Is Australia currently approving work visas now?

Yes, as of May 2025, Australia continues to approve work visas across various categories, including the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482), Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186), and Skilled Independent visas (subclass 189). The Department of Home Affairs has reported improved processing times for most visa programs, particularly temporary visas.

Current Status of Work Visa Approvals:

• Active Processing: The Australian government is actively processing work visa applications, with a focus on reducing processing times.

• Processing Times: Processing times vary by visa category. For instance, the median processing time for permanent skilled visas is approximately 11 months.

Upcoming Changes Effective 1 July 2025

Starting 1 July 2025, several changes will be implemented:

• Increased Salary Thresholds: The income thresholds for sponsored work visas will increase by 4.6%, aligning with Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE) data.

• Migration Strategy Adjustments: The Albanese government has announced a ten-year migration strategy aimed at reducing the annual net migration intake to 250,000 by June 2025.

Tips for Applicants:

• Ensure Eligibility: Verify that your occupation is on the relevant skilled occupation list and that you meet the necessary qualifications and experience requirements.

• Prepare Documentation: Gather all required documents, including skills assessments, English proficiency test results, health examinations, and character certificates.

• Monitor Official Channels: Stay updated with the Department of Home Affairs' official website for the latest information on visa requirements and processing times.