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The inaugural ballot for the new Treaty Stream under the subclass 192 Pacific Engagement visa opens on 16 June 2025 for eligible Tuvaluan citizens. This new stream offers a unique migration pathway allowing up to 280 Tuvaluan citizens each year to live, work, and study in Australia, either temporarily or permanently. Key Details: • Ballot opens: 16 June 2025• Ballot closes: 18 July 2025• Eligibility: Tuvaluan citizens only• Application Requirement: Must be selected through the ballot to apply• Status Updates: – Selected participants will receive an email with next steps – Others will see Received in their ImmiAccount The Department will run a random selection after the ballot closes and notify selected individuals accordingly. Click here: Department of Home Affairs – Sc 192 Treaty Stream Ballot

The ACT Government has provided a snapshot of its skilled migration nomination usage for the 2024–25 program year, with 1,634 total approvals so far. Program Allocation:• 190 visa: 1000 places• 491 visa: 800 places Approvals to Date:• 190: 888 approvals• 491: 746 approvals Refusals:• 190: 74 (9%)• 491: 75 (8%) Residency Breakdown:• ACT Residents: 1452 (89%)• Overseas Applicants: 182 (11%) Remaining Places:• 190: 112• 491: 54 Click here: ACT Government – Migration Program

The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) conducted its latest skilled migration invitation round on 30 May 2025, issuing a total of 187 nomination invitations under subclass 190 and subclass 491 visas. In this round, ACT issued 183 subclass 190 nominations and 4 subclass 491 nominations across various applicant groups. The majority of sc190 invitations were granted to Critical Skill Occupations and visa holders currently residing in Canberra. The invitation scores and quotas give insight into current ACT migration priorities as the 2024/25 program year nears its capacity. Breakdown of nominations from the 30 May 2025 round: Canberra Residents Matrix nominating Small Business Owners: 190: 3 invitations (minimum matrix score 130) 491: nil (minimum matrix score 120) Matrix nominating 457 / 482 Visa Holders: 190: 42 invitations 491: 4 invitations Matrix nominating Critical Skill Occupations: 190: 126 invitations 491: nil Overseas Applicants Matrix nominating Critical Skill Occupations: 190: 12 invitations 491: nil Remaining ACT Nomination Places for 2024/25: Total Remaining: 166 out of 1800 190 Nominations: 112 remaining out of 1000 491 Nominations: 54 remaining out of 800 Click here: ACT Government – Nomination Invitation Rounds Download a copy of the Matrix invitation ranking

Sydney, June 2025 — The NSW Government has announced key details regarding its nomination criteria for the upcoming National Innovation Visa (NIV) program, scheduled to open for Expressions of Interest (EOIs) in early July 2025. Read more- The state will nominate candidates under five targeted pathways, aligning with the talent domains specified in Ministerial Direction No. 112. These include: Academic and Researcher Entrepreneur Innovative Investor Sports Professional Creative Professional The nomination process will be EOI-led and merit-based, designed to support individuals with exceptional achievements and global impact. NSW will assess applicants based on their track record of innovation, influence, and contribution to their field. Key Features of the NSW Nomination Approach: State nomination is not a visa grant: NSW supports applications through nominations aligned with its strategic economic priorities. Visa decisions remain the responsibility of the Department of Home Affairs, subject to national guidelines and program capacity. Enhanced applicant visibility: Nomination increases the likelihood of consideration by Home Affairs but does not guarantee a visa invitation. No quota system: State and territory governments will not receive fixed allocations under the NIV. Merit-focused selection: NSW will prioritise applicants who demonstrate tangible, independent achievements—not passive investment or reworked business proposals from the former Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP). Pathways are flexible: While structured around the five main categories, NSW may nominate candidates who exceed expectations, even if they fall outside standard pathway definitions. Not intended for early-career applicants: This program targets established professionals, with a clear emphasis on leadership, innovation, and influence. Rigorous third-party validation: NSW will engage industry experts and sectoral authorities to independently verify applicant claims. No formal third-party nomination required: Unlike previous global talent programs, external endorsements are not mandatory, though expert input may be sought during assessment. Further details are outlined in the official Fact Sheet and Program Presentation slides. The NSW Government also provided broader updates on: The 2024–2028 State Migration Plan The NSW Skilled Migration Program The NSW DAMA Feasibility Study, which remains in progress For detailed program guidance and documentation, applicants and stakeholders are encouraged to consult the official materials. Enquiries can be directed to the NSW Skilled and Business Migration team via niv@investment.nsw.gov.au Click Here: NSW-State-Migration-plan NSW Criteria for National Innovation Visa Fact Sheet Business and Skilled Migration NSW slides

NSW has reached its nomination allocation for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) for the 2024–25 program year. The NSW Government has confirmed that it has reached its full allocation for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) for the 2024–25 program year. As a result, no further invitations will be issued under this subclass until a new allocation is provided by the Australian Government at the beginning of the 2025–26 program year. What’s Changing? The nomination quota for subclass 190 is now fully allocated. No additional invitations will be issued for subclass 190 until the 2025–26 program begins. Interested applicants must wait for updates regarding future nomination rounds. Stay InformedMonitor the NSW Government skilled migration page for the latest updates on nomination availability and criteria. Click here- NSW official Website

The Australian Government will raise income thresholds for skilled visa applications by 4.6% starting 1 July 2025. This includes updates to the CSIT, TSMIT, and SSIT figures. From 1 July 2025, the skilled visa income thresholds will be updated in line with annual indexation {Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE)}. These changes impact income eligibility requirements for employer-sponsored and skilled migration programs, ensuring wage settings reflect current economic conditions and workforce needs. What’s Changing?Effective from 1 July 2025: The Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) will increase to $76,515. This will impact nomination applications for the Core Skills stream of the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) and the Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186). The Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) will increase to $76,515. The Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) is used for the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa (subclass 494) and the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) (subclass 187) and is in line with the CSIT and subject to approval of relevant legislation. The Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT) will increase to $141,210. This will impact nomination applications for the Specialist Skills stream of the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482). Impact on Labour Market Testing (LMT)Under the current legislative requirements: Labour Market Testing (LMT) advertisements must remain open for at least 4 weeks from the date of first publication. Any LMT ads published now that support nomination applications lodged on or after 1 July 2025 must comply with the new higher thresholds. How to Prepare✔ Ensure all new LMT advertisements reflect the updated income thresholds if the nomination will be submitted from 1 July 2025 onward.✔ Review your organisation’s pay offerings to ensure compliance with the new CSIT, TSMIT, and SSIT levels.✔ Consider adjusting advertising and recruitment timelines to avoid processing delays. Why It MattersThese changes help maintain the integrity of Australia’s skilled visa programs by ensuring that migrant workers are paid appropriately and fairly, relative to Australian market conditions. Click here: Annual indexation of skilled visa income thresholds from 1 July 2025

Final applications under review; offshore EOIs remain open for nomination. South Australia has announced the closure of skilled migration Registration of Interest (ROI) applications for onshore applicants for the 2024–2025 program year. South Australia has officially closed skilled migration Registration of Interest (ROI) applications for onshore applicants for the 2024–2025 program year. Onshore ROI Closure – The ROI system for onshore applicants is now closed. Unsubmitted ROIs will be deleted. Processing Timeline – All submitted ROIs will be finalised by 30 June 2025. Program Demand – South Australia received over 16,000 onshore ROIs and 40,000+ offshore EOIs, competing for 3,800 nomination places. Offshore Opportunities Continue – Offshore candidates can still submit a SkillSelect EOI and may receive a direct invitation to apply for South Australian nomination. Next Steps for Applicants- – If you are invited, submit your nomination application promptly. – If not invited this year, you may resubmit an ROI in the 2025–26 program. Click here – South Australia Skilled Migration Website

Instrument LIN 25/027 introduces major updates for international students applying under the Student Visa (Subclass 500). The Migration (English Language Tests and Evidence Exemptions for Subclass 500 (Student) Visa) Amendment (Pathway Programs) Instrument 2025 (LIN 25/027) officially amends the existing English language testing rules and eligible course listings under the Migration Regulations 1994. Expanded List of Eligible Pathway Programs – The number of approved pathway programs has increased from 155 to 166, reflecting broader access for international students. Lower English Test Score Eligibility – Applicants enrolled in an eligible pathway programs may meet the reduced English requirement of IELTS 5.5 or equivalent, easing the entry process for many. Updated Course Table – The list in Schedule 2 of LIN 24/022 has been replaced to include the updated course offerings. The heading of column 4 in the table is now titled ‘Destination University’ (previously ‘Provider’) to better align with the descriptions that providers use for the matriculation of courses. University Merger Reflected – The University of South Australia and the University of Adelaide have merged to form Adelaide University. As a result, 21 pathway programs have updated destination university names in the revised table. Ongoing Sector Consultation – The updated course list follows regular engagement with education sector via the Education Visa Consultative Committee (EVCC). This legislative update supports transparency and offers more accessible education pathways for aspiring international students, reinforcing Australia’s reputation as a premier study destination. Click here – Federal Register of Legislation – LIN 25/027

The Department of Home Affairs is strengthening security for ImmiAccount by introducing Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), aligning with the Australian Government’s cyber security standards.From 18 June 2025, Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) will be mandatory for all ImmiAccount users. This new login requirement provides stronger protection of sensitive visa and immigration data by adding an extra layer of security. Learn what steps you and your clients should take to prepare. What’s Changing? From 18 June 2025, all users – new and existing – must set up MFA to access or make changes to their ImmiAccount. MFA will: Be required at every login. Be required for making any changes to account settings. Allow users to reset their own authentication method via ImmiAccount. How to Prepare To ensure a smooth transition for you and your clients:✔ Download an authenticator app (e.g. Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator) on your mobile device or computer.✔ Log in and verify your email address, especially if you haven’t accessed ImmiAccount in the past 6 months. Step-by-step instructions will be available in ImmiAccount starting 18 June 2025. Why MFA? MFA adds an essential layer of protection to your account beyond your password, helping secure sensitive visa and immigration data. Click here: Multi-factor Authentication for ImmiAccount