Australian immigration update -12 Aug 2025: 3 key changes [4-min read]
It has been an eventful week with key changes affecting visa rules, state nomination programs, and skills assessment processes. The Department of Home Affairs has introduced significant English language test amendments, while many states are pausing their skilled visa nominations pending new federal allocations. We also cover updates from assessing authorities like TRA and VETASSESS, as well as other notable developments such as the Pacific Engagement Visa ballot opening. This plain-English summary provides our insights into why these changes matter for many visa applicants, along with practical tips on navigating the evolving migration landscape.
Key Changes this Week:
More English tests now accepted for visas (from 7 Aug 2025) – The Department of Home Affairs expanded the approved English Language Tests for visa purposes from five to nine. New providers include CELPIP General, LANGUAGECERT Academic, and the Michigan English Test (MET). Tests taken on or before 6 August 2025 will still be accepted under the previous score requirements for up to three years, depending on visa subclass. From 7 August, applicants must use one of the nine approved tests and meet the updated score thresholds. (Note: At-home or online-proctored tests (e.g. IELTS Online, OET@Home) remain unaccepted for Australian visas.) The Department also confirmed that English testing requirements for the Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand) visa remain under the old rules until 13 September 2025, with new test options and scores to apply thereafter. Visa applicants should check the test date and visa-specific English level to ensure they meet the correct criteria under these transitional arrangements.
Pacific Engagement Visa ballot opens (28 July–25 Aug 2025) – Australia’s second annual Pacific Engagement Visa (PEV) ballot is now open for eligible nationals of Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste. Up to 3,000 permanent visas are available for 2025–26. Notably, Samoa and Kiribati have joined the program this year, alongside continuing participants such as Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Vanuatu and others. The ballot registration period runs from 28 July 2025 and closes on 25 August 2025. Pacific citizens who wish to settle in Australia must first submit a registration through the ballot; if randomly selected, they will receive an invitation to apply for the subclass 192 visa. This initiative reflects Australia’s commitment to deeper regional ties, with over 1,000 visas already granted since the inaugural ballot in 2024. Prospective applicants should ensure they meet the eligibility criteria and submit their AUD $25 ballot registration before the deadline.
NSW opens nominations for the National Innovation Visa (subclass 858) – New South Wales has started accepting Registrations of Interest (ROI) for NSW government nomination under the revamped National Innovation Visa (NIV) program. The NIV (subclass 858) is a permanent visa targeting individuals with internationally recognised achievements – formerly known as the Global Talent visa. NSW’s nomination process is designed to attract top global researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, creatives, and sports professionals to the state. Important: An individual can only have one active ROI at a time, and each ROI remains valid for six months, so candidates should prepare their submission carefully. If your ROI is shortlisted by NSW, you will be invited to lodge a detailed nomination application (with evidence of your achievements) within a limited timeframe. NSW nomination provides benefits such as Priority processing by Home Affairs and state support for the nominee’s integration. This move by NSW follows similar efforts by other states (e.g. South Australia) to engage high-calibre talent through the NIV. Interested applicants should review the NSW nomination criteria and pathways and ensure their ROI showcases their exceptional track record.
Notable Changes:
Visa fee waiver for Virtus athletes: A legislative instrument commenced 29 July 2025 granting a nil Visa Application Charge (VAC) for certain Visitor (subclass 600) and Temporary Activity (subclass 408) visa applicants invited to the 2025 Virtus World Athletics Championships in Brisbane. (The waiver applies to eligible athletes and team officials and will self-repeal on 16 October 2025 after the event.)
Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) guidelines update: TRA updated its applicant guidelines to protect privacy. Visa applicants (and agents) are now reminded not to include sensitive personal information in skills assessment documents. For example, Tax File Numbers on payslips/tax forms and unrelated bank transaction details should be redacted before submission. This ensures only relevant evidence is provided in skills assessments.
VETASSESS assessment updates: Skills assessor VETASSESS has begun accepting applications for the 19 new occupations added in March to the Far North Queensland DAMA (Designated Area Migration Agreement). Applicants for employer-sponsored roles in those occupations under the FNQ DAMA can now obtain the required skills assessments. Additionally, VETASSESS announced an upcoming fee increase for skills assessment services from 22 October 2025, in line with CPI. The fee hike will affect general and professional occupation assessments (including DAMA and labour agreement streams) but will not apply to trade occupations – giving applicants a heads-up to lodge before the price rise if possible.
immiAccount scheduled maintenance: The Department has advised of system maintenance affecting immiAccount payment services on Friday 15 August 2025 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm AEST. During this window, users may not be able to make payments or submit applications. If you plan to lodge a visa or citizenship application around that time, aim to complete payment outside the outage period to avoid any last-minute issues.
Migration tip of the week: 📌 If you’re planning to take an English test for your visa, double-check that the test date and test provider align with the latest requirements. Results from before 7 August 2025 can still count for many visas, but only if they meet the previous criteria and are used within the allowed timeframe. For tests taken now, make sure you choose one of the newly approved providers and aim for the updated score thresholds. When in doubt, consult the official English language requirements page or a registered migration agent to confirm which tests and scores qualify for your specific visa.
Need guidance on any of these changes or assistance with a visa application?
We are here to help. Our Registered Migration Agents (RMAs) stay on top of every update to Australian immigration policy. Whether you’re exploring the Pacific Engagement visa, eyeing a National Innovation Visa nomination, or concerned about new English test rules, we provide personalised advice to navigate the process with confidence.
Contact us today for a consultation, and let’s make your Australian migration journey a success!
Disclaimer: This blog and any related social posts were prepared with the assistance of AI tools. While we verify information against public, official sources at the time of posting, errors or omissions may occur. Nothing here constitutes migration assistance or legal advice, and no liability is accepted for reliance on this content. Always seek advice from a Registered Migration Agent (RMA) or Australian Legal Practitioner before making decisions. This material is provided for general information and entertainment purposes only and does not create any engagement or client–agent relationship under the OMARA (MARA) Code of Conduct between immiFix Legal Pty Ltd and any reader.
