Key Highlights
In 2025, Australia opens its international borders to temporary visa holders; however, the situation has changed significantly as a result of radical reforms to migration policy. The affected groups are international students, skilled workers, and tourists, and the aim of the changes is to bring in higher standards and competitive processes. When you are going to visit, study or work in Australia, it is important to know those new rules in order to have a trouble-free journey and application.
When Will Australia Open International Borders for Temporary Visa Holders?
In 2025, Australia welcomes temporary visa holders through its international borders. Official reopening commenced on 15 December 2021, when the government announced that fully vaccinated eligible temporary visa holders, such as students, skilled workers, working holiday makers and others, would be permitted to enter the country without a travel exemption. This was a tremendous change following almost two years of lockdown due to the pandemic.
As of February 2022, Australia further liberalised this policy, and all fully vaccinated visa holders, comprising tourists and business visitors, are welcome in the country under the National Reopening Plan. The suitable visa options are Subclass 400 (Temporary Work), 407 (Training), 408 (Temporary Activity), 417 (Working Holiday), 462 (Work and Holiday), 457 (Temporary Work Skilled), 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage), 485 (Temporary Graduate), 491 (Skilled Work Regional) and so on.
These arrangements will still be in effect as of June 2025:
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The borders of Australia are open to temporary visa holders, and these people should comply with the existing health and visa requirements.
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No widespread closures of the border and no new travel bans on temporary visa holders this year.
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Entry conditions could comprise vaccination certificates, adherence to renewed state-specific guidelines, and, in certain situations, the provision of biometric information or new application procedures, like the "Permission to Travel" system in the instance of tourists.
Travellers are, however, advised that border and visa policies of Australia are subject to change at short notice in response to public health or policy changes.
Also Read: Australia’s 2025 Migration Overhaul: Stricter Rules for Students & Skilled Workers
Major Changes for Temporary Visa Holders in 2025
The major changes for temporary visa holders in 2025 are:
Permanent Migration Program and Skilled Visas
The permanent migration program size of Australia in 202425 is 185,000 places, and it will focus on skilled migration. It is important to note that employer-sponsored visas have been boosted by 36,825 to 44,000, whereas skilled independent ones have been cut down drastically by 30,375 to 16,900. This change indicates the priority of the government to fill labour gaps in priority areas and the emphasis on regional Australia.
In addition, the government has introduced the National Innovation Visa in place of the Global Talent visa to help bring high-impact talent and innovation. There have been slight increases in regional, state, and territory-nominated visa numbers, which will continue to help the regions grow and allow local skill shortages to be filled.
Student Visa Reforms
Some of the greatest changes have occurred in student visa policies:
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Intake Cap: An Intake Cap of 270,000 new international student enrolments in 2025 has been introduced, which has made the process competitive.
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Genuine Student Requirement: The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement has been abolished, and in its place is the Genuine Student (GS) requirement, which looks at the genuine intentions of the applicants to study in Australia.
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Increased English Language Requirements: With effect from March 2024, the IELTS score has been increased to 6.0 (previously 5.5) in the case of student visas and 6.5 (previously 6.0) in the case of Temporary Graduate Visas (subclass 485).
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Higher Fees and Financial Evidence: The student visa fees have been raised to 1600 dollars (with further suggestions to raise it to 2000 dollars), and the financial evidence requirements have changed to 75 per cent of the national minimum wage.
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Onshore Application Limits: The majority of temporary visa holders are no longer able to apply to transfer to a student visa in Australia; applications are now made offshore with a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
Temporary Graduate Visa Updates
Also pertaining to the Temporary Graduate Visa, the following changes are essential:
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The two-year post-study work rights extension based on specific degrees has been taken out.
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Most applicants have now reached an age limit of 35 (though Master's and Doctoral graduates can be below 50).
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The holders of bachelor's degrees may still remain up to two years after completion of studies, but the general periods of eligibility and the avenues to permanent residency have been narrowed.
Also Read: Prince Edward Island Prioritizes Healthcare in First 2025 PNP Draw
Visitor and Tourist Visa Simplification
The visa procedures have been simplified and expedited, especially for tourists and visitors:
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As of January 2025, applicants will be required to use the Permission to Travel system and provide biometric data (fingerprints and facial photos).
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In July 2024, the cost of visas rose by 3 per cent.
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Candidates are required to provide transparent financial evidence and a departure itinerary.
Put an End to Permanent Temporariness and Visa Hopping.
The reforms by the government have focused on addressing the problem of permanent temporariness; that is, the situations where temporary visa holders stay in Australia longer without upgrading to permanent residence. Tighter regulations have also meant that most temporary visa holders cannot move to student or other visas whilst being in the country, thus they have to apply offshore, and this lowers the chances of the system being exploited.
Migration Caps and Political Argumentation.
The issue of immigration is still a burning political issue. The current Labour government has fixed the permanent migration intake at 185,000 in 202425, emphasising skilled migration and removing the Business Innovation and Investment Program. Opposition has suggested bringing down this cap to 140,000 in 2025 with a gradual increase to 160,000, indicating continuing controversy regarding the place of migration in the Australian economy and society.
Key Impacts on Different Visa Categories
Key impacts on different visa categories are as follows:
International Students
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Greater Competitiveness of Entry: The new enrolment limit and increased standards imply that only the most well-prepared pupils will be able to make it.
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Increased expenses: At a fee of 1,600 (with potential increases), one must do financial planning.
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English and Financial Evidence: Candidates are required to have a better command of the English language and prove that they have sufficient finances to sustain themselves.
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Tougher Genuine Student Checks: The GS condition is much tighter than the former GTE, and it is concerned with whether the applicant has a genuine intention to study.
Skilled Workers
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Job Offers Preferred: They have employer-sponsored visas for as many as 44,000, so those who have a job offer are preferred.
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Skilled Independent Visas Cut: The number of places has been decreased, which will result in increased competition and an emphasis on the skills shortage.
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Regional Opportunities: State and regional nominated visas provide other avenues to individuals who are not reluctant to reside and work in regions other than the big cities.
Graduates and Post-Study Work
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Shorter Post-Study Stays: The lifting of extensions and introduction of age restrictions mean that graduates have to think fast about what to do next.
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Transition to PR More difficult: The eligibility is stringent, and the number of independent skilled places is reduced, which makes the transition to permanent residency more competitive.
Short-Term Visitors and Tourists
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Simplified, yet More Restrictive: The new application systems and biometric needs are expected to cut fraud cases but ask more of their preparation on the part of applicants.
Also Read: Australia's Parent Visa Crisis: 31-Year Wait Strains Families
Conclusion
The Australian 2025 border policy is friendly to temporary visa holders, although it increases the threshold of entry and continued residence. The competition is higher, the requirements are higher, and the question of skilled migration and genuine student intent has been put forward again, so the applicants should be prepared and informed. Being a student, skilled worker or a tourist, it is best that you know these changes to have a successful stint in the changing migration landscape in Australia.
To learn more about the latest immigration news, contact TerraTern right away!
