Top 7 Upcoming Visa Changes in Australia for 2025

The Australian Government has announced several visa changes for 2025. These changes are not minor but transformative updates that will reshape the way overseas people move, live, or settle in Australia in the future.

If you are considering moving to Australia to live, work, study, or settle, this blog post is a must-read that will help you to understand the top 7 upcoming visa changes in Australia for the year 2025.

Why Does Australia Update its Migration Program?

Each year, Australia introduces a series of significant changes in its migration programs to maintain its global position as the best place to migrate for international individuals, students, and families. 

These migration reforms aim to highlight workforce shortages, elevate regional development, and enhance the overall integrity of Australia’s immigration system. 

In short, these reforms are designed to ensure that migration policies in Australia stay flexible and aligned with the unique needs of the Australian economy and community. 

With stricter criteria and revamped policies, these upcoming changes are designed to prioritize skilled workers, support regional economies, and ensure that these migrants can live, work, and stay in Australia.

Let’s dive into the seven key Australian visa changes and break down how they can make or break your visa journey in 2025.

Breakdown of Key Changes in Australian Visas for 2025

The year 2024 has been a year of significant changes in Australian immigration. These changes highlight the commitment of the Government of Australia to maintain a smooth and fair immigration system that supports the country’s economic needs and the aspirations of overseas migrants at the same time. 

Let’s have highlights of Some of the most prominent changes in Australian visas include:

1. Skilled Migration Point System Revamped
2. Major Overhaul of Occupation
3. Evolving TSS Visa to PR Pathway
4. Proposed Students Caps 
5. Replacement of MD107 with MD111 (offshore student visa application processing)
6. Regional Visa Program 
7. Introduction of Core Skills List (OCSL)
8. Transition from ANZSCO to OSCA 
9. Temporary Income Threshold Increase
10. Temporary Graduate Visa 485 Updates  
11. Transition of GTE to GST 
12. National Innovation Visa 
13. Skills in Demand Visa 
14. New Pathways for Indian Nationals 

Understand Top 7 Upcoming Visa Changes in Australia for 2025

Let’s have a look at the big changes to Australian visas that are going to be effective from 2025.

1. Skilled Migration Point System Revamped

The introduction of a new point test system for skilled migration was one of the major changes in the Australian migration program in 2024. The Australian government introduced reforms in the point-test system for the permanent skilled migration program by using factors like education, English language skills, occupation, and age to replace the current factors that are not aligned with Australia’s economic growth for the long term.

This reform will provide clear pathways to permanent residency, better recognize overseas skills, and reduce uncertainty for temporary migrants in 2025.

2. Introduction of Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)

A core occupation list (CSOL), a carefully curated list of in-demand occupations in Australia, was one of the recent changes in Australia, developed by Jobs and Skills Australia on December 3, 2024. The purpose is to ensure it aligns with Australia’s unique needs and the future workforce. This core list replaced the outdated and complex occupation list with a single comprehensive list of 456 occupations.

So, if you are planning to apply for 2025, this list will let you access temporary skilled migration for almost 456 occupations in Australia.

3. Skills in Demand Visa 

On December 7, 2024, the Australian government has replace the Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) visa with a new Skills in Demand visa. From now on, the CSOL will be applicable to the Core Skills stream of the new SID. Further, it will also apply to the Direct Entry stream of the permanent Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa.

This visa will allow overseas individuals who have in-demand skills to be sponsored by the employer,  to obtain chances of getting permanent residency in Australia through the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa.

4. Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) Increase

From July 1, 2024, the Temporary Skilled Income Threshold (TSMIT) increased from $53,900 to $70,000, expanding pathways to permanent residence in Australia. By this date, new nomination applications are required to meet this new TSMIT of $70,000,  at the annual minimum salary rate.

This aimed to ensure that temporary skilled workers would be adequately compensated and protect Australia’s labour market. In 2025, employers must comply with this new threshold when sponsoring skilled workers worldwide. 

5. Proposed Student Caps For 2025

The Australian National Planning Level has announced a cap on the total number of new international student commencements for the 2025 program, effective from January 1, 2025. Through this cap, the Austrian government is trying to limit the number of international students per institution to keep things balanced and aligned.

In addition to giving relief to the Australian universities that have adequate student housing, they can increase their capacity for international students.

6. Stricter Financial Requirements for Student Visas

From May 10, 2024, the Australian Department of Home Affairs announced a further increase in the amount of financial support or funds required to showcase while applying for student visas. The increase is approximately AUS$24,505 to AUS$29,710, which is 21 percent of the current rate. This proportion will indicate that this amount of funds is considerably reasonable to meet the living standard while studying in Australia. 

7. Introduction of New Pathways for Indian Nationals

In the year 2024, the Australian government introduced a new scheme named the Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES) for Indian nationals. This visa will allow eligible Indian nationals to live and work in Australia for up to two years.

Through this pathway, there will be an opportunity for Indian skilled workers, students, and professionals to migrate to Australia. This scheme aims to address labour shortages, support economic growth, and increase cultural exchange between two countries, India and Australia.

Final Thoughts

2024 has been a year of changes for the Australian Migration Program and visa policies. These upcoming changes in Australian visa policies highlight a significant shift to a more aligned and responsive migration system in Australia.

With these changes, more doors will open for skilled migrants by prioritizing high-demand skills, promoting regional development, providing residency opportunities in regional areas, increasing the PR pathways for temporary residents, and more.

Whether you are an aspiring skilled migrant, a student looking to extend your stay, or someone planning to secure a migration place in Australia, it is essential to understand these upcoming changes to move ahead smoothly.

How Can Migration Help to Migrate to Australia in 2025?

So, if you want to migrate to Australia or need to understand how these upcoming changes can affect your application for your prior Australian visa, consult with our registered migration agent.

For further information regarding skill assessments and general skilled migration programs, talk to our skilled migration consultants now. They will provide you with valuable guidance and insights regarding new regulations in Australian visa policies and migration programs. 

Don’t wait any longer—book your consultation now. Get professional support to start your migration journey as soon as possible so that you can celebrate your new year 2025 in Australia.