Welcome To Your August Migration Update!

This month, we bring you the latest updates and insights for anyone considering a move to New Zealand or Australia. From new visa pathways and investment options, to English language requirement updates and Skilled Migration invitations, there’s plenty to help you plan your next steps.

Whether you’re looking to work, invest or settle, we’ve summarised the key changes and opportunities, making it easy to stay informed. Read on to discover how recent developments could affect your migration plans and which pathways may suit your goals.

New Zealand Updates:

New Seasonal Visa Pathways Coming December 2025

The New Zealand Government has announced two new visa options to help accredited employers bring in extra hands during peak seasonal periods.

The Global Workforce Seasonal Visa will be available for highly skilled workers in select roles such as rural contractors, sheep scanners, shearers, winemakers and ski instructors. This visa is valid for three years, though workers will need to spend at least three months outside New Zealand each year. Applicants must show three seasons of relevant work experience, hold a job offer in an eligible role, and meet health and character requirements. Unlike other visas, employers won’t need to go through the usual labour market test.

The Peak Seasonal Visa is designed for shorter stints of up to seven months in roles like meat and seafood processing, calf-rearing and wool handling. After each seven-month stay, workers will need to spend at least four months outside the country before applying again. To qualify, applicants need one season of relevant experience, a job offer and health insurance if staying for more than three months. Employers will need to complete a labour market test or have formal endorsement from Work and Income.

For both visas, employers must be accredited and have an approved Job Check in place, with Immigration New Zealand confirming that the roles are genuinely seasonal.

Reminder of Key Immigration Changes Now in Effect

A quick refresher on two important updates that took effect this month:

1. Updated wage thresholds for residence visas

‍The annual adjustment to wage thresholds came into effect on 18 August 2025. Applicants for Skilled Migrant, Work to Residence and Straight to Residence visas must meet the new threshold when applying. Current work visa holders remain eligible based on the wage in place when they started their job, but any job changes or new applications must meet the updated rate of NZD $33.56 per hour.

2. More roles added to the Green List

‍To help ease skills shortages, 10 skilled trades have been added to the Green List Work to Residence pathway, including Metal Fabricator, Pressure Welder, Welder, Fitter (General), Fitter and Turner, Fitter-Welder, Metal Machinist (First Class), Panel Beater, Vehicle Painter and Paving Plant Operator. Migrants in these roles can apply for residence after two years of eligible work, provided all other visa requirements are met.

New Business Investor Visa Announced

The New Zealand Government has introduced a new Business Investor Visa, set to open for applications in November 2025. This visa replaces the Entrepreneur Work Visa and is designed for migrants who are ready to invest in and grow established businesses in New Zealand.

There are two investment options:

$1 million or more in an existing business → 3-year work-to-residence pathway
$2 million or more in an existing business → 12-month fast-track to residence

While the Entrepreneur Work Visa is now closed to new applications, current holders may still apply for a further visa if they need additional time to qualify for the Entrepreneur Resident Visa.

If you are considering investing in New Zealand, our team can guide you through the eligibility requirements, assess the best pathway for your circumstances, and support you throughout the application process.

Australia Updates:

Skilled Migration Invitations Resume

After months of uncertainty, the Skilled Migration Program is showing signs of life. On 21 August 2025, the Department of Home Affairs issued the first Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent) invitations since November 2024.

Invitations went to a range of occupations, including trades like carpenters, bricklayers, tilers, and painters, teachers such as secondary and early childhood educators, healthcare professionals including registered nurses, general practitioners, physiotherapists, and other roles like university lecturers, construction project managers, chemical engineers, and statisticians. Points scores varied, with some trades invited at 65 points, while most teaching and healthcare roles required 80–90 points.

This round is welcomed news for skilled workers who have been waiting, though competition remains strong and the number of invitations appears limited. State-nominated programs (subclass 190 and 491) are still on hold until the Federal Government releases the 2025–26 allocations.

What you can do now:

Check your points score: Trades around 65–70 points may now be in range, while higher points are still needed for teaching, healthcare, and professional roles.
Keep documents current: Skills assessments, English test results, and police clearances must be valid to act quickly if invited.
Review your strategy: With the 189 visa reopening, it’s a good time to consider this pathway alongside potential state nomination options.
Submit your Expression of Interest (EOI) if you’re ready, now is the time to avoid missing out.

The return of invitations is encouraging, but it’s still too early to know whether rounds will become regular or remain sporadic. Staying prepared and keeping your EOI up to date is key, and we can help refine your migration plan to give you the best chance.

Updated English Language Requirements for Australian Visas

The Department of Home Affairs has updated the English language requirements for Australian visa applications, effective 7 August 2025.

Applicants now need to meet minimum scores for each component: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. The new rules apply to IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, OET, CAE, CELPIP, LANGUAGECERT, and others. Please note that tests must be no older than three years at the time of application.

Key points:

Scores are specific to each English level: Vocational, Competent, Proficient and Superior English.
PTE Academic now uses individual skill thresholds (e.g. Superior English: Listening 69, Reading 70, Writing 85, Speaking 88).
Applicants holding a valid passport from Canada, New Zealand, Ireland, UK and USA are considered to have Competent English and do not need to sit a test.

What this means for you:

Tests taken before 7 August 2025 remain valid if within 36 months of your visa application.
Tests taken after 7 August 2025 must meet the updated score requirements per skill.

If you’re unsure which English level you need for your visa, we can assess your situation and advise on the best approach to meet the updated requirements.

English Language Changes for the Skills in Demand (Subclass 482) Visa

From 13 September 2025 (pending legislation), the English requirements for the Skills in Demand (SID) visa, subclass 482, will be updated. The changes aim to standardise test scoring across providers and give applicants more flexibility and test options.

Three new tests will be accepted for SID visa purposes, while some existing tests and score requirements are also changing. Notably, Cambridge C1 Advanced Tests taken on or after 13 September will no longer be accepted, so anyone who has booked this test should complete it before that date. Tests taken before 13 September will continue to be valid for three years.

Applicants must take a test that is recognised for SID visa purposes and achieve the required scores based on when the test is taken. If your test allows single skill retakes, accepted results can still be used for your application.

For those applying under the Labour Agreement stream, English skills must be suitable for the nominated occupation, and specific requirements may be included in the Labour Agreement between the employer and the Commonwealth. More details will be published after 13 September 2025.

If you’re unsure which test or score level is best for your situation, we can guide you through the changes and help ensure your application meets all requirements.

Spotlight on New South Wales

Kicking off our new series on Australia’s states and territories, let’s start with NSW, home to Sydney and over 8 million people. NSW offers a strong economy, diverse job opportunities, and lifestyle choices ranging from bustling cities to relaxed regional towns.

Migration Pathways:

NSW plays a key role in the Skilled Migration Program. In 2024–25, it had 3,000 places for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) and 2,000 for the Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491). Regional areas like Newcastle, Wollongong, Orange, and Dubbo offer affordable housing, growing job markets, and a strong community feel, while Sydney attracts skilled migrants with wider job options and a vibrant cultural scene.

Jobs and Industries:

NSW has strong demand in construction, renewable energy, healthcare, digital and cyber security, education, agriculture, and manufacturing.

What You Can Do Now:

Keep your skills assessment, English test, and documents up to date
Research Sydney and regional areas to find the best fit for your career and lifestyle
Explore job boards and industry trends to be ready when invitations open

For a more detailed guide to living, working, and migrating to NSW, visit our website here!

Ready to Take the First Step?

Migration rules and visa opportunities are always evolving, and staying up to date can make all the difference. If you’re considering a move to New Zealand or Australia, now is the perfect time to review your options and prepare your application.

Our team of experienced immigration consultants are here to assess your eligibility, guide you through the requirements, and support you every step of the way.

News August 2025