Australian Immigration Daily News

The Australian Government has established the visa caps for Contributory Parent, Parent, and Other Family visas for the 2024-2025 financial year under the Migration (Granting of Contributory Parent Visas, Parent Visas, and Other Family Visas) Instrument 2025 (LIN 25/018). The allocations are as follows:

• 6,800 Contributory Parent visas, including 112 Subclass 143 visas under the Retiree Pathway
• 1,700 Parent visas, including 13 Subclass 103 visas under the Retiree Pathway
• 500 Other Family visas

These limits are set under section 85(1)(b) of the Migration Act 1958 to manage demand, which significantly exceeds available places. The Government has used an annual capping process since 2011 to ensure equitable and efficient processing of applications.

Applications that exceed the allocated cap for this financial year will be carried over to the next program year. Migration professionals should plan accordingly to manage client expectations regarding processing timelines and availability.

The Migration Amendment (Substituted Subclass 600 Visa Exemptions) Regulations 2025 introduces changes to the Migration Regulations 1994, specifically impacting applicants for the Aged Parent (Subclass 804), Contributory Aged Parent (Subclass 864), and Contributory Aged Parent (Subclass 884) visas.

Key Amendments:

1. Eligibility for Aged Parent Visas:

   • Applicants must either:
     • Be an aged parent (as defined in regulation 1.03 of the Migration Regulations), or
     • Hold a substituted Subclass 600 (Visitor) visa at the time of application.
   • This exemption ensures that individuals who have been granted a substituted Subclass 600 visa under ministerial intervention (sections 351, 501J, or repealed section 417 of the Migration Act 1958) can apply for an Aged Parent visa without needing to meet the “aged parent” requirement.

2. Retrospective Application:

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New Treaty Stream Visa for Tuvalu Citizens – What You Need to Know

The Migration (Subclass 192 Pacific Engagement Visa Pre-application Process – Treaty Stream) Determination 2025 introduces a new migration pathway for Tuvaluan citizens, strengthening Australia’s regional partnerships. This initiative is part of the Australia-Tuvalu Falepili Union Treaty, providing Tuvaluans with a special mobility pathway to live, work, and study in Australia.

Key Highlights:

✔ Ballot System – A random selection process will determine who is eligible to apply.
✔ 280 Visa Places – Separate from the Pacific Engagement Visa’s 3,000 places.
✔ Eligibility – Open to Tuvalu citizens with strong ancestral ties to Tuvalu.
✔ No Work or Study Restrictions – Successful applicants can choose how much time they spend in Australia.
✔ Indefinite Travel Facility – Allows free movement between Tuvalu and Australia.

This initiative reflects Australia’s commitment to supporting Tuvalu’s long-term sustainability while offering an equitable, fair, and structured migration program. The Department of Home Affairs continues to play a critical role in ensuring the integrity and fairness of the process.

The Migration (English Language Requirements for Subclass 192 (Pacific Engagement) Visa – Pacific Engagement Stream) Instrument 2025 establishes the English language proficiency criteria for applicants under the Pacific Engagement stream of the Subclass 192 visa. This instrument replaces the 2024 version (LIN 24/023) and will take effect from 1 May 2025.

Key Provisions

• Certain primary applicants and their spouse or de facto partner may be required to meet specific English language requirements as part of their visa application.
• Applicants can demonstrate their proficiency through one of the five recognised English language tests:
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic)
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT) (only tests taken before 25 July 2023)
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE)
  • Occupational English Test (OET)
• Unlike other visa categories, minimum reading and writing test scores are not required, with the focus primarily on speaking and listening skills to support effective communication and community integration.
• Applicants who do not meet the required English proficiency standards will have access to the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) at no cost upon arrival in Australia.

Significance of the Instrument

The introduction of tailored English language requirements for the Pacific Engagement Visa ensures that visa holders are equipped with essential communication skills while maintaining accessibility and fairness. This approach reflects Australia’s commitment to a structured and inclusive migration program that promotes successful settlement and participation in Australian society.

The Department of Home Affairs continues to uphold robust migration integrity standards while fostering regional engagement and long-term social and economic benefits for migrants from Pacific island nations and Timor-Leste.

The Migration (Subclass 192 (Pacific Engagement) Visa Pre-application Process – Pacific Engagement Stream) Determination 2025 (LIN 25/020) is a legislative instrument issued under subsection 46C(14) of the Migration Act 1958. It establishes the pre-application process for the Pacific Engagement stream of the Subclass 192 Pacific Engagement Visa, replacing the 2024 version (LIN 24/011). This determination supports amendments introduced by the Migration Amendment (Australia Tuvalu Falepili Union Treaty Visa) Regulations 2025.

Purpose and Key Provisions

• Establishes a random ballot selection process for prospective visa applicants.
• Eligible participants must register online via ImmiAccount and, if selected, may proceed with a visa application.
• Open to citizens aged 18-45 from Pacific island nations and Timor-Leste (excluding New Zealand citizens).
• Sets an annual cap of 3,000 places, separate from Australia’s permanent migration program.
• Registration requires a $25 application fee and is only available during specific open periods set by the Department.

Consultation and Legislative Considerations

• Developed through extensive government consultation, including with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Treasury, the Department of Social Services, and the Department of Education.
• Classified as a disallowable legislative instrument, subject to parliamentary oversight under the Legislation Act 2003.
• Assessed against human rights standards, with findings that the instrument is reasonable, necessary, and proportionate to ensure equitable access to visas.

Conclusion

The Subclass 192 Pacific Engagement Visa is designed to strengthen Australia’s regional partnerships by providing a structured and fair migration pathway for citizens of Pacific island nations and Timor-Leste. The Department of Home Affairs has implemented a transparent and equitable selection process, ensuring compliance with migration integrity principles while supporting regional mobility and economic collaboration.

Source: Migration-Subclass-192-Pacific-Engagement-Visa-Pre-application-Process-Pacific-Engagement-Stream-Determination-2025.pdf and