Moving to Australia for Study? Key Visa Changes Effective 1 July
So, you’re eyeing Australia? Land of curious creatures, sunburnt dreams, and coffee so good it could start diplomatic incidents. If your plans include a visa, there are a few fresh updates you’ll want to pack in your mental carry-on.
As of 1 July, the Australian Department of Home Affairs has given skilled visa requirements a bit of a boost. The income thresholds have crept up by 4.6 per cent, which means the Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) and the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) now sit at $76,515. Not exactly loose change, but then again, neither is a one-way ticket to a new life.
This tweak directly affects nomination applications for visas like the ever-popular Subclass 482, a common path for those dreaming of morning flat whites in Sydney or tech jobs with ocean views. The Employer Nomination Scheme visa (Subclass 186) and the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (SESR) (Subclass 494) are also part of this update. And for those chasing high-demand roles through the Specialist Skills stream, you’ll now need to meet a salary bar of $141,210, up from $135,000. Translation: the bar’s higher, but so are the stakes.
Now, let’s talk about the student life crowd. If you’re packing your bags for a degree with a side of surfing, there’s a bump in the Visa Application Charge too, from $1,600 to $2,000. You may need to budget an extra koala or two, but those campus barbecues and beachside study sessions might just be worth the squeeze.
For anyone applying for a Subclass 202 visa under the Special Humanitarian Program, applications have moved fully online via ImmiAccount. It’s time to dust off your document organisation skills and embrace the world of digital forms.
Meanwhile, the newly introduced Pacific Engagement visa started accepting ballot registrations on 16 June 2025. You’ve got until 18 July to toss your hat in the ring, and who knows? This could be your ticket to something truly unexpected.
A quick sigh of relief for those already in the system — these new rules don’t affect existing visa holders or those who got their applications in before 1 July. If that’s you, you can keep sipping your lamington-accompanied tea in peace.
Every visa shift tells a story of growth, change, and the tug of opportunity. So if you’re dreaming of Australia, start your plans with eyes wide open and an extra line in your budget. Got questions, thoughts, or even just wild kangaroo stories to share? Pop them in the comments — we’d love to hear from you.
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