A number of updates were announced in early October that may affect businesses employing or sponsoring skilled migrants.
Below is a simple summary of what’s changed and what it means for employers.
Updates to visa investment and information rules
Two migration regulations have been renewed with minor updates to keep existing rules in place:
- Business Innovation and Investment visas (Subclass 188 and 888) – The rules around “complying investments” have been refreshed but remain the same. This means visa applications already lodged or in progress will continue under the same criteria.
- Information sharing between government agencies – The Department of Home Affairs has updated which government bodies can receive identifying information about visa applicants. No new organisations have been added; some names have just been updated.
These updates took effect on 1 October 2025 and don’t require any action from employers.
Policy updates in legendcom
Home Affairs has updated a range of internal policy documents that guide how migration officers assess visa applications. This includes:
- Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand) visa – employer-sponsored temporary visa
- Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate) visa
- Carer visas
- Health-related assessment guidelines
While these are mainly procedural, employers should be aware that case officers may interpret certain policy areas differently after updates. If you’re lodging new nominations or renewals, it’s a good idea to check in with your migration agent to ensure your applications reflect the latest guidance.
Victoria’s skilled migration program opens for 2025–26
Victoria has opened its 2025–26 Skilled Migration Program, allowing nominations for:
- Skilled Nominated visa (Subclass 190) – 200 places
- Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 491) – 180 places
Both onshore and offshore applicants can apply. The state expects to confirm its full allocation soon, so if your business is based in Victoria and planning to sponsor skilled workers, it’s worth preparing early before places fill up.
New security for OMARA portal
The Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA) is introducing Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for all registered migration agents from 20 October 2025.
This means your migration agent will need to update their login details and enable MFA to access the OMARA Portal by 31 January 2026.
It’s a security measure to protect sensitive visa and personal information, something all employers benefit from when working with licensed professionals.
What these changes means for employers
For most employers, these changes don’t require immediate action. However, they’re good reminders to:
- Stay connected with your migration agent to ensure applications are lodged under the latest rules.
- Review sponsorship and visa renewal plans early, especially if you’re based in Victoria.
- Check that your agent is across the new security and policy updates.
Migration rules evolve regularly, and keeping up to date helps reduce delays and ensure compliance.
If your business is planning to sponsor skilled workers or renew visas, our registered migration team can help you navigate the latest requirements and avoid costly mistakes.
Talk to our team to make sure your workforce plans stay on track.
