Starting 1 July 2025, Australia's migration landscape is set for some significant updates that will affect visa applicants, sponsors, and others involved in the process. The upcoming changes involve higher income levels for skilled visas, adjustments to application fees, and positive new options in South Australia's migration program. These reforms are designed to protect local jobs, support efficient visa processing, and create fresh opportunities for skilled migrants. Let's explore what these July 2025 changes mean for you.
Upcoming Increases to Government Visa and Review Fees
From the beginning of July 2025, the Australian Government is set to increase the costs for a variety of visa applications and administrative reviews. If you are planning to lodge an application soon, it is important to account for these updated charges to prevent any unexpected expenses.
Visa Application Charges (VACs) from July 2025
Here are some of the key changes to visa application charges:
- Skills in Demand (Subclass 482) Visa: The fee will rise from $3,115 to $3,210.
- Partner Visa: The application charge will increase from $9,095 to $9,365.
- Student Visa: This fee is set to go up from $1,600 to $2,000.
- Contributory Parent (Subclass 143) Visa: The charge will be adjusted from $48,495 to $48,640.
Tip: If you are ready to apply, lodging your application before 1 July could save you money on government fees.
New Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) Fees
The costs for lodging an appeal with the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) are also increasing:
- Migration Review: The fee will increase from $3,496 to $3,580.
- Protection Review: The cost will rise from $2,151 to $2,203.
It is important to remember that these amounts reflect only the government's fees. They do not cover any professional fees for receiving migration assistance with your application or review.
Need help understanding these new fees? Get in touch with Australian Migration Agents for clear information.
New Income Thresholds for Skilled Visas
A significant change taking effect on 1 July 2025 is the annual indexation of income thresholds for skilled visas. This adjustment will align the thresholds with the Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE). This policy was introduced as part of the government's Migration Strategy to ensure that skilled migration supports fair wage standards for all workers in Australia.
Understanding the CSIT and TSMIT Increases
Both the Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) and the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) will be raised to $76,515 AUD, up from the previous figure of $73,150. This adjustment will impact several visa categories, including:
- Skills in Demand (subclass 482)
- Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186)
- Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (subclass 494)
What is the New Specialist Skills Income Threshold?
For highly skilled professionals, the Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT) is also increasing. It will go from $135,000 AUD to $141,210 AUD. This particular threshold is for applicants using the Specialist Skills stream of the Skills in Demand visa.
Who is Impacted by These Threshold Changes?
These updated income requirements will apply to any new nomination applications submitted on or after 1 July 2025. Applications lodged before this date, as well as current visa holders, will not be affected by this specific change. However, all sponsoring employers must continue to satisfy the annual market salary rate for the nominated position.
Tip: Employers should review the salaries for upcoming nominations to ensure they meet the new thresholds from 1 July.
Exciting News for South Australia's Migration Program
For those considering a move to South Australia, there have been several positive announcements. These include the extension of migration agreements and a new pathway for innovators.
SA's DAMA Program: Extended and Enhanced
The two Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs) for South Australia are now extended until 30 June 2026. Great news for applicants is that key benefits will continue. This includes an age concession up to 55, a 10% lower TSMIT requirement, and several waivers for specific occupations. In a major improvement, the timeframe to gain permanent residency for Subclass 482 visa holders through the DAMA is now only two years, down from three.
National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858) Pathway
South Australia has also opened Registrations of Interest (ROI) for state nomination under the Subclass 858 National Innovation Visa. This opportunity is available to applicants both inside and outside of Australia. For full details on the eligibility requirements, you should visit the official South Australian government migration website.
Feeling unsure about how these updates affect your visa plans? Chat with the team at Australian Migration Agents for clear, straightforward guidance on your best path forward.
A Recap of the 2024 Migration Strategy Reforms
The upcoming changes build upon the major reforms introduced through the government's 2024 Migration Strategy. That strategy significantly altered Australia's migration framework. Key developments included the replacement of the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa with the new three-tiered Skills in Demand (SID) visa. This was accompanied by an initial TSMIT increase to $73,150.
The permanent migration program was also adjusted to focus more on Employer Sponsored, State Nominated, and Regional visa options over the Skilled Independent pathway. Additionally, the Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP) was closed, making way for the more targeted National Innovation visa. For international students, the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement was replaced with a more rigorous Genuine Student (GS) assessment, and English language standards were raised. These earlier reforms set the stage for a more strategically focused migration system.
How Our Migration Agents Can Support You
Navigating the complexities of Australia's migration system can be challenging, especially when rules and fees change. Our team of registered migration agents at Australian Migration Agents is here to provide friendly and professional support.
We can offer clear guidance on the new skilled visa income levels, assist you in preparing a decision-ready application before fee rises take effect, and provide helpful insights into state-based programs like the SA DAMA. For personalised migration guidance anywhere in Australia, book a consultation with our team today. We are here to help you move forward with confidence.
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