Introduction: A Year of Strategic Calibration

The Australian government's migration strategy for the 2025-26 program year focuses on "getting the settings right". While the permanent migration ceiling remains at 185,000 places, policy refinements aim to better align the system with long-term economic needs. For prospective migrants and international students, understanding these nuances is critical for successful planning.

Key Policy Updates for the 2025-26 Program Year

• Financial Requirements: As of 1 July 2025, the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) has increased to $76,515. International students must also meet higher financial capacity requirements.
• The Occupation Tier System (Skilled Independent Visa 189): A significant internal reform is the prioritisation of occupations under a four-tier system. This system, revealed through a Freedom of Information release, ranks occupations based on skill scarcity and national priority.
  • Tier 1 (Highest Priority): Medical specialists, GPs, registered nurses, midwives.
  • Tier 2 (High Priority): Early childhood, secondary, and special education teachers; psychologists.
  • Tiers 3 & 4: Include engineers, trades, and occupations with higher applicant volumes like some ICT and accounting roles.
  • Applicants in Tiers 1 and 2 are likely to receive invitations faster and potentially at lower points scores.

Strategic Pathways from Study to Permanent Residency

For international students, a proactive, multi-year plan is essential.

1. Course Selection: Align your study with long-term skilled occupation lists, prioritising fields in high demand like Healthcare, Education, and Construction.
2. Maximising Your Points During Study:
   • English Proficiency: Aim for Proficient (IELTS 7) or Superior (IELTS 8) English for valuable points.
   • Regional Study: Completing a CRICOS-registered course in a designated regional area can yield an extra 5 points.
3. Post-Study Strategies:
   • Temporary Graduate Visa (485): Use this period to gain skilled Australian work experience.
   • Professional Year (PY): Completing a PY in Accounting, IT, or Engineering provides 5 migration points and valuable local work experience.
   • Regional Work: Living and working in a designated regional area can provide an additional 5 to 15 points for state-nominated visas.

Conclusion: The Importance of Expert Navigation

The current policy environment rewards early, strategic planning and expert guidance. The increased selectivity of the system means generic approaches are less likely to succeed.

At Riverwood Migration, we specialise in translating complex policy into actionable, personalised pathways. Our registered migration agents can help you assess your position within the new occupation tiers, develop a comprehensive points strategy, and navigate state nomination options.

Contact us today for a confidential assessment of your migration prospects.

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