Major Migration Updates March 2025: Parent Visas, DAMAs, and BIIP Changes Explained

In this blog, we’re diving into the latest legislative updates in Australian migration that could significantly impact various visa applicants. We’ll be discussing updates related to the Subclass 600 visa exemptions, parent and family visa caps, major DAMA developments, and the current backlog under the Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP). 

Let’s start with the Migration Amendment (Substituted Subclass 600 Visa Exemptions) Regulations 2025. 

This regulation amends Schedule 1 of the Migration Regulations to clarify that an applicant for an Aged Parent (Subclass 804), Contributory Aged Parent (Residence) (Subclass 864), or Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) (Subclass 884) visa must be either: 

• An “aged parent” as defined in Regulation 1.03; or 

• A holder of a substituted Subclass 600 visa at the time of application. 

  
  

This change aligns with the Migration Amendment (Family Violence Provisions and Other Measures) Regulations 2024, which introduced on 17 December 2024, required primary applicants for these visas to meet the “aged parent” definition under Schedule 1. 

The new instrument formalises the policy intent to exempt applicants who hold a substituted Subclass 600 visa at the time of application from the requirement to meet the “aged parent” criterion when applying for the 804, 864, or 884 visas. This ensures consistency with the existing exemption under Schedule 2 of the Migration Regulations. 

Although the instrument is dated 6 March 2025, it has retrospective effect and commenced on 17 December 2024. These amendments apply to all relevant visa applications lodged on or after 17 December 2024. 

Visa caps for the 2024-25 financial year. 

The Migration (Granting of Contributory Parent Visas, Parent Visas and Other Family Visas during Financial Year 2024-25) Instrument 2025 determines the maximum number of visas that can be granted between 1 July 2024 and 30 June 2025: 

• Contributory Parent Visas 

• Subclass 143, 864, 173, and 884 

• Maximum number: 6,800 visas 

• Parent Visas 

• Subclass 103 and 804 

• Maximum number: 1,700 visas 

• Other Family Visas 

• Subclass 114, 115, 116, 835, 836, and 838 

• Maximum number: 500 visas 

  
  

This instrument commenced on 15 March 2025 and self-repeals on 1 July 2025, as it is only relevant to this financial year. 

DAMA Updates 

Far North Queensland (FNQ) DAMA has seen a significant update. The Minister for the Department of Home Affairs has signed a Deed of Variation, which includes: 

• A two-year extension to the head agreement, now valid until 3 April 2027. 

• Addition of 51 new occupations. 

• Application of English language concessions to some new and existing occupations. 

• Application of 10% TSMIT/CSIT concessions to many occupations. 

• An increase in the number of available positions per year to meet growing demand. 

  
  

The Department of Home Affairs is currently drafting the new varied FNQ DAMA Head Agreement. Once signed, the variations will take effect, and updates will be made available on the Cairns Chamber of Commerce website. 

Meanwhile, the Orana DAMA has also been extended by 12 months. Further details can be found on the RDA Orana website. 

Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP) Update. 

The BIIP permanently closed to new applications on 31 July 2024. However, Subclass 188 applications lodged before this date will continue to be processed in line with government priorities and migration program planning levels. 

For the 2024–25 program year, the BIIP allocation has been reduced to 1,000 visas. 

To provide more transparency, the Migration Institute of Australia (MIA) submitted a Freedom of Information request, and as of 31 December 2024, there are 12,778 Subclass 188 visa applications still in the pipeline. 

This indicates a significant backlog. Given the reduced allocation, processing times are likely to increase substantially 

Applicants who wish to withdraw their Sc 188 visa application may be eligible for refunds of the Visa Application Charge, but only for applications lodged under the Business Innovation, Investor, Significant Investor, or Entrepreneur streams. Refunds are not available for the Business Innovation Extension or Significant Investor Extension streams. 

Important announcement about the Northern Territory (NT) DAMA. 

A new NT DAMA III was executed on 19 March 2025 between the Northern Territory and the Australian governments. The new agreement features: 

• An expanded occupation list 

• More nomination places 

• And streamlined application processes for NT employers 

  
  

The online application portal for new endorsement applications under NT DAMA III is expected to open by 31 March 2025. 

In the meantime, the program remains suspended for new endorsement applications while the transition to the new agreement is underway. 

Disclaimer:

The information shared by Nationwide Migration and Education is for general informational purposes only. While accurate at the time of publication, details may change. This content is not intended as legal or migration advice. For advice tailored to your circumstances, please book a consultation with us!