Australia Immigration Updates

September 05, 2025

Australia Announces 2025–26 Migration Program Planning Levels

The Australian government has set the migration program planning levels for 2025–26 at 185,000 places. The Skill stream will account for 132,200 places, while the Family stream remains steady at 52,500 places. The program also introduces 4,300 spots for the new Talent and Innovation visa category.

Visa Stream	Visa Category	2023–24 Planning levels	2024–25 Planning levels	2025–26 Planning levels
Skill	Employer Sponsored	36,825	44,000	44,000
	Skilled Independent	30,375	16,900	16,900
	Regional	32,300	33,000	33,000
	State/Territory Nominated	30,400	33,000	33,000
	Business Innovation & Investment	1,900	1,000	1,000
	Talent and Innovation1	-	-	4,300
	Global Talent1 (Independent)	5,000	4,000	-
	Distinguished Talent1	300	300	-
	Skill Total	1,37,100	1,32,200	1,32,200
Family	Partner2	40,500	40,500	40,500
	Parent	8,500	8,500	8,500
	Child2	3,000	3,000	3,000
	Other Family	500	500	500
	Family Total	52,500	52,500	52,500
	Special Eligibility	400	300	300
	Total Migration Program	1,90,000	1,85,000	1,85,000

*Want to migrate to Australia? Y-Axis experts can guide you with the process.

September 04, 2025

Immigration New Zealand Updates NOL Occupations in AEWV Program

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) announced major changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) program. From November 3, 2025, nearly 90 new high-skilled occupations (Levels 1–3) will be added to the National Occupation List (NOL). A temporary pathway called the Specific Purpose Work Visa (SPWV) will also be available between September 8 and November 2, 2025, covering 30 new job roles for current visa holders.

*Looking to work in New Zealand? Sign up with Y-Axis to guide you through the process.

August 21, 2025

Australia issued 7037 EOIs under the SkillSelect Invitation Round

On 21 August 2025, Australia conducted a SkillSelect invitation round, issuing a total of 7,037 Expressions of Interest (EOIs). The table below provides a detailed breakdown of the invitations issued.

 

August 07, 2025

Australia Updates English Language Test Requirements for Visa Applicants

The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has announced important changes to the list of accepted English-language tests for visa applications, effective August 7, 2025. Tests taken on or before August 6, 2025, will remain valid if used within the standard 3-year period (or as specified per visa subclass). The new list includes:

• Cambridge C1 Advanced
• CELPIP General
• IELTS (Academic & General, incl. One Skill Retake)
• LANGUAGECERT Academic
• MET (Single Section Retake)
• OET
• PTE Academic
• TOEFL iBT

*Want to improve your English languages test scores? Avail the Y-Axis coaching services to ace your scores!

August 05, 2025

Australia Expands Student Visa Limit to 295,000 for 2025

Australia has raised its student visa cap to 295,000 for 2025, marking a 9% increase from the previous limit of 270,000. This expansion aims to attract more skilled international students, especially from Southeast Asia, while ensuring the visa system remains robust and fair. With rising global interest in Australian education, prospective students are encouraged to apply early to secure their spot and benefit from enhanced academic and migration opportunities.

*Want to study in Australia? Let Y-Axis guide you with the procedure.

June 21, 2025

Australia declared the recent nominations from State and territories government

Below are the numbers of EOIs that have received nominations from State and Territory governments from July 1, 2024, to May 31, 2025:

Visa subclass	ACT	NSW	NT	Qld	SA	Tas	Vic	WA
Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)	889	2,930	792	582	2,792	1,973	3,000	2,378
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) State and Territory Nominated	750	1,174	596	576	774	747	1,997	1,633

*Willing to know more about State and Territory nominations? Sign up with Y-Axis for complete guidance. 

June 21, 2025

Important Announcement: Western Australia issued the latest Invitation round for State nominated Migration Program

Western Australia issued the latest invitations on June 9, and June 21 2025 for the State-nomination migration program:

Priority Invitation Round
Intending visa subclass	General stream	General stream	Graduate stream	Graduate stream
	WASMOL schedule 1	WASMOL schedule 2	Higher education	Vocational education and training
Visa subclass 190	0	0	0	0
Visa subclass 491	80	140	0	0
Non-priority Invitation Round
Intending visa subclass	General stream	General stream	Graduate stream	Graduate stream
	WASMOL schedule 1	WASMOL schedule 2	Higher education	Vocational education and training
Visa subclass 190	0	0	0	0
Visa subclass 491	80	240	0	0

*Willing to know more about Western Australia? Sign up with Y-Axis for complete guidance.

June 12, 2025

Important Announcement:  ACT Canberra Matrix issued the latest Invitation Round

The Canberra Matrix issued the latest invitation round for Canberra residents and overseas applicants across different nomination categories.

Category	Visa Subclass	Invitations Issued	Minimum Matrix Score
Canberra Residents
Small Business Owners	190	3	130
	491	0	-
457 / 482 Visa Holders	190	42	N/A
	491	4	N/A
Critical Skill Occupations	190	126	N/A
	491	0	N/A
Overseas Applicants
Critical Skill Occupations	190	12	N/A
	491	0	N/A

*Want to migrate to Australia? Let Y-Axis assist you with procedure.

June 10, 2025

Australia has introduced Multi-factor authentication (MFA) for better security.

From June 18, 2025, new and existing users will need to set up MFA while creating and logging in ImmiAccount. Once MFS is enabled, it will be required for each login or to make changes to the account. Users can enable their preferred authentication method in ImmiAccount.

*Willing to migrate to Australia? Talk to Y-Axis for complete guidance.

May 29, 2025

South Australia closes intakes for onshore skilled migration of 2024-25 programs

South Australia has put a closer on onshore skilled migration ROIs application for the 2024-25-year program. Any unsubmitted ROIs in the online system will be deleted, and all the submitted ROIs will be processed by June 30, 2025.Invited candidates should submit their state nomination application, and the uninvited applicant can continue submitting EOI via Skillselect.

*Willing to South Australia program? Sign up with Y-Axis for complete guidance

May 28, 2025

Queensland put an end to 2024-25 Skilled Migration Program intakes

Queensland had closed its 2024-25 Skilled State Nomination Migration Program (SNMP).  To apply for new registrations of interest (ROIs) across all pathways, including on-shore graduate, offshore, and regional small business owner streams. The applications that have already been submitted will be processed. The second-stage business visas (Subclass 888) will remain open.

*Willing to apply for Subclass 888? Talk to Y-Axis for complete guidance.

May 15, 2025

Tasmania will soon close the Skilled Migration ROIs for 2024-25 program years

Migration Tasmania will only accept ROI from candidates allocated a Gold pass due to the high demand for nomination. The Gold pass nomination will close at 5:00 pm on June 16, 2025, after which no further ROIs will be accepted. Approved nominations beyond the cap will be nominated in the 2025-26 program year.

Willing to migrate to Australia? Talk to Y-Axis for complete guidance.

May 09, 2025

Western Australia issued invitation for State nomination migration Program

Western Australia issued invites on May 8, 2025 for the State nomination Migration Program:

Intending visa subclass	General stream	General stream	Graduate stream	Graduate stream
	WASMOL schedule 1	WASMOL schedule 2	Higher education	Vocational education and training
Visa subclass 190	0	232	11	21
Visa subclass 491	0	340	39	59

*Willing to know more about Australia Immigration? Talk to Y-Axis for complete guidance.

April 25, 2025

Victoria announced to shut down nominations for the skilled visa program for 2024-25

Victoria has declared to close the new Registration of Interest (ROI) for the state-nominated Skilled visa program on Tuesday, 29 April 2025, at 4 pm AEST. The Australian government allocates Victoria 5,000 skilled visa places, 3,000 of which are kept for the Subclass 190 visa and 2,000 for the Subclass 491 visas. This program has attracted much interest this year and has received many more ROIs than available places.

*Willing to migrate to Australia? Let Y-Axis assist you with the procedure. 

April 15, 2025

Record $100 million university program to back women in STEM in Australia

Tech founder Robin Khuda recently funded $100 million for the University of Sydney. The record donation will fund a two-year program to support women enrolled in STEM. According to the STEM Equity Monitor 2024, women represent only 15% of individuals working in STEM jobs. The STEM course aims to support female students in relevant high school courses and further encourage them to pursue STEM.

Read more…

April 12, 2025

Australia to Increase Skilled Visa Income Thresholds from July 1, 2025

Australia government to increase Skilled Visa Income Thresholds from July 1, 2025 for 4.6%. The revised income threshold will be eligible for three streams: Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT), Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT), and Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT). Applications that are applied before July 1, 2025 won’t be applicable for this rule. 

Read more…

March 31, 2025

Important Announcement: Western Australia issued invites for State nominated Migration Program

Western Australia issued invites on March 27, and 28, 2025 for State nominated Migration Program. Below are the details of the invites:

Intending visa subclass	General stream	General stream	Graduate stream	Graduate stream
	WASMOL schedule 1	WASMOL schedule 2	Higher education	Vocational education and training
Visa subclass 190	262	673	204	204
Visa subclass 491	102	262	80	80

*Want to migrate to Australia? Let Y-Axis assist you with the procedure!

March 28, 2025

Australia announces the new Designated Area Migration from March 2025 to 2030

Australia declared the new Designated Area Migration (DAMA) from March 2025 to 2030 for the Northern Territory. This agreement targets sponsoring 1,500 overseas workers who will address the country's labor shortage. The DAMA will be in place until 30 June 2030 with an expanded list of 325 in-demand occupations. The DAMA is a special migration that allows businesses in the designated area to access a more flexible skilled visa pathway.

*Want to work in Australia? Let Y-Axis assist you with the procedure. 

March 26, 2025

Important Announcement: Tasmanian Skilled Migration will not accept applications for Subclass 491 visa

The Subclass 491 Overseas Applicant (Job Offer) pathway has been closed for the 2024-25 programs because of the extended visa processing time and increased false claims. Applications will not be accepted, and the pending invitations will be withdrawn.

*Want to apply for a Subclass 491 visa? Let Y-Axis assist you with the procedure.

March 26, 2025

FNQ DAMA Boosts to a total of 226 Occupations

The FNQ DAMA Head Agreement includes 51 additional occupations, for a total of 226. The forms and information guides are now available on the official website.

*Willing to migrate to Australia? Let Y-Axis assist you with the procedure. 

February 27, 2025

Australia has announced the cessation of the Accounting Professional Year Program

Australia CPA, CAANZ, and IPA announced the termination of the Accounting Professional Year Program (Accounting PY Program) due to its enrollment decline from 7,122 in 2018 to 340 in 2024 and lack of government action on proposed reforms. Despite repeated engagement efforts, the government postponed considering the program’s future, forcing three bodies to discontinue it. New enrollment will be terminated from 5 March 2025, with the program concluding by 1 May 2026.

*Want to apply for Australia PR? Let Y-Axis assist you with the procedure!

February 19, 2025

Important Announcement: Western Australia Invitation round

Western Australia issued the invitation on 19 February 2025 for the State Nominated Migration Program: 

Intending visa subclass	General stream	General stream	Graduate stream	Graduate stream
	WASMOL schedule 1	WASMOL schedule 2	Higher education	Vocational education and training
Visa subclass 190	200	330	225	358
Visa subclass 491	-	370	-	-

*Want to apply for the Australian Skilled Migration Program? Let Y-Axis assist you with the procedure!

February 15, 2025

Australia announced good news for Nurses and Midwives working in the UK, USA, Canada, Singapore, Ireland, and Spain

Australia announced important updates effective April 2025 to the Nursing and Midwifery Board AHPRA, Australia. This department will introduce two streamlined pathways for nurses and Midwives (internationally qualified registered nurses (IQRNS)) who are currently applying from the approved jurisdiction. 

The new pathways will reduce the processing time and complexity for eligible applicants who want to work in Australia. The current application process typically includes examinations or other assessments, which take 9-12 months but may take longer if additional time is needed.  This new pathway has made it easier for eligible IQRNs who may complete the registration process in 1-6 months, depending on the complexity and information provided. This jurisdiction includes countries like the United Kingdom, Ireland, the United States, the Canadian provinces of British Columbia, Ontario, Singapore, and Spain.

Requirements

The requirements depend on the IQRN, which can meet the standard stated under the following two pathways.

Pathways 1

• Qualification in an NMBA-approved comparable jurisdiction
• Completing at least 1800 hours (nearly 1 hour) of practice as a registered nurse in any NMBA-approved comparable jurisdictions.
• Current/ previous general registration as a registered nurse
• Certificate of Good Standing issued by the regulatory authority of any NMBA
• Meeting the requirements:
• Criminal history
• Containing professional development
• English language proficiency
•  Recency of practice,
• Professional insurance agreement 

Pathway 2

This pathway is for current practicing IQRN entry to Australia for an easy go. IQRNS applying under Pathway 2 must demonstrate and provide evidence of:

• Relevant qualification not obtained in any of the NMBA-approved jurisdictions.
• Successful completion of a regulatory examination process for internationally qualified
• Current/previous general registration as a registered nurse in any NMBA-approved compared jurisdictions since 1 January 2017
• Practice as a registered nurse for a minimum of 1800 hours (nearly 1 year)
• Meeting the requirements of the following approved registration standards:
• Criminal history
• Continuing professional development
• Language proficiency in English
• Recency of practice,
• Insurance arrangements 

*Note: If an applicant is not able to meet the qualification or eligibility requirements will not be eligible for general registration via Pathway 1 or 2.

*Want to work in Australia? Let Y-Axis assist you with the process.  

February 03, 2025

Important Announcement: ACT Canberra Matrix Invitation Round

The Act Canberra Matrix Invitation round was held on January 30, 2025 which issued invitations to both Canberra residents and overseas applicants across different nomination categories which are:

Category	Visa Subclass	Invitations Issued	Minimum Matrix Score
Canberra Residents
Small Business Owners	190	12	115
	491	5	115
457 / 482 Visa Holders	190	22	N/A
	491	4	N/A
Critical Skill Occupations	190	170	N/A
	491	207	N/A
Overseas Applicants
Critical Skill Occupations	190	26	N/A
	491	98	N/A

 *Willing to migrate to Australia? Let Y-Axis guide you with the steps.

January 28, 2025

Australia Replaces ANZSCO with OSCA for Job Classification

Australia replaced the ANZSCO code with the OSCA code for job classification on December 6, 2024. Australia and New Zealand will have different systems for occupations. The Australian government recently released the new OSCA codes and the list of professions. The Australian Department will continue using the ANZSCO codes until the final notice.

Read more…

January 14, 2025

NT General Skilled Migration (GSM) Nominations Reaches its Allocation 

The Northern Territory's GSM nomination program for 2024-25 has reached its allocation limit and will not be accepting new applications. Applications submitted before the suspension date will be assessed, and qualifying candidates will receive invitations. The program will accept new applications once the allocation for 2025-2026 is received. 

Exceptions for onshore applicants:

As an exception during the suspension, only the applications of onshore applicants with the following deadlines will be accepted:

• Visas that have an expiry date before July 1, 2025 (Temporary Graduate Visa applicants are ineligible)
• Applicants that are becoming ineligible because of the age factor (Turning 45 years old) 

*Want to migrate to Australia? Let Y-Axis guide you with the immigration procedure. 

January 08, 2025

Australia Mandates Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for international students starting January 2025

International students applying for an Australia student visa must now submit a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) instead of the previous Letters of Offer. The new change came into effect starting January 1, 2025.

*Want to study in Australia? Let Y-Axis help you with the process. 

December 27, 2024

Australian Computer Society (ACS) Releases new ANZSCO Codes for Cyber Security, Data Science, and DevOps

The Australian Computer Society (ACS) is set to introduce 10 new ANZSCO codes in January 2025. The codes are for job roles in the Cyber Security, Data Science, and DevOps fields that will align with the high demand for specialized skills. The new ANZSCO codes are to further support the new Skills in Demand (SID) visa and Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).

Cyber Security Roles
261315	Cyber Security Engineer
261317	Penetration Tester
262114	Cyber Governance Risk and Compliance Specialist
262115	Cyber Security Advice and Assessment Specialist
262116	Cyber Security Analyst
262117	Cyber Security Operations Coordinator
262118	Cyber Security Operations Coordinator
Data Science Roles
224114	Data Analyst
224115	Data Scientist
DevOps Role
261316	DevOps Engineer

*Click here to know more about the new CSOL occupations.

December 27, 2024

VETASSESS will now accept applications for 20 Additional Occupations

VETASSESS will start accepting applications for 20 more occupations that align with the Subclass 482 and Subclass 186 visa. The new Subclass 482, that is, the Skills In Demand (SID) visa is a replacement of the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa that will use the new Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL). 

ANZSCO	Occupations
139917	Regulatory Affairs Manager
224714	Supply Chain Analyst
225114	Content Creator (Marketing)
234114	Agricultural Research Scientist
234115	Agronomist
234116	Aquaculture or Fisheries Scientist
234521	Entomologist
234612	Respiratory Scientist
311112	Agricultural and Agritech Technician
311113	Animal Husbandry Technician
311114	Aquaculture or Fisheries Technician
311115	Irrigation Designer
311217	Respiratory Technician
311314	Primary Products Quality Assurance Officer
312914	Other Draftsperson
362512	Tree Worker
362712	Irrigation Technician
451111	Beauty Therapist
451412	Tour Guide
451612	Travel Consultant

*Click here to know more about the new CSOL occupations. 

December 27, 2024

Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) set to assist Skills Assessments for the New Skills in Demand Visa

The Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) will assess 23 occupations that need skills assessment under the Core Skills stream in the SID visa. Applicants who require a SID assessment for occupations under the TRA can continue sending applications through the TRA’s TSS skill assessment program. The applications received by December 7, 2024 will be evaluated for the SID visa. 

*Want to apply for the Subclass 482 visa? Let Y-Axis guide you with the process. 

December 13, 2024

Details of the Western Australia Invitation Round

The Western Australia Invitation Round was held on December 13, 2024 and issued invitations for the State Nominated Migration program. 

Intending visa subclass	General stream	General stream	Graduate stream	Graduate stream
	WASMOL schedule 1	WASMOL schedule 2	Higher education	Vocational education and training
Visa subclass 190	450	600	340	105
Visa subclass 491	450	600	335	115

*Want to work in Australia? Let Y-Axis guide you with the process. 

December 07, 2024

Australia’s New Skills In Demand Subclass 482 Visa

Australia launched a new Subclass 482 Skills In Demand visa, replacing the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa. Three new streams, Specialist Skills, Core Skills, and Labour Agreement, were also introduced under the Subclass 482 visa. Professionals with job roles listed under the CSOL are eligible to apply for this visa. 

*Want to apply for a Subclass 482 visa? Let Y-Axis assist you with the process.

December 06, 2024

Important Update: Australia’s National Innovation Visa (NIV) (subclass 858) replaces the Global Talent Visa (subclass 858)

Australia’s Subclass 858 Global Talent Visa is now replaced by the National Innovation Visa, effective December 6, 2024. The new NIV visa is a permanent visa for foreigners with exceptional international achievements in eligible areas. Applications for the NIV visa will be processed according to Ministerial Direction 11. The cost to apply for the National Innovation visa is AUD4,840.00, with an additional AUD2425 for those above 18 and AUD1210 for those under 18.

To be eligible for the Subclass 858 NIV visa, you must:

• Submit an EOI
• Have a nominator 
• Have English language proficiency with at least Level 5 in IELTS 
• Apply for the NIV within 60 days of receiving an invitation 

Applications will be selected per the priority orders and the indicators of exceptional achievements. 

List of Priority Orders 

Priority Orders
Priority one	Exceptional candidates from any sector who are global experts and recipients of international ‘top of field’ level awards.
Priority two	Candidates from any sector nominated on the approved Form 1000 by an expert Australian Commonwealth, State or Territory Government agency.
Priority three	Candidates with exceptional and outstanding achievements in a Tier One sector:
	Critical Technologies
	Health Industries
	Renewables and low emission technologies
Priority four	Candidates with exceptional and outstanding achievements in a Tier Two sector:
	Agri-food and AgTech
	Defence Capabilities and Space
	Education
	Financial Services and FinTech
	Infrastructure and Transport
	Resources

Indicators of exceptional and outstanding achievements

Indicators of exceptional and outstanding achievements
Top-of-field Level Awards	Recipients of national research grants	Holders of PhDs with high-levels of academic influence or thought leadership	Other measures of high-calibre talent	Candidates nominated by an expert Australian Commonwealth, State or Territory government agency
Nobel Prizes	Receipt of a national level research grant for the highest quality research in Australia or from other countries showing that the individual is at the top of their field. These include but are not limited to:	Holders of a PhD with high-levels of academic influence or thought leadership in their field, such as:	Other measures of high-calibre talent may include:	Other indicators of exceptional and outstanding achievements we may consider in conjunction with nomination by an expert Australian Commonwealth, State or Territory government agency include:
Breakthrough Prizes	·         Australian Research Council grants	·         Recent publications in top ranked journals, for example Nature, Lancet or Acta Numerica		·         Athletes and creative who will raise Australia’s international standing in their field
Rousseeuw Prize	·         Department of Education Accelerator grants equivalent level grants from other countries. This includes:	·         A high h-index for their stage of career, for example an early career researcher with a h-index of 14	·         Recent keynote appearance at a high-profile international conference. For example:	·         Evidence of innovative investment activity with an established track record of supporting successful innovative ventures
Eni Award	-        United Kingdom Research and Innovation Grants program	·         A research-based degree from a top global university, for example, ranked in the top 100 World University Rankings by Times Higher Education	-        Web Summit; International Congress of Mathematicians	·         Evidence of promising entrepreneurial activities that will lead to the commercialisation of a product or service in Australia, particularly where linked to Commonwealth, State or Territory based innovation hubs.
Institution of Electrical Engineers Medal of Honor	-        Funding from the EU Commission		-        American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting or	·         Recognised intellectual property attributed to them, for example holding relevant international patents.
Fields Medal	-        Funding from the US National Science Foundation		-        International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium
Chern Medal	• Other similar level grants.
Abel Prize			·         Earning at or above the Fair Work high income threshold, where:
L’Oreal-UNESCO Award for Women in Science			-        There is written communication from an Australian employer offering employment in Australia with an annual salary equivalent to, or higher than, the high income threshold or
Turing Award			-        The primary applicant's current earnings are an amount equal to, or greater than, the high income threshold.
ACM Prize in Computing
Pulitzer Prize
International Booker Prize
International Tchaikovsky Competition Gold Medal
Olympic Gold Medal
Laureus World Sportsman or Sportswoman of the year

*Want to migrate to Australia? Let Y-Axis guide you with the process. 

December 03, 2024

Details of the recent Canberra Matrix Invitation Round

The complete details of the Canberra Matrix Invitation Round as of November 28, 2024, are given in the below table:

Category	Skilled Nominated (subclass 190)	Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491)	Total
2024-2025 Nomination Places Application Count (as of 28 Nov 2024)	1,000	800	1,800
Total Approvals	238	178	416
Total Refusals	18 (7%)	23 (12%)	41
Approvals by Residency Status
ACT Residents	NA	NA	358 (86%)
Overseas Residents	NA	NA	58 (12%)
Remaining Allocation	762	622	1,384

*Want to migrate to Australia? Let Y-Axis help you with the process. 

December 03, 2024

Tasmania Releases Migration Update

Tasmania released the processing times, nomination places, list of invitations, total number of applications lodged, and ROIs as of October 19, 2024. Candidates with at least one Orange-Plus attribute are given priority and have a high chance of receiving an invitation within 6 months. Subclass 190 visa applicants with an Orange-Plus Attribute will receive invitations through the program this year. 

Category	Skilled Nominated (subclass 190)	Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491)
Processing Times	The oldest application lodged on 19 October 2024.	Same as subclass 190.
Nomination Places Used	679 of 2,100	224 of 760
Nomination Applications Lodged (Not Decided)	247	96
Invitations to Apply (Not Accepted)	58	33
Registrations of Interest (ROI) on Hand	359	334

*Want to apply for a Subclass 190 visa? Let Y-Axis help you with the process. 

December 03, 2024

Victoria To Prioritise Construction Trade Occupations for Skilled Visa Nomination Programs 

Victoria has announced that construction trade occupations will be prioritized for skilled visa nomination programs. Trade occupations will be prioritized for the Subclass 491 visa (Skilled Work Regional) and Subclass 190 visa. The Victorian government has made this decision to address the workforce and labor shortages in the construction industry.

Given below is the list of eligible construction trade occupations:

ANZSCO Code	Occupation Name
331211	Carpenter and Joiner
331212	Carpenter
331213	Joiner
333111	Glazier
333211	Fibrous Plasterer
333212	Solid Plasterer
334111	Plumber (General)
334112	Air Conditioning and Mechanical Services Plumber
334115	Roof Plumber
341111	Electrician (General)
341112	Electrician (Special Class)
342211	Electrical Lines Worker
342411	Cabler (Data and Telecommunications)
394111	Cabinetmaker

*Want to work in Australia? Let Y-Axis guide you with the process.

December 03, 2024

Australia Releases the new CSOL. 

The Australian Government released the new Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), which will replace the Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) visa. The CSOL list applies to the Core Skills stream of the new Skills in Demand visa and the Direct Entry stream of the subclass 186 visa.

Read more…

News Analysis: Opportunities in Migration Policy and Community Trends

Australia’s immigration settings for 2025 provide continuity, clarity, and new opportunities for skilled migrants and communities. While changes in law and public debate are ongoing, they also present valuable lessons for employers, applicants, and policymakers.

Migration Cap Implications (185,000 places in 2025–26)

• Labour market: A steady cap ensures that critical sectors such as health, technology, and construction continue to benefit from skilled talent.
• Skill stream focus: With ~70% of places allocated to skilled visas, applicants have a strong pathway through employer-sponsored, independent, and regional programs.
• Housing & services: Consistent planning helps align migration with housing supply, education seats, and state resources, supporting sustainable growth.
• Operational clarity: Year-on-year stability allows applicants and employers to plan nominations, recruitment, and EOI submissions with confidence.

Deportation Law: Key Updates

• Faster removals: Streamlined processes strengthen program integrity, ensuring compliance and protecting opportunities for genuine applicants.
• Removal to another country: Clearer pathways for removals support the government’s commitment to efficient case resolution.
• Compliance signal: Stronger rules encourage employers to maintain best practices in record-keeping and workforce checks.
• Balanced perspective: While safeguards are essential, these measures also highlight the value of transparent and compliant applications.

Anti-Immigration Sentiment Trends

• Drivers: Economic challenges have elevated debate, creating opportunities for constructive dialogue on sustainable migration.
• Community impact: Despite public discussion, migrant and student communities remain resilient and continue to enrich Australian society.
• Policy response: Visible demonstrations often prompt positive government messaging, community outreach, and renewed support for inclusivity and cohesion.

Regional Breakdowns: Community, Students, and State Pathways

Australia’s migration dynamics vary across communities, student cohorts, and state nomination programs. Understanding these differences helps applicants and advisors make informed decisions about settlement, study, and long-term residency planning.

Indian-Australian Community Impact

• Safety & cohesion: Public protests and counter-protests can heighten anxiety for Indian diaspora families and students, leading to cautious choices in travel and events.
• Employment & study: Ongoing demand for skills continues to attract applicants, though sentiment shifts may temporarily affect internships and customer-facing roles.
• Settlement patterns: Regional cities remain attractive due to supportive campuses and relatively affordable housing.
• Advisory: Emphasise campus safety briefings, workplace diversity, and local community networks during counselling.

Student Migration Trends

• Course mix: Strong preference for programs in health, engineering, IT, and construction aligned with skills lists and post-study pathways.
• Destination spread: Regional campuses are gaining popularity for settlement points and lower living costs.
• Quality signals: Students increasingly value institutions offering work-integrated learning, employability services, and transparent compliance support.
• Agent guidance: Study planning should align with skills assessment criteria, English proficiency benchmarks, and PR visa pathways.

State & Territory Considerations

• Regional streams: States with defined regional strategies provide clearer nomination roadmaps under subclass 190 and 491.
• Sector focus: Priority sectors include healthcare, education, advanced manufacturing, and infrastructure.
• Practical takeaway: Match occupations with current state nomination criteria and settlement support measures to enhance eligibility.