Australia's New Travel & Work Rules: June’s Must-Know Immigration Changes

Australia is once again refining its migration strategy to better address skill shortages, protect local jobs, and strengthen its economy. June 2025 brings critical updates to visa policies, migration caps, and skilled worker pathways—changes that all potential migrants, employers, and advisors should understand.

Whether you’re planning to migrate for work, sponsor overseas talent, or are already in the system, here’s a focused breakdown of the latest immigration changes in Australia and why they matter.

Significance of Australia’s June 2025 Immigration Changes

A Refined Focus on Skilled Migration

The Australian Government continues to recalibrate its migration program to ensure it supports sectors facing genuine skills shortages. June’s updates include adjusted nomination quotas for regional areas and a renewed focus on industries such as healthcare, construction, and engineering.

Want to explore which skilled visas match your occupation? Visit our Skilled Visa page for tailored information.

Migration Cap Adjustments

Australia has confirmed a recalibration of its permanent migration cap for 2025–2026. While still prioritising skilled workers, the intake number has been slightly adjusted to balance infrastructure pressure with labour demand—especially in metro hubs like Sydney and Melbourne.

This shift aims to direct more talent into regional Australia, where the demand remains high and opportunities are growing fast.

Regional Prioritisation and DAMA Updates

Regional migration will remain a top priority. Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs) are receiving expanded quotas and updated occupation lists, allowing local employers to source international talent for hard-to-fill roles.

For more insight on DAMA and how to qualify, read: VETASSESS & DAMA: A Gateway to Australia's Regional Skilled Migration Program

Employer-Sponsored Visas: Increased Scrutiny

New measures have been introduced to ensure employer-sponsored visa applicants meet integrity benchmarks. This includes updated labour market testing rules and stricter compliance for sponsoring businesses.

These changes reflect Australia’s dual goal: protecting local employment while also attracting world-class talent.

Visa Processing and Digital Transformation

Australia’s Department of Home Affairs is rolling out more efficient digital visa systems to reduce processing delays and streamline application tracking. Skilled visa applicants may now benefit from faster decision times, particularly if they meet priority sector or regional criteria.

Use the Visa Finder to explore your eligibility based on occupation, location, and visa stream.

June 2025 marks a pivotal shift in Australia’s immigration landscape—with a clear focus on skilled, regional, and high-integrity migration pathways. Whether you’re an engineer, nurse, tradesperson, or business owner seeking sponsorship support, staying ahead of these changes is vital to a successful visa outcome.

Thinking of moving to Australia or adjusting your migration strategy?

Schedule a 1-on-1 consultation with an A2Zimmi expert to explore the best pathway for your profile.