Introduction
Australia has introduced a range of changes in visa and migration policies, applied from 01 July 2025. These changes will strongly impact on skilled migration visas, family visas and student visas.
Changes in Skilled Migration Visas
- Quota expansion for Skilled Migration Visa: The quota for Skilled Migration Visas will be increased up to 142,400 places for the financial year 2025-2026. This will help offset the shortage of skilled workers for Australia labour market.
- List of Occupation Shortage List: The Occupation Shortage List (OSL) will replace the current Skilled Occupation List. This change is to clearly recognise the occupations that Australia is facing serious labour shortages, based on each State/Territory. The new list will help Australian federal government as well as state/territory governments adjust their policies faster and more flexible. In the new financial year 2025-2026, some new IT related occupations, such as data analysists, are listed in the OSL list.
- Focus on Regional Migration Visas: It seems that Australia is encouraging more migrants to move to Regional areas. If you study, work and live in a designated Regional area, you will have additional 15 points to your migration score, instead of 10 points as previously. This is an excellent opportunity for you as it not only brings you more chance to migrate to Australia, but living in a regional area can bring lots of other benefits in terms of financial and living styles.
Changes in Income Threshold of Skills in Demand Visas and Temporary Skilled Migration
| Visa Stream | Before 01 July 2025 | After 01 July 2025 |
| Core Skills Income Threshold (subclass 482) | AUD73,150 | AUD76,515 |
| Specialist Skills Income Threshold Temporary (subclass 482) | AUD135,000 | AUD141,210 |
| Skilled Migration Income Threshold (is used to assess the subclass 494 and 187) | AUD73,150 | AUD76,515 |
If you lodge your application on and after 01 July 2025, then you need to meet a new Income Threshold. However, if you already lodged your application before 01 July 2025, then your application will be assessed based on the previous income requirement.
To demonstrate your incomes, you may need to submit payslips that shows annual incomes, bank statements, tax records and employment contracts.
If you need assistance for visa application, contact SOL Edu and Migration today at 07 3003 1899 or hello@soledu.net. Our experienced Education Counsellors and Registered Migration Agents will help you!
Conclusion
Australia’s immigration reforms from 01 July 2025 represent a transformative shift in approaches to skilled migration. These changes aim to resolve skill shortages, stimulate development in regional areas, and enhance Australia’s global appeal to talented individuals.
While these reforms offer new opportunities, they also introduce more complex requirements, making it essential for students and skilled workers to stay informed and seek guidance when navigating the immigration process.
Contact our Registered Migration Agents at 07 3003 1899 or hello@solmigration.com for professional advice!