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…
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…
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…
Australian Border Force officers have detained four high-priority unlawful non-citizens in Far North Queensland during a major operation targeting migrant exploitation, visa fraud and criminal syndicates profiting from illegal labour. The operation, led by the Department of Home Affairs, focused on immigration non-compliance and the abuse of vulnerable migrant workers, particularly those engaged under the…
The government has passed a bill allowing visa reviews to be decided ‘on the papers’ without oral hearings. The changes aim to speed up tribunal processes and formalise paper-based decision-making. The Administrative Review Tribunal and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 amends two key laws to streamline decision-making. The Bill expands the Administrative Review Tribunal Act…
Australia’s migration regulator has barred a registered migration agent for five years after finding serious misconduct that undermined the integrity of the migration system. The Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA) cancelled the agent’s registration on 9 January 2026 following an investigation into multiple breaches of professional obligations. OMARA found the agent lodged…
NSW has closed Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) visa Pathways 1 and 3 to new applications after reaching its full allocation for the program year ending 30 June 2026. The application portals for Pathway 1 – Work in Regional NSW and Pathway 3 – Regional NSW Graduate are no longer accepting new lodgements. State migration…
NSW has opened nominations for Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) visa Pathways 1 and 3 today, 19 January, warning that limited places may close quickly once allocations are filled. Investment NSW confirmed applications are now open for the 2025–26 program year, with nominations subject to strict caps under the state’s allocation (1,500 places) from the…