The Migration (2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup – Class of Persons for Nil VAC) Instrument 2025 (LIN 25/116) establishes special visa arrangements for the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup to be held in Australia from 1–21 March 2026. This instrument: Specifies the Women’s Asian Cup as an Australian Government endorsed…
Read articleAs announced by Austroads on 21 October 2024, changes are being introduced to the Recognised Country Scheme for Experienced Driver Recognition status for car and motorcycle licences. The 31 October 2025 deadline for Experienced Driver Recognition status to cease has now been extended to 31 January 2026 for the recognised countries and jurisdictions in List…
Read articleThis Department’s latest Admin Paper provides a detailed snapshot of how Australia’s migration and citizenship system performed in 2024–25, a year of strong policy reform and stabilisation after pandemic-era disruption.Highlights– 9.48 million visa applications were lodged, up 1.7 % from 2023-24, with 9.45 million finalised and a 7.3 % refusal…
Read articleThe Department of Home Affairs has released a new legislative instrument under regulation 5.34E of the Migration Regulations 1994, updating the framework for the disclosure of identifying information to specified international organisations in accordance with paragraph 336F(1)(e) of the Migration Act 1958. This instrument replaces the previous 2016 version (IMMI…
Read articlePlease find attached important updates regarding Ministerial Intervention under sections 351, 501J, 46A and 48B of the Migration Act 1958. Letter—Ministerial-Intervention—section-351-and-501J.pdf and Letter—Ministerial-Intervention—section-46A-and-48B.pdf Read more
Read articleThe Migration (Specification of Class of Persons) Instrument 2025 (LIN 25/091) will commence on 1 October 2025, repealing and replacing IMMI 15/026 This legislative instrument, made under paragraphs 050.613A(1)(b) and 051.611A(1)(c) of Schedule 2 to the Migration Regulations 1994, applies to Subclass 050 (Bridging (General)) and Subclass 051 (Bridging (Protection…
Read articleThe Australian Border Force (Secrecy and Disclosure) Rule 2025 remakes and updates the 2015 Rule, which was due to sunset on 1 October 2025, to ensure continuity of lawful disclosure of Immigration and Border Protection (IBP) information under the Australian Border Force Act 2015. The Rule: Retains existing provisions allowing…
Read articleThe Migration (Access to Movement Records) Instrument 2025 (LIN 25/001), made under subregulations 3.10A(1) and (2) of the Migration Regulations 1994, prescribes the legislation, agencies, employees, and purposes for which access to movement records may be authorised under section 488 of the Migration Act 1958. It repeals the earlier instrument…
Read articleThe Australian Government has issued the Health Insurance (Eligible Persons in the Support for Trafficked People Program and the Forced Marriage Specialist Support Program and their Dependents) Order 2025 (No. 826) under subsection 6(1) of the Health Insurance Act 1973. This Order revokes the earlier Order No. 824 and provides…
Read articleThe Australian Government has registered the Migration (Australian Values Statement for Public Interest Criterion 4019) Instrument 2025 (LIN 25/086), which repeals and replaces the 2020 instrument (LIN 20/166). Key updates include: The requirement for certain visa applicants to sign the Australian Values Statement under PIC 4019 remains unchanged. The instrument…
Read articleThe AusCheck (Major National Event – 2026 Asian Football Confederation Women’s Asian Cup) Declaration 2025 has been made under subsection 5A(1) of the AusCheck Act 2007. This declaration designates the 2026 Asian Football Confederation Women’s Asian Cup (WAC26) as a major national event. The declaration enables the Department of Home…
Read articleThe Migration (English Language Test Requirements for Subclass 482 Visas) Instrument 2025 (LIN 25/082) commences on 13 September 2025 and repeals the 2024 instrument. It establishes the approved English language tests, required scores, validity periods, and exemptions for applicants in both the Specialist Skills and Core Skills streams of the…
Read articleThe Department of Home Affairs has registered the Migration (Arrangements for Visitor (Class FA) visa applications) Amendment (Approved Destination Status) Instrument 2025, which commences on 12 September 2025. This amendment revises the list of approved travel agents for the Approved Destination Status (ADS) stream of the Visitor (subclass 600) visa.…
Read articleThe Australian Government has announced that the Permanent Migration Program for 2025–26 will be maintained at 185,000 places, consistent with the 2024–25 Program. This outcome follows consultation with states and territories, which recommended that both the size and composition of the Program remain unchanged, with an ongoing emphasis on skilled…
Read articleThe Migration (International Trade Obligations Relating to Labour Market Testing) Amendment (CEPA) Determination 2025 updates Australia’s migration law to recognise the new Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the United Arab Emirates. Normally, employers who want to sponsor overseas workers must show they tried to hire Australians first (labour market…
Read articleThe Migration (English Language Requirements for Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate) Visas) Instrument 2025 (LIN 25/089), made under clause 485.212 of Schedule 2 to the Migration Regulations 1994, specifies the English language proficiency requirements for applicants seeking a Subclass 485 visa in either the Post-Vocational Education Work or Post-Higher Education Work…
Read articleThe Migration (English Language Tests and Evidence Exemptions for Subclass 500 (Student) Visas) Instrument 2025 (LIN 25/090) is a legislative instrument made under subclause 500.213(3) of Schedule 2 to the Migration Regulations 1994. It repeals and replaces the previous instrument (LIN 24/022) and commences on 7 August 2025. The purpose…
Read articleThis legislative instrument, referenced as LIN 25/016, is issued under various provisions of the Migration Regulations 1994. It replaces the earlier instrument IMMI 15/005 and commences on 7 August 2025. The instrument specifies the English language proficiency requirements for visa applicants across four categories: vocational, competent, proficient, and superior English.…
Read articleThe Migration (Evidence of Functional English Language Proficiency) Instrument 2025 (LIN 25/014) defines what qualifies as “functional English” for visa purposes under the Migration Act 1958 and Migration Regulations 1994. It takes effect from 7 August 2025 and replaces the previous instrument (IMMI 15/004). Functional English can be proven through…
Read articleThe Department of Home Affairs is remaking the legislative instrument that lists acceptable courses for qualification as a registered migration agent in Australia. The Department is seeking submissions for inclusion in this new legislative instrument from higher education providers offering courses for qualification as a registered migration agent. On 1…
Read articleMigration work is already complex enough. Between client deadlines, changing regulations, and high-stakes decision-making, most agents are stretched thin. But if you run your own practice, you’re juggling even more than that. You’re also the director. The business owner. The person responsible if something goes wrong behind the scenes. Each of those roles comes…
Read articleThe Migration (Specification of Organisations) Instrument 2025 (LIN 25/015), issued under regulation 1.21 of the Migration Regulations 1994, formally repeals the previous instrument IMMI 13/023 and updates the specification of organisations authorised to make independent assessments of non-judicially determined claims of family violence. This legislative update confirms that LSC Psychology…
Read articleThe Migration Amendment (Visa Application Charges) Regulations 2025 implements scheduled adjustments to visa application charges (VACs), effective from 1 July 2025, consistent with the Australian Government’s annual indexation policy. The majority of VACs will increase by 3%, reflecting the 2023–2024 Consumer Price Index (CPI), as announced in the Federal Budget.…
Read articleOn 30 June 2025, the Department of Home Affairs will cease its operations in the Australian Embassy in Berlin and will be closing the visa processing office. The closure of the Home Affairs visa processing office will not impact visa and citizenship applicants in Europe as visa applications are already…
Read articleThe Department of Home Affairs has introduced a new legislative instrument titled Migration (Arrangements for Protection, Refugee and Humanitarian Visas) Amendment (Internet Lodgement) Instrument 2025, which comes into effect on 1 July 2025. The instrument facilitates a significant procedural change by allowing internet-based lodgement of Subclass 202 (Global Special Humanitarian)…
Read articleThe Migration (IMMI 18/033) Amendment (Annual TSMIT Increase) Instrument 2025 implements an increase to the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT), raising it from $73,150 to $76,515, effective 1 July 2025. This adjustment applies to the following visa subclasses: Subclass 494 – Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa Subclass 187…
Read articleFrom 18 June 2025, the Department of Home Affairs will implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for all ImmiAccount users. This security enhancement will apply to both new and existing users. Users will be required to set up MFA when creating an account or logging in. Once enabled, MFA will be required…
Read articleOn 23 May 2025, the Department of Home Affairs registered LIN 25/027, amended the Migration (English Language Tests and Evidence Exemptions for Subclass 500 (Student) Visa) Instrument (LIN 24/022) under Schedule 2 to the Migration Regulations 1994. This legislative amendment updates the list of eligible pathway programs used to determine…
Read articleThe Department of Home Affairs has introduced new online services to support paper-based Parent visa applicants. Although applicants must still lodge their Parent visa application on paper, they can now import their application into ImmiAccount once the Department has acknowledged receipt. Importing into ImmiAccount provides access to several online services,…
Read articleMigration Alliance acknowledges the Migration Institute of Australia’s (MIA) press release calling for stronger support for international students. We fully recognise the immense contributions international students make to Australia’s economy, cultural diversity, and educational sector. As the fourth-largest export industry, international education generates approximately $50 billion annually for the Australian…
Read articleThe Migration Legislation Amendment (Specified Work and Areas for Subclass 417 and 462 Visas) Instrument 2025 amends the Migration Regulations 1994 by expanding the areas of Australia where recovery work can be undertaken for the purposes of satisfying specified work requirements for Subclass 417 (Working Holiday) and Subclass 462 (Work…
Read articleThe Migration Amendment (Status of Forces Agreement – United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland) Regulations 2025 introduce significant changes for members of the UK armed forces and their civilian component. These amendments, which align with the Australia-UK Defence and Security Cooperation Agreement, ensure that UK personnel and their…
Read articleThe Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA) has made a significant decision on 24 March 2025, cancelling the registration of Migration Agent Nilli Singh Bhandari. This action follows a thorough investigation into multiple complaints and a serious breach of professional conduct. Key findings include: Failure to deliver services:…
Read articleThe Workplace Rights Guide provides essential information on the rights and protections that workers, including visa holders, have under Australian workplace laws. It outlines that all workers in Australia, regardless of their citizenship status, are entitled to basic workplace protections. Key points include: Workplace Rights for Visa Holders: Visa holders…
Read articleStarting 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 articleThe 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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