Australian Immigration News 28th June. July 1 Changes, W&H 462 Visa Ballot opens for India + more

Summary

In this week's edition of Australian Immigration News, KL Conrad discusses the latest updates, including the opening of South Australia's 858 visa nominations, the work and holiday visa ballot for India, China, and Vietnam, and the Tuvalu migration ballot as residents seek refuge from rising sea levels. The video also highlights the increase in business visa nominations and visa application fees. Additionally, Suzanne Lei, Australia's first female opposition leader, shares her migrant journey. The episode touches on visa refusals, particularly for skilled state-sponsored visas, and provides tips for those facing challenges in the immigration process.

Takeaways

• 😀 South Australia has opened registrations for the 858 National Innovation Visa, available to both onshore and offshore applicants.
• 😀 The Work and Holiday Visa ballot for India, China, and Vietnam is open from June 24 to July 15, 2025. Random selections will start on July 16.
• 😀 Over one-third of Tuvalu's population has entered the ballot to migrate to Australia due to rising sea levels, with 280 visas granted per year.
• 😀 Australia's new Liberal leader, Suzanne Lei, shared her experiences as an immigrant and discussed her commitment to welcoming migrants.
• 😀 There have been no official law changes announced for the 1st of July; any updates may be released later this week or early next week.
• 😀 Visa grants for skilled visas were delayed in June due to quota limits, but are expected to increase after July 1, 2025.
• 😀 The business visa nomination figure will increase to 76,515 after July 1, 2025, but applications lodged before that date are not subject to this change.
• 😀 Visa application fees, including a new $2,000 fee for student visas, will rise after the 1st of July.
• 😀 Refusals for skilled state-nominated visas (190 and 491) are common due to partner points discrepancies and missing work experience documents.
• 😀 Some states and territories are not participating in the review process for visa refusals, making it difficult for applicants to challenge decisions.

Q & A

What are the changes to Australian immigration that will take place on the 1st of July?

As of now, no specific law changes have been released for July 1st, but it is expected that new changes may come out later this weekend or early next week. Visa quotas for skilled visas are expected to begin flowing after the 1st of July, and the business visa nomination quota will increase to 76,515.

Why do grants for skilled visas often slow down in June?

Grants for skilled visas tend to slow down in June because the yearly quotas for visa subclasses are often filled by that time. After July 1st, grants are expected to resume as the new annual quota begins.

What is the new fee for student visas from July 1st?

A new $2,000 fee will be introduced for student visas starting on July 1st.

What is the National Innovation Visa 858 in South Australia?

South Australia has opened registrations for the National Innovation Visa 858, which is available to both onshore and offshore applicants. A link is provided to register interest in being nominated by the South Australian government for this visa.

What is the Work and Holiday Visa ballot system for India, China, and Vietnam?

The Work and Holiday Visa ballot system for India, China, and Vietnam opens from June 24th to July 15th. Random selections will be made for each country starting from July 16th. Registrations will be open until April 30th, 2026.

What is the situation with Tuvalu’s population seeking to migrate to Australia?

Australia is offering 280 visas per year to residents of Tuvalu, whose island is sinking due to climate change. About one-third of Tuvalu’s population (around 3,000 people) has already entered a ballot to be selected for these visas. The ballot closes on July 18th.

Who is Suzanne Lei, and what is her background regarding immigration?

Suzanne Lei is Australia's first female opposition leader. She is an immigrant, having moved to Australia at the age of 13. She shared her personal journey at the National Press Club, emphasizing her pride in the opportunities Australia offers migrants.

What are the Liberal Party’s challenges regarding their policies toward migrants?

Suzanne Lei addressed concerns that the Liberal Party’s policies during the last election made immigrants and multicultural communities feel alienated. She expressed a desire to better understand these concerns and ensure that future policies are more inclusive.

What are common reasons for refusals in skilled state-sponsored visas (190 and 491)?

Common reasons for refusals in skilled state-sponsored visas include incorrect claims about work experience, lack of sufficient documentation, and mistakes in partner claims (such as claiming partner points and then changing marital status).

What is the issue with review requests for visa refusals under the 190 and 491 subclasses?

Visa applicants who are refused for the 190 or 491 visas cannot review the decision unless their nominating state or territory participates in the review process. However, many states and territories are unwilling to participate due to the time and effort involved in reviewing applications.