Immigration news update for the Asia-Pacific region
Asia-Pacific
Australia: English test options for visa applicants
On August 7, 2025, the Australian Government introduced a significant update to its English Language Test (ELT) policy for visa applications. The number of accepted tests has increased from five to nine, offering applicants more flexibility and choice. This expansion is designed to ensure consistent scoring across different test providers and to accommodate a wider range of applicants.
Tests must now be taken at secure test centres, as online or at-home versions are not accepted. This applies to all visa subclasses that require proof of English proficiency. The English proficiency needed depends on the visa type, ranging from Functional to Superior English. Each visa subclass has specific score requirements and validity periods. For applicants who completed one of the previously accepted tests on or before August 6, 2025, their results may still be valid for a limited time, depending on the specific visa subclass.
To meet the updated requirements, applicants must select a test that is valid for the visa they are applying for and achieve the necessary scores. The Department of Home Affairs encourages all applicants to review the specific requirements for their visa subclass on its official website.
This summary was prepared using the information from the Department of Home Affairs
New Zealand: Two new visa pathways
The New Zealand Government has announced the introduction of two new visa pathways linked to already mentioned Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) framework. The visas will be introduced on December 8, 2025, and are the Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV) and the Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV). They are designed to help accredited employers bring in workers for short-term roles driven by seasonal environmental peaks, aim to reduce recruitment delays, provide more predictable hiring processes, and strengthen industries during their busiest months while maintaining fair and consistent immigration setting.
The Primary criteria for each visa is as follows:
Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV)
- This visa is for skilled seasonal roles and is valid for up to three years.
- A job check is required and visa holders must spend at least three months outside New Zealand each year.
- Applicants will need to evidence experience: worked in a relevant seasonal role for at least three seasons in the past six years.
- There is no Labour Market Test or English language requirement, and visa holders can transition to other visa types.
Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV)
- This visa is for entry-level or lower-skilled seasonal roles and is valid for up to seven months. After reaching the seven month limit, visa holders must take a four month break outside of New Zealand before reapplying.
- Applicants will need to evidence experience: Worked for at least one season of relevant experience in the past three years and must hold comprehensive health insurance.
- There is no English language requirement, but employers must engage with or be endorsed by Work and Income.
Visa holders under both pathways cannot support partner or dependent visas. They can only change jobs within the same visa type. Applicants moving from a student or work visa will retain interim work rights while their new visa application is being processed
This summary was prepared using the information from the Immigration New Zealand
Philippines: Department of Labour and Employment (DOLE) Supplemental Guidelines for Alien Employment Permit (AEP)
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has issued Department Order No. 248-A, Series of 2025, which provides supplemental guidelines clarifying and amending certain provisions of Department Order No. 248, Series of 2025.
The key changes are:
Labour Market Test – The publication shall be made in a newspaper of general circulation.In addition to publication in a newspaper of general circulation, applicants are encouraged to post the job vacancy in the PhilJobNet and with the Public Employment Service Office (PESO)/Job Placement Office (JPO). The posting in PhilJobNet and with PESO/JPO shall not be a precondition to the filing of the AEP application.
Understudy Training Program (UTP) / Skills Development Program (SDP) – Understudy Training Program (UTP) or Skills Development Program (SDP) shall be required for the following establishments:
- Those registered under the Foreign Investment Act (FIA), employing foreign national/s, and benefitting from fiscal incentives;
- Those engaged in the operation of public utilities or critical infrastructure under the Public Service Act, where foreign equity participation is allowed; or
- Those identified as a strategic investment, including those in key sectors outlined in the Strategic Investment Priority Plan (SIPP) or equivalent national development framework.
Covered establishment shall submit UTP or SDP during the application or within sixty (60) days from commencement of foreign national’s employment. Employers may use their own format provided it contains information specified under Rule VI, Section 3 of DO 248-25. The DOLE Regional Office shall evaluate the submitted UTP/SDP Within five (5) working days and check whether the training plan outlines the required information and ensure that the training plan matches the foreign national’s scope of work. Employers will be required to submit progress reports based on the submitted UTP/SDP on a semi-annual basis (for AEP with 1-year validity) and annual basis (for AEP with 2-3 years validity) detailing implementation report, attendance, and competencies gained by the Filipino employee/s. The report shall be duly signed by the employer, foreign national and Filipino employee/s.
Exemptions include:
– Foreign nationals excluded or exempt from holding an AEP;
– Equity holders/shareholders or foreign nationals who are owners or investors with equity participation as reflected and reported with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC); an
– Foreign nationals occupying positions that have been determined by the Technical Working Group (TWG) to be qualified for exemption
A duly notarized application for AEP renewal or for additional position in the form prescribed by DOLE may be filed following the same requirements and procedures as a new application, subject to updating of all material information and required clearances, licenses, permits or other documents from competent authorities.The Department shall allow the acceptance of renewal applications with an affidavit of undertaking, committing to comply with the requirements of publication prior to the release of the AEP card, and the UTP/SDP within 60 days from the date of submission, if applicable. Within 15 working days from payment of the required fee, the DOLE Regional Office, through the Regional Director, will make a decision on the application.
For AEPs issued before February 10, 2025, or prior the issuance of DO 248-25, renewal applications shall only be required to submit a training plan for the UTP, similar to a new application, in lieu of full compliance with either the UTP or SDP requirements.
Failure to submit/comply with the documents will be grounds for revocation of the AEP.
This summary was prepared using the information from the Department of Labor and Employment and Department of Labor and Employment
Disclaimer: The above information is provided for general information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any further inquiries regarding the applicability of this information, please contact Debra Jane Beynon (Regional Immigration Manager, APAC) and Roberta Carnaccini (Global Director of Immigration).
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