2025-26 State Nomination Migration Program Interim allocation Mon, 08/09/2025 - 11:52 A small interim allocation has been issued for the 2025–26 Western Australia State Nominated Migration Program (SNMP). This allocation will be used to clear the remaining 2024–25 applications. Given the limited number of places, the 2025–26 program year will not open until the formal allocation is issued by the Commonwealth Government. Please continue to monitor the State Nominated Migration Program page (opens in a new tab) and other official channels for further updates. News Category SNMP

The Commonwealth Government have provided South Australia with a small interim allocation for the 2025-26 program year. Given the small number of interim allocations, Skilled and Business Migration (SBM) will not open for new Registration of Interest (ROI) applications and instead focus on inviting strong applicants contributing to the state’s workforce requirements, including from the ROI’s submitted in the 24-25 program year. Once the Commonwealth Government provides South Australia with its full allocation, SBM will release its full policy settings for the upcoming program year. Please keep an eye out on the News & Events section of our website to keep up to date with all the announcements. Thank you for your continued interest in South Australia’s migration programs. POSTED MORE NEWS

This program will provide important information on accessing the South Australian job market, in an interactive format. 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. You will also explore South Australian workplace culture and employer expectations — giving you a competitive edge in your job search. The September program will take place 8:45am – 1:00pm: Tuesday 30 September Wednesday 1 October Thursday 2 October. Participants must be available to attend all three days. The sessions will be held in a central Adelaide location. Registrations close 29 September 2025. Register now Places are limited, so please register as soon as possible to ensure your participation. POSTED MORE NEWS

If you hold a Partner (provisional) (subclass 309) or Partner (temporary) (subclass 820) visa and two years have passed since you applied for the visa, you can now submit your information for the permanent stage of your Partner visa. For details refer to: Partner (subclass 309) holders see Subclass 100 Partner (Migrant) visa. Partner (subclass 820) holders see Subclass 801 Partner visa (Permanent). We will process your visa application faster if you give us correct information and you submit all required documents. If your circumstances have changed, including if your relationship has ended, see Changes in your situation.

When you apply for a Student visa for studies in Australia, you may be required to show evidence of your English language ability. There is a list of specific tests that can be used to meet this requirement. On 7 August 2025, the Australian Government announced that there are now 9 English language tests that can be used for Student visa applications. Key points The additional tests mean you now have more options for meeting the English language requirement for the Student visa. The tests that were already approved can still be used. There have been no changes to the level of English language ability required. However, some scores may be slightly different to make sure that all the available tests match that level, e.g. the TOEFL iBT score has increased from 64 to 67. The Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs will accept results from the updated list of English language tests taken on or after 7 August 2025. Depending on your evidence level requirements, in most cases, results from tests taken on or before 6 August 2025 will be valid for a 24-month period before a visa application is made. Updated list of approved tests The Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs will now accept from the following English Language test providers for Student visas: Cambridge C1 Advanced Test (C1 Advanced) Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program General (CELPIP General) International English Language Testing System Academic (IELTS Academic), International English Language Testing System General Training (IELTS General Training) LANGUAGECERT Academic Test (LANGUAGECERT Academic) Michigan English Test (MET) Occupational English Test (OET) Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT). If you are required to demonstrate English language ability for your Student visa application, you must ensure that you take a test that is valid, and achieve the minimum English test scores required. For more information, including on accepted English language tests, English language evidence exemptions and English language test providers, see Student (Subclass 500) visa.

Australia continues to welcome international students from all over the world, and is committed to offering the highest quality learning experience. The Australian Government has now announced its next annual ‘National Planning Level’ (NPL) for new international student commencements. In 2026, the NPL will be 295,000. This includes an additional 25,000 new international student allocations compared to 2025. What does the National Planning Level do? Australia’s National Planning Level (NPL) is not a cap or a limit on student numbers. It is a prioritisation system for Student visa applications. This means that any genuine student who meets the Student visa requirements can still apply. The NPL is designed to make sure that our international student program can grow in a way that maintains the highest quality learning experience and creates the best possible outcomes for students. To manage the growth of the program in this way, the NPL is supported by a Student visa processing prioritisation system for Student visa applications. It only applies to visas lodged outside of Australia. Student visa applications are processed as high priority until education and training providers in Australia reach their NPL allocation. After this, further visa applications are still accepted for that provider, but are processed more slowly. What’s new for 2026? The 2026 NPL includes 25,000 more new student commencements than in 2025, reflecting Australia’s commitment to welcoming international students. Students from specified countries in the Pacific and Timor-Leste, Australian government scholarship holders and certain foreign government scholarship holders, as well as other specified cohorts, will retain fast (priority) visa processing. From 2026, international students moving to public universities after finishing secondary school in Australia, or coming from recognised pathway providers or TAFE institutes, will not be counted in the university’s NPL allocation. What does this mean for you? You can still apply for a visa as usual. Fair and transparent processing continues for all eligible providers and students. Arrangements for 2026 are designed to maintain a positive and high-quality experience for all students.

On 7 August 2025, the accepted English Language Tests (ELT) for Australian visa purposes changed. There are now nine tests accepted. This has increased from the five tests previously accepted. For tests taken on or before 6 August 2025, for previously accepted ELT, previous settings and requirements will stay valid for certain timeframes, dependant on the visa eligibility. Visit the department’s website for more information on the impacts to relevant visas. The ELT changes will: • ensure consistent scoring across test providers • give more flexibility and test options for visa applicants. If you wish to apply for a visa that requires evidence of your English language ability, you must ensure that you: • take a test that is valid for the purpose of the visa you are applying for, and • achieve the English test scores required. Note: TheEnglish language test requirements for the Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482) will not change until 13 September 2025. To learn more about the ELT changes, visit at English language visa requirements.

We will update English language test requirements for the Skills in Demand Visa (subclass 482) (SID). These changes will begin from 13 September 2025 (subject to the passage of relevant legislation). These changes: • ensure consistent scoring across test providers • give more flexibility and test options for visa applicants. Three (3) new tests will be available to visa applicants to meet the SID visa English requirements. Some existing tests and score requirements will also change. If you are applying for a subclass 482 visa, you must make sure that you: • take a test that is valid for SID visa purposes • achieve the required test results, based on the date you take your test. Tests taken on or after 13 September 2025 We will align test requirements for SID visa purposes on or after 13 September 2025 with the Vocational level of English proficiency outlined in the Migration (Specification of Language Tests, Test Scores and Passports) Instrument 2025 (LIN25/016). You can find more information on the Federal Register of Legislation. There will be no changes to language testing exemptions for the SID visa. If you take a test that offers the single skill retake, and that is accepted by the department, you may be able use these results for your application. We will no longer accept Cambridge C1 Advanced Tests taken on or after 13 September 2025 for SID visa purposes. If you have booked a test with this provider, you must ensure you take your test before this date. Tests taken before 13 September 2025 Tests taken before 13 September 2025 will maintain a three (3) year validity period for SID visa purposes. We will continue to accept these tests, subject to the validity and test score requirements specified in the Migration (Language Test Requirements for Subclass 482 Visa) Instrument 2024. Labour agreement stream You must have English language skills suitable to perform your nominated occupation. English requirements may be specified in the Labour Agreement between your employer and the Commonwealth. We will publish more detailed information about the new requirements from 13 September 2025 on the Subclass 482 English requirements.

This program will provide important information on accessing the South Australian job market, in an interactive format. Over 3 half-days, you will gain the skills and knowledge to positively navigate the South Australian job market. The program offers practical guidance on: Job search strategies Localised resumes and cover letters Interview preparation Networking You will also gain valuable insights into South Australian workplace culture and employer expectations, as well as the opportunity to expand your professional network. The August program will take place 8:45am – 1:00pm: Wednesday 27 August Monday 1 September Tuesday 2 September Participants must be available to attend all three days. The sessions will be held in a central Adelaide location. Registrations close 20 August 2025. Register now. Places are limited, so please register as soon as possible to ensure your participation. POSTED MORE NEWS

Are you a skilled migrant who has recently arrived in South Australia? If you answered YES, you are invited to join us for the Welcome to South Australia event. This event offers a unique opportunity for you to make connections with your local community, gain valuable information and network with individuals and organisations who can help you settle into life in SA. A key part of the event is the opportunity to meet and speak with guest organisations, including recruiters, professional associations and cultural groups, all during a casual morning tea. “I found the event very valuable overall, especially the practical information shared about settling in South Australia and accessing local support services. The presenters were engaging and knowledgeable, and the structure of the event made it easy to follow. I particularly appreciated the insights into employment pathways and community resources for new arrivals. Thank you for organizing such a helpful and welcoming session!” [Previous attendee June 2025]. If you are a skilled migrant who has arrived in South Australia within the last 6 months and you haven’t joined us before, we look forward to meeting you. This event is presented by the Skilled and Business Migration from the Department of State Development. Event details: When: Tuesday, 19 August 2025 9:30am - 12:30pm ACST Location: Adelaide CBD Cost: FREE Register to attend POSTED MORE NEWS

Registrations for the Pacific Engagement stream visa (PEV) ballot are now open for Pacific Island and Timor-Leste nationals. The PEV is a permanent visa allowing people from participating countries to live, work and study in Australia. PEV holders can travel between Australia and their home countries, strengthening links between our people while fostering business and education ties. For us to select you and invite you to apply for the PEV, you must first register in the random pre-application ballot. This is open from 28 July to 25 August 2025. Eligible nationals from participating countries can enter the ballot. People of all skill levels, genders and occupational backgrounds are welcome. There are 3,000 places available for the 2025-26 program to eligible citizens of the following countries: • Federated States of Micronesia • Fiji • Kiribati • Nauru • Palau • Papua New Guinea • Samoa • Solomon Islands • Timor-Leste • Tonga • Vanuatu Australia has granted more than 1,000 PEVs. PEV holders can access the same benefits as all permanent visa holders to help raise a family. This includes access to public schools, Medicare and subsidised childcare. To learn more about how to register for the PEV ballot, see Pacific Engagement visa – ballot registration.

Online services are now available to support Child, Other Family, Former Resident and New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship visa applicants who lodge a paper-based application. While applicants must still apply using a paper form, they can now import their application into ImmiAccount once we have acknowledged we have received it. Importing an application into ImmiAccount gives applicants access to a range of online services that make it easier to manage their application. These services help applicants save time and include the ability to: • attach additional documents to the application • view correspondence sent to applicants • update applicant details • view the current status of their application • lodge Bridging visa (BV) applications • use an online withdrawal form for withdrawal. 1* The services are available for all new and existing applications for the following visas types and subclasses. Child Visas: • Child (subclass 101) visa • Adoption (subclass 102) visa • Child (subclass 802) visa • Dependent Child (subclass 445) visa • Orphan Relative (subclass 117) visa • Orphan Relative (subclass 837) visa. Applicants for subclasses 101, 102 and 117 can import any new and existing applications lodged in Australia. For applications made outside of Australia, only those lodged on or after 1 April 2020 will be able to use the paper import function. Other Family Visas: • Aged Dependent (subclass 114) visa • Aged Dependent (subclass 838) visa • Remaining Relative (subclass 115) visa • Remaining Relative (subclass 835) visa • Carer (subclass 116) visa • Carer (subclass 836) visa. Applicants for subclasses 114, 115 and 116 can import any new and existing applications lodged in Australia. For applications made outside of Australia, only those lodged on or after 25 June 2020 will be able to use the paper import function. Long Term Resident visas Former Resident (subclass 151) visa New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship (subclass 461) visa A step-by-step guide to importing paper applications into ImmiAccount is available at Apply and manage your application. 1. Withdrawing an application for one of the visas above If you applied for one of the visas above, but you are unable to use ImmiAccount to withdraw your application, you can use a visa withdrawal web form to do so. For more information, visit you want to withdraw and application.