From 29 November 2025, new rules will tighten 186 TRT employer sponsorship requirements. Unsponsored work will no longer count toward the two-year work experience requirement for permanent residence eligibility.

During National Mental Health Awareness Month and beyond, Absolute Immigration’s Health Specialist Team continues to assist Registered Nurses (Mental Health) while emphasising the importance of community connection, mental health awareness, and recognising the vital role of professionals who care for others.

Jobs and Skills Australia’s 2025 Occupation Shortage List show overall shortages easing to 29%, but key gaps persist across trades, health, and regional roles — determining future skilled migration and workforce planning priorities.

The federal government proposes to reduce Western Australia’s skilled migration allocation by 30%. The change could restrict access to overseas talent, slow housing and infrastructure delivery, and intensify workforce shortages for employers across key industries.

Over 2,000 skilled builders and tradespeople have joined Western Australia’s construction industry through the Build a Life and Construction Visa Subsidy initiatives, helping employers strengthen their workforce and meet housing demand.

Higher-education graduates who studied and lived in Hobart or nearby postcodes can now apply for a two-year Second Post-Higher Education Work (Subclass 485) visa, up from one year.

From 13 September 2025, major English language test changes for Subclass 482 visas expand test options, allow single-skill retakes, and introduce clearer exemptions.

The Australian Government’s new trade agreement with the United Arab Emirates, the CEPA, has been formally integrated into migration law, expanding Labour Market Testing exemptions and creating new opportunities for employer-sponsored nominations.

The Australian Government has locked in the 2025–26 Permanent Migration Program at 185,000 places, maintaining skilled migration as the core priority. Businesses can continue workforce planning with confidence and clarity.

Consultations on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) have officially opened, shaping future access to 482 and 186 visas. Employers are encouraged to submit evidence-backed input before 26 September 2025

From 7 August 2025, Australia updated English language test score requirements and expanded approved providers for various visa subclasses, with transitional provisions for earlier tests.

Australian ballot registrations are now open for the Pacific Engagement visa from 28 July to 25 August 2025. With 3,000 permanent visas available, eligible Pacific and Timor-Leste nationals can apply for long-term settlement in Australia.