Migration Centre of Australia

admin

Update on Skills Assessments for Early Childhood Teachers: AITSL Remains Valid

No need to reapply if you already hold a valid AITSL assessment. In December 2024, the designated skills assessing authority for Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teachers (ANZSCO 241111) officially changed from AITSL to ACECQA and now the Department has confirmed that existing AITSL assessments remain valid until their expiry date. The Department has confirmed that, for the purposes of the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program — including subclasses 189, 190, and 491 — existing positive skills assessments issued by AITSL will remain valid until their expiry date. There is no need for applicants to obtain a new assessment from ACECQA if their current AITSL assessment is still valid. When lodging an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect, candidates can nominate either AITSL or ACECQA as the assessing authority, depending on which one issued their assessment. The same policy applies to subclass 186 Direct Entry (DE) visa applications. A positive AITSL assessment may be accepted if: This update provides clarity and reassurance for early childhood teachers pursuing permanent or provisional migration pathways.
Read more
, , ,

Updated TRA Job Ready Program Processing Times: Faster Turnaround, Clearer Steps

(TRA simplifies processing for skilled migrants navigating the Job Ready Program.) As of 16 May 2025, Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) has introduced updated time estimates for each stage of the Job Ready Program (JRP), making it easier for migrants and agents to plan ahead with confidence. Read More- The revised processing benchmarks include: Confirmation of Registration: After submitting your online application, you’ll receive confirmation of your registration within 45 days. Eligibility for Workplace Assessment: TRA will assess your eligibility to proceed with a Workplace Assessment and provide a decision within 6 months of your application. Workplace Assessment Application: Once your application is lodged: TRA will confirm referral to a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) within 6 weeks. The RTO will contact you within 2 weeks of referral to schedule your assessment. (If you can’t attend the scheduled date, be sure to contact the RTO directly to make changes.) Workplace Assessment Outcome: Assessment results are provided to TRA by the RTO. You’ll be notified of your outcome approximately 11 weeks after the assessment takes place. Final Assessment Invitation: When you’ve completed all participation requirements, TRA will invite you to proceed with the Final Assessment. Document Review: If additional or missing documents are requested, TRA will process them within 14 days of receipt. These changes aim to streamline the pathway to skilled employment, helping applicants move through the process more efficiently. Click here – TRA website
Read more

Import Your Paper Parent Visa Application into ImmiAccount

From 2 April 2025, the Department of Home Affairs has introduced a new online feature that allows certain Parent visa applicants to import their paper applications into ImmiAccount. While parent visa applications still need to be lodged using paper forms, applicants now have access to additional digital functionality for easier tracking and communication. The new import function in ImmiAccount gives Parent visa applicants easier access to their applications and enhances communication with the Department of Home Affairs. It’s available for both new and existing applications, except for some older Subclass 103 cases which are lodged before November 2018. Once imported, applicants can manage updates, add documents, and view important updates online—streamlining the process significantly. Key Benefits: Attach additional documents to your application View correspondence sent to you Update your details Track application progress Apply for a Bridging Visa (if eligible) Step-by-Step Guide: How to Import Your Application Create or log in to your ImmiAccount.– Visit: www.homeaffairs.gov.au/immiaccount Import your application using: Your application ID Your date of birth Your identity document number (e.g. ImmiCard, passport, or Titre de Voyage) Once imported, your application will appear in your ImmiAccount. You can: Attach documents Update application details View communications from the Department Apply for a Bridging Visa (if eligible) And more! Click here- Parent visa-Paper import Functionality (Fact Sheet)
Read more
, ,

CPA Australia Skills Assessment Update: New Products & Fee Structure

From 1 May 2025, CPA Australia has revised product names for skills assessments and implemented a new fee structure based on applicant location — Onshore, Offshore, or Singapore. Several combined services and appeal options have also been discontinued. Agents must now use updated product names and refer to the new pricing when lodging applications. Product Name Changes Previous Product Name New Product Name (from 1 May 2025) Skills assessment application Qualification assessment Fast Track skills assessment application Fast Track – Qualification assessment Skills assessment and skilled employment assessment application Combined assessment – Qualification and skilled employment Skills assessment (Additional ANZSCO code) Qualification assessment – Additional ANZSCO Fast Track skills assessment (Additional ANZSCO code) Fast Track – Qualification assessment Additional ANZSCO Skilled employment assessment Skilled employment assessment Skills assessment and skilled employment assessment (Additional ANZSCO) Combined assessment – Qualification and skilled employment – Additional ANZSCO Skills assessment update Qualification assessment – Update Skilled employment assessment update Skilled employment assessment – Update Skills assessment update and skilled employment assessment No longer offered Skills assessment appeal Review Skilled employment assessment appeal No longer offered Skills assessment appeal and skilled employment assessment No longer offered Administration fee (withdrawal or reissue) Administration fee Updated Fees by Applicant Location (AUD) Service Onshore Offshore Singapore Qualification assessment $565 $514 $560 Fast Track – Qualification assessment $675 $614 $669 Combined assessment – Qualification and skilled employment $620 $564 $615 Qualification assessment – Additional ANZSCO $260 $236 $257 Fast Track – Qualification assessment Additional ANZSCO $310 $282 $307 Skilled employment assessment $260 $236 $257 Combined assessment – Additional ANZSCO $350 $318 $347 Qualification assessment – Update $185 $168 $183 Skilled employment assessment – Update $185 $168 $183 Review (appeal) $185 $168 $183 Administration fee $85 $77 $84 Important Points to Remember Use updated product names for all applications submitted after 1 May 2025. The following services are no longer offered: Skills assessment update and skilled employment assessment Skilled employment assessment appeal Skills assessment appeal and skilled employment assessment Fees are now based on applicant location (onshore, offshore, or Singapore). Click here- CPA Australia official Website
Read more

NT DAMA III Unlocked: More Visas, More Occupations, More Flexibility

From March 2025, NT DAMA III opens new doors for employers and overseas workers — with higher nomination limits and expanded benefits across key visa programs. On 19 March 2025, the Northern Territory Designated Area Migration Agreement (NT DAMA III) officially came into effect, representing a major step forward in expanding skilled migration opportunities for both overseas workers and NT employers. Jointly launched by the Northern Territory and Australian Governments, the new agreement raises the annual nomination cap to 1,500 (up from 625) and broadens access to 325 occupations across ANZSCO skill levels 1–5. Eligible visa streams under NT DAMA III include:• Subclass 482 – Skills in Demand (valid for 4 years)• Subclass 494 – Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (valid for 5 years)• Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme (permanent residency) Key Updates: Age Limit Increase:Up to 55 years for most occupations, and 50 years for Skill Level 5 roles English Language Concessions:Available for select occupations, easing language requirements for eligible applicants 5-Year Bulk Endorsements:Employers can apply for endorsement for a 5-year bulk ceiling. This allows for better workforce planning and allows businesses to secure long-term employment pathways for their overseas workers. Salary Concessions:A salary threshold concession of 15% of the Core Skills Income Threshold is available for all occupations, (which currently equates to $62,177), and up to 10% (currently $6,217) can be made up of certain types of non-monetary benefits. Mandatory Labour Market Testing:Labour market testing is required for all occupations at time of endorsement and at time of nomination application. Streamlined Endorsement Portal:The portal now features an integrated workflow for registered migration agents and immigration legal practitioners, enabling a more efficient client verification process during endorsement applications. NT DAMA III is a powerful opportunity for regional employers and skilled migrants — but agents need to act strategically and stay informed. Click here- NT DAMA website
Read more

Canberra Matrix Invitation Round

The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Government has the flexibility to address skills shortages and labour market needs in the Territory through the state/territory nominated stream of the Australian Migration Program. The Australian Government allocates the ACT a fixed number of nomination places each financial year. The interested persons can apply for ACT nomination by completing score-based ‘Canberra Matrix’ where points can be claimed against specific criteria including skilled employment, English proficiency, formal qualifications, length of ACT residence / study, investment activity and close family ties, etc. Canberra has a fixed number of nomination places available each month (pro-rata against the annual allocation). Invitation Round: 21 May 2024 The highest ranked Matrix in each occupation were invited to apply for ACT nomination. The cut‑off for selection depended on the remaining monthly allocation, the date and time of Matrix submission, occupation cap and demand. The greater the demand for a particular occupation, the higher the rank of the Matrix score invited. Matrix nominating Small Business Owners: 10 invitations ACT 190 nominations: 04 invitations 190 minimum matrix score: 125 ACT 491 nominations: 06 invitations 491 minimum matrix score: 105 Matrix nominating 457 visa / 482 visa holders: 10 invitations ACT 190 nomination: 08 invitations ACT 491 nomination: 02 invitations Matrix nominating Critical Skill occupations: 164 invitations ACT 190 nomination: 54 invitations ACT 491 nomination: 110 invitations Overseas Applicants Matrix nominating Critical Skill occupations: 110 invitations ACT 190 nomination: 16 invitations ACT 491 nomination: 94 invitations Matrix will not be prioritised or issued invitations based on personal circumstances. This includes, but is not limited to, visa expiry dates or a change in circumstances including critical birthdays. The minimum ranking score is not a guarantee but rather an indication that an invitation was issued.  Invitations were not issued if the applicants have an active application in the system or the applicants have previously received ACT nomination.
Read more

Closure of Registrations of Interest for South Australia’s skilled migration program

Registration of Interest (ROI) applications for South Australia’s skilled migration for onshore applicants have closed for the 2023-2024 program year. The registration of interest applications have been closed for onshore applicants only which means that the offshore applicants can continue to submit a SkillSelect Expression of Interest (EOI) for consideration and will receive a direct invitation to apply for South Australian state nomination, if successful. For the nomination allocation of 2,300 places in this financial year (2023-24), South Australia received more than 12,000 ROIs which points at the competitiveness of the process.   All ROIs received will be processed by 30 June 2024 and in case no invitation is received to apply for state nomination this program year, the applicants can submit another ROI in 2024-25 program year.
Read more

Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold 2024

The Department has announced that the TSMIT will increase from $70,000 to $73,150 effective from 1 July 2024 to ensure a better targeted skilled migration system. In July 2023, the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) was increased from $53,900 to $70,000. It was the first increase to the TSMIT since 2013 and it was set around where the TSMIT would have been if it had been indexed to average weekly ordinary time earnings growth over the last 10 years at that time. Now in July 2024, the temporary income threshold will be set at $73,150. Therefore, from 1 July 2024, the annual market salary rate for the nominated occupation and the guaranteed annual earnings the nominator will pay to the worker must be at least $73,150. New nomination applications will be required to meet this threshold or the annual market salary rate, whichever is higher. • Nominations lodged on or before 30 June 2024 will need to meet the ‘old’ TSMIT of $70,000. • Nominations lodged on or after 1 July 2024 will need to meet the ‘new’ TSMIT of $73,150. The TSMIT applies to a number of skilled visas, including the Temporary Skill shortage (subclass 482), Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) (subclass 494), Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) and Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 187) visas.
Read more

Age Update for Masters and PhD graduates applying for the Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa in the Post-Higher Education Work Stream

The maximum age for Masters (research) and PhD graduates applying for the SC 485 visa will remain at 50 years. Following representations from the Migration Institute of Australia (MIA) on behalf of its members, the Department of Home Affairs has confirmed that this age limit will be maintained beyond the changes coming into effect on 1 July 2024. Consequently, masters (research) and doctoral degree (PhD) graduates can continue to apply for the SC 485 visa in the Post-Higher Education Work stream without concern about a reduction in the age limit.
Read more

Canberra Matrix Invitation Round

The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Government has the flexibility to address skills shortages and labour market needs in the Territory through the state/territory nominated stream of the Australian Migration Program. The Australian Government allocates the ACT a fixed number of nomination places each financial year. The interested persons can apply for ACT nomination by completing score-based ‘Canberra Matrix’ where points can be claimed against specific criteria including skilled employment, English proficiency, formal qualifications, length of ACT residence / study, investment activity and close family ties, etc. Canberra has a fixed number of nomination places available each month (pro-rata against the annual allocation). Invitation Round: 5 April 2024 The highest ranked Matrix in each occupation were invited to apply for ACT nomination. The cut‑off for selection depended on the remaining monthly allocation, the date and time of Matrix submission, occupation cap and demand. The greater the demand for a particular occupation, the higher the rank of the Matrix score invited. Matrix nominating Small Business Owners: 23 invitations ACT 190 nominations: 05 invitations 190 minimum matrix score: 125 ACT 491 nominations: 18 invitations 491 minimum matrix score: 100 Matrix nominating 457 visa / 482 visa holders: 27 invitations ACT 190 nomination: 20 invitations ACT 491 nomination: 07 invitations Matrix nominating Critical Skill occupations: 213 invitations ACT 190 nomination: 96 invitations ACT 491 nomination: 117 invitations Overseas Applicants Matrix nominating Critical Skill occupations: 122 invitations ACT 190 nomination: 19 invitations ACT 491 nomination: 103 invitations Matrix will not be prioritised or issued invitations based on personal circumstances. This includes, but is not limited to, visa expiry dates or a change in circumstances including critical birthdays. The minimum ranking score is not a guarantee but rather an indication that an invitation was issued.  Invitations were not issued if the applicants have an active application in the system or the applicants have previously received ACT nomination. The next Canberra Matrix invitation round will be held before 18 August 2023.
Read more

Migration Centre of Australia (MCA) Your trusted partner for Australian immigration. We simplify visas, skilled migration, sponsorships, and more—so you can focus on your future.

Contact Info

+61 2 4626 1002
info@migrationcentreofaustralia.com.au
Suite 6, Level 12, 101 Bathurst Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Book Consultation
By Appointment Only

Brisbane  Office:

200 Mary St, Brisbane City QLD 4000, Australia

Melbourne Office:

Ground Level, 161 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000

Follow Us