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From 7 August 2025, the Migration (English Language Tests and Evidence Exemptions for Subclass 500 (Student) Visas) Instrument 2025 (LIN 25/090) updates the approved English language test providers and required test scores for Student visa (Subclass 500) applicants. This replaces the 2024 instrument (LIN 24/022). The new instrument LIN 25/090 repeals and replaces LIN 24/022, introducing updated English language requirements for Subclass 500 visa applicants. The table outlines the test providers and score requirements under the new instrument (LIN 25/090).

The Department of Home Affairs has confirmed that it is updating procedural instructions for onshore contributory aged parent visas (Subclass 864 & 884) and onshore aged parent visas (Subclass 804). The changes clarify that secondary applicants must also be aged at the time of application to take the place of primary applicant. Read more: On 1 July 2024, migration agents were notified that previous procedural instructions for Subclass 864, 884 and 804 visas had incorrectly interpreted Schedule 2 requirements. The Department confirmed that a secondary applicant must be ‘aged’ at the time of application to satisfy Schedule 2 criteria in order to replace the primary applicant. At that time, processing of affected applications was paused while long-term solutions were considered. The Department has now advised that: Withdraw and lodge a new application that meets current criteria, without losing their queue place. Under the exception provisions, for small number of applications affected due to this, the Department is prepared to backdate the queue date on a case-by-case basis.

On 7 August 2025, four updated migration instruments introduced new English language test providers and made adjustments to existing test names and requirements. These changes reflect new Deeds of Agreement between the Department of Home Affairs and test providers. New English Test Providers Added: The following providers are now formally recognised across the updated instruments: Terminology Updates: These changes have been applied consistently to ensure clarity and alignment with international testing standards. Application Click here: LIN 25/014 – Migration (Evidence of Functional English Language Proficiency) Instrument 2025 LIN 25/016 – Migration (Specification of Language Tests, Test Scores and Passports) Instrument 2025 LIN 25/089 – Migration (English Language Requirements for Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate) Visas) Instrument 2025 LIN 25/090 – Migration (English Language Tests and Evidence Exemptions for Subclass 500 (Student) Visas) Instrument 2025

The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2) has introduced the General Federal Law Rules 2025, which replace the 2021 Rules and will apply to all general federal law proceedings, including migration matters, from 1 September 2025. These Rules replace the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2) (General Federal Law) Rules 2021 (GFL Rules 2021) and will come into effect on 1 September 2025. Part 25 of Chapter 3 of the 2025 Rules governs special classes of proceedings, including migration proceedings. While most provisions in this Part mirror those in the GFL Rules 2021, several new rules have been introduced without direct equivalents in the previous version: In addition, Schedule 2 of the Rules addresses costs. Part 3 of the Schedule is divided into two divisions: These provisions largely reflect Divisions 1 and 2 of Part 2 of Schedule 2 of the GFL Rules 2021. Link:  Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2) (General Federal Law) Rules 2025

Registrations are open for the Pacific Engagement stream visa (PEV) ballot, allowing eligible Pacific and Timor-Leste nationals to apply for Australian permanent residency under the 2025–26 program. Registrations for the Pacific Engagement stream visa (PEV) ballot opened on 28 July 2025 and will close on 25 August 2025. This visa provides an opportunity for citizens of eligible Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste to live and work in Australia. For the 2025–26 program year, there are 3,000 places available for eligible citizens of the following countries: Click here- Pacific Engagement Visa – Department of Home Affairs

The current medical provider for migration health exams in Alice Springs is no longer operating under contract with BUPA. A replacement is being sought, but no interim arrangements have been announced. BUPA’s contract with the current clinic providing migration health examinations in Alice Springs has ended and will not be renewed. BUPA has advised that they are actively seeking a new medical provider to deliver these services. However, no timeframe has been provided for when a replacement provider will be in place. The Department of Home Affairs has confirmed this information and stated that it will continue to prioritise the engagement of another clinic in Alice Springs. However, no alternative interim arrangements have been specified at this stage.

Applicants interested in NSW nomination for the Subclass 858 NIV can now submit their ROI online. Registrations of Interest (ROI) are now open for NSW Government nomination for the Subclass 858 National Innovation Visa (NIV) – a permanent visa pathway for individuals with exceptional talent and achievement in their field. Key Points to Remember: Useful Resources: Click here- NSW National Innovation Visa – Nomination and Application Information

Applicants invited to participate in the 2025 Virtus World Athletics Championships can apply for specific visas with a nil visa application charge (VAC) under a newly issued migration instrument. The Migration (Class of Persons for Nil VAC—2025 Virtus World Athletics Championships) Instrument 2025 (LIN 25/092) allows certain applicants for the Visitor visa (subclass 600) and Temporary Activity visa (subclass 408) to apply with no visa application charge (VAC) if they can provide evidence of being invited to participate in the 2025 Virtus World Athletics Championships. This instrument came into effect on 29 July 2025 and will self-repeal on 16 October 2025, following the conclusion of the Virtus Championships. Click here-LIN 25/092– 2025 Virtus Championships Nil VAC details

A new TOEFL test centre will open in Perth on 26 July 2025. TOEFL has announced the launch of a new test centre in Perth, featuring a 10-seat lab. The first tests will be conducted on 26 July 2025. Location:33 Barrack Street, Perth Click here- TOEFL website