Australian Immigration Law updates

Major immigration changes have taken effect on 1 July 2025, reshaping Australia’s visa landscape. In this Insights article, Tanja Djokic of TD Migration Consulting discusses the changes on skilled migration, family reunification, and student visa regulations.

The July 2025 immigration changes in Australia introduce significant updates to skilled visas, family reunification, and student regulations. These changes address Australia’s evolving economic needs and streamline the immigration process.

Increase in Visa Application fees

From 1 July 2025, most Australian visa charges increased by approximately 3%, in line with the Australian Government’s annual indexation policy. Student Visa fees have increased by 25%, now priced at $2,000 per application.

Additionally, citizenship application fees, Administrative Review Tribunal (AAT) fees, and Federal Court filing fees have also been increased to reflect CPI movements.

Revised Skilled Visa Income Thresholds

Key income thresholds tied to skilled migration and employer sponsorship have also been adjusted to reflect economic benchmarks and ensure that skilled workers are compensated fairly in line with current wage standards across the country. The new thresholds are:

• Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT): $76,515
• Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT): $141,210
• Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT): $76,515
• Fair Work High Income Threshold (FWHIT): $183,100

These updated thresholds are crucial for employers when determining eligibility, sponsorship obligations, and salary packages for current and prospective visa holders.

Planning Levels Reset

The Department has released new Migration Program planning levels for 2025–26. While specifics vary by visa stream, the focus remains on skilled migration, state and territory nominated visas, and global talent attraction. The overall planning level for the permanent Migration Program in 2025-26 remains at 185,000 places. 

From 2025–26, the Migration Program will move to a multi-year planning model, extending the Program planning horizon to four years from the current twelve-month cycle, to enable migration planning to better align with longer-term infrastructure, housing and services planning across all levels of government.

National Innovation Visa program

Australia’s National Innovation (subclass 858) visa is a new permanent residency program launched in December 2024 which replaced the Global Talent (subclass 858) visa and Business Innovation (subclasses 188/888) visas.

New South Wales (NSW) government has announced the opening of their National Innovation Visa nomination program who will be nominating candidates that can demonstrate outstanding global achievements and a strong connection to New South Wales.

South Australia has also opened Registrations of Interest (ROI) for the National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858). This opens a valuable opportunity for entrepreneurs, researchers, and investors to apply for PR.

Looking Ahead: 2025–2026 Migration Strategy

Looking ahead, further changes remain anticipated as part of the Migration Strategy 2025-26, although no formal legislative instruments have yet been released.

Top 5 upcoming changes are summaries below:

1. Partner visa processing is expected to shift towards a single-stage model that combines temporary and permanent assessments into one streamlined application process, to reduce time and financial burdens for couples.
   
   
2. There will be upcoming changes to international student work rights and financial capacity requirements to ensure students can adequately support themselves during their studies. Department of Home Affairs will also launch a “Graduate to Permanent” program in 2025, which will allow high-achieving graduates in priority sectors to apply for permanent residency directly after completing their studies.
   
   
3. The Australian government will introduce a revamped points-based system for skilled visas. This system will emphasise work experience and Australian qualifications. Applicants with at least 5 years of relevant work experience will receive 20 points (up from 15 previously) and those with Australian qualifications will get an additional 5 points, recognising the value of domestic education.
   
   
4. The government will strongly encourage skilled migrants to settle in regional areas. It will increase visa quotas for regional areas as well as offer faster pathways to permanent residency for those who commit to living and working outside major cities.
   
   
5. The Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) will merge into a single Occupation Shortage List (OSL). This new list will respond more effectively to Australia’s evolving economic needs. According to the Department of Home Affairs, the OSL will include over 450 occupations, with a particular focus on healthcare, technology, and trades. 

The above changes represent a significant shift in Australia’s approach to skilled migration. They offer new opportunities for prospective migrants while addressing the country’s evolving economic needs. Applicants must reassess their eligibility and consider how these updates might impact their migration plans.

TD Migration Consulting is committed to keeping you informed about crucial immigration-law developments and their potential effects on your immigration journey. 

Disclaimer: The statements, analyses, opinions and conclusions in Legalwise Insights are those of the respective authors and not of Legalwise Seminars Pty Ltd which acts only in the capacity as editorial co- ordinator of the content in Legalwise Insights. No part of any article can be regarded as legal or financial advice. Although all care has been taken in the preparation of all articles, readers must not alter their position or refrain from doing so in reliance on any information contained therein. Neither the respective authors nor Legalwise Seminars Pty Ltd accept or undertake any duty of care relating to any part of Legalwise Insights

Liability limited by a scheme approved under the Professional Standards Legislation.