Immigration

The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has made important updates to its English language test policy, effective 7 August 2025. These changes affect which English tests can be used as evidence for visa applications and, in some cases, the score thresholds required to claim points for skilled migration. Here’s what applicants need to know. Updated List of Accepted Tests From 7 August 2025, DHA accepts results from the following tests (taken at an approved test centre): Cambridge C1 Advanced (C1 …

Read More

The Victorian Government has officially opened its Skilled Visa Nomination Program for the 2025–26 program year. Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa Live and work anywhere in Victoria as a permanent resident visa holder. Read more Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa A 5-year visa leading to permanent residence after 3 years in regional Victoria. Read more Limited interim allocation Invitations will be highly competitive and prioritised for skilled professionals currently living and working in Victoria, or for …

Read More

The Australian Government has officially confirmed that the 2025–26 Permanent Migration Program will remain at 185,000 places, the same as the prior year. This continuity ensures applicants and businesses can plan with confidence. This program is designed to balance economic growth, regional development, and family reunification—all while maintaining Australia’s labour force needs. Program Breakdown Skill Stream – ~132,200 places (≈ 71%) The Skill stream continues to command the largest share of the program, targeting individuals whose skills and work experience …

Read More

Don’t let paperwork stand between you and your visa. Skills assessments are the backbone of most skilled migration applications but too many applicants stumble on avoidable mistakes. Why Skills Assessments Matter For most skilled visa pathways including the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa, Subclass 190 State Nomination Visa, Subclass 491 Skilled Regional Visa, and even some employer-sponsored options a positive skills assessment is your ticket to apply. It confirms that your qualifications and work experience meet Australian standards, ensuring you’re …

Read More

Temporary doesn’t have to mean short-term. Many skilled workers arrive in Australia on a temporary visa, but with the right planning, that first step can open the door to permanent residency and a secure future down under.   What Are the Main Temporary Skilled Visas? Australia offers several temporary visa options that provide a clear pathway to permanent residency: Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand) – Employer-sponsored visa under the new Skills in Demand framework. Subclass 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional …

Read More

As of 1 July 2025, Australia has introduced a series of quiet but meaningful improvements to its family-based visa pathways, particularly for dependent children and those seeking to reunite with parents. These changes are designed to simplify processes and reduce unnecessary delays for families navigating migration together. Whether you’re planning to include a dependent in your application or exploring long-term reunification with a parent, here’s what you need to know. Easier Inclusion of Dependent Children It’s now simpler to include …

Read More

From 1 July 2025, updates to Australia’s Partner Visa program (subclasses 820/801 and 309/100) have come into effect, aiming to streamline the process for couples and reduce unnecessary delays. These changes are particularly relevant for couples who have already started building their lives together but may not have traditional forms of documentation. Whether you’re already living in Australia with your partner or looking to join them from overseas, these updates are designed to make the process more transparent and accessible. …

Read More

While several key updates to Australia’s skilled migration system took effect on 1 July 2025, including revised salary thresholds and increased visa application charges, a number of anticipated changes remain pending. These forthcoming updates could significantly shape the visa landscape for skilled migrants, employers, and international graduates alike. Here’s what we know so far: State and Territory Nomination Allocations Still on Hold As of mid-July 2025, the Australian Government has not yet released new nomination allocations for the 2025–26 migration …

Read More