Major Australian Immigration Changes from 1 July 2025

Skilled Migration Reform

• Skilled visa quota raised to 142,400 places (71% of total migration intake).

• The Occupation Shortage List (OSL) replaces the SOL, updated quarterly and state-specific.

• Regional incentives: Up to 15 additional points for regional study/work (previously 10).

• Priority sectors: Cybersecurity, data analysis, engineering, and healthcare.

• Subclasses 189, 190, 491, and 494 remain in place with improved pathways.

Family Visa Changes

• Partner visas move to a single-stage process, reducing delays. Stronger documentation required (financial, social, testimonial).

• Parent visa quota to increase by 30%. New 3-year and 5-year temporary options with PR pathways.

• Dependent child visa: Age limit increased from 18 to 21, with financial dependency requirements (study/disability).

Student & Graduate Visa Updates

• Extended post-study work rights:

Bachelor’s: up to 2 years

Master’s: up to 5 years

PhD: up to 6 years

• New graduate PR pathway: Points-based system factoring study duration, regional study/work, qualification, and experience.

• English language updates: Industry/course-specific benchmarks. Accepted tests now include IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, OET.

• Graduate visa (485) streamlined into 3 streams:

Post-vocational education work

Post-higher education work

Second post-higher education workAge limit raised to 35 (50 for PhDs).

Visa Application Fee Increases (Effective 1 July 2025)

Visa Type	Old Fee	New Fee	Increase
Student (Subclass 500)	$1,600	$2,000	+25%
Skilled (189/190/491)	$4,765	$4,910	+3%
Employer-Sponsored (482)	$3,115	$3,210	+3%
Partner (820/801)	$9,095	$9,365	+3%
Graduate (485)	$2,235	$2,300	+3%
Working Holiday	$650	$670	+3%

Note: New fees apply to all applications submitted on or after 1 July 2025.

New Visas & Ballot System

• Skill in Demand (SID) Visa replaces Subclass 482:

  • Core Skills Stream (min $73,150 salary)

  • Specialist Skills Stream (min $135,000)

  • Labour Agreement Stream

• Global Talent Visa rebranded as National Innovation Visa, targeting elite talent, researchers, and investors.

• Visa ballot system expanded to:

  • Work & Holiday visas (now includes China, India, Vietnam)

  • MATES scheme: 3,000 temporary visas for Indian STEM graduates

  • Pacific Engagement Visa: 3,000 PR visas for Pacific nations