Major Changes In Australia's Skilled Migration Space
There have been some major changes in Australia’s skilled migration space — and you need to hear them.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through:
✅ The closure of Queensland and South Australia’s 2024–25 state nomination programs
✅ Delays and priorities in the 482 visa program
✅ Bridging visa time and its impact on 186 eligibility
✅ Updates for early childhood teachers, TRA processing times, and OMARA portal issues
1. SA and QLD Skilled Migration Programs CLOSED for 2024–25
Let’s start with state nomination closures.
🔴 Queensland’s state nominated skilled visa program closed on 27 May 2025.
They received over 40,000 EOIs for just 1,550 nomination spots.
🔴 South Australia has now closed its onshore ROI process for the 2024–25 program. They received:
Over 16,000 onshore ROIs, and
More than 40,000 offshore EOIs
For only 3,800 nomination places
➡️ If you started an ROI but haven’t submitted it — it will be deleted.
➡️ All submitted ROIs will be processed by 30 June 2025.
✅ Offshore applicants can still submit a SkillSelect EOI and may be invited directly by South Australia.
It’s been an extremely competitive year across all state nomination programs.
2. Subclass 482 Delays – Legacy TSS Backlog Ending Soon
In a recent MIA meeting with the Department, 482 visa processing delays were addressed.
Key points:
Resources are focused on clearing the legacy TSS backlog
60% of those old cases have now been cleared
482 applications have jumped 44% year-on-year
The Department claims decision-ready applications are still being processed on time, but incomplete applications are causing delays.
📌 MIA has requested clearer guidance on what qualifies as “decision-ready.”
3. Bridging Visa Time Counts Towards 186 — In Some Cases
The Department issued clarification on work experience requirements for the 186 TRT stream:
✅ Bridging visa time counts toward the 2-year work requirement if:
You previously held a granted 457 or 482 visa, and
Your work is in the same occupation
This includes:
Bridging visas attached to a subsequent 482 application, or
Bridging visa time during an active or withdrawn 186 application
❌ Does not count if you're on a bridging visa from your first 482 application.
❌ Experience in a new occupation only counts after the new 482 is granted.
This is a big win for many applicants — and the Department will update its policy accordingly.
4. Early Childhood Teachers – AITSL Still Valid for 186
For applicants under the 186 Direct Entry stream with occupation code 241111 – Early Childhood Teacher:
✅ You can still use your AITSL skills assessment, provided:
AITSL was the valid assessing authority at the time of issue
The assessment is less than 3 years old at time of visa application
No need to reapply through ACECQA if your AITSL outcome is valid.
5. TRA Job Ready Program – Processing Times (May 2025)
If you're going through the TRA Job Ready Program, here are the latest processing timelines:
Registration confirmation: within 45 days
Workplace assessment eligibility: approx. 6 months
Assessment referral: 6 weeks
Assessment outcome: approx. 11 weeks
Final assessment invitation: once prior steps are complete
Document processing: up to 14 days for corrections
📌 If you’re aiming for a 190 or 491 visa next year, plan your timeline carefully.
Need Help Navigating the Changes?
At Nationwide Migration and Education, our experienced team is here to guide you through:
✅ SkillSelect EOIs and ROIs
✅ 482 and 186 visa strategy
✅ Bridging visa analysis
✅ TRA and AITSL assessments
✅ Partner and student visas
📞 Book your consultation via our website or give us a call today.
Disclaimer:
The information shared by Nationwide Migration and Education is for general informational purposes only. While accurate at the time of publication, details may change. This content is not intended as legal or migration advice. For advice tailored to your circumstances, please book a consultation with us.
