Minimum salary thresholds for employer-sponsored visas rise from 1 July 2026, requiring employers to offer higher pay to overseas workers under subclass 494, 482 and 186 visas. The Federal Government updated these income thresholds using the latest wage data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. The changes apply to nomination applications lodged on or after…
Engineers Australia has welcomed an updated national infrastructure roadmap released by Infrastructure Australia, highlighting the importance of engineering expertise in improving infrastructure productivity. The updated Infrastructure Priority List identifies five national focus areas aimed at addressing major challenges in transport, water security and energy systems. The priorities include developing high-productivity freight networks, improving ports capacity…
VETASSESS has changed its Offshore Skills Assessment Program (OSAP) and TSS Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) assessment programs following updates introduced by Trades Recognition Australia, affecting application intake, occupations assessed, and fees. Under the changes, VETASSESS has paused acceptance of new Stage 1 Documentary Evidence Assessment applications from 9:00 AM (AEDT) on 13 March 2026 until…
From 11 March 2026, Australia requires Training (subclass 407) visa applicants to secure approved sponsorship and nomination before applying, tightening controls to support genuine skills development. The Federal Government announced the changes to the Training visa program as part of broader efforts to address what it describes as ‘permanent temporariness’ in the migration system, where…
If your business needs skilled workers from overseas, becoming a Standard Business Sponsor (SBS) is the first step. Once approved, you can sponsor workers under: Your sponsorship is valid for five years from the date of approval. The worker’s length of stay depends on the visa you use. Becoming an SBS involves legal responsibilities and…
VETASSESS has issued over 360 verified migration digital badges to applicants who achieve a successful skills assessment outcome, expanding its credential recognition system for qualified professionals. Successful applicants will continue receiving official outcome letters confirming their assessment results. They will also be granted a VETASSESS digital badge linked to their assessed occupation. Some occupations may…
From 2 March 2026, VETASSESS will require multifactor authentication (MFA) for its Agent Login Portal to strengthen data security and protect sensitive client information from unauthorised access. The change forms part of the organisation’s ongoing efforts to safeguard externally accessible systems and enhance protection of personal and professional data. The new security measure will apply…
The main difference between a registered migration agent and a migration lawyer in Australia is legal authority and scope of representation. A migration lawyer is a qualified legal practitioner with training across broader areas of Australian law, including criminal, family and employment law, enabling them to consider how these areas may interact with a client’s…
A registered migration agent has been suspended for six months after the migration regulator found failures in client communication, regulatory compliance and professional conduct. The Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA) imposed the suspension on 18 February 2026. The Authority confirmed the suspension will remain in place until the agent meets specified conditions.…
Investment NSW will invite skilled migrants to apply for the Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa in early March, urging candidates to update SkillSelect profiles by 1 March 2026. The invitation round, scheduled for the first week of March, will target eligible applicants seeking nomination from NSW under its Skilled Migration Program. Authorities said invitations will…