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The Australian government announced that multi-factor authentication (MFA) is now live on ImmiAccount, its primary migration and visa systems.
Key Points:
Additional Information: More information and instructions on using MFA can be found here.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group.
Copyright © 2025 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.
The Department of Home Affairs is enhancing security for ImmiAccount, Australia’s online portal for visa and immigration services, by requiring users to set up multifactor authentication. The requirement goes into effect June 18, 2025.
While Parent visa applications must still be submitted via paper form, applicants are now able to import applications into the online ImmiAccount service.
The Australian government announced that effective July 1, skilled visa income thresholds will increase by 4.6% to align with changes in the Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings.
Additional Information: The thresholds are indexed annually to ensure parity with Australian workers’ wages.
The Australian government updated their visa processing times webpage to highlight the median processing times for key programs.
Additional Information: The new Skills in Demand visa, which BAL reported replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) visa on Dec. 7, 2024, is currently processing 90% of applications for the specialist skills stream within 39 days and the core skills stream within 47 days, according to the government guide. In most categories, the government said they are focused on reducing processing times and will continue to prioritize the older and more complex applications.
The Australian government introduced the National Innovation visa (NIV) (subclass 858), officially replacing the Global Talent visa and the Business Innovation and Investment visa.
Additional Information: The invitation-only NIV program is designed to facilitate the entry of exceptional talent, prioritizing globally recognized achievements and contributions to innovation. The new visa is described as welcoming to professionals across diverse fields, including entrepreneurs, researchers and creatives.
As BAL originally reported, the government’s migration strategy announced in December 2023 outlined key actions and new policy commitments to overhaul the Australian migration system. The creation of the NIV, along with the new specialist Skills in Demand visa, are both efforts within this strategy designed to better target high-priority and in-critical-demand occupations, simplify application processes and provide clearer pathways to permanent residency.
BAL Analysis: The NIV aligns with Australia’s strategic goals to target priority sectors, attract top global talent and foster innovation. BAL will continue to monitor developments and will provide more information as it becomes available.
Copyright © 2024 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.
The Australian government announced the new Skills in Demand visa will replace the Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) visa on Dec. 7.
Additional Information: As BAL originally reported, the Australian government’s migration strategy announced in December 2023 outlined key actions and new policy commitments to overhaul the Australian migration system, including the creation of a new specialist Skills in Demand visa that would become Australia’s main temporary skilled work visa.
Further details are expected to be announced shortly, but the new Skills in Demand visa will replace the Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) visa with new structural changes. These changes are expected to include three new visa streams, including a Specialist Skills stream, Core Skills stream and Essential Skills stream. The new visa system may also better target high-priority and in-critical-demand occupations, simplify application processes and provide clearer pathways to permanent residency.
BAL Analysis: Further clarification from the Australian government is expected shortly regarding the exact changes and when they will take effect. BAL will continue to monitor developments and will provide more information as it becomes available.
The Australian government announced a new scheme for graduates and early career professionals from India’s top universities.
Additional Information: Participants will be able to bring dependents. Eligible fields of study include agricultural technology, artificial intelligence, information and communications technology, engineering, financial technology, mining and renewable energy. More information on the MATES initiative can be found here.
BAL Analysis: The first ballot for the new visa stream opens for registrations in December. Officials stated that MATES continues to build on Australia’s and India’s strong people-to-people ties. It will benefit Indian nationals to gain employment and valuable experience in their areas of expertise as well as benefit Australian industry sectors and businesses by giving access to talented graduates with in-demand knowledge and skills.
The Australian government’s ballot initiative for the Work and Holiday program for mainland China, India and Vietnam has commenced for program year 2024-2025.
Additional Information: As BAL previously reported, previous registrations lodged for the program in 2023 cannot be used for selection in the new program, and the pre-application process will apply only to first Work and Holiday subclass 462 visa applicants from China, Vietnam and India. Foreign nationals from these countries who have already been granted a first Work and Holiday visa can continue applying for a second or third Work and Holiday visa online. Information on the pre-visa application process is published on the department website.
BAL Analysis: The new initiative is specifically designed to address the number of Work and Holiday visa registrations, which significantly exceed the number of places available to the participant countries each year.
The Australian government announced changes for the subclass 400 temporary work (short stay specialist) visa related to longer term stays and return visits.
Additional Information: The subclass 400 visa is generally granted for up to six months depending on the circumstances for a stay period longer than three months. A strong business case must be provided with the application for short-term work in a highly specialized role and the work or activity must not be ongoing.
BAL Analysis: Officials stated the changes are designed to ensure Australian citizens and permanent residents are not disadvantaged in the job market. Employers should be aware of the implementation of new changes in their recruiting efforts.