Helping You Migrate, Study, and Settle in Australia Confidently
🌠Visa rules may change, but Australia stays a top migration hotspot.
While countries like the United States have introduced tighter restrictions on student and skilled visas, Australia continues to take a balanced, transparent, and structured approach to migration. With new government policies taking shape post-election and major immigration shifts already underway, this month brings several developments that every aspiring student, worker, and migrant should be aware of.
In this edition, we dive deep into the latest changes around Australia’s skilled migration thresholds, student visa policy, and post-election signals — and also briefly explore why more international students and skilled workers are shifting their focus from the U.S. to Australia.
Let’s begin with what matters most for you.
📌 Australia’s Skilled Migration Landscape – June 2025 Updates
1. New PR Thresholds for Skilled Visas Announced
In a much-anticipated announcement, the Australian government has introduced revised eligibility thresholds for permanent residency under the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program. These changes reflect a strategic pivot toward high-demand, high-contribution professions.
What’s New?
- The minimum points requirement for Subclass 189 and 190 visas is now 70 points, up from 65, effective July 1, 2025.
- Priority continues to be given to occupations in health care, infrastructure, education, and engineering.
- Work experience and superior English language scores are now even more valuable in pushing candidates above the selection line.
Why this matters: While the bar is higher, those with targeted skills and strong profiles now have clearer visibility into what’s needed to qualify. Unlike in the U.S., where uncertainty surrounds student and skilled visa policy, Australia is publishing transparent migration targets and criteria.
2. DAMA Expansion Gives Hope to Regional Applicants
Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs) are receiving increased attention in 2025, especially as cities like Darwin, Townsville, and Mount Gambier open up more regional sponsorships.
Key benefits under DAMA:
- Relaxed English and skills requirements for selected occupations
- Pathways to permanent residency via Subclass 494 and 191
- In-demand roles include aged care workers, chefs, electricians, and early childhood educators
At Baasu, we’ve seen a spike in successful regional nominations — especially for chefs and trade professionals. For example, Sharad, a Western cuisine chef, secured a Subclass 482 visa despite limited demand in his occupation, thanks to strategic CV marketing and consistent follow-up from our team.
🎓 Australia’s Student Visa Policy Is Evolving — Here’s What You Need to Know
1. Student Caps Are In, but With Logic
In response to the growing international student population, Australia has introduced a cap of 270,000 new student visa approvals for the 2026 intake. This isn’t a blanket ban — it’s a calculated move to balance migration and infrastructure.
Universities will be held accountable for the quality of students they recruit. However, skilled graduate pathways remain very much intact.
Key clarifications:
- Students graduating from priority courses (nursing, IT, education, engineering) are still eligible for post-study work rights.
- The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) has been updated to prevent long-term misuse, but those with valid academic backgrounds continue to benefit.
In short, Australia is not shutting the door — it’s making sure that those who enter have a clear academic and professional trajectory.
2. Visa Fees Revised – What’s the New Cost?
From July 1, 2025, student visa application fees will be revised. While not dramatically higher, these changes reflect added costs for compliance and monitoring.
- New fee for primary student visa applicant: AUD 780 (up from AUD 710)
- Dependents and spouses will also see a small increase
- Health insurance requirements remain mandatory and unchanged
At Baasu, we assist students in estimating their total financial readiness for study in Australia — this includes tuition, living costs, visa fees, and insurance.
What the Post-Election Immigration Signals Mean
Australia’s recent federal election has placed migration at the heart of policy discussions. Here’s what we’re seeing:
- The government will prioritize skilled permanent migration over temporary programs.
- Expect stricter vetting of institutions to ensure international students are not misled.
- A pathway for long-term residents on temporary visas (especially Subclass 482 and 485) to convert to permanent residency is in the works.
Baasu is closely tracking these changes — our clients on Temporary Skill Shortage Visas (Subclass 482) and those with Australian education backgrounds are among the first to benefit from these reforms.
💼 Why Australia Is Gaining Ground Over the United States
Let’s address a growing question among students and skilled migrants:
“Should I still consider the United States, or is Australia the better option now?â€
While we don’t discourage exploring the U.S., it’s important to stay informed. Here’s a brief look at what’s happening there — and how it compares to Australia.
U.S. Visa Policy in 2025: A Snapshot
📠Pause on New Student Visa Appointments
The U.S. State Department has temporarily halted new student visa interviews (F-1, M-1, J-1) as of May 27, 2025, to expand social media screening.
Students with politically sensitive content on platforms like Instagram or X may face subjective denials.
📠Visa Revocations and Deportations
Over 1,800 student visas have reportedly been revoked since January 2025, mainly for participation in pro-Palestinian protests or “anti-American†posts.
Universities like Harvard and Columbia have raised concerns, while court battles continue over legal rights of international students.
📠Additional Restrictions on Chinese Students
Tighter vetting for Chinese nationals in STEM fields is now policy. Visa rejections and delays are on the rise, and Chinese student enrollment has declined by 28% over the last year.
📠Changes to Visa Interview Waivers
Students renewing their F-1 visas now must do so within 12 months (down from 48 months) to be eligible for interview waivers — leading to more delays.
🧠Final Word: Why Migrants Choose Australia
Despite global uncertainty, Australia continues to offer one of the most structured, fair, and achievable migration systems — for students, skilled professionals, and families alike.
At Baasu, we don’t just process applications. We strategically guide you through skill assessments, CV marketing, region-based planning (DAMA or 491), and PR transitions.
Whether you’re like Haseeb, a chef who received his Subclass 186 visa despite age and assessment delays, or Sharad, who found a sponsor against the odds — your dream isn’t too far with the right support.
📢 Let’s Talk — Book Your Free Consultation with Baasu
Are you:
• A student planning for the 2026 intake?
• A skilled worker exploring PR pathways like 189, 190, or 186?
• Already in Australia and looking to convert your current visa?
• Interested in the 482 Temporary Skill Shortage visa and employer sponsorship options?
• Facing visa delays, refusals, or needing expert re-application support?
• Planning to bring your spouse or dependents to Australia?
• Confused about skills assessments, English tests, or EOI submissions?
✅ Get step-by-step guidance tailored to your goals
✅ Know your eligibility and avoid common migration mistakes
✅ All consultations are one-on-one with experienced experts
📞 Call +91 96000 72555
📧 Email: contact@baasu.com
🌠www.baasu.com
Stay tuned for more updates in July 2025 as Australia announces its Migration Planning Levels and new Occupation Lists for 2025–26.
Until then, stay informed, stay strategic — and remember, with Baasu, migration isn’t just a process, it’s a plan.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is accurate as of the date of publication. Australian immigration laws, visa rules, and policies are subject to change, and readers are advised to verify the most current information through official Australian government sources for the latest updates and personalized advice.