Blog

Registrations of Interest (ROI) are now open for South Australian nomination under the Subclass 858 National Innovation Visa (NIV). Both onshore and offshore applicants are eligible to apply. South Australia has opened Registrations of Interest (ROI) for its nomination under the Sc 858 National Innovation Visa program. This opportunity is available to both onshore and offshore applicants with highly skilled and innovative profiles. Applicants are encouraged to review the nomination requirements and application process through the official South Australian government website. This visa pathway is designed for individuals with exceptional talent in innovation and technology, aligning with South Australia’s strategic goals. Click here-South Australia-ROI-sc858 NIV

From 1 July 2025, applications for Subclass 202 Global Special Humanitarian visas under the Special Humanitarian Program (SHP) must be lodged online using specific internet forms, unless otherwise authorised by the Department. Effective 1 July 2025, the Department of Home Affairs will require that all Subclass 202 Global Special Humanitarian visa applications under the SHP be submitted via the internet, using:  Form 842 (Internet) – Visa application  Form 681 (Internet) – Sponsorship proposal This change follows an amendment to LIN 20/169 through the Migration (Arrangements for Protection, Refugee and Humanitarian Visas) Amendment (Internet Lodgement) Instrument 2025. If an applicant cannot apply online, they may be permitted to submit a paper application—but only if they receive written authorisation from the Department. In such cases, the paper forms must be posted to a designated address or submitted via an alternate method as instructed. This digital transition is aimed at improving processing efficiency and accessibility for sponsors and applicants. Click here- LIN 20/169

The Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) will increase from $73,150 to $76,515 starting 1 July 2025, as per the latest legislative amendment. This increase will affect certain visa nomination applications lodged on or after that date. The Migration (IMMI 18/033) Amendment (Annual TSMIT Increase) Instrument 2025 has been issued to increase the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) from $73,150 to $76,515, effective 1 July 2025. This adjustment is based on a 4.6% increase in the Average Weekly Ordinary Times Earnings (AWOTE) figure from November 2024. The updated TSMIT will apply to nomination applications lodged on or after 1 July 2025 for the following visa subclasses: Sc 494 – Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa Sc 187 – Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme visa Sc 482 – Temporary Skill Shortage visa (only if lodged prior to 7 December 2024) Sc 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme visa (only if lodged prior to 7 December 2024) Any nominations lodged before 1 July 2025 will continue to be assessed against the current TSMIT of $73,150, which remains valid at the time of submission. Click here-Legislative Instrument –IMMI 18/033

The Department of Home Affairs has announced that new citizenship application fees will apply from 1 July 2025. The updated fee details are yet to be released but will be applied automatically for applications lodged on or after that date. The Department of Home Affairs has notified, via the ImmiAccount login page, that new citizenship application fees will be implemented from 1 July 2025. As of now, these updated fees have not been officially published on the Department’s website or through a registered legislative instrument. Historically, citizenship application fees are adjusted annually on 1 July in line with changes to the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Online ApplicationsAny application submitted online on or after 1 July 2025 will incur the new fees, regardless of when the application was started. The ImmiAccount system will automatically calculate the correct fee at the time of submission. The Department considers an application received on the date it is submitted and payment is made. Paper Applications Paper applications are deemed received on the date the Department physically receives the documents—not the date of postage. It is strongly recommended to allow sufficient time for delivery to ensure paper applications arrive before 30 June 2025. Applications received on or after 1 July 2025 will attract the new fee. Click here-Department of Home Affairs – Citizenship

Tensions have escalated in the Middle East following recent military strikes in Iran. The security situation remains volatile, prompting urgent advice for Australians in the region to take safety precautions and stay informed. Following recent military strikes in Iran, the security situation across the Middle East remains highly volatile and could deteriorate without warning. The Australian government has issued updated guidance urging Australians in Iran to shelter in place and strictly follow local authority instructions. Australian citizens and permanent residents currently in Iran, Israel, or the Occupied Palestinian Territories are strongly encouraged to register their details via the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) Crisis Portal to ensure they receive real-time updates and support. There is a strong possibility of flight disruptions or cancellations due to potential airport and airspace closures. Australians in Iran should depart when it is safe to do so. For urgent assistance, Australians can contact the 24-hour DFAT Consular Emergency Centre:  +61 2 6261 3305 (from overseas)  1300 555 135 (within Australia) Up-to-date travel advice and safety alerts are available on the official Smartraveller website. Click here- Register with DFAT Crisis PortalSmartraveller – Travel Advice & Alerts Department of Home Affairs

The inaugural ballot for the new Treaty Stream under the subclass 192 Pacific Engagement visa opens on 16 June 2025 for eligible Tuvaluan citizens. This new stream offers a unique migration pathway allowing up to 280 Tuvaluan citizens each year to live, work, and study in Australia, either temporarily or permanently. Key Details: • Ballot opens: 16 June 2025• Ballot closes: 18 July 2025• Eligibility: Tuvaluan citizens only• Application Requirement: Must be selected through the ballot to apply• Status Updates: – Selected participants will receive an email with next steps – Others will see Received in their ImmiAccount The Department will run a random selection after the ballot closes and notify selected individuals accordingly. Click here: Department of Home Affairs – Sc 192 Treaty Stream Ballot

The ACT Government has provided a snapshot of its skilled migration nomination usage for the 2024–25 program year, with 1,634 total approvals so far. Program Allocation:• 190 visa: 1000 places• 491 visa: 800 places Approvals to Date:• 190: 888 approvals• 491: 746 approvals Refusals:• 190: 74 (9%)• 491: 75 (8%) Residency Breakdown:• ACT Residents: 1452 (89%)• Overseas Applicants: 182 (11%) Remaining Places:• 190: 112• 491: 54 Click here: ACT Government – Migration Program

The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) conducted its latest skilled migration invitation round on 30 May 2025, issuing a total of 187 nomination invitations under subclass 190 and subclass 491 visas. In this round, ACT issued 183 subclass 190 nominations and 4 subclass 491 nominations across various applicant groups. The majority of sc190 invitations were granted to Critical Skill Occupations and visa holders currently residing in Canberra. The invitation scores and quotas give insight into current ACT migration priorities as the 2024/25 program year nears its capacity. Breakdown of nominations from the 30 May 2025 round: Canberra Residents Matrix nominating Small Business Owners: 190: 3 invitations (minimum matrix score 130) 491: nil (minimum matrix score 120) Matrix nominating 457 / 482 Visa Holders: 190: 42 invitations 491: 4 invitations Matrix nominating Critical Skill Occupations: 190: 126 invitations 491: nil Overseas Applicants Matrix nominating Critical Skill Occupations: 190: 12 invitations 491: nil Remaining ACT Nomination Places for 2024/25: Total Remaining: 166 out of 1800 190 Nominations: 112 remaining out of 1000 491 Nominations: 54 remaining out of 800 Click here: ACT Government – Nomination Invitation Rounds Download a copy of the Matrix invitation ranking

Sydney, June 2025 — The NSW Government has announced key details regarding its nomination criteria for the upcoming National Innovation Visa (NIV) program, scheduled to open for Expressions of Interest (EOIs) in early July 2025. Read more- The state will nominate candidates under five targeted pathways, aligning with the talent domains specified in Ministerial Direction No. 112. These include: Academic and Researcher Entrepreneur Innovative Investor Sports Professional Creative Professional The nomination process will be EOI-led and merit-based, designed to support individuals with exceptional achievements and global impact. NSW will assess applicants based on their track record of innovation, influence, and contribution to their field. Key Features of the NSW Nomination Approach: State nomination is not a visa grant: NSW supports applications through nominations aligned with its strategic economic priorities. Visa decisions remain the responsibility of the Department of Home Affairs, subject to national guidelines and program capacity. Enhanced applicant visibility: Nomination increases the likelihood of consideration by Home Affairs but does not guarantee a visa invitation. No quota system: State and territory governments will not receive fixed allocations under the NIV. Merit-focused selection: NSW will prioritise applicants who demonstrate tangible, independent achievements—not passive investment or reworked business proposals from the former Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP). Pathways are flexible: While structured around the five main categories, NSW may nominate candidates who exceed expectations, even if they fall outside standard pathway definitions. Not intended for early-career applicants: This program targets established professionals, with a clear emphasis on leadership, innovation, and influence. Rigorous third-party validation: NSW will engage industry experts and sectoral authorities to independently verify applicant claims. No formal third-party nomination required: Unlike previous global talent programs, external endorsements are not mandatory, though expert input may be sought during assessment. Further details are outlined in the official Fact Sheet and Program Presentation slides. The NSW Government also provided broader updates on: The 2024–2028 State Migration Plan The NSW Skilled Migration Program The NSW DAMA Feasibility Study, which remains in progress For detailed program guidance and documentation, applicants and stakeholders are encouraged to consult the official materials. Enquiries can be directed to the NSW Skilled and Business Migration team via niv@investment.nsw.gov.au Click Here: NSW-State-Migration-plan NSW Criteria for National Innovation Visa Fact Sheet Business and Skilled Migration NSW slides

NSW has reached its nomination allocation for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) for the 2024–25 program year. The NSW Government has confirmed that it has reached its full allocation for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) for the 2024–25 program year. As a result, no further invitations will be issued under this subclass until a new allocation is provided by the Australian Government at the beginning of the 2025–26 program year. What’s Changing? The nomination quota for subclass 190 is now fully allocated. No additional invitations will be issued for subclass 190 until the 2025–26 program begins. Interested applicants must wait for updates regarding future nomination rounds. Stay InformedMonitor the NSW Government skilled migration page for the latest updates on nomination availability and criteria. Click here- NSW official Website