Australian Immigration – Wrapping Up November 2025
Australian Immigration – Wrapping Up November 2025
Australian Immigration – Wrapping Up November 2025
Welcome to our November newsletter! As we move into the final stretch of the year and the festive season approaches, immigration settings across Australia continue to shift rapidly. In this month’s edition, we break down the latest skilled visa updates, state nomination changes, and what these developments mean for your migration journey. Whether you’re planning your next step or supporting your workforce, we’re here to help you stay informed, confident, and prepared as the year comes to a close.
In this Edition
- Skilled Migration Update: Major Changes to State Nominations for 2025-56
- Which States Were Most Affected
- What This Means for Skilled Migrants
- South Australia Opens 190 & 491 Programs for 2025-26
- Victoria State Nomination Update
- The Migration Instituate of Australia (MIA) Election Results
- FCM Team Updates
- Upcoming Office Christmas Closure Dates
Skilled Migration Update:
Major Changes to State Nominations for 2025–26
The Australian Government has announced a significant 23% overall reduction to state and territory nomination allocations for the 2025–26 skilled migration program year. While the total national migration program remains unchanged, this cut means fewer 190 and 491 visas will be available across most states, resulting in higher competition for applicants.
Which States Were Most Affected?
The reductions have not been evenly distributed. Several states have experienced substantial cuts:
- South Australia: 41% reduction
- Tasmania: 35% reduction
- Western Australia & Victoria: 32% reduction
- New South Wales: 28% reduction
- ACT: 11% reduction
The only states to see increases were:
- Queensland: +117%
- Northern Territory: +3%
With fewer visas available, applicants will need stronger credentials, including higher points, stronger English, and solid work experience, to remain competitive.
What This Means for Skilled Migrants
These cuts will directly impact thousands of applicants who have already invested heavily in skills assessments, English testing and Expressing Interest (EOIs). In practical terms, this means:
- Fewer invitations will be issued
- Competition will be stronger than ever
- Some occupations may receive no invitations at all
- Applicants will need smart, flexible visa strategies
States continue to prioritise critical sectors such as:
- Health
- Teaching
- Construction and trades
Applicants in these areas may still have strong prospects.
South Australia Opens 190 & 491 Programs for 2025–26
Despite receiving the largest national cut, South Australia has officially opened applications for the subclass 190 and 491 visas, along with updated eligibility criteria on the Move to South Australia website.
South Australia Allocations:
- 190 visa: 1,350 places
- 491 visa: 900 places
- Total: 2,250 nominations
South Australia Skilled Migration Streams
South Australia continues to operate four key migration streams:
- South Australian Graduates
- Skilled Employment in South Australia
- Outer Regional Skilled Employment
- Offshore
Competition across all streams has increased, and nominations will be more difficult to secure.
Priority Sectors for South Australia (2025–26):
Applicants working in the following industries may remain competitive:
- Building & Construction
- Defence
- Education
- Engineering
- Health
- Manufacturing
Victoria State Nomination Update
The Department of Home Affairs has confirmed Victoria’s full skilled migration allocation for 2025–26:
- 190 visa: 2,700 places
- 491 visa: 700 places
- Total: 3,400 nominations
Existing ROIs
If you already have an active Registration of Interest (ROI), it remains valid for the new program year. You only need to submit a new ROI if your details have changed
What Are Your Visa Options Now?
For many applicants, relying solely on the 190 or 491 visa this year may not be realistic. However, there are still alternative migration pathways available, including:
- Employer-sponsored visas (482, 186, 494)
- Training visa (407)
- Partner visas
- Regional employer pathways
The Migration Institute of Australia (MIA) Election Results
Last month we shared that our very own Michelle Le’Fevre was hoping to be re-elected for the Migration Institute of Australia NSW Committee.
We are beyond proud to share the Michelle has been re-elected to the NSW Committee!
Congratulations Michelle!
Over the past two years, the team has worked diligently to advocate for members, strengthen relationships with the NSW Government, and create opportunities for connection and collaboration across the profession.
As a team, they remain committed to:
- Building strong and productive relationships with the NSW Government
- Supporting MIA members through advocacy, engagement, and transparency
- Creating spaces for connection through networking and community events
- Championing practical training pathways and advocating for issues affecting clients and the industry
- Ensuring the profession remains strong, respected, and future-focused
FCM Team Updates
Christmas has officially arrived at the office! Our team had a wonderful time decking the halls and getting into full festive mode before coming together to celebrate at our Christmas party. With great company, delicious food, and unbeatable tunes, it was a joyful and memorable way to wrap up another big year together.
Upcoming Office Christmas Closure Dates
As 2025 seems to be coming to a speedy end, we want to wish you and your loved ones a joyful Christmas and a New Year full of happiness, success, and exciting opportunities.
Our office will be closed for the ho-ho-holidays from 24 December 2025 to 11 January 2026, reopening on 12 January. We will have a small number of staff returning 05 January 2025 to manage any urgent matters or enquiries.
All communication received during this time from the Department of Home Affairs will be monitored to ensure no applications are left unattended. Emails will be checked periodically over the holidays. However, unless there is any urgency, we will not be responding to emails until the New Year so that our hard working team can have a much needed rest.
How We Can Help
We know the migration process can feel overwhelming, especially when policies shift and programs evolve.
At First Class Migration Australia, our experienced team is here to guide you through the process with up-to-date advice, tailored support, and a deep understanding of the Australian immigration system.
Final Thoughts – From us, to you.
As we move through November and toward the final weeks of the year, we’d like to thank you for continuing to stay connected with us and up to date with the latest developments across the Australian migration landscape. This month has delivered important updates to state nomination programs and ongoing momentum as we edge closer to the 2025–26 migration year.
With the year drawing to a close and Christmas just around the corner, it’s a time for reflection, planning, and looking ahead to what’s to come. We look forward to sharing our final updates of the year with you in December.
Until then, enjoy the longer days, the early taste of summer, and the excitement that the festive season brings.
