Australian Skilled Migration Update: Subclass 189 Invitations Issued and NSW 190 Nomination Now Open
Australia’s skilled migration program has seen two significant developments today, with a new round of Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa invitations and the official opening of the NSW Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) visa program for 2026–27. For skilled professionals seeking Australian permanent residency, these developments present important opportunities. However, understanding how invitations are issued, which… Continue reading Australian Skilled Migration Update: Subclass 189 Invitations Issued and NSW 190 Nomination Now Open
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Victoria Publishes Its Own Points Test: What 190 and 491 Applicants Need to Know (2026–27)
Victoria has released more detail on how it will select applicants for state nomination in the 2026–27 program year. On 13 October 2026, the Victorian Government published the Victorian Points Test (VPT). The VPT is used to rank every Registration of Interest (ROI) for the Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) and Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) (subclass… Continue reading Victoria Publishes Its Own Points Test: What 190 and 491 Applicants Need to Know (2026–27)
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Victoria Introduces Fees for 190 and 491 ROIs and Nominations
Victoria will charge fees for Registrations of Interest (ROIs) and nomination applications for the Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) and Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) visas from the 2026–27 program year. Live in Melbourne announced the change on 13 October 2026. Until now, both steps have been free. The fees are modest, but they change how… Continue reading Victoria Introduces Fees for 190 and 491 ROIs and Nominations
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ART Win: 482 “Position Not Genuine” Refusal Successfully Overturned
We’re pleased to share another successful outcome at the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART). This case involved the refusal of a Subclass 482 nomination, where the position was assessed as “not genuine” — one of the most common and challenging grounds for refusal in employer-sponsored visa applications. Following review, the Tribunal set aside the original… Continue reading ART Win: 482 “Position Not Genuine” Refusal Successfully Overturned
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482/186 Visa Salary Thresholds Increase from 1 July 2026: What Employers & Sponsored Workers Need to Know
As the end of the financial year approaches, many businesses and prospective visa applicants are reviewing their employer‑sponsored visa plans. For the 2026–27 financial year, timing is particularly important. From 1 July 2026, the minimum salary thresholds for Australia’s key employer‑sponsored visas will increase as part of automatic annual indexation. This is a legislated… Continue reading 482/186 Visa Salary Thresholds Increase from 1 July 2026: What Employers & Sponsored Workers Need to Know
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When DNA Says “No” — But the Law Says “Maybe”: A Surprising Australian Citizenship Case
A remarkable case currently unfolding in Australia highlights a fascinating reality of immigration law: citizenship is not always determined by DNA alone. A 22-year-old man from Albania, Kristi Xhafer, has been pursuing Australian citizenship by descent, even though genetic testing confirmed he is not biologically related to the Australian man he believed to be… Continue reading When DNA Says “No” — But the Law Says “Maybe”: A Surprising Australian Citizenship Case
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Important Update to the Training Visa (Subclass 407) Application Process
Australia’s Department of Home Affairs has announced an important procedural change affecting Training visa (subclass 407) applications. This update changes how and when applicants can lodge their visa applications, and it is important for both employers and trainees to understand the new process. What Is the Subclass 407 Visa? The Training visa… Continue reading Important Update to the Training Visa (Subclass 407) Application Process
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Australian Bridging Visas Explained: BVA, BVB, BVC, BVD & BVE (Work Rights, Travel and Activation Rules)
If you lodge a visa application while you are in Australia, you may be granted an Australian bridging visa. Bridging visas allow you to remain lawfully in Australia while the Department of Home Affairs processes your new visa application. Although bridging visas are common, they are frequently misunderstood. Many visa holders are unsure: When… Continue reading Australian Bridging Visas Explained: BVA, BVB, BVC, BVD & BVE (Work Rights, Travel and Activation Rules)
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Australian Parent Visas: How the Balance of Family Test Really Works
For many families, bringing parents to Australia is one of the most meaningful migration goals. But before a parent visa application can be granted, there’s one requirement that causes ongoing confusion: the Balance of Family Test. It sounds straightforward, yet it’s one of the most misunderstood parts of the parent visa framework. We regularly… Continue reading Australian Parent Visas: How the Balance of Family Test Really Works
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