Overview: Starting July 1, 2025, Australia will implement major immigration policy overhauls, bringing significant updates to visa categories, skilled migration systems, and family reunion processes. These reforms are designed to bridge talent shortages, boost regional growth, and simplify application procedures.

At Apical Immigration Experts, we’ve thoroughly reviewed these policy changes to help students, workers, and families understand what lies ahead and how to maximize their chances under the revised framework.

Major Immigration Changes in Australia from July 2025

  1. Launch of the Skills in Demand (SID) Visa

The existing Subclass 482 Visa will be replaced by the new Skills in Demand Visa, comprising three streams:

  • Core Skills Stream – Minimum salary set at AUD 76,515
  • Specialist Skills Stream – Requires a minimum salary of AUD 141,210
  • Labour Agreements Stream – Tailored for specific employer or sector-based needs

These visa streams prioritize high-demand roles across sectors like healthcare, tech, and green energy. Applicants must ensure their job role and remuneration meet the latest benchmarks.

  1. Updates to Family Reunion Visas

  • The Partner Visa will now follow a simplified, single-step application process, eliminating separate temporary and permanent submissions and reducing waiting times.
  • A new Parent Visa will permit temporary stays of 3 or 5 years, offering a route toward permanent residency, addressing backlogs, and enhancing certainty for family reunification.

  1. Revamped Points System for Skilled Migration

  • Applicants with 5+ years of relevant experience will now earn 20 points (previously 15).
  • Extra points will be granted for Australian educational qualifications.
  • Additional points for priority occupations in key fields like tech and healthcare.
  • The current MLTSSL list will be replaced by a dynamic Occupation Shortage List (OSL) aligned with real-time labour market demands.

Impact Across Visa Categories

  1. Student Visa Modifications
  • Financial proof for visa applicants increases to AUD 29,710, matching rising living expenses.
  • Students pursuing Bachelor’s degrees can work up to 24 hours weekly during semesters.
  • Postgraduate students will enjoy unlimited work rights.
  • A cap system will favour 80% of applicants from top-rated institutions—students should select their universities carefully.
  1. Work Visa Overhaul
  • New salary criteria under the SID Visa mean applicants must meet higher pay thresholds.
  • High-income professionals (AUD 141,210+) in the Specialist Skills stream will benefit from 4-year visas, ensuring long-term stability.
  1. Permanent Residency Enhancements
  • Skilled applicants can earn more points for local education and industry experience.
  • Regional migration will receive stronger incentives, offering an easier route to PR for those moving outside metropolitan areas.
  • The Parent Visa also opens up a PR pathway, reinforcing family-based immigration.

How to Prepare for These Reforms

  1. Stay Informed
    Visit the official Department of Home Affairs website and subscribe to updates. The December 2023 Migration Strategy provides key details.
  2. Evaluate Your Eligibility
  • Match your profession to the upcoming Occupation Shortage List (OSL).
  • Recalculate your points score under the new framework. Consider gaining local experience or credentials if needed.
  1. Organize Documents
  • Get your qualifications assessed per Australian standards.
  • Ensure employment letters detail roles and salaries.
  • Prepare financial evidence to meet revised student visa requirements.
  1. Get Professional Help
    Given the policy complexity, seek guidance from experienced immigration advisors. Apical Immigration Experts can assess your profile and build a personalized migration strategy.
  2. Consider Regional Migration
  • Regional areas will offer added PR incentives.
  • Research locations where your skills are in demand and explore job and living opportunities there.

Final Word:

The upcoming Australian immigration reforms represent the most substantial shift in recent years. With the new SID Visa, restructured points system, and streamlined pathways for students and families, the system is evolving to be more adaptive and inclusive.

Whether you’re a skilled worker, an international student, or planning a family reunion, early preparation is key. Let Apical Immigration Experts guide you through these changes with confidence, clarity, and success.