Australian Government budget and Migration program for 2024-2025

Additionally, there are other significant decisions affecting the migration program:

• the 2024–25 permanent Migration Program has been set at a planning level of 185,000 (reduced on 5,000 places) with an approximate 70:30 split between the Skill and Family streams.
• big cut of the independent skilled SC189 visa, nearly half of the 24-25 year level.
• increased level for the ENS program and visas of regional and state/territory nominated categories (SC186, 190, 491, and 494).
• reduced work experience requirements for SC482 visa applicants, from two years to just one.
• data-matching pilot between the Department of Home Affairs and the Australian Taxation Office of income and employment data. 
• new visa changes for citizens of India, Vietnam, and China.
• the number of student visas will be regulated by the Government, and the educational institution’s ranking and the chosen course for enrolment will significantly impact visa application outcome.
• the Business Innovation program and Global Talent program are transforming and merging into National Innovation visa.
• new solutions for skills assessment of trade workers.
• extended access to Medicare for Ukrainians and their immediate family members until 30 June 2027 and more funding for humanitarian programs.
• investing in cyber security. 
• some improvements and further reform of Australia’s migration system.