Starting from 1 July 2025, skilled visa income thresholds will rise by 4.6%, in line with changes to the Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE). This adjustment ensures that skilled migration wages align with Australian workers’ wages, preventing the potential undercutting of local salaries. Key changes include: Core Skills Income…
Read articleThe Migration Agent Activity Report for January to June 2024 provides a comprehensive overview of the activities of registered migration agents (RMAs) in Australia, including registration data, complaint handling, and sanctions. Key Points: OMARA’s Role: The Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA) regulates migration agents under the Migration…
Read articleThe Settlement Council of Australia’s report on housing affordability challenges the notion that migrants are to blame for rising housing costs. While migration contributes to population growth and housing demand, the root causes of Australia’s housing crisis are far more complex. Key factors include housing supply constraints, with new housing…
Read articleGetting Married While Waiting for a Skilled Visa? Here’s What You Need to Know! If you applied for a Skilled Migration visa (Subclass 189, 190, or 491) as a single applicant and later got married, you might be at risk of losing 10 points from your application. Here’s why: How…
Read articleKey Policy Updates for Employer-Sponsored Visas (Subclass 186) & Regulation 5.19 The Department of Home Affairs has updated its procedural instructions (PI) for employer-sponsored visas, specifically Regulation 5.19 nominations and the Subclass 186 visa (Employer Nomination Scheme – ENS). These updates, which took effect from 7 December 2024, provide additional…
Read articleFaster & Cheaper TRA Skills Assessments for Housing Construction Occupations Great news for skilled workers in the housing construction sector! Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) has introduced a faster and more cost-effective pathway for skills assessments under the Migration Skills Assessment (MSA) program. What’s Changing? From 31 July 2024, applicants working…
Read articleComprehensive Guide to General Skilled Migration (GSM): Subclass 189, 190, 491, and 191 Visas Australia’s General Skilled Migration (GSM) program provides a pathway for skilled individuals to migrate to Australia based on their qualifications, work experience, and English proficiency. The GSM program is points-tested and offers several visa options, including…
Read articleThe Australian Government has introduced a legislative instrument, LIN 25/019, under the Migration Regulations 1994 to waive the Visa Application Charge (VAC) for certain applicants applying for a Subclass 600 (Visitor) visa in connection with the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Under this instrument, individuals who are invited by…
Read articleThe Migration (Class of Persons for Nil VAC for Subclass 600 (Visitor) Visa Applications—Pacific Australia Card Holders) Specification 2025 (LIN 25/007) was issued under subparagraph 1236(2)(a)(iv) of Schedule 1 to the Migration Regulations 1994. The instrument, which commences on 22 March 2025, specifies that holders of a valid Pacific Australia…
Read articleThe Australian Government has established the visa caps for Contributory Parent, Parent, and Other Family visas for the 2024-2025 financial year under the Migration (Granting of Contributory Parent Visas, Parent Visas, and Other Family Visas) Instrument 2025 (LIN 25/018). The allocations are as follows: 6,800 Contributory Parent visas, including 112…
Read articleThe Migration Amendment (Substituted Subclass 600 Visa Exemptions) Regulations 2025 introduces changes to the Migration Regulations 1994, specifically impacting applicants for the Aged Parent (Subclass 804), Contributory Aged Parent (Subclass 864), and Contributory Aged Parent (Subclass 884) visas. Key Amendments: Eligibility for Aged Parent Visas: Applicants must either: Be an…
Read articleNew Treaty Stream Visa for Tuvalu Citizens – What You Need to Know The Migration (Subclass 192 Pacific Engagement Visa Pre-application Process – Treaty Stream) Determination 2025 introduces a new migration pathway for Tuvaluan citizens, strengthening Australia’s regional partnerships. This initiative is part of the Australia-Tuvalu Falepili Union Treaty, providing…
Read articleThe Migration (English Language Requirements for Subclass 192 (Pacific Engagement) Visa – Pacific Engagement Stream) Instrument 2025 establishes the English language proficiency criteria for applicants under the Pacific Engagement stream of the Subclass 192 visa. This instrument replaces the 2024 version (LIN 24/023) and will take effect from 1 May…
Read articleThe Migration (Subclass 192 (Pacific Engagement) Visa Pre-application Process – Pacific Engagement Stream) Determination 2025 (LIN 25/020) is a legislative instrument issued under subsection 46C(14) of the Migration Act 1958. It establishes the pre-application process for the Pacific Engagement stream of the Subclass 192 Pacific Engagement Visa, replacing the 2024…
Read articleThe Migration (Public Interest Criterion 4022 – Code of Behaviour) Instrument 2025 (LIN 25/017) is issued under clause 4.1 of Schedule 4 of the Migration Regulations 1994 by the Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs. The instrument replaces and repeals the previous Code of Behaviour instrument (LIN 24/031), ensuring continuity…
Read articleThe Migration Amendment (Differential Student Visa Application Charge) Regulations 2025 amend the Migration Regulations 1994 to introduce a differential (lower) Visa Application Charge (VAC) for Subclass 500 (Student) and Subclass 590 (Student Guardian) visa applicants who hold a valid passport issued by a specified country in the Pacific or Timor-Leste.…
Read articleThe Migration Amendment (Australia Tuvalu Falepili Union Treaty Visa) Regulations 2025 (the Regulations) amends the Migration Regulations 1994 to implement Australia’s commitment under the Australia-Tuvalu Falepili Union Treaty, which was signed on 9 November 2023 and entered into force on 28 August 2024. The treaty establishes a partnership between Australia…
Read articleThe Administrative Review Tribunal (Consequential and Transitional Provisions No. 1) Amendment Rules 2025 have been introduced to repeal Section 13 of the 2024 Transitional Rules. Key Changes: Previously, individuals in immigration detention had seven working days to apply for a review of migration or protection decisions under Section 347(3)(a) of…
Read articleThe Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Subclass 186 is one of the key pathways for skilled workers to gain permanent residency in Australia. The Subclass 186 visa is designed for skilled workers who are nominated by their employer. This visa provides a direct route to permanent residency, offering the flexibility to…
Read articleAustralian partner visas allow eligible individuals to join their partner or spouse in Australia. Whether you’re married or in a de facto relationship, the partner visa is a combined application that initially grants temporary residency (Subclass 309 or 820) and leads to permanent residency (Subclass 100 or 801). Types of…
Read articleAustralia offers several visa options for parents who wish to join their children and live in Australia. These visas cater to different circumstances, including temporary, contributory, and non-contributory categories. Below is a comprehensive guide to help you understand the parent visa options. Types of Parent Visas 1. Permanent Parent Visas:…
Read articleThe Subclass 407 visa, also known as the “Training Visa,” is an excellent option for individuals who wish to enhance their skills and gain practical experience in Australia. This visa allows foreign nationals to participate in a structured training program or professional development within an Australian organization. However, the Subclass…
Read articleOn December 7, 2024, the Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482) officially replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa. This change is part of Australia’s revamped migration strategy aimed at meeting critical labour demands while offering clear pathways to Permanent Residency (PR). The new visa system incorporates three streams: Core…
Read articleThe Department of Home Affairs has introduced Ministerial Direction No. 111 (MD111), which came into effect on 19 December 2024, replacing Ministerial Direction No. 107 (MD107). This updated direction aims to enhance fairness, sustainability, and integrity within Australia’s international education sector while streamlining visa processing to ensure equity and efficiency.…
Read articleImportant Updates to the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) The Migration Amendment (Graduate Visas No. 2) Instrument (LIN 24/086) 2024 introduces significant refinements to the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), particularly in the Post-Higher Education Work (PHEW) stream. These amendments aim to streamline academic requirements and enhance the pathway for…
Read articleThe Migration Amendment (Relevant Assessing Authorities and Other Matters) Instrument 2024 introduces several updates to Australia’s skilled migration framework. The key changes include amendments to legislative instruments governing skills assessments, occupation specifications, and caveats under skilled visa programs. This instrument simplifies regulatory references, removes caveats limiting occupations based on international…
Read articleEffective from 13 December 2024, the updated Minister of Religion Labour Agreement (MoRLA) introduces significant enhancements to skilled migration pathways for religious organisations in Australia. These changes aim to provide a streamlined and inclusive framework for faith-based institutions while maintaining robust worker protections. Key Updates: Pathway to Permanent Residence: Religious…
Read articleThe Migration Amendment (Graduate Visas No. 2) Regulations 2024 introduces significant updates to the Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate) visa, specifically focusing on the Post-Higher Education Work (PHEW) stream. These changes aim to simplify the visa criteria, streamline eligibility, and ensure alignment with the broader Migration Strategy reforms. Key Updates: Redefinition…
Read articleThe Migration Amendment (Family Violence Provisions and Other Measures) Regulations 2024 introduce critical changes aimed at safeguarding visa applicants experiencing family violence. These changes expand the family violence provisions to include 11 additional visa subclasses, such as Parent, Business Talent, and Contributory Parent visas. The amendments allow secondary applicants to…
Read articleThe Migration Amendment (Subclass 070 Bridging (Removal Pending)) Visa) Regulations 2024 introduces significant updates to visa regulations for non-citizens released from detention under section 195A of the Migration Act 1958. These changes aim to enhance community safety and ensure compliance with Australian immigration laws. Key Updates: Expanded Eligibility: Non-citizens granted…
Read articleThe Migration Amendment (Labour Agreement Requirements) Regulations 2024 introduces critical updates to the skilled migration framework for the Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme), Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand), and Subclass 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional) visas. Key Updates: Employers operating under labour agreements now have enhanced flexibility to tailor criteria…
Read articleThe Department of Home Affairs has provided clarity on Caveat 14, addressing concerns regarding its interpretation in relation to the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL). This caveat applies to positions “not provided for under an International Trade Obligation (ITO)” and was initially intended to highlight occupations included on the CSOL…
Read articleThe Australian Government has implemented the Migration (Specification of Occupations—Subclass 482 Visa) Instrument 2024 (LIN 24/089), effective 7 December 2024. This instrument introduces the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) as part of the migration reform framework for the new Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand) Visa, enhancing accessibility and aligning skilled…
Read articleThe Australian Government has implemented the Migration (Arrangements for Employer Nomination and Regional Employer Nomination Skilled Visas) Instrument 2024 (LIN 24/092), effective 7 December 2024. These amendments refine the processes for the Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme) and Subclass 187 (Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme) visas, ensuring improved accessibility and efficiency…
Read articleThe Australian Government has introduced the Migration (Specification of Occupations and Assessing Authorities—Subclass 186 Visa) Instrument 2024 (LIN 24/093), which takes effect from 7 December 2024. This instrument provides a comprehensive update to the occupations and assessing authorities associated with the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme Visa, aligning with the…
Read articleThe Australian Government has introduced the Migration (Language Test Requirements for Subclass 482 Visa) Instrument 2024 (LIN 24/099), effective 7 December 2024. This amendment updates the English language requirements for the new Skills in Demand (SID) Visa, ensuring alignment with Australia’s skilled migration framework. Revised English Test RequirementsThe language test…
Read articleThe Migration Amendment (2024 Measures No. 1) Regulations 2024, effective from 7 December 2024, introduces significant reforms to Australia’s skilled migration framework. This update replaces the Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) visa with the new Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand) visa, aligning with the Government’s focus on addressing critical skills…
Read articleThe Migration (Arrangements for Certain Business Skills Visas) Amendment (LIN 24/078) Instrument 2024 has been introduced to support the implementation of the Subclass 858 (National Innovation) visa, effective from 6 December 2024. This amendment ensures that the application process aligns with the updated framework for the National Innovation Visa. Key…
Read articleThe Migration Amendment (National Innovation Visa) Regulations 2024 came into effect on 6 December 2024, marking a significant development in Australia’s skilled migration framework. This amendment aims to enhance Australia’s ability to attract exceptional global talent and align the migration program with the nation’s economic priorities. Key Changes: The Subclass…
Read articleThe Migration (Specification of Study and English Language Requirements (LIN 24/072) Instrument 2024 introduces the Mobility Arrangements for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES) under the Subclass 403 Temporary Work (International Relations) visa. This initiative, effective from November 2024, aligns with Australia’s commitment to the Migration & Mobility Partnership Arrangement with India.…
Read article The Migration (Arrangements for Temporary Work (International Relations) (Class GD) visa applications) Amendment Instrument (LIN 24/070) 2024 makes key updates to the Migration Regulations related to the Subclass 403 visa. The amendments are part of Australia’s commitment to implementing the Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES). This initiative…
Read articleAustralia’s latest move in streamlining visa applications has introduced the Migration (Subclass 403 (MATES Stream) Visa Pre-application Process) Determination (LIN 24/069) 2024. This legislative change focuses on the new Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES), specifically targeting young Indian professionals. Under this scheme, participants aged 18 to 30 can…
Read articleThe “Migration Visa Pre-Application Process Charge Amendment – Mobility Arrangements for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES) Regulations 2024” introduces a new pre-application process fee for skilled visa applicants under the MATES scheme. This amendment aims to streamline the assessment of visa applicants by implementing a preliminary evaluation process before formal applications…
Read articleThe Migration Amendment (Mobility Arrangements for Talented Early-professionals Scheme) Regulations 2024 introduces a new visa stream under the bilateral arrangement between Australia and India. Known as the “MATES” visa, this initiative provides 3,000 temporary visas annually for recent Indian graduates in key fields such as artificial intelligence, financial technology, and…
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