VETASSESS Introduces New DAMA Renewal, Reassessment and E-Declaration Changes from 29 June 2026

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VETASSESS will introduce new online renewal and reassessment options for Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) applicants and replace manual declarations with electronic signatures from 29 June 2026. The changes will apply through the Professional Skills Recognition (PSR) Application Portal and are intended to streamline the application process for applicants and their authorised representatives. According to…

Australia’s Peak Chemistry Body Endorses Revised VETASSESS Assessment Criteria for Chemistry Technicians

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The Royal Australian Chemical Institute has endorsed updated VETASSESS assessment criteria for Chemistry Technicians, reinforcing national standards for skilled migration in the chemical sciences. VETASSESS announced the endorsement by the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI) of its revised assessment criteria for the occupation of Chemistry Technician (ANZSCO Code 311411), aligning the framework with current Australian…

Tasmania to Close Skilled Migration ROIs on 3 June As Nomination Places Near Exhaustion

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Tasmania will stop accepting new skilled migration Registrations of Interest (ROIs) from 5 pm on 3 June 2026, after strong demand pushed the state close to exhausting its nomination allocation. The announcement affects all pathways and passes under the Tasmanian Skilled Migration State Nomination Program for the 2025–26 program year. Migration Tasmania confirmed that the…

Federal Budget 2026–27: Australia Tightens Skilled Migration While Prioritising Onshore Applicants

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Australia will keep its permanent migration program at 185,000 places in 2026–27, but will sharpen selection towards skilled onshore applicants and reform how migrants are assessed and prioritised. The Migration Program Remains Stable at 185,000 Places On 12 May 2026, the Australian Government confirmed that the 2026–27 permanent migration program will stay at 185,000 places,…

The Growing Risks in DIY Partner Visa Applications

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The Department of Home Affairs is tightening Partner (subclasses 820 and 801) visa processing standards, increasing the risk of refusal for applications lodged without strong, current and properly structured evidence. The Department’s April 2026 Partner Processing Newsletter signals a significant operational shift in how Partner visa applications are assessed. While the legislative requirements for Partner…

NSW Keeps Inviting Subclass 491 EOIs as Subclass 190 Allocation Reaches Capacity

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New South Wales will continue issuing invitations for the Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) visa – Pathway 2 after exhausting its nomination allocation for the Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa. The state confirmed it has invited enough Expressions of Interest (EOIs) to fill its subclass 190 nomination places for the current 2025–26 program year. NSW…

Australia to Launch Public Register of Employer Sponsors

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Australia will introduce an approved work sponsor register, a public database of employers sponsoring skilled migrant workers, following new legislation aimed at increasing transparency and reducing exploitation. The Australian Government has enacted reforms under the Migration Amendment (Combatting Migrant Exploitation) Act 2026, authorising the Department of Home Affairs to publish the register of approved work…

The Department of Home Affairs Expands Immi App to 47 Countries

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The Department of Home Affairs has expanded the Australian Immi App to 47 countries, allowing more visa applicants to submit biometric information remotely and avoid in-person appointments. On 24 March 2026, the Department of Home Affairs added 13 countries to the Offshore Biometric Collection Program, extending access to the mobile-based visa processing tool. Applicants in…