November 2025 wrap-up

• • Though the year is drawing to a close and processing times have slowed, we are very glad to have seen further grants in the SID (subclass 482) and ENS (subclass 186) visa categories along with more standard business sponsorship approvals and more successful Australian citizenship applications.

• • On 8 November, Kathryn and Victoria attended the Allan Frenkel Gala Dinner as guests of the TLR Foundation. Nomos is proud to be a corporate partner of the Foundation, and we were delighted to see the Foundation’s second perpetual scholarship become a reality at the gala dinner. The scholarship funds a Master of Cancer and Haematology degree at the University of Sydney, and we look forward to continuing our support of the Foundation in 2026.

• • The Department of Home Affairs’ (‘DHA’) Employer Sponsored Program Delivery (‘ESPD’) team has reported a surge in applications for the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186), creating pressure on processing times. As of 31 October 2025, the ESPD advised that it still cannot commit to a firm assessment timeframe, but it is currently working through applications lodged in:
    
    * April 2025 – occupations in designated regional areas

    * April 2025 – healthcare and teaching occupations

    * October 2024 – applicants nominated by an Approved Sponsor with Accredited Status

    * March 2024 – all other occupations

    This is consistent with what we are seeing in practice. For example, our most recently approved subclass 186 applications have all been for applications lodged between June and November 2024.

• • Turning to New Zealand, this month has brought significant reforms under Immigration New Zealand (INZ). From 3 November 2025, the new National Occupation List (‘NOL’) was introduced for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (‘AEWV’) programme, replacing the long-standing ANZSCO framework as Australia and NZ move to a unified classification system. The NOL groups occupations by similar tasks and skill levels, ranging from Level 1 (most skilled) to Level 5 (least skilled), and will continue to expand as additional occupations are recognised. Applicants must use the relevant NOL occupation code when applying for a Specific Purpose Work Visa (for applications lodged on or before 2 November 2025) and for all AEWV applications and job checks from 3 November 2025 onward. For more information about this change, please reach out to us.

• • Staying in NZ, the Business Investor Work Visa opened on 24 November 2025, enabling experienced businesspeople to invest in established companies and gain a pathway to residence. Two investment options are available: NZ$1 million for a three-year work-to-residence pathway, or NZ$2 million for a fast-track residence option after 12 months. To qualify, applicants must invest in a business operating for at least five years, meet the minimum investment threshold, hold at least NZ$500,000 in reserve funds, demonstrate credible business experience, be 55 or younger, meet English-language requirements, and pass health and character checks. After the required period, applicants may transition to the Business Investor Resident Visa, which requires active involvement in the business, maintaining ownership, retaining at least five full-time jobs, creating at least one new job for a NZ citizen or resident for 12 months or more, ensuring business solvency, meeting NZ presence requirements, and continuing to satisfy health and character criteria. If you want to find out whether or not you are eligible for this migration pathway, please contact us and book a consultation.

• • On another note, we have once again been recognised as one of the leading firms in the Australian Made Awards 2025 by APAC Insider. We are honoured to have our ongoing commitment to high-quality service acknowledged alongside some of Australia’s standout firms.

That’s the Nomos wrap-up for November, and our final wrap-up of 2025. We hope that the festive season brings joy, excitement, and some rest for you and your loved ones. Our office will close for the year at noon on Friday 19 December 2025 and will re-open on Monday 12 January 2026. During this period, we will maintain a skeleton staff only, who will be available by email to attend to matters that are assessed as being urgent, and to ensure that time-sensitive correspondence (such as communication from the Department of Home Affairs or the Administrative Review Tribunal) is handled promptly. If you need urgent assistance while we are closed, please begin your email subject line with “URGENT”. Otherwise, the Nomos team will be taking a well-deserved break so they can return refreshed and recharged for an exciting year ahead.

*All information is general information only, as at the date of publication, and should not be interpreted as legal advice. For an accurate and current assessment of your circumstances and visa options, please contact us to receive this advice.