Welcome to your June Migration Update!

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As we wrap up the month, there’s no shortage of exciting news to share from the world of Australia and New Zealand emigration. From policy changes to pathway updates, the landscape is shifting — and it could mean new opportunities for you.

In this edition, we’re giving you a quick snapshot of the most important immigration developments, but before we dive in, we want to kickstart things with a special offer for job seekers looking to land a role in Australia or New Zealand.  

If you're applying for roles down under, your CV needs to shine as does your LinkedIn profile — and we’ve got just the thing to help you stand out!

We’re offering a package for Intergate Emigration clients, which includes assistance from an International CV and Résumé Specialist with 16 years of success stories. This could be the game-changer that lands you your dream role abroad. Grab our special offer here and be sure not to miss out!

Australia Migration Update:  

What to Know as We Head Into 2025–26

As the 2024–25 migration year wraps up, Australia is implementing major shifts in immigration policy, aiming to better align with the country’s long-term infrastructure, workforce and housing needs. 

Here’s a quick breakdown of what’s changing and what to expect:

Migration Program Recap: 

The permanent migration program 2024-25 held 185,000 places, with a strong focus on skilled migration.

What’s New from 2025–26?

Australia will adopt a 4-year migration planning model, ensuring greater alignment with economic and social development goals.

Skilled Visa Income Thresholds Increase (1 July 2025)

In line with wage growth, minimum income thresholds will rise:

• Core Skills (CSIT) & Temporary Skilled Migration (TSMIT): from $73,150 to $76,515
• Specialist Skills (SSIT) : from $135,000 to $141,210

New applications from 1 July must meet the updated threshold or the relevant market salary rate (whichever is higher). Please note: Already lodged applications remain unaffected.

Visa Application Fees Rise

Visa application fees will be increasing as of 1 July 2025.

Parent Visa Processing Times: Long Waits Continue

Australia is still dealing with large backlogs for Parent Visas, unfortunately.

Please note: Visas are processed by queue date, not lodgement date. Also, Contributory Visas get priority, but wait times remain long.

As the 2025–26 program is finalised, further updates on visa allocations, priority occupations, and eligibility are expected. We'll keep you posted with expert insights to help you plan with confidence.

Exciting Update on the National Innovation Visa (NIV)

NSW Pathway

New South Wales has launched a strategic and merit-based nomination framework for the National Innovation Visa (NIV), a by-invitation-only visa targeting individuals with exceptional and outstanding achievements across five key pathways:

• Academic & Research
• Entrepreneur
• Innovative Investor
• Creative Professional
• Sports Professional

NSW’s approach is selective and sector-specific, aiming to attract high-calibre individuals who can drive innovation, create jobs, and enhance the state's global reputation. The nomination process includes an EOI-led system, expert review, and independent endorsement to ensure integrity and alignment with NSW’s priorities.

If you have a globally recognised track record and a clear plan to contribute to NSW’s growth, this visa could be your gateway to Australia. Stay tuned for more updates on the program opening.

South Australia Pathway:

South Australia is now accepting Registrations of Interest for the new National Innovation Visa (NIV), offering a streamlined path to permanent residency for exceptional global talent.

If you're a researcher, entrepreneur, innovative investor, creative professional, or globally recognised individual (including elite athletes), this could be your chance to secure a permanent Subclass 858 visa with the support of a state nomination.

Nomination streams include:

• Researchers with grants, patents, or high-impact academic work
• Entrepreneurs launching high-growth, job-creating ventures
• Investors backing innovation and start-ups in South Australia
• Creatives and others with significant international achievements

There’s no set investment threshold for entrepreneurs or investors, and applicants benefit from priority visa processing and the opportunity to live and work in one of the world’s most liveable regions.

We are currently assisting eligible clients with their Registrations of Interest and preparing submissions that showcase their impact and alignment with South Australia’s innovation goals.

Your Australian dream might be closer than you think — get in touch to find out how!

New Zealand Updates:

New Long-Stay Visa Option for Parents of NZ Residents and Citizens

The New Zealand Government has announced the Parent Boost Visitor Visa. This new pathway allows parents of New Zealand citizens or residents to stay for up to 5 years on a single visa, with the option to apply again for a total stay of up to 10 years. To qualify, applicants must have an eligible sponsor, meet residence-level health standards, hold comprehensive health insurance and demonstrate genuine temporary stay intentions. A health and insurance check will also be required after 3 years. Applications open 29 September 2025, offering families a valuable new option to stay connected longer in New Zealand.

Green List Update: 10 New Trades Added to Residence Pathway

To address ongoing skills shortages, the New Zealand Government will expand the Green List from 18 August 2025, adding 10 skilled trades to the Work to Residence pathway. Eligible migrants in these roles will be able to apply for residence after two years of work in New Zealand, provided they meet the relevant skill, wage and standard visa criteria.

New occupations being added are:

• Metal Fabricator
• Pressure Welder
• Welder
• Fitter (General)
• Fitter and Turner
• Fitter-Welder
• Metal Machinist (First Class)
• Panel Beater
• Vehicle Painter
• Paving Plant Operator

Applicants must meet health, character, language and age requirements. Please also note: median wage thresholds for skilled residence visas will be updated in August as part of the annual review.

More Overseas Qualifications Now Exempt from Assessment

From 23 June 2025, New Zealand will expand its List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment, making it easier to apply for certain work visas. Applicants with recognised qualifications from approved institutions in the following 9 new countries will no longer require an International Qualification Assessment (IQA):

• France
• Germany
• India
• Italy
• Singapore
• South Korea
• Sri Lanka
• Sweden
• Switzerland

This exemption applies to both the Skilled Migrant Category and select work visa pathways, and will also indicate how many points a qualification earns. Minor updates are also being made to qualifications from Australia, Japan, Malaysia, South Africa, the UK, and the USA.

Easier Path to New Zealand for Chinese Tourists

From November 2025, New Zealand will introduce a 12-month trial making it easier for Chinese passport holders to visit. Those with a valid Australian visitor, work, or student visa will be able to travel to New Zealand directly from Australia without needing to apply for a separate visitor visa. Instead, they’ll simply need to request an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) and can stay as tourists for up to 3 months. This streamlined process aims to boost tourism, but does not apply to travellers merely transiting through Australia.

Transiting Through New Zealand to Be Easier for Chinese Travellers

From November 2025, Chinese nationals will be able to transit through New Zealand using a Transit NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority), removing the need to apply for a separate transit visa. The Transit NZeTA costs NZ$17 via the mobile app or NZ$23 via the website, is valid for two years, and can be used for multiple transits. Travellers are advised to allow at least 72 hours for processing of the Transit NZeTA. Until the change takes effect in November 2025, Chinese nationals will still require a Transit Visa. Please note that any Transit Visas already issued will remain valid until their expiry.

A new life in New Zealand could be just one conversation away. Get in touch to learn more!

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Emigrating is a big decision and having the right guidance makes all the difference. A consultation with one of our licensed advisors gives you the clarity and confidence to move forward. You'll receive expert advice tailored to your situation, a clear roadmap for your journey, and trusted answers to all your questions. Don’t leave your future to guesswork — let’s build your pathway together! Book your consultation today and take the first step with confidence.

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