Australian Immigration – March Recap

As we step confidently out of the first quarter of 2025, we’ve already witnessed some major developments in Australia’s migration landscape. There is a noticeable pivot toward employer-sponsored and state-nominated pathways, with a strong focus on highly skilled individuals and regional workforce support.

It’s been a fast-paced start to the year, and we’re excited to bring you the latest insights and updates from the immigration world. But before we dive in…

Easter & ANZAC Office Closure

Our team will be taking a well-deserved break over the Easter long weekend and the ANZAC Day public holiday, 25 April 2025.

Thanks to our wonderfully generous boss, we’re getting a “hopping” head start on our Easter celebrations with a team bonding day on Thursday, 17 April! ????

We’ll be out of office from: Thursday, 17 April – Monday, 21 April, returning on Tuesday, 22 April 2025.

Thank you for your understanding, and we wish you a joyful and safe Easter break!

In This Edition:

• 2025 Federal Election & Migration Policy
• New Income Thresholds for Employer Sponsored Visas
• BREAKING: Sc 482 & Sc 494 Visa Work Rights Update
• Visa Processing Time Delays – What You Need to Know

Federal Election Called: 3 May 2025

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has officially announced a federal election on 3 May 2025, with migration policy poised to be a major talking point.

With growing concerns around housing affordability, infrastructure pressure, and labour shortages, the government is under pressure to strike a balance between economic growth and social sustainability.

What Could Change?

Expect debates and proposals on:

• Visa category reforms and intake caps
• Updates to the Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visa eligibility
• Potential revisions to the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186)
• Changes to regional migration incentives under the subclass 494
• Skilled income threshold indexation from 1 July 2025

This election could set the tone for migration policy in the years to come, especially for skilled professionals seeking long-term settlement options in Australia.

New Income Thresholds from 1 July 2025

Effective 1 July 2025, income thresholds for employer-sponsored visas will be updated to reflect annual wage growth (AWOTE increase of 4.6%).

New Thresholds:

• Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT): $76,515 (up from $73,150)
• Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT): $141,210 (up from $135,000)
• Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT): $76,515

This applies to:

• Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand Visa)
• Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme)
• Subclass 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa)

All new nominations from 1 July must meet the updated threshold or the market salary rate—whichever is higher.

These changes won’t affect existing visa holders or lodged applications prior to this date.

BREAKING NEWS: Sc 482 and Sc 494 visa holders do not need to cease working for prospective sponsor whilst awaiting nomination

Following advocacy from the Migration Institute of Australia, on behalf of members, the Department of Home Affairs has confirmed that it does not expect Sc 482 and Sc 494 visa holders who have stopped working for their sponsor and have lodged a nomination application to change employers within the required timeframes (180 days since ceasing employment with their previous sponsor) to cease working for their prospective sponsor, even if the Condition 8607(5) and 8608(5) timeframes have lapsed.

Therefore, Sc 482 and Sc 494 visa holders will no longer be disadvantaged by processing delays of nomination transfers as they will continue to have work rights, ensuring they can support themselves while awaiting the outcome of their nomination application.

⏳ Visa Processing Delays – What to Expect

Processing times remain unpredictable due to volume and verification procedures.

Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand Visa)

• Applications lodged under the Core Skills Stream
  • Average processing time: 41 – 61 days
• Applications lodged under the Specialist Skills Stream
  • Average processing time: 13 – 38 days

Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage Visa)

• Applications lodged before December 2024:
  • Average processing time: 8 months

Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme Visa)

• Regional/Healthcare/Teaching Occupations: 5 – 12 months
• Other occupations/locations: 12 – 18 months

Delays are primarily due to application volume and additional checks required (e.g. health, character, national security). The Department notes these external checks are beyond their direct control.

Stay Informed. Stay Prepared.

As migration policies continue to evolve, our goal is to keep you informed, empowered, and supported through every step of your journey.

Should you have any questions or need assistance navigating these changes, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at

A Happy Easter from us to you

We wish you all a Happy Easter full of love and hope. We rejoice together on this day to celebrate family, love, friendships and togetherness. May this time bring you and your loved ones joy, happiness and you can’t forget some chocolate eggs!

ANZAC Day 2025

On a day of reflection and remembrance we honour the brave souls who fought for our freedom. We remember the brave soldiers who laid down their lives for our nation. Let us live each day with gratitude in our hearts for all that was sacrificed for us to be a free nation.

“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn” – Laurence Binyon

Lest We Forget.

How We Can Help

At First Class Migration Australia, we understand that navigating these changes can be overwhelming. Our team of highly experienced migration agents are here to guide you through the evolving migration policies, offering personalised advice to maximize your chances of successful migration. We stay up to date with the latest developments and provide timely advice to ensure you make informed decisions.

Contact Us

If you have any questions on the above article please do not hesitate to contact us.

02 9999 6668