Citizenship Fees Rising & New Regional Migration Pathways in 2025

1 May

Australia’s migration landscape is evolving in 2025, with significant changes to citizenship fees, regional skilled migration programs, and employer sponsorship pathways. These updates will directly affect citizenship applicants, skilled visa holders, HR departments, and Australian businesses that rely on overseas talent.

Whether you’re preparing to apply for Australian citizenship, managing workforce planning in regional areas, or recruiting for hard-to-fill roles in sectors like construction, IT, or healthcare — it’s crucial to stay ahead of these developments to avoid missed opportunities or compliance issues.

👉 Book a free discovery call to understand how these legislative updates impact your situation and how One Planet Migration can support your next steps.

Key Takeaways

Australian citizenship application fees will increase from 1 July 2025 due to CPI indexation.
NT DAMA III expands migration options with more occupations, age and salary concessions, and a 5-year endorsement option.
South Australia launches a program to connect skilled migrants with jobs in high-demand industries.

Australian Citizenship Fees to Increase from 1 July 2025

The Australian Citizenship Amendment (Indexation of Fees) Regulations 2025 will apply CPI adjustments to certain citizenship application fees from 1 July 2025.

While some smaller fees remain unchanged due to rounding, and nil-fee items are not impacted, most applicants will see an increase in costs. For those considering lodging before the fee hike, now is the time to act.

📌 Tip: Review the Explanatory Statement for a comparison of the 2024 and 2025 fees.

NT DAMA III: Expanded Pathways for Skilled Workers in the Top End

The Northern Territory Designated Area Migration Agreement III (NT DAMA III) is now in effect, following its execution on 19 March 2025. Endorsement applications are now open via the MigrationNT portal.

Key Changes:

Expanded occupation list: Now includes 325 occupations across skill levels 1–5.
Bulk endorsement ceilings: Employers can apply for 5-year ceilings to simplify workforce planning.
Age & English concessions:

Up to 55 years of age for most skill levels
Up to 50 years for skill level 5 roles
English concessions for eligible occupations

Salary concessions:

15% discount on the Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT), currently set at $62,177
Up to $6,217 of that can be made up of approved non-monetary benefits

Streamlined verification for migration agents and legal practitioners.

This presents a significant opportunity for employers in regional NT to secure skilled workers with greater flexibility and longer-term certainty.

South Australia’s Skilled Migration Talent and Industry Connection Program

In a strategic push to address labour shortages, South Australia has launched the Skilled Migration Talent and Industry Connection Program in partnership with six local organisations.

Program Support Includes:

Career coaching and job-readiness workshops
Resume and interview preparation
English language assistance
Industry networking and job expos

This initiative targets high-demand sectors such as engineering, ICT, and construction, and delivers services both in metropolitan Adelaide and regional South Australia.

Employers and skilled migrants alike can benefit from this targeted support network, easing the pathway to meaningful employment.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're an employer exploring regional sponsorship options or a skilled migrant preparing your citizenship application, these 2025 changes highlight the evolving nature of Australia’s migration system.

At One Planet Migration, we’re here to guide you through every step — connecting humanity, one visa at a time.

👉 Book your free discovery call today

FAQs

When do the new citizenship fees take effect?

1 July 2025. The updated fees will reflect CPI indexation, with details provided in the official Explanatory Statement.

What is the CSIT for NT DAMA III concessions?

The Core Skills Income Threshold is $62,177 as of 2025. A 15% concession is available, and up to $6,217 of that can be offered through non-monetary benefits.

How can migrants access South Australia’s new program?

Services are delivered via six local partners across Adelaide and regional SA. Migrants can access job readiness support, language help, and industry connections.

Disclaimer: Note: The information provided in this article is meant for general informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal advice. Although we strive to provide accurate and useful information, the nuances of Australian immigration law demand personalised advice from legal professionals. Given the dynamic nature of migration regulations, it is essential to consult with experienced immigration experts for guidance.