Final applications under review; offshore EOIs remain open for nomination. South Australia has announced the closure of skilled migration Registration of Interest (ROI) applications for onshore applicants for the 2024–2025 program year. South Australia has officially closed skilled migration Registration of Interest (ROI) applications for onshore applicants for the 2024–2025 program year.   Next Steps for Applicants- – If you are invited, submit your nomination application promptly. – If not invited this year, you may resubmit an ROI in the 2025–26 program.   Click here – South Australia Skilled Migration Website

Instrument LIN 25/027 introduces major updates for international students applying under the Student Visa (Subclass 500). The Migration (English Language Tests and Evidence Exemptions for Subclass 500 (Student) Visa) Amendment (Pathway Programs) Instrument 2025 (LIN 25/027) officially amends the existing English language testing rules and eligible course listings under the Migration Regulations 1994. This legislative update supports transparency and offers more accessible education pathways for aspiring international students, reinforcing Australia’s reputation as a premier study destination. Click here – Federal Register of Legislation – LIN 25/027

Ensure both visa subclasses are listed to avoid communication delays. The Department has issued updated guidance regarding how Registered Migration Agents (RMAs) and legal practitioners should notify them of appointments related to Partner visa applications. This clarification is intended to prevent delays in communication and visa processing. Both visa subclasses must be clearly identified on Form 956. In most cases, Partner visa applications are lodged as a combined package — either: To ensure correct correspondence, both visa subclasses must be clearly stated when notifying the Department of your appointment. This applies whether you are acting as the client’s representative or simply as an authorised recipient. For example, if appointed to assist with both subclass 820 and 801 applications, both subclasses must be explicitly listed at question 15 of Form 956. Important Notes: While written notification is accepted, Form 956 is strongly preferred for consistency. For new Partner visa applications, ensure both subclasses are listed from the outset. For existing applications, agents are asked to: Review the most recent Form 956 submitted, and Upload an updated form via ImmiAccount if any subclass was omitted. Failure to list both subclasses may result in communication being limited to only the subclass mentioned, causing unnecessary processing delays.

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.

(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: (If you can’t attend the scheduled date, be sure to contact the RTO directly to make changes.) These changes aim to streamline the pathway to skilled employment, helping applicants move through the process more efficiently. Click here – TRA website

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:   Step-by-Step Guide: How to Import Your Application Click here- Parent visa-Paper import Functionality (Fact Sheet)

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 Click here- CPA Australia official Website

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: 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