Synopsis: Australia’s latest immigration updates cover election implications, delays in 189 invitations, rising visa refusal rates, increased fees and salary thresholds, and slow processing times. With the program year ending soon, applicants must act swiftly to avoid higher costs and missed opportunities. This blog breaks down every key change.
Australia’s immigration system is entering a pivotal phase in May 2025. With the recent federal election securing a second term for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, key migration reforms are advancing, including changes to the General Skilled Migration (GSM) points test, salary thresholds, visa fees, and state nomination quotas.
If you’re applying under programs like the 189 Skilled Independent Visa, 190 State Nominated Visa, 491 Regional Provisional Visa, or 482 Temporary Skill Shortage Visa, the time to act is now.
Here’s a breakdown of the most important immigration news this month.
Visa Grants and Invitation Trends
Recent Visa Grant Activity
The month of May has seen a diverse range of visa grants across skilled, employer-sponsored, and entertainment streams:
- 482 Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visas were issued for occupations such as cook, chef, diesel motor mechanic, and OH&S adviser
- Several 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visas were approved under both the Direct Entry and Temporary Transition pathways
- DAMA agreements supported approvals for regional roles like production horticulturalist
- 408 visas were granted for entertainment industry workers
- A Global Talent visa was successfully processed
- State nominations in South Australia included:
- A registered nurse (491 visa with 65 points)
- An ICT customer support officer (190 visa with 75 points)
- A chef in regional South Australia (491 visa with 70 points)
Source: Read more about the TSS 482 visa program
The Federal Election Result and Immigration Direction
Labour’s Re-Election Confirms Policy Continuity
With Prime Minister Anthony Albanese securing re-election on 5 May 2025, the migration strategy unveiled in December 2023 is expected to proceed. This includes:
- Reforms to the points-tested General Skilled Migration (GSM) system, especially the 189, 190, and 491 visas
- Adjustments to regional migration frameworks like the 491 and 494 visas
- Continued alignment of skilled migration with labour market priorities
The Department of Home Affairs has not announced structural changes in leadership, and Tony Burke remains the Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration.
Source: Australian Government’s 2023 Migration Strategy
When Will the Next 189 Invitation Round Happen?
Delayed Invitations Cause Uncertainty
The last 189 Skilled Independent visa invitation round occurred in November 2024, issuing over 15,000 invites. No further rounds have occurred since. Analysts now estimate the next round may take place in August or September 2025.
Source: Visa Invitation Round Archive – Home Affairs
Applicants waiting in the pool should consider backup options such as state nominations or employer-sponsored pathways while demand remains high.
190 and 491 State Nomination Status
State-by-State Program Availability
As the financial year ends, the nomination status for state and territory governments is as follows:
- Victoria – Closed
- Northern Territory – Partially open (only for onshore applicants with expiring visas)
- Tasmania – Overseas job offer (491) closed; 190 health sector open; onshore still open
- New South Wales – 491 employer-sponsored pathway closed; other pathways remain open
- Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, and ACT – Fully open
Source: Check your state’s migration updates
For those struggling to secure a state nomination, it may be worthwhile to explore the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa or Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa.
Minimum Salary Thresholds Are Increasing
New Threshold Effective from 1 July 2025
The Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) will increase from AUD $73,150 to AUD $76,515 starting 1 July 2025. This directly affects:
- 482 TSS visas
- 186 ENS visas
- 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visas
Source: Read the official TSMIT announcement
This adjustment may pose challenges for occupations like childcare workers or chefs, where advertised salaries often fall below the revised threshold. Those aiming to lodge applications under current rules should act before 1 July.
Visa Application Fees Set to Rise
Annual Increases from July
As in previous years, visa application fees will increase starting 1 July 2025. The Department of Home Affairs updates these rates annually to align with inflation and program funding needs.
Source: Current visa pricing table
Applicants are encouraged to lodge applications before this date to avoid higher fees.
Student and 407 Visa Refusals on the Rise
Student Visa Refusals Surge
Of the 39,594 appeals lodged with the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) in early 2025, 24,131 were student visa refusals—a striking figure indicating tightened scrutiny.
The likely driver is the government’s effort to reduce net migration and enforce Genuine Student (GS) criteria more rigorously.
Source: Understand the Genuine Student requirement
407 Training Visas Face More Refusals
Previously enjoying a 92% approval rate, the 407 Training visa is now facing higher rejection due to:
- Weak or unclear training plans
- Misuse of the visa to extend work eligibility
- Applications submitted without clear program objectives
Source: Learn about 407 visa training requirements
Appeals may be possible, but not all refusals are eligible for AAT review. Seek legal advice if your application is refused.
188 Business Innovation and Investment Visa Extensions
COVID-19 Disruption Driving Extension Requests
There has been an uptick in 188 Business visa holders seeking extensions due to pandemic-related business delays. These applicants are often trying to meet 888 permanent residency criteria.
To be successful, you must:
- Show active business operations
- Provide clear documentation of business activity
- Secure state sponsorship again for the extension
Source: Business Innovation and Investment Program Details
Do not leave extension requests to the last minute—early preparation is key.
Current Visa Processing Times
Delays Are Widespread
Visa processing has slowed in recent months, likely due to the federal election and end-of-year program reviews. As of May 2025:
- 482 (old stream): 50% in 5 months, 90% in 8 months
- 482 (new Core Skills stream): 50% in 43 days, 90% in 84 days
- 190 State Nominated PR: 50% in 18 months, 90% in 21 months
- 491 Regional Provisional: 50% in 20 months, 90% in 22 months
- 191 Permanent Regional: 50% in 5 months, 90% in 12 months
- 820 Partner visa (temporary): 50% in 15 months, 90% in 32 months
- 801 Partner visa (permanent): 50% in 8 months, 90% in 17 months
Source: View updated visa processing times
Final Thought
The May 2025 update to Australian immigration policy highlights the complex interplay between politics, labour needs, and international migration. From delayed 189 rounds to tightening of student visa approvals and increasing thresholds for salary and fees, the next few months will be pivotal for skilled migrants, employers, and students alike.
With major changes arriving on 1 July 2025, the message is clear: plan, prepare, and lodge now if you want to avoid the consequences of rising costs and shrinking options.
