What changed in Australia's immigration and visa policy from 1 July 2025

As of 1 July 2025, Australia's immigration and visa policies have been updated. This rule pertains to changes in the existing skilled occupation list and applies to roles with genuine shortages. The Department of Home Affairs declared that Income thresholds will increase by 4.6 per cent. However, this rule does not apply to existing visa holders and applications lodged before 1 July. The update will affect the upcoming immigrants. 

The nation aims to provide visa pathways according to its economic needs and ensure fairness in the labour market. Explore this guide to learn more about updates on how it affected new visa applicants, international students, and employers. You can consult any migration agents Australia to understand. 

Introduction to New Core Skills Occupation List 

A New Core Skills Occupation List (COSL) took the place of the previous Skilled Occupation List. Even though other occupation lists, like, Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), and the Regional Occupation List (ROL) have changed into a more responsive system by the COSL. All new job roles will highlight genuine requirements in the labour market of Australia. Additionally, it:

• Demonstrate occupations in demand
• Streamline the process for skilled migration
• Provide clarity to employers and migrants 

Impacted Visa categories are:

• Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent
• Subclass 190 – State Nominated
• Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional)
• Subclass 494 – Employer-Sponsored Regional

Changes in Skilled Visa Income Thresholds

There is an increase of 4.6% in the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) by the Australian government. Therefore, skilled migrants in Australia need to pay AUD 73,220, which was AUD 70,000 in the previous TSMIT. 

Stricter Compliance Obligations Rule 

Australian employers need to impose strict requirements while sponsoring skilled foreign workers. The employer will offer market salary rates according to Australian labour laws. They have to advertise for a job in the local market first to check if there are any suitable candidates to fill the job position.

Also Read:-  Immigration Policy in Australia

Student Visa Application Fees

The application fees for foreign students have increased by up to 25% due to system improvements. The updated fee structure for different categories like: 

• Primary Applicant: Changed from AUD 1,600 to AUD 2,000
• Secondary Applicant for above 18: Increased from AUD 1,190 to AUD 1,225
• Applicant Under 18: Updated from AUD 390 to AUD 400

That was all about the changes in Australia’s immigration and visa policies. These could be difficult to understand without the help of Migration Agents Australia. If you want more information on the topic, we recommend you to connect with immigration agents Australia who have ample knowledge of immigration laws.