Recently, the Australian Department of Home Affairs published the 14th edition of its "Migration and Citizenship Program Management" report, incorporating data up to 31 December 2024. This article highlights key employer-sponsored visa details and provides updates on other popular visa categories.
Key Policy Updates and Implementation
Over the past few months, the Department has taken several significant measures:
Student Visa Processing Ministerial Direction: Since 19 December 2024, the government has imposed limits on the number of international students each education provider can accept.
New National Innovation Visa (NIV): Launched on 7 December 2024, this new visa category for outstanding talent and investment migrants is now accepting Expressions of Interest (EOI).
New Skills in Demand (SID) Visa: Replacing the former TSS visa, designed to better attract experienced skilled workers. Employer-sponsored visas have been a key focus of reform in recent years.
New Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL): Used for SID visa Core Skills Stream applications, further clarifying which occupations benefit from new employer sponsorship policies. Note: Each DAMA agreement has its own occupation list, which does not conflict with standard employer sponsorship lists. Australia has 13 regional DAMA agreements, and WA launched a state-wide DAMA this financial year.
These policy adjustments reflect the Department's approach of reducing net migration while focusing on attracting highly skilled professionals. As a result, the overall rejection rate for the first half of this financial year has decreased compared to the previous two years.
Significant Growth in Employer-Sponsored Visas
Based on the latest data, employer-sponsored visas (including 482, 186, and 494) showed significant growth trends in the second half of 2024:
482 Visa Applications Increased: Between 1 July and 31 December 2024, 45,941 applications were lodged, equivalent to 72.0% of all applications from the 2023-24 financial year. This growth is largely attributed to the new SID visa and CSOL.
186 Visa Applications Increased: During the same period, 28,875 applications were lodged, representing 58.8% of the 2023-24 financial year. This indicates that demand for skilled workers across Australia remains high, particularly in regional areas.
As shown above, Employer Sponsored (186) visas — mostly transitioning from 482 visas — remain the most common pathway to Australian permanent residency, exceeding 50% in 2023-24 and approaching 50% in the first half of 2024-25.
Salary Threshold Increase
From 1 July 2025, the minimum income threshold for skilled migration visas will increase to AUD 76,515 (a 4.6% rise). This means all new employer-sponsored nomination applications (including 482, 494, and 186) must meet this new minimum annual salary. Additionally, the SID visa Specialist Skills stream requires a minimum salary of AUD 141,210.
Importantly, this change does not affect visa holders who submitted nomination applications before 1 July 2025. DAMA agreement requirements remain separate, with most DAMAs offering approximately 10% concessions compared to standard requirements.
Updates on Other Visa Categories
Beyond employer-sponsored visas, processing times and volumes for other categories have also changed:
Visitor Visas: As of 31 December 2024, the number of people holding 600 visas in Australia increased by 4.7%, indicating gradual recovery in the tourism market.
Student Visas: Application volumes have decreased significantly, with VET and standalone ELICOS course applications dropping by 42% and 46% respectively.
Outlook and Recommendations
In response to evolving labor market needs and social conditions, the Australian government is actively adjusting and refining its migration policies.
For individuals, staying informed and adapting to these changes is crucial. If you are considering an employer-sponsored or other type of visa application, we recommend preparing early and, where possible, lodging before 1 July.
For further assistance or consultation, please contact our professional advisory team for the most accurate and effective guidance.