Deciding to migrate to Australia is a significant step towards new professional and personal opportunities. In both 2024 and 2025, Australia’s migration framework continues to evolve, with ongoing adjustments to rules, criteria and program settings. This article outlines the current developments and highlights key considerations for those seeking permanent residence in Australia.

Australia’s migration policy is dynamic and responds to the country’s economic and social needs. For skilled professionals, families and investors in particular, staying informed about current requirements is essential for a successful permanent residency strategy. Each migration program year runs from 1 July to 30 June of the following year. In the 2024/2025 program year, several important changes have been introduced or are expected to take effect, which prospective migrants should take into account.

Australia offers a range of visa categories that can lead to permanent residence. These can broadly be grouped into three main streams:

  • Skilled visas
  • Family visas
  • Investor visas

Skilled visas

More than two thirds of all permanent visas granted each year fall under the skilled migration stream. For applicants who wish to migrate independently of a specific employer, visas under the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program are particularly relevant.

The General Skilled Migration program includes the following visa subclasses:

  • Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189)
  • Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190)
  • Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491)

Access to these visas is managed through an Expression of Interest (EOI) system. Successful EOIs may result in an invitation to apply. While the subclass 189 visa is granted directly by the Australian Government, the subclass 190 and 491 visas require nomination by an Australian state or territory.

Visa numbers and chances of securing a skilled visa

Public discussions about migration to Australia often refer to a variety of figures and targets. For individual applicants, however, the key question is: What are my chances of securing a skilled visa? The majority of successful GSM applicants obtain permanent residency through nomination by a state or territory. As a result, nomination allocations granted to states and territories are a critical factor.

For the 2024/2025 program year, a total of 26,260 nomination places were allocated nationwide – an increase of 57% compared to the previous year. While this figure remains below the record levels of the 2022/2023 program year, it represents a significant improvement year-on-year. On a per-capita basis, several smaller states received an increased number of places. Queensland was the only state to receive fewer nomination places compared to the previous year.

In addition to general visa requirements, each state and territory applies its own selection criteria. These often focus on nominated occupations and the applicant’s points test result. Because each state operates under its own rules, success rates can vary significantly. Professional advice is therefore recommended when developing an EOI strategy.

It is important to note that the points test does not carry the same weight in every state, provided the minimum threshold is met. Some states apply their own ranking systems and prioritise applicants based on these criteria alone.

Nomination places are not distributed evenly across states and territories, nor are they directly proportional to population size. In the 2024/2025 program year, nomination places are allocated as follows:

Key requirements for General Skilled Migration

  • The primary applicant is under 45 years of age

  • A positive skills assessment in an occupation listed on the relevant skilled occupation lists

  • At least competent English

  • A minimum of 65 points in the GSM points test

  • Nomination by an Australian state or territory (subclass 190 or 491), or invitation by the Australian Government (subclass 189)

Points test – potential changes in 2024

The points test is a central element of the GSM program, assessing factors such as age, English proficiency, work experience and qualifications. A comprehensive review of the points test is currently underway.

As part of an ongoing consultation process, it is expected that partner skills and qualifications may carry greater weight in future. However, the final structure of the revised points test – and who may benefit or be disadvantaged under the new system – has yet to be confirmed.

Entry via temporary work visas

Many applicants initially enter Australia on a temporary work visa, as these visas are not subject to an annual cap. A key requirement is employer sponsorship for a position listed on one of the relevant occupation lists. These visas are tied to both the sponsoring employer and the specific role.

After two years, it may be possible for the employer to sponsor the employee for permanent residence.

Recent changes include:

  • All occupations on the skilled occupation lists can now potentially lead to permanent residence

  • Sponsorship for permanent residence is possible after two years instead of three

  • From November 2024, the required work experience will be reduced to one year

In addition, a major reform of temporary work visas is expected around the turn of 2024/2025. The current Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) visa will be replaced by the new Skills in Demand visa, which will introduce revised criteria and occupation lists.

The Skills in Demand visa is expected to include three pathways:

  • Specialist Skills Pathway for roles with an annual income above AUD 135,000. For this pathway, the occupation will no longer need to be listed on a skilled occupation list.

  • Core Skills Pathway for selected occupations on new skills lists, with an annual salary above AUD 73,150

  • A possible Essential Skills Pathway for lower-paid roles in selected sectors

Family visas

The permanent family visa category primarily includes partner visas and parent visas. Partner visas apply to applicants with an Australian partner, while parent visas apply to parents of children who are permanently settled in Australia.

For permanent parent visas, the annual cap remains at 8,500 places, which in practice results in very long waiting times before visas are granted.

Investor visas

Australia’s investor and entrepreneur visa program has effectively been suspended for some time. From 1 July 2024, the relevant visa subclasses were officially closed to new applications.

Towards the end of 2024 or in early 2025, the program is expected to be replaced by a new National Innovation Visa, which is also intended to incorporate the existing Global Talent visa. At present, no detailed information is available regarding the criteria or structure of this new visa category. It remains to be seen under what conditions investment-based migration pathways will be available in the future.

Conclusion

The 2024/2025 migration program year offers a range of opportunities, as well as challenges, for prospective migrants. Increased nomination allocations in many states improve overall prospects, but selection processes remain complex and vary significantly between jurisdictions.

Professional advice can help identify the most suitable visa pathway and maximise the likelihood of success. At the same time, recent changes to temporary work visas provide alternative entry options that may be considered alongside direct permanent residence strategies.