This Department’s latest Admin Paper provides a detailed snapshot of how Australia’s migration and citizenship system performed in 2024–25, a year of strong policy reform and stabilisation after pandemic-era disruption. Highlights - 9.48 million visa applications were lodged, up 1.7 % from 2023-24, with 9.45 million finalised and a 7.3 % refusal rate - Temporary visas in effect rose 3.5 % to 2.78 million, driven by strong demand for skilled and working-holiday programs - Net Overseas Migration (NOM) eased to 316,000 to March 2025, down from the post-COVID peak of 556,000, with forecasts trending to 225,000 by 2028–29 - Student-visa reforms (genuine-student test, higher English and financial thresholds, and the end of COVID concessions) led to a 26 % drop in lodgements - Skills in Demand (SID) and National Innovation visas launched 7 Dec 2024, replacing the TSS program and targeting critical workforce needs - Working-Holiday Maker visas surged 37 %, while bridging visa holders rose 24 %, reflecting ongoing program churn - The Migration Program (2024–25) delivered its full quota of 185,000 places, 71 % Skilled and 28 % Family - Top source countries: India, China, Philippines, UK, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka Policy Themes - Downward pressure on NOM through closure of pandemic visas and “permanent temporariness” pathways. - Emphasis on integrity and quality in international education. - Targeted, faster processing for skilled migration tied to genuine labour shortages. - Expansion of regional and labour-agreement pathways (Aged Care ILA, PALM, MATES scheme). - Continued focus on protecting migrant workers and community safety under the Character and Integrity programs. Looking Ahead 2025-26 planning levels remain at 185,000 places (132,200 Skilled / 52,500 Family). Longer-term reforms include regional migration settings, essential-skills pathways, and integration of Jobs & Skills Australia advice into visa planning Australia’s migration system is entering a new phase of balance, attracting global talent, protecting integrity, and supporting national prosperity. Source: The-Administration-of-the-Immigration-and-Citizenship-Programs---15th-edition-Oct-2025.pdf

This year's program focused on reform, resilience and readiness, addressing the evolving global landscape and Australia's role within it. Key themes included: Demography and Destiny: Opening keynote by SImon Kuestenmacher on how migration will shape Australia's population and workforce. Skilled Migration and Workforce Planning : Panels featuring Ai Group, ACTU, AusVEg and the Scanlon Foundation explored migration's role in economic growth. Partner Visas and Humanitarian Issues : VETASSESS and the Institute of Public Accountants led discussions on qualifications recognition and future pathways. AI and Mental Health in Practice: Practical sessions addressed digital transformation and wellbeing in migration services. Featured Presentation: Dr Mamta Chauhan and Dr Rocco Guarnaccia Dr Mamta Chauhan, Executive Director of VETASSESS and Dr Rocco Guarnaccia, Director of Vocational Education and Training, featured on a standout panel titled "Global trends and drivers of cross-border mobility: what this means for Australian migration? " . Their presentation explored: Global migration shifts: Traditional leaders like the US, UK and Canada are reducing intake, while New Zealand, Germany, India and China emerge as new influences. India's migration appetite remains strong despite increased scrutiny on offshore agents China is investing in local upskilling but maintains interest in outbound migration. Skills Assessment Innovations: Australia continues to relay on qualifications and experience-based assessments Canada is evolving toward recognising work experience The US is developing a global skills directory to streamline mobility. South Africa is leveraging Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) to integrate refugee populations more rapidly. Generational Learning and Workforce Readiness The speakers emphasised the importance of understanding generational learning styles to better prepare future workers: From Silent Generation to Gen Alpha, each cohort brings distinct traits and expectations. They compared Pedagogy (teacher-led), Andragogy (adult-focused) and Heutagogy (self-determined) learning models, advocating for flexible, learner-driven approaches that support lifelong learning. Generation Z: The Workforce of the Future Gen Z is the most formally educated, digitally connected and globally aware generation With projections of 17 jobs across 5 careers, their adaptability and tech fluency demand new approaches to education, skills recognition and migration policy. The MIA National Migration Conference 2025 reinforces the importance of collaboration, innovation and future-readiness in shaping Australia's migration system. With insights from leaders like Dr Mamta Chauhan and Dr Rocco Guarnaccia, the event offered a vital platform for policy, practice and progress.

Careers: Made in SA professional workshops help you in your professional job search, providing you important information for accessing the South Australian job market, gaining valuable insights into South Australian workplace culture and employer expectations, as well as the opportunity to expand your professional network. Over three half-day sessions, you’ll gain the knowledge, tools, and confidence to navigate the local job market, including: Effective job search strategies Writing local style resumes and cover letters Interview preparation and confidence-building techniques Building and using your professional network. The November program will take place 8:45am – 1:00pm: Tuesday 25 November Wednesday 26 November Thursday 27 November. Participants must be available to attend all three days. The sessions will be held in a central Adelaide location. Expressions of Interest (EOIs) close 18 November 2025. Submit yours now. Places are limited, so please complete your EOI as soon as possible. POSTED MORE NEWS

The Department of Home Affairs has released a new legislative instrument under regulation 5.34E of the Migration Regulations 1994, updating the framework for the disclosure of identifying information to specified international organisations in accordance with paragraph 336F(1)(e) of the Migration Act 1958. This instrument replaces the previous 2016 version (IMMI 16/068), ensuring continued lawful information sharing between Australia and international bodies for humanitarian, legal, and administrative purposes. Key updates include: Removal of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda and the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia following their closure. Inclusion of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals to maintain cooperation on matters of international criminal law. Retention of existing prescribed organisations such as the International Committee of the Red Cross, International Monetary Fund, Interpol, International Organisation for Migration, and the United Nations. The instrument maintains Australia’s commitment to responsible international cooperation while upholding privacy and legislative safeguards. It is exempt from disallowance under section 42 of the Legislation Act 2003 and commenced the day after registration. Source: Migration-Disclosure-of-Information-to-Prescribed-International-Organisations-Instrument-2015.pdf and Migration-Disclosure-of-Information-to-Prescribed-International-Organisations-Instrument-2015-Explanatory-Statement.pdf

Australia has excelled once again in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026, with an improved overall score across 14 categories! The THE rankings assess universities around the world on their core missions of teaching, research, knowledge transfer and internationalisation. The 2026 THE WUR rankings have now been released, with 2,191 universities assessed. How did Australia perform? This year: 97% of Australia’s public universities are recognised in the global ranking. Six Australian universities are again in the top 100, and 10 universities are featured in the top 200 worldwide. Australian universities in the top 200 (in order of rank): University of Melbourne The University of Sydney Monash University Australian National University UNSW Sydney The University of Queensland University of Technology Sydney The University of Western Australia Macquarie University Adelaide University One third of Australia’s ranked universities rose in the rank this year, with three also achieving their best-ever performance: Charles Sturt University The University of Notre Dame Study with an Australian world-class education provider Australian universities are ranked highly overall and are also among the world’s best for individual study areas, as featured on the Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2025. Ready to explore these world-class education providers for yourself? Check them out using the Study Australia Course Search tool.

Updates to the Migration WA Portal Tue, 30/09/2025 - 08:05 Applications for Regional Certifying Body advice and the WA State Nominated Migration Program (once an invitation has been issued) are now available through the State Government’s Migration WA Portal (the Portal). A new Portal profile is also available, providing Migration Agencies with the ability to link their agents, so they can view and assist with agency applications (branch specific). You can find more information about the updates on the Welcome to the Migration WA Portal page (opens in a new tab) . Please contact us at migration@dtwd.wa.gov.au or +61 8 9224 6540 if you need assistance. News Category Portal

The Department of Home Affairs has launched a website translation service on an initial limited number of pages. A language selector will appear at the top right-hand corner of pages that are translated.

The Migration (Specification of Class of Persons) Instrument 2025 (LIN 25/091) will commence on 1 October 2025, repealing and replacing IMMI 15/026 This legislative instrument, made under paragraphs 050.613A(1)(b) and 051.611A(1)(c) of Schedule 2 to the Migration Regulations 1994, applies to Subclass 050 (Bridging (General)) and Subclass 051 (Bridging (Protection Visa Applicant)) visas. It specifies that persons granted a Bridging Visa E under section 195A of the Migration Act 1958 are a class of persons who may be permitted to work while holding that visa. As a result, conditions 8101 (no work) and 8116 (restricted work) will not be imposed for this group. The instrument does not substantially alter existing arrangements but ensures continuity of policy following the sunsetting of IMMI 15/026. It is exempt from disallowance under section 42 of the Legislation Act 2003. This reform maintains the established approach to the work rights of Bridging Visa E holders granted under ministerial intervention powers. Source: Migration-Specification-Class-of-Persons-Instrument-2025----instrument.pdf and Migration-Specification-of-Class-of-Persons-Instrument-2025.pdf

Please find attached important updates regarding Ministerial Intervention under sections 351, 501J, 46A and 48B of the Migration Act 1958. Letter---Ministerial-Intervention---section-351-and-501J.pdf and Letter---Ministerial-Intervention---section-46A-and-48B.pdf

The Migration (Access to Movement Records) Instrument 2025 (LIN 25/001), made under subregulations 3.10A(1) and (2) of the Migration Regulations 1994, prescribes the legislation, agencies, employees, and purposes for which access to movement records may be authorised under section 488 of the Migration Act 1958. It repeals the earlier instrument LIN 23/015 (2023). Background and Scope Section 488 of the Migration Act prohibits the unauthorised reading, use, or disclosure of movement records. Subparagraph 488(2)(a)(vii) and paragraph 488(2)(g) permit the Minister to authorise access to such records where required for prescribed legislation or by prescribed employees of government agencies for prescribed purposes. Movement records are stored in the Department’s Movement Reconstruction Database and include personal details of travellers, such as identity, travel, and visa information. Purpose of the Instrument To specify relevant Commonwealth, State, and Territory legislation for which access may be authorised. To prescribe certain agencies and employees eligible to access records, and the statutory purposes for which access is permitted. Access is limited to agencies and employees who require such information to administer relevant legislation or carry out compliance, enforcement, and investigative functions. Consultation Consultation occurred with numerous Commonwealth, State, and Territory agencies, including the ATO, ACIC, DFAT, Defence Intelligence Organisation, Department of Veterans’ Affairs, NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, and several State-based regulators and revenue offices. Key Changes from LIN 23/015 Updates to the list of prescribed legislation, with additions such as the National Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2022, the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 (Vic), and amendments to remove repealed provisions. Inclusion of ten additional agencies, including the Building Commission NSW, Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (WA), Department of Justice and Community Safety (Vic), and the National Anti-Corruption Commission. Updates to agency names following Machinery of Government changes. Restrictions confining access to specified levels of staff or functional units within agencies. Human Rights Compatibility The instrument engages the right to privacy under Article 17 of the ICCPR. Limitations are lawful, necessary, reasonable, and proportionate, as access is confined to specific agencies and purposes. Protections are also ensured under the Privacy Act 1988 and penalties under the Migration Act for unlawful disclosure. Commencement and Status The instrument commences the day after registration and is subject to disallowance under the Legislation Act 2003. It was issued under the authority of the Minister for Home Affairs. Source: LIN25001.pdf and LIN25001-Explanatory-Statement.pdf

The Australian Border Force (Secrecy and Disclosure) Rule 2025 remakes and updates the 2015 Rule, which was due to sunset on 1 October 2025, to ensure continuity of lawful disclosure of Immigration and Border Protection (IBP) information under the Australian Border Force Act 2015. The Rule: Retains existing provisions allowing disclosure of IBP information for the detection of persons who may pose risks to Australia or foreign countries, and for the investigation of misconduct or integrity issues. Prescribes four new permitted purposes for disclosure: Matters under the Australian Trade and Investment Commission Act 1985 (Austrade Act). Trade and supply chain regulation, including mapping and understanding risks to supply chains critical to the national interest. Matters under the Export Control Act 2020, Illegal Logging Prohibition Act 2012, and Imported Food Control Act 1992. Matters under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, Hazardous Waste Act 1989, Ozone Protection Act 1989, Product Emissions Standards Act 2017, and Recycling and Waste Reduction Act 2020. The Rule retains ten prescribed bodies permitted to receive IBP information, including the Australian Red Cross Society (for humanitarian oversight) and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) and its state/territory branches (for animal trade and welfare matters). The Rule interacts with the Privacy Act 1988, ensuring that disclosures are lawful, necessary, reasonable, and proportionate. Although it permits the sharing of personal information, safeguards are in place to limit intrusions into privacy and ensure compliance with Australia’s human rights obligations under the ICCPR (Article 17 - right to privacy). Commencement: The Rule takes effect the day after registration on the Federal Register of Legislation. Repeal: The 2015 Rule is repealed in full upon commencement of the 2025 Rule. Conclusion: The Rule strengthens the Australian Border Force’s operational capacity by modernising the framework for sharing IBP information, supporting border protection, national security, trade integrity, supply chain resilience, and environmental protection, while maintaining proportional safeguards for privacy and accountability. Source: Australian-Border-Force-secrecy-and-disclosure-rule-2025.pdf and Australian-Border-Force-secrecy-and-disclosure-rule-2025-explanatory-memorandum.pdf

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