier to navigate and find information. Minimum Eligibility Criteria Criteria have been updated and clarified for greater transparency. Priority Attributes Revised priority attributes to better target skilled candidates. ROI Ranking System Updated Registration of Interest (ROI) ranking system to improve fairness and selection accuracy. Income Thresholds Adjusted to reflect current Australian median and average earnings, as well as Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT). Policy Guidance Simplified and clearer detailed policy guidance available on the Migration Tasmania website. Nomination Service Fee Increased to $370 ($407 including GST). Registration of Interest submission remains free. Upcoming Online Webinar Migration Tasmania invites you to join a live webinar to walk through the 2025-26 program changes. Date & Time: Tuesday, 14 October 2025 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM AEST Webinar Topics Include: Click here to register for the webinar. ACT Skilled Migration Program: Interim Invitation Round Completed On 15 September 2025, the ACT Government held an invitation round based on an interim allocation of 165 places (85 for subclass 190 and 80 for subclass 491) provided by the Australian Government. Key Updates to the 2025-26 ACT Skilled Migration Program: Update Details ACT Nominated Migration Occupation List The Critical Skills List has been renamed and reduced from 152 to 105 ANZSCO 4-digit occupations. PhD Applicants Invitations for PhD applicants will now be issued only during invitation rounds, not every seven business days. Priority processing remains. Subclass 457/482 Pathway Applicants must have at least six months’ employment with their sponsoring employer on an employer-sponsored visa. Subclass 491 and 190 Invitations Invitations for subclass 491 will be issued before subclass 190 invitations, which may affect invitation chances. Nomination Guidelines Minor clarifications and process improvements have been made based on stakeholder feedback. Processing and Allocation Applications in the queue will continue to be assessed. Nominations will be issued once the final allocation is confirmed. Tentative invitation round dates will be published thereafter. Click here: NSW- NSW Skilled Migration Program Tasmania- 2025-26 Tasmanian Skilled Migration State Nomination Program ACT- ACT Nominated Migration Program Occupation List – October 2025
The Australian Government has introduced the Education Legislation Amendment (Integrity and Other Measures) Bill 2025, aimed at strengthening the quality, integrity, and sustainability of the education sector. A key focus of the Bill is to enhance equity and access in higher education, particularly for First Nations peoples. Amendments to the ESOS Act 2000 The Bill amends the ESOS Act 2000 to strengthen provider registration requirements, increase transparency around education agent commissions, and expand the powers of the Minister and regulatory agencies to manage providers and courses. It introduces clearer rules for course delivery, allows for the automatic suspension or cancellation of non-compliant providers, and enhances review and appeal processes. These changes aim to improve the integrity of international education and address issues identified in the Nixon Review and the Government’s Migration Strategy. Click here: Education Legislation Amendment (Integrity and Other Measures) Bill 2025
The Australian Government has introduced the Migration (Disclosure of Information to Prescribed International Organisations) Instrument 2025, which officially repeals and replaces IMMI 16/068. This legislative update provides clarity on the disclosure of identifying information by authorised officers under regulation 5.34E of the Migration Regulations 1994. Key Changes: This update aligns the Migration Regulations with the current structure of international judicial bodies and ensures that Australia’s legislative framework remains contemporary and relevant. Click here: LIN 25/076-Migration (Disclosure of Information to Prescribed International Organisations) Instrument 2025