Australian Immigration – Wrapping Up October 2025
Australian Immigration – Wrapping Up October 2025
Australian Immigration – Wrapping Up October 2025
Welcome to our October edition! As spring continues to unfold and the year begins to wind down, we’re pleased to bring you the latest updates, key announcements, and insights from across the Australian migration landscape. This month’s edition highlights important developments, ongoing program changes, and helpful reminders to keep you informed as we head toward the close of 2025.
In this Edition
- NSW Skilled Migration Program 2025–26 Update
- WA Skilled Migration Program 2025–26 Update
- TAS Skilled Migration Program 2025–26 Update
- VIC Skilled Migration Program 2025–26 Update
- SA Skilled Migration Program 2025–26 Update
- QLD Skilled Migration Program 2025-26 Update
- Migration Institute of Australia (MIA) National Conference
- Migration Institute of Australia (MIA) Elections
- Update on Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme) Visa Processing
- FCM Team Update
- Office Closure – FCM Christmas Party
NSW Skilled Migration Program 2025–26 Update
New South Wales has received interim allocations for the 2025–26 program:
- Skilled Nominated (subclass 190): 200 places
- Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491): 180 places
Invitation rounds for the subclass 190 visa began on 20 October 2025, while applications for subclass 491 remain temporarily closed until NSW receives its full allocation from The Department of Home Affairs.
This year, NSW is prioritising sectors supporting housing, healthcare, sustainability, and technology, including:
- Construction (infrastructure & housing)
- Net Zero & Energy Transition
- Care & Support Economy
- Digital & Cyber
- Agriculture & Agrifood
- Advanced Manufacturing
Eligibility Requirements: Candidates must hold a valid EOI, be under 45, have at least competent English, a valid skills assessment, and meet NSW nomination criteria.
NSW Skilled Occupation List:
NSW has released the Skills Lists for 2025–26 for both subclasses 190 and 491. Only occupations on these lists are eligible for nomination. Check the NSW Government website for the full breakdown.
Invitation Rounds:
Invitations will be issued every 2–3 weeks until allocations are fully used.
Key Changes:
- Updated Skills Lists for NSW and Regional NSW
Nomination Fees: now $363 for subclass 190 and 491 (increased in line with CPI
WA Skilled Migration Program 2025–26 Update
Western Australia received interim allocations in September 2025. While the 2025–26 program is temporarily paused pending Commonwealth confirmation, WA has released its State Nominated Migration Program (SNMP) Criteria.
Program Highlights:
- Interstate and overseas candidates are treated equally
- Priority given to critical-demand occupations
- Reduced employment requirements for building & construction
- Additional employment contract arrangements for the General stream
Eligibility Streams:
- General Stream: Skilled migration for occupations on the WA Skilled Migration Occupation List (WASMOL) Schedule 1 or 2
- Graduate Stream: For international students completing eligible VET or higher education in WA
WA Skilled Occupation List:
Separate lists for subclasses 190 and 491 outline eligible occupations at the ANZSCO unit group level. Only listed roles are considered for invitation. Check the Western Australia Government website for the full breakdown.
Invitation Rounds:
Nominations will be issued monthly, prioritising:
- WA residents
- Critical or priority occupations
- Highest EOI scores and earliest submission dates
Invitations will start once confirmed by the Commonwealth Government.
TAS Skilled Migration Program 2025–26 Update
Tasmania is actively seeking skilled migrants to support its economy and lifestyle.
Key Visa Streams:
- Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated): +5 points on federal points test; must live & work in Tasmania for 2 years
- Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional, Provisional): +15 points for state nomination; pathway to permanent residency via subclass 191; must live in Tasmania for 2 years post-approval
Important Updates:
- All 2024–25 nomination places have been allocated
- 2025–26 allocations are not finalised—monitor updates via the Migration Tasmania newsletter
- Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee nomination; competition is strong
- Ensure no outstanding debt to Tasmanian Government agencies before applying
VIC Skilled Migration Program 2025–26 Update
Victoria has received interim allocations for 2025–26:
- Subclass 190: 200 places
- Subclass 491: 180 places
Assessment & Selection:
- Submit a Registration of Interest (ROI) to be considered
- Invitations issued periodically; no fixed dates
- ROIs ranked based on age, English level, experience, education, occupation skill level, partner skills, and salary (for onshore candidates)
VIC Invitation Rounds:
- Focus on onshore applicants in priority sectors: Health, ICT, and Engineering
- Full allocations are expected soon from The Department of Home Affairs
SA Skilled Migration Program 2025-26 Update
The Australian Government has granted South Australia additional interim allocations for the 2025–26 program year.
The SA Skilled and Business Migration team continues to invite high-quality applicants who contribute to the state’s workforce needs, including those who submitted a Registration of Interest (ROI) during the 2024–25 program year.
Details of South Australia’s 2025–26 program policy settings will be published soon, and ROIs will open shortly after. Please keep an eye on our social media for the latest updates once released.
QLD Skilled Migration Program 2025-26 Update
On 2 September 2025, the Australian Government announced the total number of places available in the 2025–26 Migration Program. However, state and territory allocations are still being finalised.
Queensland will open its 2025–26 State Nominated Migration Program once the final allocation has been confirmed.
In the meantime, you can submit your Registration of Interest (ROI) for Queensland nomination as of 19 September 2025, in preparation for the program’s opening.
Migration Institute of Australia (MIA) National Conference
Our principal Registered Migration Agent and Managing Director, Michelle Le’Fevre, attended the MIA National Conference in Melbourne.
Take away from the conference:
- Processing updates: 58,000+ subclass 186 and 98,000 partner visas in progress
- Migration & Workforce insights: the role of migration in sustaining the economy
- Skills shortages and trade upskilling pathways
- Review caseloads: 62,745 cases reported
- Cultural celebration: 50th anniversary of Vietnamese migration
The conference featured presentations from Julian Hill MP and Paul Scarr, offering a mix of policy insight, professional development, and community celebration.
The Migration Institute of Australia (MIA) Elections
Voting has just been completed for the Migration Institute of Australia NSW Committee. Michelle Le’Fevre has been a proud member of the MIA for the last 19 years and on the NSW Committee for the last two years.
Michelle is hoping to be re-elected as she is passionate about continuing the momentum her and the other committee members have built strengthening relationships, supporting members and ensuring our profession continues to thrive. Results will be announced later this month at the MIA AGM.
Highlights of the committee’s recent work:
- Strengthened NSW Government relationships and MIA representation
- Hosted networking and mentoring events
- Advocated for student visa process improvements
- Supported regional study and sponsorship pathways
- Organised two End-of-Year Functions
Update on Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme) Visa Processing
The Department of Home Affairs has provided an update on current processing timeframes for subclass 186 nomination and visa applications.
Applications are being processed in order of priority, as outlined in the Ministerial Direction on processing priorities. This means applications in lower priority groups may experience longer wait times.
Current assessment dates are as follows:
- Designated regional areas: Lodged in April 2025
- Healthcare or teaching occupations: Lodged in April 2025
- Approved sponsors with Accredited Status: Lodged in October 2024
- All other applications: Lodged in March 2024
- Most locations outside Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane are considered designated regional areas for migration purposes.
FCM Team Update
During October we celebrated some milestones and had a couple of new additions to our FCM team!
We want to recognise and celebrate Tanya for reaching an amazing 9-year milestone with First Class Migration!
Thank you for your dedication, hard work, loyalty and all the moments in between. Here’s to everything you have accomplished – and to what’s ahead!
A huge shoutout to Marina on her 3-year anniversary with First Class Migration!
From day one, she has brought passion and dedication. Whether it’s tackling challenges or supporting the team, Marina consistently makes a positive impact.
Congrats on this milestone, and here’s to many more!
New Additons to our FCM Family!
Lastly, we are excited to welcome Mariko and Cassia to our FCM family!
Mariko and Cassia both join us as Migration Assistants bringing experience, knowledge and a can-do attitude to the team.
We are thrilled to have them both on board and look forward to fresh perspectives, skills and energy they will bring to our team to continue making your visa dream come true!
Office Closure – FCM Christmas Party
Our team at First Class Migration will be out of office Thursday, 20 November from 2pm, and all day on Friday, 21 November to enjoy early Christmas celebrations!
For any urgent enquiries or questions, please direct them to:
We will endeavour to get back to you promptly on Monday, 24 November!
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 close out October, we’d like to thank you for staying connected with us and keeping up to date with the latest developments across the Australian migration landscape. This month has brought key updates to state nomination programs, revised skills lists, and continued progress toward the 2025–26 migration year.
We look forward to sharing more updates and insights in our November edition. Until then, enjoy the longer days, the spring sunshine, and the sense of new possibilities this season brings.
– The First Class Migration Australia Team
