Visa Changes 2025 – A summary of key visa changes in Australian Immigration
Visa requirements, migration agreements and concessions are constantly changing, and this is no different as we go into the new year.
This guide breaks down some of the key changes made to the 482 (skills in demand visa), and 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme) visas, as well as various changes to DAMAs (Designated Area Migration Agreements) across Australia.
Regardless of what part of the visa process you’re in, it is crucial to be aware of any changes to policy or procedure that could make your visa journey easier, or more complex. Recent changes to the 186 and 482 visas in particular allow for much more freedom for both employers and skilled workers.
186 visa changes in 2025
The employer nomination scheme has been subject to change in 2025, providing employers, and skilled workers with much more flexibility. One of the most important changes made to the employer nomination scheme is in regard to work experience requirement.
As of the 7th of December 2024, applicants can transition from one workplace to another, provided they are both in the same field with similar responsibilities. This change not only simplifies the visa process for applicants, but also lessens the administrative hurdles employers often face while sponsoring an employee.
Under the new rule, employees are no longer required to work for the same employer for two years before submitting their visa application in the three years immediately preceding their application. The Department has confirmed that to facilitate the transition between employers, periods of employment between the lodgement of a nomination and its approval can be counted towards meeting the requirements under clause 186.227.
The Department advised that an approved work sponsor is not required to maintain sponsorship approval throughout the whole tenure of the visa holder’s employment for the sponsored visa holder to be eligible for the TRT stream.
The Department advised that the change to 186.227 is to ensure that work experience counted towards the ENS TRT requirements is undertaken with an employer that has sponsored the visa holder to work in a position in their business. This complements existing policy guidance around changes of employer, which allow work experience to be counted between when a nomination is lodged and when the nomination is approved (ie. when the relationship with the new sponsoring employer has been verified).
The new changes also reduce the need for repeated assessments for pre primary school teachers, making AITSL results valid up until their expiry date, without the need for further renewals.
Broadly speaking these changes make the visa process much simpler for applicants, although employers and employees need to keep track of work experience and time spent on bridging visas to provide the strongest application possible.
482 SID visa changes in 2025
The 482 (skills in demand visa) has also undergone major changes going into 2025. One of the most beneficial changes to the 482 visa, grants employees the ability to change employers and continue working while awaiting nomination transfer approval. Previously, employees would run the risk of suffering financial hardship, visa delays, or even lose sponsorship due to extended processing times and less flexibility with changing sponsors.
The Department of Home Affairs advised that it does not expect Sc 482 and Sc 494 visa holders who have stopped working for their sponsor and have lodged a nomination application to change employers within the required timeframes (180 day since ceasing employment with their previous sponsor) to cease working for their prospective sponsor, even if the Condition 8607(5) and 8608(5) timeframes have lapsed.
Therefore, Sc 482 and Sc 494 visa holders will no longer be disadvantaged by processing delays of nomination transfers as they will continue to have work rights, ensuring they can support themselves while awaiting the outcome of their nomination application.
Visa thresholds and concessions change often, and the 482 visa is no different. As of the first of July 2025, the skilled migration income threshold (TSMIT) has increased from $71,350 to $76,515. This threshold applies to the 482, 186 and 494 visas, so all nominations after this date will have to meet this salary.
Much like the 186 visa, time spent on a bridging visa will count towards the work experience requirements for the 482 visa.
International Trade Obligations relating to Labour Market Testing amendment
The Migration (International trade obligations relating to labour market testing) Amendment (CEPA) Determination 2025 amends the legislation to insert a reference to the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between Australia and the United Arab Emirates (CEPA) in the list of current free trade agreements that are determined for paragraph 140GBA(1)(c) of the Act as an international trade obligation of Australia.The effect of this amendment is that the CEPA will be considered an international trade obligation of Australia for the purposes of paragraph 140GBA(1)(c) of the Migration Act.
How are DAMAs changing in 2025
DAMAs, or Designated Area Migration Agreements allow employers to fill specific work shortages in specific areas when they cannot find Australian workers. These agreements are arranged between the government, and specific states or regions, and so they are frequently changed and updated.
A new DAMA (NT DAMA III) was established in the Northern Territory, replacing the previous one in March of 2025. This new DAMA will remain in place up until 2030, and drastically increases the amount of occupations it covers. 325 roles are now covered by the DAMA NT, where previously only 125 were included. The DAMA covers a wide range of positions, in multiple industries, including healthcare, construction, hospitality, agriculture, transport and logistics.
The Northern Territory DAMA has also massively increased its yearly nominations cap from 135 to 325, equalling a total of 7500 nominations across its five year duration.
South Australia’s two DAMAs have also been extended until 2026, offering the same concessions as previously. These concessions include a 10% reduction to the skilled migration income threshold, as well as an age concession of up to the age of 55. Workers on a 482 visa under a South Australian DAMA can also apply for a 186 visa after just two years.
The Goldfields DAMA has also been extended until April 2026, with no major changes to its requirements or concessions. The Far North Queensland DAMA has been extended until 2027, and the North Queensland DAMA has been updated to offer 14 new occupations.
What to know before beginning your visa journey
The majority of the visa changes made to visas and DAMA schemes going into 2026 are hugely beneficial to employers and employees alike.
However there are some changes that could have a significant impact on your pathway to a visa. The rising skilled migration income threshold means that the cost of hiring skilled workers will increase for employers. This increase puts even more emphasis on the importance of DAMA programs, labour agreements and salary concessions.
Skilled work visas, employer nomination schemes, and DAMAs are all constantly evolving to meet current workforce needs, so it’s crucial to stay up to date with changes as they happen.
Sponsorship options, and DAMA agreements can be complex, especially when they change so frequently.
The best way to fully understand your options is to consult an expert.
We make sure our clients visa applications are perfect the first time around, offering you the highest chance of success, without wasting your time and money.