Australia Migration Update 2025: Key Insights from the Department of Home Affairs’ 15th Edition Report
Australia’s migration and citizenship systems continue to evolve in 2025 as new reforms take shape.
The Department of Home Affairs’ 15th Edition of the Administration of the Immigration and Citizenship Programs (October 2025) highlights how the migration framework performed throughout 2024-25 — a year marked by recovery, workforce realignment, and policy refinement.
This comprehensive report reflects Australia’s focus on skills-based migration, stronger integrity measures, and stable long-term pathways for both migrants and international students.
Migration and Citizenship Performance (2024-25)
The report shows a resilient and transparent migration system with significant progress across all visa categories:
9.48 million visa applications were lodged — a 1.7% increase from the previous year.
9.45 million decisions were finalized, with a 7.3% refusal rate.
Temporary visas in effect rose by 3.5% to 2.78 million, driven by high demand for skilled and working holiday programs.
Net Overseas Migration (NOM) eased to 316,000 (March 2025), down from a post-pandemic peak of 556,000.
Student visa reforms — including the Genuine Student (GS) test, higher English requirements, and tighter financial rules — led to a 26% drop in applications.
New visa programs launched: The Skills in Demand (SID) and National Innovation Visa, replacing the TSS program to address workforce shortages.
Working Holiday Maker visas increased by 37%, while bridging visas rose by 24%.
The Migration Program quota of 185,000 places was met — 71% Skilled and 28% Family.
Top source countries: India, China, the Philippines, the UK, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
Key Policy Themes Shaping Australia’s Migration Future
The report identifies major policy directions that will continue to guide Australia’s migration approach:
Reducing temporary visa dependency and controlling Net Overseas Migration.
Upholding integrity in international education by focusing on genuine student enrolments.
Faster visa processing for skilled workers to address genuine labour shortages.
Expansion of regional pathways, including the Aged Care ILA, PALM, and MATES programs.
Strengthened protection for migrant workers against exploitation and unfair employment practices.
Humanitarian and Protection Visa Updates
26,500 humanitarian places were allocated for Afghan nationals for 2025-26.
In 2023-24, 6,125 humanitarian places were granted, representing 42% of offshore approvals.
Protection Visa (Subclass 866) processing improved significantly — with decisions made eight times faster and a 15% grant rate across 28,960 cases.
The Resolution of Status (RoS) visa continues to support former TPV and SHEV holders, with 20,419 permanent grants finalized by June 2025.
English Language and Citizenship Highlights
Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP)
Recorded 70,300 enrolments in 2024–25 — the highest since 1986–87.
The program continues to play a vital role in improving migrant integration and employment readiness.
Australian Citizenship
162,461 people became Australian citizens in 2024–25.
214,356 new citizenship applications were lodged, showing steady interest in permanent settlement.
92,244 New Zealanders applied under the Direct Pathway, with 65,013 approvals granted by June 2025.
Risk, Integrity, and Border Protection
85% of Protection Visa applications were refused due to non-genuine claims.
The Department strengthened collaboration with law enforcement to combat fraud, trafficking, and illegal work exploitation.
Under Operation Sovereign Borders, Australia has maintained zero successful maritime arrivals since 2014.
The National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery (2020-25) remains central, with 52 cases referred to the AFP in early 2025.
Migration Planning for 2025-26
For 2025-26, Australia’s Migration Program will maintain 185,000 places, including:
132,200 Skilled stream places, and
52,500 Family stream places.
Future reforms will integrate Jobs and Skills Australia insights into visa planning to ensure migration supports economic needs while maintaining national integrity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the main takeaway from the 15th Administrative Report (Oct 2025)?
Australia’s migration system is stabilizing post-pandemic, with a balanced focus on skilled migration, program integrity, and student protection.
2. Has Australia reduced its migration intake for 2025–26?
No. The total cap remains 185,000 places, with continued emphasis on skilled and regional migration pathways.
3. What new visa types were introduced in 2024–25?
The Skills in Demand (SID) and National Innovation Visa programs replaced the previous Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa, focusing on filling critical workforce and innovation-based roles.
4. Why have student visa applications dropped in 2025?
Applications declined due to stricter standards, including the Genuine Student (GS) test, higher English proficiency, and stronger financial requirements — ensuring that only genuine and capable students qualify.
5. How can AMVPS help with my visa application or appeal?
At AMVPS, we provide personalized migration and visa assistance, including:
Eligibility assessment under the latest reforms.
Step-by-step visa preparation and compliance guidance.
Support for sponsorship, skilled migration, and study pathways.
Representation for visa refusals and Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) appeals.
Our team helps clients navigate complex visa systems with clarity, accuracy, and confidence.
The Department of Home Affairs’ 15th Edition Immigration & Citizenship Report (October 2025) showcases a modern, skill-driven migration strategy that aligns with Australia’s long-term goals.
Applicants who understand these reforms and seek expert advice are best positioned for success.
Talk to us here at AMVPS to explore your visa options and receive guidance tailored to your personal situation.
We’ll help you make your visa journey simple, smooth, and successful.
Website: www.amvpsolutions.au
WhatsApp: +63 994 210 8530
Source: The Administration of the Immigration and Citizenship Programs: 15th Edition (Oct 2025)
