Australian Immigration – Wrapping Up September 2025
Australian Immigration – Wrapping Up September 2025
Australian Immigration – Wrapping Up September 2025
Hello and welcome to our September edition – and hello, spring!
As the days get warmer and brighter, it’s the perfect time for fresh starts and new possibilities. We’ve rounded up all the latest updates from the world of Australian migration to help you stay on top of what’s new and what it means for you, your clients, or your future in Australia.
From English test updates to visa allocations and labour market insights, we’ve got you covered.
What’s Inside This Edition:
- English changes for the 482 (Skills in Demand) visa
- Migration Program Planning Levels for 2025–26
- Labour Agreement Updates
- Interim Allocations for Subclass 190 & 491 Visas
- Core Skills Occupation List Review
English Language Updates – Subclass 482 Visa
- Work Experience Requirement: Reduced from 24 to 12 months, including part-time and casual work.
- Visa Application Charge: Increased to a base fee of $3,115.
- English Language Requirements: No changes; IELTS overall score of 5 with a minimum of 5 in each component.
- Can nominate up to 4 years – Previously occupations on the STSOL could only nominate up to 2 years and occupations on the MLTSSL could nominate up to 4 years.
- Quicker Processing Times – processing times SHOULD be up to 14 days only.
Migration Program Planning Levels 2025–26
On 2 September, the government confirmed the permanent Migration Program cap will remain at 185,000 places – same as last year.
Here’s how it breaks down:
- Skilled Stream: 132,200 places (~71%)
Focused on addressing skills shortages, especially in regional areas.
- Family Stream: 52,500 places (~28%)
Mostly Partner visas – helping families reunite.
- Special Eligibility Stream: 300 places
Reserved for unique or exceptional cases.
Note: The Skilled Stream remains a key focus area, supporting economic growth by attracting talent across key industries.
Spotlight: Talent & Innovation
Australia is moving forward with its National Innovation visa, which will now include applicants from the Global Talent and Distinguished Talent visa programs.
- Existing applications will be processed under the criteria in place at the time of lodgement – no surprises!
The update is designed to better align with Australia’s innovation and talent goals.
Regional and State Nominated Visas
These visa pathways make up a big part of the migration program – 36% of total places and half of the Skilled Stream.
Each state and territory sets its own criteria to:
- Address local skills shortages
- Support population growth
- Align with regional economic goals
This flexibility helps regions respond quickly to changing labour needs.
Family Visas: What’s Staying the Same?
The Family Stream keeps its structure for 2025–26. It continues to support family reunification through:
- Partner visas – still demand-driven
- Child visas – also demand-driven, with a 3,000-place planning figure
Family migration remains an important part of Australia’s broader immigration system, supporting social cohesion and family unity.
Labour Agreements on the Rise
Labour Agreements have grown over 53% in the past year – that’s huge!
These agreements allow employers to sponsor overseas workers with more tailored and flexible arrangements, including:
- Age concessions (up to 55 years for PR eligibility)
- Pathways for occupations that may not be on standard skilled lists
It’s a big win for industries facing persistent skill shortages.
Interim Visa Allocations – Subclass 190 & 491
Early in September, state and territory governments received interim allocations for the Subclass 190 and 491 visas.
These are temporary nomination places that allow limited visa invitations while we wait for the federal government’s full allocation release later this year.
Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) Review
Consultations opened on 25 August to shape the 2025 Core Skills Occupation List.
While CSOL isn’t a restriction list, it helps guide employer-sponsored visa planning under the Skills in Demand program.
The review considers:
- Jobs and Skills Australia’s labour market analysis
- Economic data and workforce feedback
- Whether migration is the right solution to fill skill gaps
Over 800 occupations are being reviewed, with feedback welcomed from all stakeholders – not just targeted ones.
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
