Your July Migration Update Is Here!

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This month has brought some important changes and opportunities for anyone considering migration to Australia or New Zealand. From updated wage thresholds and Active Investor Plus Visa adjustments, to exciting developments under the National Innovation Visa program, we’ve gathered everything you need to know to stay well informed.

We’re also sharing an update on Australia’s Skilled Migration program, where delays are making headlines and sparking industry concern.

And there’s something you won’t want to miss if you're a job seeker for either Australia or New Zealand. A special offer waiting for you at the end of this newsletter!

Whether you’re planning your next steps or just keeping informed, our goal is to make sure you have the latest insights and updates. Let’s jump into what’s new this month.

New Zealand Migration Updates:

Wage Threshold Updates for AEWV Applications

Changes are coming for Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) applicants. From 18 August 2025, wage thresholds will be updated to reflect the new median wage of $33.56 per hour.

What could this mean for you?

• Earning twice the median wage ($67.12/hour or more): You may be exempt from the labour market test and minimum skills assessment.
• Earning 1.5 times the median wage ($50.34/hour or more): You could qualify for the maximum five year continuous stay on an AEWV.

These changes aim to protect local wages while supporting employers who need skilled workers.

Key Updates for the Active Investor Plus Visa

Important changes came into effect on 9 June 2025 for the Active Investor Plus Visa. These updates aim to clarify rules around on-call investments and property development requirements.

What’s new?

• On-call investments: At least 75% of committed investments must now be in listed equities or bonds, while no more than 25% can be held in a New Zealand bank account or term deposits. Previously, 100% could be held in cash or term deposits for up to six months.
  
• Property investment flexibility: You can now invest in New Zealand companies involved in property development, as long as all other requirements are met.

‍Applied before 9 June?

If your application was lodged before this date, your visa will reflect the previous policy. However, you can request a variation of conditions at no extra cost to align with the updated instructions. Once granted, you’ll have 30 days to adjust your investments.

Eligible visa holders or their representatives will be contacted directly with the next steps and instructions.

Need advice on how these changes may affect you? Our team is here to guide you through the process - get in touch for your eligibility consultation with one of our licensed advisors today!

Australia Migration Updates:

NSW Government Nomination for the National Innovation Visa

As a follow-up to the National Innovation Visa (subclass 858) we introduced in our last newsletter, here’s an update on how the NSW Government is participating in this program. The visa offers a permanent pathway for exceptional global talent, from leading researchers to entrepreneurs, investors, creatives, and elite athletes. This aims to help drive innovation, productivity and economic growth in Australia.

Why is this a great opportunity?

• Priority: Applicants receive Priority Two processing by Home Affairs, accelerating path to approval.
  
• Permanency: The National Innovation Visa (NIV) offers permanent residency. That means you and your family can live and work in NSW without expiry dates or restrictions.
  
• Partnership: With a thriving ecosystem of capital markets, global connectivity and support to build networks, as well as Sydney’s renowned liveability, NSW is a prime destination for top talent to thrive.

‍Pathways include:

1. Researchers & Academics: Global research impact, leadership, grants, and publications.

You need to provide your CV with a full publication list, recent grant award letters and proof of NSW collaborations—for example, support letters or MOUs—plus citations of up to three key papers and any media mentions or endorsement emails.

2. Entrepreneurs: Proven track record of launching or scaling innovative businesses.

You need to provide your latest pitch deck, a cap table showing equity splits and investors, proof of traction (revenue/user metrics or letters of intent) and signed funding agreements, as well as notes from meetings with NSW investors or incubators and any press or award citations.

3. Innovative Investors: Active engagement with start-ups and NSW’s innovation ecosystem.

You need to provide deal memos or investment contracts and board/advisory agreements as proof of past investments, pitch decks or memos for your NSW pipeline, fund or SPV structure documents, local introduction notes and any media or industry awards.

4. Sports Professionals: Olympic/world-class athletes or elite coaches.

You need to provide records of elite achievements (rankings, results or medals), documentation of NSW interest (contracts or letters of intent), a reference from a recognised sporting body or coach, plus any media features.

5. Creative Professionals: Internationally recognised artists, performers, or designers.

You need to provide a concise portfolio or showreel with context, documentation of awards or residencies, proof of NSW collaborations (letters or agreements), a brief artist statement or project outline and any reviews or support correspondence.

Why NSW & Future Impact

You need to state your reasons for choosing NSW, how you’ll drive economic, cultural or community benefits (with examples or projections), any local partnerships, and your 3–5‑year vision for lasting impact.

Job Offer in NSW

If applicable, you will be asked to confirm your job offer and provide the employer name, role and responsibilities, salary (optional), contract type and start date, plus any conditions (probation, relocation, etc.).

NSW Government Engagement

If applicable, you will be asked to name the agency and your contact (with role and details), summarize what you discussed or support you sought, and include any relevant follow‑up.

For full details on the application process, eligibility criteria and pathway requirements, contact us for a consultation so we can guide you.

Victoria Joins the National Innovation Visa Program

The Victorian Government is now also nominating candidates for the National Innovation Visa (subclass 858), a permanent residence visa designed for individuals with internationally recognised achievements in their field. This initiative aims to attract top talent to Victoria.

Why Victorian nomination matters?

Nomination by the Victorian Government supports your Expression of Interest (EOI) to the Australian Department of Home Affairs and allows your application to be considered under Priority Two of the visa processing pathway.

To qualify, you’ll need to:

• Show a proven record of significant achievements.
• Demonstrate how your expertise will contribute to Victoria.
• Be referred by a Victorian Government department or agency with expertise in your field.
• Meet the Federal Government's criteria for the National Innovation Visa.
• Be under 55 (or provide a compelling case).
• Commit to living in and contributing to Victoria.

Sectors include research, innovation, entrepreneurship, the arts, sports and other areas of strategic importance.

Want to contribute your talent to one of Australia’s most dynamic states? This could be your pathway! Contact us to explore your options with one of our licensed migration advisors.

Skilled Migration Program Faces Delays Amid Government Silence

If you have been waiting to receive an invitation to apply under the Australia General Skilled Migration program and most notably, the subclass 189 you are not alone. And it is quite understandable that you feel frustrated.

No invitations have been sent so far under Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) since November 2024, and other major pathways such as the state-nominated subclass 190 and regional subclass 491 have been blocked as well. The delay relates to the fact that the federal government has not yet announced the permanent migration levels of planning that will be applicable in the year 2025-26, despite the program year start on 1st July.

What is holding up the process?

The setting of the programs has been stated by the department of home affairs to still be under consideration. Until then, migrant representatives, governmental officials, and petitioners are placed on a proverbial waiting list. This silence, many are referring to as unprecedented and it is making it very tough to plan ahead.

What makes it matter:

Subclass 189 is an invitation based subclass which is currently out of use. The states can not provide nominations on the Subclass 190 or 491 unless it has a federal allocation. The situation is affecting critical workforce needed urgently in the country. The states and territories are just waiting; they cannot start inviting applicants until the government decides the broad program parameters.

What you can do in the meantime:

Ensure that you have your documents ready for when invitations open. We realize this is an uncomfortable thing to have to deal with, but we are available to guide you. When the levels of planning have been declared, we will be back with news. When you need to strategize or have a question, contact us for a consultation.

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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.