admin

Application fees for skills assessments will rise from 22 October 2025 in line with CPI. VETASSESS has announced that from 22 October 2025, application fees for professional and general occupation assessments will increase in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI). These changes will also apply to assessments under Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMA) and Industry Labour Agreements. The fee increase will not apply to trade occupation assessments. Click here- VETASSESS website News Fees To apply from 22 october 2025

The Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA) is inviting Expressions of Interest (EOI) from higher education providers to have their courses approved for qualification as a Registered Migration Agent (RMA) in Australia. With the current legislative instrument IMMI 18/003 set to sunset on 1 April 2026, the Department of Home Affairs is preparing a new instrument to reflect modern industry knowledge standards. The remake of Migration (IMMI 18/003: Specified courses and exams for registration as a migration agent) Instrument 2018 is underway. The Department of Home Affairs will assess all existing and new courses before including them in the updated instrument. This is a crucial opportunity for higher education providers to ensure their programs remain compliant and recognised under future RMA registration standards. Higher education providers that wish to offer qualifying courses for RMAs must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to be considered for inclusion in the revised instrument. Key Information:• IMMI 18/003 will expire on 1 April 2026• All current and new courses must be formally assessed for inclusion• Submissions are open to all higher education providers• The updated instrument will reflect contemporary knowledge standards expected of migration professionals How to Participate: Click here –

A new TOEFL test centre will open in Perth on 26 July 2025. TOEFL has announced the launch of a new test centre in Perth, featuring a 10-seat lab. The first tests will be conducted on 26 July 2025. Location:33 Barrack Street, Perth Click here- TOEFL website

Certain personal and sensitive information is no longer required for TRA skills assessments. The Trade Recognition Australia (TRA) has updated its Applicant Guidelines to clarify that visa applicants and their authorised representatives should not submit certain sensitive personal information when applying for a skills assessment. Specifically, personal details such as Australian Tax File Numbers (TFNs) found in payslips, tax notices, or employment documents, as well as non-salary related bank transactions, should be removed or obscured before submitting supporting documents to TRA or a TRA-approved Registered Training Organisation. For questions about removing sensitive information, contact: traenquiries@dewr.gov.au Click here- TRA Website Applicant guidelines

Skills assessments are now open for 19 newly added FNQ DAMA occupations. VETASSESS has confirmed it is now accepting skills assessment applications for 19 additional occupations recently added to the Far North Queensland Designated Area Migration Agreement (FNQ DAMA). Its eligibility tool and assessment processes have been updated to reflect these changes. Eligible Occupations Now Open for Assessment:

New South Wales is now offering nomination for the National Innovation Visa (NIV, subclass 858) — a permanent residency visa for individuals with internationally recognised talent across key sectors. This is your opportunity to secure permanent residency and contribute to one of Australia’s most advanced innovation ecosystems. NSW-nominated NIV applicants benefit from Priority Group 2 visa processing, giving you a faster path to approval. Whether you’re a researcher, entrepreneur, creative, investor, or sports professional, this program recognises and rewards global excellence. The visa is permanent from day one, meaning you and your family can live and work in NSW without restrictions. NSW offers the right mix of innovation precincts, global investment, research networks, and liveability to support your success. Explore Your Pathway – Who Can Apply?Choose the stream that best reflects your background and accomplishments:• Academics & Researchers – Globally recognised with strong publication records and NSW links• Entrepreneurs – Founders of IP-rich startups with traction (users, capital, or revenue)• Innovative Investors – Angel or venture investors with a record of impact and intent to invest in NSW• Creative Professionals – Internationally recognised designers, artists, filmmakers or performers• Sports Professionals – Elite athletes, coaches, or sports scientists shaping the future of sport in NSW Step-by-Step Guide: How the NSW Nomination Process Works Why You Should Prepare Now:• One chance every 6 months – Make it count• Avoid last-minute errors – Be ready when ROIs open• Tight timelines – Just 21 days to apply once invited Click here –

The Victorian Government is now offering nomination for the National Innovation Visa (subclass 858) — a permanent residency pathway for individuals with outstanding global achievements in their field. Being nominated by the Victorian Government strengthens your Expression of Interest (EOI) to the Department of Home Affairs and qualifies you for Priority Two visa processing. The National Innovation Visa enables exceptionally talented individuals to live permanently in Australia. Victoria is seeking high-calibre candidates who can boost the state’s innovation, economy, and global presence. Please note that while state nomination improves your chances, it does not guarantee an invitation to apply from the Australian Government. To be considered for Victorian nomination, candidates must demonstrate a strong track record of global achievement and a genuine commitment to contribute to Victoria’s future in sectors such as research, innovation, entrepreneurship, the arts, sport, and other high-impact fields. Key Eligibility for Victorian Nomination:• Demonstrate exceptional talent through significant achievements• Engage with a Victorian Government department or agency• Be referred by a Victorian Government department or agency• Meet the Department of Home Affairs’ visa criteria• Be under 55 years old (or provide a compelling case if under 18 or over 55)• Show a genuine commitment to live and contribute to Victoria How It Works:Victorian Government departments and agencies can identify and nominate candidates with recognised expertise in their field. Once nominated, your application proceeds under Priority Two for faster processing consideration. Click here –

Applicants who have lodged offshore partner visa applications and are now in Australia may face delays if biometrics are requested, as there is currently no facility to complete this requirement onshore. Visa applicants who have lodged offshore partner visa applications and are subsequently granted entry into Australia should be aware of a critical processing step — biometrics. If the Department of Home Affairs requests biometrics after the applicant has entered Australia, they must still arrange to provide them at an overseas location. Currently, there is no facility available for biometrics collection within Australia for offshore visa applicants. The Department has also indicated that it is unlikely to waive the biometrics requirement, even if the applicant is in Australia. This means that failing to provide biometrics offshore may lead to significant delays in visa processing or prevent the application from being finalised altogether. Applicants and advisers should plan accordingly and consider the implications of entering Australia before the biometrics requirement is fulfilled.

New biosecurity entry rules reflect modern screening systems including ATD and SmartGate. The Biosecurity (Entry Requirements) Determination 2025 came into effect on 3 July 2025, revoking and replacing the 2016 Determination to align with current screening systems used at Australian ports and landing places. The updated Determination incorporates the use of the Australia Travel Declaration (ATD) and SmartGate systems in both initial and secondary yellow fever screening processes. These systems were not available when the original 2016 Determination was made. As with the previous instrument, travellers must continue to inform officials if they have been in Africa, South America, Central America, or the Caribbean within six days prior to entry. The updated Determination allows this information to be provided in one of three ways: The 2025 Determination also introduces updated definitions for key terms, including:ATD, ATD pass, authorised system, Home Affairs Minister, passenger card, and SmartGate. Click here: Biosecurity (Entry Requirements) Determination 2025

Tehran Biometric Collection Centre resumes operations from 29 June 2025. The Australian Biometric Collection Centre in Tehran, Iran officially reopened on Sunday, 29 June 2025. Applicants in Iran can now attend appointments for the collection of biometric data as part of their visa application process. Members are encouraged to check the VFS Global Iran website for the latest operating hours, updates, and any further announcements regarding services and scheduling.