July 2025 Immigration Shake-Up: What You Must Know Before It's Too Late
Australia will roll out a major set of immigration changes that will impact skilled migrants, families, and international students. These updates are designed to better match Australia’s economic needs, address skill shortages, and streamline visa pathways.
Skilled Visa Overhaul: New Streams, Higher Thresholds
The familiar Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) visa has been replaced with the Skills in Demand visa, featuring three distinct streams:
Core Skills Stream: For occupations on the new Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL). Minimum salary: AUD 76,515.
Specialist Skills Stream: For high-income roles. Minimum salary: AUD 141,210.
Labour Agreements Stream: For occupations negotiated under specific agreements.
This marks a 4.6% increase in salary thresholds, reflecting changes in national earnings and aimed at ensuring fair compensation for migrants.
Simplified Family Reunification
Australia is cutting red tape to make it easier for families to reunite:
Partner Visas: Now follow a single-stage application process, removing the split between temporary and permanent applications.
Parent Visas: A new temporary visa offers three- or five-year stays with a pathway to permanent residency. This move reduces backlogs and gives families more flexibility.
Student Visa Rules Updated
International students face new requirements and opportunities:
Financial Requirement Increase: Up from AUD 24,505 to AUD 29,710.
Expanded Work Rights:
Bachelor’s students: Up to 24 hours/week during study terms.
Postgraduate students: Unlimited work hours during study.
This ensures students can support themselves while gaining meaningful work experience.
Points System Revamp for Skilled Migration
Australia’s points-based immigration system is undergoing a significant overhaul to better recognize relevant qualifications, experience, and high-demand skills. Applicants with at least five years of relevant work experience will now receive 20 points, up from the previous 15. This change reflects the growing emphasis on proven industry expertise.
In addition, those who hold Australian qualifications will be awarded an extra 5 points, acknowledging the value of local education and its alignment with the country’s workforce needs. The new system also introduces a 'skills priority' category, which allocates bonus points to individuals with occupations in sectors facing acute shortages, such as healthcare, technology, and renewable energy.
Stronger Regional Migration Incentives
To boost growth in non-metro areas:
The Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) remains in place.
Income thresholds for skilled regional visas will increase by 4.6%.
What This Means for You
Whether you’re a skilled worker, international student, or planning to reunite with family, these changes demand a fresh look at your immigration options. Here at Think Visa, we don’t just understand immigration law—we stay ahead of it. With July 2025 fast approaching, now is the time to review your status and take strategic action.
Our team of immigration experts can:
Assess your eligibility under the new rules
Help you transition to the new visa categories
Streamline your application to avoid delays and maximize success
Book your consultation today and let us help you make your move confidently under the new Australian immigration system.
