Australian Migration Year coincides with the Financial Year. In June, several major updates have already been announced for the new financial year and the new migration year starting 1 July.

In this Blog, we will cover the following:

1. Increase in visa fees
2. Increase in minimum salary for Employer-sponsored visa applicants
3. Increase in 482 visa applications and visa refusals
4. Higher security for Immi Account
5. Growth in DAMA applications.
6. Closure of skilled migration program
7. ASQA cancelling thousands of qualifications
8. First Australian University opens its campus in India
9. National Innovation Visa (NIV) – South Australia and New South Wales open for nominations.

Two 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. 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.

4. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for Immi Account

The Department of Home Affairs has introduced a higher security for Immi Account by adding Multi-Factor Authentication. This is an additional layer of security just like one you have for a           gmail account. The only difference is that you will need to have a google or Microsoft authenticator for you desktop or pc. This is a mandatory requirement which means that you are bound to         follow. From 19 June onwards, you will not be able to open an existing ImmiAccount or create a new one without MFA. For more details, please visit: Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) for             ImmiAccount

5. 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.

6. Closure of skilled migration program

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.

7. ASQA cancelling thousands of qualifications

Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) has cancelled nearly 21,000 qualifications in Aged Care, Child Care and First Aid due to the low standard of teaching and assessment by some                  educational institutions. ASQA has issued an Notice of Intention to Cancel those qualifications to students of these institutions. You can read more about it here: Australian Skills Quality                   Authority (ASQA)

8. First Australian University opens its campus in India

The University of Western Australia (UWA) is officially expanding to India with its first-ever international campuses set to open in Mumbai and Chennai. This move makes UWA the        first of Australia’s Group of Eight universities to establish a physical presence in India.

The campuses will offer undergraduate and master’s programs focused on STEM, business, and commerce, all aligned with India’s growing innovation economy. Admissions are expected      to begin by December 2026, following the University Grants Commission’s approval and issuance of Letters of Intent.

UWA’s decision is part of a broader push to deepen educational and economic ties between India and Western Australia. Plus, students at UWA India will have the option to transfer to the          Perth campus, promoting global academic exchange.

9. National Innovation Visa (NIV) Updates

NIV – National Innovation Visa (subclass 858)

This is a permanent visa designed for exceptionally talented individuals—think global researchers, entrepreneurs, creatives, and innovators. It’s invitation-only and targets people                who can make a significant contribution to Australia’s future prosperity.

Key features:

• No age or occupation restrictions
• No minimum investment required
• Direct pathway to permanent residency
• Must be nominated by an Australian citizen or organization in your field

It’s perfect for high-achievers with international recognition in areas like science, tech, arts, or business.

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