October 3, 2025

Jupiter Consultants — Practical guidance for students, graduates, and skilled migrants.

Think of Australia’s system like an airport. Seats (program places) are fixed. Paths to the gate (visa routes) keep shifting. Boarding order (processing) just changed. Your edge is timing and tidy paperwork.

The 60‑second snapshot

  • Migration cap (2025–26): 185,000 places. Most go to Skilled visas (189/190/491).
  • States: Full allocations for 2024–25 are set; 2025–26 opened with small interim state places (e.g., ACT & TAS 165 each; NT limited 491 onshore only).
  • Students (from 1 Jan 2025): Onshore Student 500 applications must include a CoE. No CoE = invalid application and no bridging visa.
  • GTE → GS: The Genuine Student requirement uses short Q&As (≈150 words each), with clearer financial disclosure.
  • Processing order offshore: Ministerial Direction 111 prioritises applications via provider thresholds in PRISMS.
  • Fees: Student visa charge rose to A$1,600 (1 Jul 2024).
  • Work visas: Skills in Demand (3 streams) replaces TSS 482; National Innovation replaces Global Talent 858.
  • GSM: Big 189 invitation rounds in Sep and Nov 2024; states continue monthly rounds.

What this means for you (by pathway)

Students & graduates

CoE rule (onshore, from 1 Jan 2025).
Pros: Clearer, consistent rules onshore/offshore.
Cons: Last‑minute lodgements risk invalidity and no bridging visa.

Genuine Student (GS) tips.

  • Answer the prompt → cite 1–2 proofs → link to outcomes.
  • Keep each response tight (≈150 words).
  • Declare finances; you may note long‑term plans.

MD111 (offshore) in one line.
Priority windows open when providers are under their enrolment threshold. Lodge early and complete to ride the fast lane.

Cost check.
Budget for A$1,600 application charge (from 1 Jul 2024) plus OSHC, health checks, and biometrics.

Skilled migration (189/190/491)

Planning levels stay high.
The 185k cap holds, with Skilled the lion’s share. Demand will be intense; assume competition.

States & territories.

  • 2025–26: Small interim places released; watch state pages weekly.
  • Targeted sectors: Education, health, construction, tech, agrifood often feature.
  • Tactic: Treat 189 as a bonus; build a state‑led plan as your main route.

Pros: Multiple pathways; regional options add points and leverage.
Cons: Quotas are finite; evidence standards are strict; timing matters.

Employer‑sponsored & innovators

Skills in Demand visa (replaces 482).

Three streams by salary/role: Specialist Skills (A$135k+), Core Skills (≈A$73,150–135k), Essential Skills (below Core; tighter compliance).
Pros: Clearer thresholds; better worker mobility.
Cons: Salary floors can exclude juniors; compliance is tighter.

National Innovation visa (replaces 858).
Permanent via EOI for top researchers, founders, and leaders.
Pros: Direct PR runway for standout talent.
Cons: High bar; evidence of impact is crucial.

State & territory nomination allocations (2024–25)

State/Territory Subclass 190 Subclass 491
ACT 1,000 800
NSW 3,000 2,000
NT 800 800
QLD 600 600
SA 3,000 800
TAS 2,100 760
VIC 3,000 2,000
WA 3,000 2,000
Total 16,500 9,760

2025–26 interim snapshot: ACT 165 total; TAS 165 total (≈85×190 / 80×491); NT limited 491 for onshore applicants with deadlines before 31 Dec 2025. SA/WA: numbers pending.
Interpretation: If you’re “decision‑ready,” interim places can convert quickly.

485 (Temporary Graduate) changes you’ll actually feel

  • Graduate Certificate: No longer a qualifying degree for 485.
  • Graduate Diploma: Only if directly related and commenced/completed without a long gap relative to the main degree.
  • Graduate Work stream: Courses must be closely related to an occupation on the medium‑/long‑term list; skills assessment needed.
  • Trades (TRA): The old 360‑hour payslip hurdle for the provisional skills assessment is gone.
  • PSW durations (from 1 Jul 2023): Some bachelor = 4 yrs, master = 5 yrs, PhD = 6 yrs; regional study can add time.
  • Stacking PSWs: In limited cases, up to three consecutive PSWs are possible (First + Regional + Replacement), depending on eligibility.

Pros: Clearer linkage between study and skilled outcomes; easier TRA first step.
Cons: Narrower eligibility for certificates/diplomas; careful sequencing is vital.

30‑day action plan (save this)

If you’re a student (onshore)

  1. Lock your CoE before you lodge.
  2. Draft GS answers (≤150 words each) with 1–2 proofs per answer.
  3. Align lodge date with visa expiry; don’t rely on a bridging visa from an invalid application.

 

If you’re offshore (student)

  1. Apply early with a complete pack.
  2. Ask your provider about current PRISMS load; catch the Priority 1 window.

 

If you’re skilled (189/190/491)

  1. Update EOI (points, English, partner).
  2. Pick two states that actually invited your occupation last round.
  3. Prepare decision‑ready evidence: skills assessment, employment contracts, payslips, references, police/medical.

 

If you’re employer‑sponsored

  1. Check your salary vs stream thresholds.
  2. Confirm the nominated occupation and caveats.
  3. Pre‑gather skills assessment and employment evidence.

Jupiter Consultants: How We Help

At Jupiter Consultants, we simplify the complex process of applying for an Australian Study Visa by turning government policies into clear, actionable steps. We translate every visa rule into easy-to-follow checklists, timelines, and document guides that help you move confidently from “maybe” to “lodged.”

Our expert team will map your best-fit visa pathway — whether that’s Student → 485 → State Nomination → PR or Employer-Sponsored → PR — ensuring you understand every milestone in your journey. From course selection and GTE preparation to lodging your visa and post-study migration planning, we make sure every form, letter, and proof aligns perfectly with Australian immigration standards.

With Jupiter Consultants by your side, your Australia Study Visa process becomes smooth, strategic, and stress-free — helping you turn your dream of studying and settling in Australia into reality.

Sources (quick reads)

FAQs

1. Do I need a CoE for onshore student applications in 2025?

Yes. From 1 Jan 2025 a CoE is mandatory. No CoE = invalid application and no bridging visa.

2. What’s the difference between GTE and GS?

GS is a short Q&A format with explicit financial disclosure and evidence. It replaced the narrative GTE.

3. How does MD111 affect offshore students?

It prioritises cases while providers are under enrolment thresholds. Early, complete lodgements move faster.

4. Will there be more 189 invitation rounds this year?

Large rounds ran in Sep and Nov 2024. With limited places remaining that year, many candidates pivoted to state nomination.

5. What are the three streams of the Skills in Demand visa?

Specialist Skills (A$135k+), Core Skills (≈A$73,150–135k), Essential Skills (below Core; tighter safeguards).

6. Do Graduate Certificates still qualify for 485?

No. They’re no longer recognised for 485 eligibility.

7. Do Graduate Diplomas qualify?

Only if directly linked to your main degree and timed without long gaps. Some will need to package into a relevant master’s or study while on 485.

8. Can I stack multiple PSW visas?

In defined cases, yes—up to three (First + Regional + Replacement), if you meet each stream’s rules.

9. How do I make my EOI competitive?

Maximise English, add partner skills if applicable, secure early skills assessment, and target states that recently invited your occupation.

10. What if my visa expires before I can get a CoE?

Stay lawful. Either depart on time or explore other visas you’re eligible for. Don’t lodge invalidly.