Planning to migrate or study in Australia? Here are the visa rule changes taking effect from 1 July

Between July and December 2024, the Department of Home Affairs received over 4.85 million temporary and migration visa applications, a slight increase from 4.78 million during the same period the previous year. As the new financial year approaches, Australia is introducing a range of changes across various visa categories.

As of 1 July, Australia is introducing a range of changes across various visa categories including Student visa category. Source: Moment RF / Twenty47studio/Getty Images Credit: Source: Getty Images

Here’s a breakdown of the key visa changes you need to know.

Skilled visa

The Department of Home Affairs has announced that income thresholds for skilled visas will increase by 4.6 per cent.

This is in line with changes to the annual Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE).

The indexation changes will raise the Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) and the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) from $73,150 to $76,515.

The Department of Home Affairs has announced that income thresholds for skilled visas will increase by 4.6 per cent. Source: Moment RF / Alexander W Helin/Getty Images

This will impact nomination applications visa Subclass 482, the Employer Nomination Scheme visa (Subclass 186), Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (SESR) (Subclass 494) and the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) (Subclass 187) visas.

The Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT) will also increase from $135,000 to $141,210, impacting nomination applications for the Specialist Skills stream of the Skills in Demand visa (Subclass 482).

This change will not apply to existing visa holders and nominations lodged before 1 July 2025.

Student visa

 

In line with the Labor government’s election commitment, the Visa Application Charge (VAC) for primary Student visa applicants will be increased from $1,600 to $2,000. 

Every year, thousands of Indian students apply for visas to study in Australia. Credit: Mayur Kakade/Getty Images

Humanitarian visa

 

Those applying for a Subclass 202 visa under the Special Humanitarian Program (SHP) or a Refugee visa under split family provisions, must lodge their application online via ImmiAccount.

These applications include both a Form 681 – Refugee and Special Humanitarian Proposal and Form 842 - Application for an Offshore Humanitarian Visa.

 

Pacific Engagement visa – Treaty stream

 

The inaugural Pacific Engagement (Subclass 192) visa - Treaty stream ballot opened to registrations on 16 June 2025 and will close on 18 July 2025 before random ballot selections are made on 25 July 2025. 

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Those selected in the ballot will be provided with instructions on how to apply for the Pacific Engagement (Subclass 192) visa - Treaty stream and the deadline to apply. 

[Disclaimer: This information is intended as a general guide and is accurate as of the date of publication. Migration laws and policies may change over time. For advice tailored to your situation, please consult a qualified migration or legal professional.]

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