Reflecting on the last six months, many significant events have shaped Australia's migration landscape. As we approach the end of the financial year, it's crucial for potential applicants to take action and seize opportunities before significant changes occur. Here's a detailed overview of key developments from August 2025 to December 2025.
August 2025
- 21 Aug: The first 189 round for the FY2025-26 was conducted, providing new opportunities for skilled migrants.
September 2025
- 02 Sep: The FY2025-26 Planning Levels were announced, maintaining a migration cap of 185,000 people.
- 03 Sep: South Australia received a small interim allocation for the 2025-26 program year, focusing on strong applicants already in the system.
- 04 Sep: Tasmania announced a small interim allocation for Subclass 190 and 491 to process existing pre-invites.
- 08 Sep: WA received a small interim allocation for Subclass 190 and 491 aimed at processing pre-invites.
- 09 Sep: The Migration Institute of Australia (MIA) announced expectations for regular 189 rounds each quarter, with the next expected before the end of the calendar year.
- 11 Sep: NT updates indicated a small interim allocation while awaiting full allocations and limited subclass 491 nominations.
- 15 Sep: ACT conducted its first round for FY2025-26, while QLD announced ROIs would open on the 19th.
October 2025
- 02 Oct: Victoria (VIC) opened its FY2025-26 State Nomination Program.
- 06 Oct: Tasmania's FY2025-26 State Nomination Program opened.
- 07 Oct: NSW Skills Lists were updated to reflect current labor market needs.
- 09 Oct: VIC conducted its first invitation round, expanding opportunities for skilled migrants.
- 10 Oct: The ACT Nominated Migration Program Occupation List was released.
- 10 Oct: The TAS Application Gateway opened for ROIs.
- 17 Oct: NSW announced an interim allocation along with a forthcoming first round.
- 21 Oct: NSW held its first 190 round for FY2025-26.
- 23 Oct: WA introduced a $200 application fee, updated its occupation list, and enforced new residency requirements.
- 29 Oct: WA's first invitation round marked a significant moment for potential skilled migrants.
November 2025
- 03 Nov: SA announced a small interim allocation for processing existing applications.
- 04 Nov: TAS announced further interim allocations for Subclass 190 and 491.
- 05 Nov: WA announced additional interim allocations.
- 07 Nov: Full allocations for ACT, NSW, and TAS were announced.
- 13 Nov: NT full allocation announced and DHA held the second 189 round for FY2025-26.
- 18 Nov: The FY2025-26 State Allocation was released.
- 20 Nov: The NT Offshore List received another update.
- 24 Nov: NT ROIs opened with updates to the Offshore list. SA also opened ROIs on this date.
- 26 Nov: More changes to the NT Offshore list were revealed. .
- 28 Nov: Updates were shared from the Migration Symposium held from November 25 to 28
December 2025
- 01 Dec: The SA Invitation Round took place, marking the first for the financial year.
- 02 Dec: NSW made important announcements that could significantly influence future migration policies.
As we approach the end of this financial period, potential applicants should act swiftly to secure invitations to apply for visas. With only six months left in the year, it's essential to leverage current opportunities, as changes in policies are likely to occur in the upcoming year. Stay informed and prepared – your chance to migrate could depend on it!
