Blogs

The Hon Minister Giles MP, Minister for Skills and Training, has approved the Institution of Surveyors New South Wales (ISNSW) as the new assessing authority for the Surveyor occupation (ANZSCO 232212). This appointment ensures continuity in the assessment process for skilled migration in the Surveyor occupation. Key Considerations: Click here: Department of Employment and Workplace Relations

The annual Occupation Shortage List (OSL) from Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) highlights areas of high demand in the national and regional workforce. For 2025, the OSL is published in both OSCA 2024 and ANZSCO 2022 formats. Alongside the OSL, JSA has provided supporting insights through reports including: Key Highlights Regional Impacts Regional areas face greater pressure than cities, with 21 occupations in shortage only outside capital cities. This shows the need for targeted support to strengthen workforce supply in these regions. Click here: Occupation Shortage List and Occupation Shortages Reports

The Australian Immi App is now available in additional countries, making visa applications faster and more convenient for eligible applicants. This expansion helps streamline the process of submitting passport details and facial images digitally. As of 30 September 2025, the Australian Immi App is accessible to users in South Africa, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, and the Solomon Islands. The app provides a faster, cheaper, and more convenient way for eligible applicants to provide their passport details and facial image during the visa application process. Click here: Australian Immi App

As states and territories await final allocations from the Australian Government, several have already opened or updated their skilled migration programs for the 2025–26 program year. Below is a summary of key changes and announcements from NSW, Tasmania and the ACT.  NSW The NSW Government will largely continue with the program settings from last year, introducing only a few minor changes to improve the application process. Key Change Details Updated Skills Lists NSW and Regional NSW skills lists have been revised to better match current labour market needs. TSMIT/CSIT Definition Formal definitions for Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) and Comparable Salary Income Threshold (CSIT) have been added. Study in Regional NSW Exceptions introduced for applicants delayed entering Australia due to student visa processing delays (Pathway 3 – Direct Application). Nomination Fees Fees for subclass 491 and subclass 190 nominations increased to $363, reflecting CPI adjustments. Invitation Rounds Invitations issued every 2–3 weeks until NSW allocation is fully utilised.  Tasmania – Program Opened on 6 October 2025 Tasmania’s Skilled Migration State Nomination Program is now open for the 2025–26 program year. In anticipation of final allocations, Migration Tasmania has introduced several updates to improve accessibility, transparency, and candidate outcomes. Key Changes to the 2025-26 Program: Key Change Details Website Update New website design makes it easier to navigate and find information. Minimum Eligibility Criteria Criteria have been updated and clarified for greater transparency. Priority Attributes Revised priority attributes to better target skilled candidates. ROI Ranking System Updated Registration of Interest (ROI) ranking system to improve fairness and selection accuracy. Income Thresholds Adjusted to reflect current Australian median and average earnings, as well as Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT). Policy Guidance Simplified and clearer detailed policy guidance available on the Migration Tasmania website. Nomination Service Fee Increased to $370 ($407 including GST). Registration of Interest submission remains free. Upcoming Online Webinar Migration Tasmania invites you to join a live webinar to walk through the 2025-26 program changes. Date & Time: Tuesday, 14 October 2025 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM AEST Webinar Topics Include: Click here to register for the webinar. ACT Skilled Migration Program: Interim Invitation Round Completed On 15 September 2025, the ACT Government held an invitation round based on an interim allocation of 165 places (85 for subclass 190 and 80 for subclass 491) provided by the Australian Government. Key Updates to the 2025-26 ACT Skilled Migration Program: Update Details ACT Nominated Migration Occupation List The Critical Skills List has been renamed and reduced from 152 to 105 ANZSCO 4-digit occupations. PhD Applicants Invitations for PhD applicants will now be issued only during invitation rounds, not every seven business days. Priority processing remains. Subclass 457/482 Pathway Applicants must have at least six months’ employment with their sponsoring employer on an employer-sponsored visa. Subclass 491 and 190 Invitations Invitations for subclass 491 will be issued before subclass 190 invitations, which may affect invitation chances. Nomination Guidelines Minor clarifications and process improvements have been made based on stakeholder feedback. Processing and Allocation Applications in the queue will continue to be assessed. Nominations will be issued once the final allocation is confirmed. Tentative invitation round dates will be published thereafter.  Click here: NSW- NSW Skilled Migration Program Tasmania- 2025-26 Tasmanian Skilled Migration State Nomination Program ACT- ACT Nominated Migration Program Occupation List – October 2025

The Australian Government has introduced the Education Legislation Amendment (Integrity and Other Measures) Bill 2025, aimed at strengthening the quality, integrity, and sustainability of the education sector. A key focus of the Bill is to enhance equity and access in higher education, particularly for First Nations peoples. Amendments to the ESOS Act 2000 The Bill amends the ESOS Act 2000 to strengthen provider registration requirements, increase transparency around education agent commissions, and expand the powers of the Minister and regulatory agencies to manage providers and courses. It introduces clearer rules for course delivery, allows for the automatic suspension or cancellation of non-compliant providers, and enhances review and appeal processes. These changes aim to improve the integrity of international education and address issues identified in the Nixon Review and the Government’s Migration Strategy. Click here: Education Legislation Amendment (Integrity and Other Measures) Bill 2025

The Australian Government has introduced the Migration (Disclosure of Information to Prescribed International Organisations) Instrument 2025, which officially repeals and replaces IMMI 16/068. This legislative update provides clarity on the disclosure of identifying information by authorised officers under regulation 5.34E of the Migration Regulations 1994. Key Changes: This update aligns the Migration Regulations with the current structure of international judicial bodies and ensures that Australia’s legislative framework remains contemporary and relevant. Click here: LIN 25/076-Migration (Disclosure of Information to Prescribed International Organisations) Instrument 2025

On Tuesday, 30 September 2025, OMARA notified all registered migration agents of the upcoming implementation of Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for the OMARA Portal, effective Monday, 20 October 2025. The complete OMARA communication can be accessed below: OMARA will be introducing the compulsory use of Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for all registered migration agents using the OMARA Portal from Monday, 20 October 2025.  MFA adds an extra layer of security, helping to protect personal and sensitive information from unauthorised access.  What do I need to do to enable MFA?  There will be two sign-in options, one for current users, another for new users. All current users of the OMARA Portal must sign in to their existing account to transfer to the new sign-in system and enable MFA on their existing account. For any new users in your organisation, they will need to create an account with the new sign-in system to enable MFA. Is further help available? Yes, OMARA is available to provide help and support during this MFA implementation process.

Victoria has officially opened its 2025–26 Skilled Migration Program, welcoming applications from both onshore and overseas skilled workers. For the 2025–26 program year, the Department of Home Affairs has allocated a small interim number of places: 200 places for the Skilled Nominated visa (Subclass 190) and 180 places for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 491). While this is only an initial allocation, the full quota is expected to be announced in the coming weeks. If you’ve already submitted a Registration of Interest (ROI), there’s good news — your active ROI will continue to be considered under the 2025–26 program.A new ROI is only required if any of your previously provided information has changed. To be considered, you must submit a SkillSelect Expression of Interest (EOI) and a Registration of Interest (ROI). Click here: Victorian Government Website   2025-26 Skilled Migration Visa Nomination Program

Effective from 1 October 2025, the Department of Home Affairs has brought into effect two important legislative instruments that introduce updated rules for Complying Investments and the Disclosure of Information to Prescribed Bodies, ensuring continuity, clarity, and consistency in visa assessment and information-sharing processes. Complying Investments The Migration (Complying Investments) Instrument 2025 repeals and replaces IMMI 15/100. This instrument is remade in substantially the same form and requirements as its predecessor, it ensures consistent assessment criteria for: No substantive changes have been made — only a continuation of existing rules to provide stability for current and future applicants. Disclosure of Information to Prescribed Bodies The Migration (Disclosure of Information to Prescribed Bodies) Instrument 2025 replaces IMMI 15/066. This updated instrument outlines the prescribed bodies to which authorised officers may disclose identifying information under regulation 5.34D of the Migration Regulations. While it introduces no major changes, it: No new bodies have been added to the list of prescribed entities. Click here:   LIN 25/066-Migration (Complying Investments) Instrument 2025 LIN 25/075-Migration (Disclosure of Information to Prescribed Bodies) Instrument 2025

The growing use of messaging platforms such as WeChat and WhatsApp has made it easier for registered migration agents and legal practitioners to communicate with clients. However, these apps are not designed for secure or compliant record-keeping, which can make it difficult to retrieve, verify, or store communications in a way that meets professional obligations. Using informal messaging apps without proper backup or integration into a secure practice management system may result in non-compliance and expose practitioners to data breaches, miscommunication, or disputes over undocumented advice. Under the OMARA Code of Conduct, practitioners must: Best Practice Recommendations include avoiding substantive advice or instructions solely via chat platforms, using secure email or encrypted client portals for formal communications, promptly saving all relevant messaging exchanges to the client file, following up chat messages with an email confirming the discussion, and informing clients about your preferred communication channels and why they are used. By maintaining proper records and secure communication practices, practitioners can effectively manage risks, meet professional obligations, and protect both themselves and their clients.