Australian Immigration News February 2025

February brings crucial updates and important discussions on Australian immigration. In this blog, we cover the latest visa changes and answer some of the main questions that we have been receiving.

Some of the main questions we will cover include:

When will the next 189 invitation round be?
Will there be changes to the migration system with the upcoming federal election?
Why are states already closing nominations for the 190 visa and 491 visa?
Will the Significant Investor Visa (SIV) return?
What are the current visa processing times?
My visa is expiring—what should I do next?

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Visa Grants and Invitations

This month, we assisted in securing multiple visa grants, including:

Employer-sponsored 482 visa
Temporary Activity 408 visa
Specialist Short-Stay Subclass 400 visa
Resident Return visa
A 491 visa for a Registered Nurse in South Australia
A 491 visa invitation with 70 points for a Swimming Instructor in South Australia

189 Visa Invitation Round: What to Expect

The federal government does not have a fixed schedule for 189 visa invitation rounds, but trends can be identified based on planning allocations and previous rounds.

The last round on November 7 issued 15,000 invitations and the round in September 2024 7,973 bringing the total for the program year to 22,973.

Given that the planning level for the entire year ending June 30, 2025, is 16,900 places, there may not be another round or, at best, a small, targeted round focusing on construction trades and healthcare occupations.

Why Have There Been No 491 Family-Sponsored Visa Rounds?

The past three invitation rounds have issued zero invitations for the 491 Family-Sponsored visa.

While this visa is designed to allow skilled migrants to live with relatives in regional areas, the government has chosen not to allocate invitations.

Given the low number of invitations over the past two years, individuals interested in this pathway should explore alternative options, such as state-nominated 491 visas or employer-sponsored visas.

Updates on the 186 Employer-Nominated Visa

The 186 visa remains one of the best pathways to permanent residency in Australia. Recent updates clarify the policy for applicants transitioning from a 482 visa to the 186 Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream.

Applications can now be lodged a few days before completing the two-year requirement to avoid the need for a new 482 visa.

Additionally, time spent on bridging visas between two 482 visas can now count toward the two-year work requirement.

Federal Election and Migration Policy Changes

Some journalists predict that the federal election will take place on or before May 17. A change in government typically leads to policy shifts, including migration reforms.

As soon as the government announces the election date, we will provide updates on potential impacts on immigration policy.

The Future of the Significant Investor Visa (SIV)

Opposition leader Peter Dutton has indicated plans to reinstate the Significant Investor Visa (SIV) program, which provides an immigration pathway for individuals willing to invest AUD 5 million in Australia.

This visa, often referred to as the "Golden Visa," has been controversial in the past.

Additionally, the newly announced National Innovation Visa (NIV) includes opportunities for experienced angel investors. Those with a proven history of investing in startups may be eligible for the direct-to-PR 858 visa.

State and Territory 190 and 491 Visa Updates

Queensland

Queensland has used approximately 50% of its state nomination allocations and is prioritizing onshore 491 visa applicants. The 491 visa Small Business Owner program still has places available, though competition is high with 16,000 registrations of interest.

New South Wales

In New South Wales, 491 Pathway 1 is now closed for new applications for this program year.

Northern Territory

The Northern Territory has suspended new EOI applications for both the 190 visa and 491 visa, having already received enough to fill their total allocation for 2024-25.

The program will reopen once allocations for 2025-26 are confirmed, with new EOIs only accepted from applicants facing visa expiry or age-related eligibility issues.

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

The ACT held a skilled migration nomination invitation round on January 30, 2025, issuing 230 nominations for the 190 visa and 314 nominations for the 491 visa.

Why Are Some States Closing Their Nomination Programs?

State allocations this financial year have been limited, and some states have already filled most of their available places.

The volume of EOIs received far exceeds the number of invitations states can issue. While EOIs remain in the system, most will not be invited.

Those who have not received an invitation should consider other visa options, such as employer-sponsored pathways.

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Employer-Sponsored Visa Updates and Salary Challenges

The new Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) now includes Child Care Workers, allowing them to apply for the 482 visa or 186 visa.

However, meeting the minimum salary requirement of AUD 73,150 remains a significant challenge.

Under the Children's Services Award, the Level 3.1 minimum annual salary is approximately AUD 53,679, making it difficult for most childcare centres to offer sponsorship. While some centres pay above award rates and may be able to sponsor a 482 visa, the salary threshold remains a significant barrier.

Similar challenges exist for other entry-level trade occupations, such as cooks and motor mechanics.

DAMA – Labour Agreements

There has been increasing interest from both employers and applicants in Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs).

DAMAs are regional labour agreements that provide flexibility in age, salary, and English language requirements for employer-sponsored visas, including the 482 visa, 494 visa and 186 visa.

These agreements allow concessions, such as increasing the age limit to 55 years and setting salary requirements at AUD 65,838 or above.

In South Australia and Western Australia, the entire state is covered by DAMA agreements.

Recent DAMA visa grants in South Australia have included occupations such as sommelier and horticulture grower.

Successful Student Visa Appeals

A recent tribunal case, Maazuddin v Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs [2024] FedCFamC2G 1349, highlighted concerns about visa appeal processes. A tribunal member was criticized for excessive copying and pasting in a decision regarding an international student's visa cancellation.

The full case details are available for review here.

Current Visa Processing Times

Many applicants are concerned about visa processing delays. However, compared to our analysis in September 2024, current processing times remain relatively stable. Here are some key processing times as of February 2025:

186 Direct Entry and Transition Pathway: 50% processed in 5 months, 90% in 18 months
820 Partner Visa: 50% processed in 9 months, 90% in 18 months
407 Training Visa: 50% processed in 3 months, 90% in 9 months
482 Skills in Demand Visa (Core Skills Stream): 50% processed in 4 days, 90% in 11 days

You can check all visa processing times on the Home Affairs website.

What to Do If Your Visa Is Expiring

Many temporary visa holders are facing the end of easy renewal options, particularly for COVID-19 408 visas, Working Holiday visas, Student visas, and 485 Graduate visas.

The best next steps depend on an individual’s situation and skills.

Some common visa pathways now include the 407 Training Visa, the 482 Skills in Demand Visa, Partner visas, and Student visas for those eligible.

How Can We Help You?

If you need assistance exploring visa options or finding a pathway to permanent residency, our experienced immigration agents and lawyers are here to guide you.

Since 2011, we have helped thousands of applicants and businesses achieve their Australian immigration goals.

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