Starting 7 August 2025, Pearson is introducing enhancements to PTE Academic to better reflect real-world communication and help test takers demonstrate their language skills with confidence. Temporary Closure PTE testing is temporarily closed worldwide to prepare for the August 2025 update. Existing bookings remain valid, and test takers can reschedule if needed. This brief pause…

The Australian government has made important changes to onshore Student visa applications. These changes started on January 1, 2025. They apply to all students currently in Australia and must be followed when submitting new applications. Key Change: Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) Requirement As of January 1, 2025, all onshore Student visa applications must…

Australia is launching a new National Innovation Visa to replace the current Global Talent Visa. This change aims to attract top talent in technology, science, engineering, and creative arts, strengthening Australia’s innovation sector. Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services, and Multicultural Affairs, Alex Hawke, highlighted the importance of the new visa…

The Western Australian Government has successfully negotiated the establishment of a new Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) with the Commonwealth Government to address labour shortages in key areas across the state. This program will greatly benefit employers by expanding the list of occupations eligible for skilled migration and offering special concessions for those…

The Australian Government will launch the Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES) for Indian nationals starting November 1st 2024. This program will allow 3,000 Indian graduates and early career professionals, aged 18 to 30, to live and work in Australia for up to two years. To be eligible for MATES, Indian…

Australia has extended the validity of the Visitor visa (subclass 600) Business Visitor stream for Indian nationals from up to three years to up to five years. The extended visa validity is intended to strengthen bilateral economic ties between the two countries, expected to generate $435 million in revenue and increase payments by…

Starting in 2024-25, the Australian Government will introduce a lottery system for the Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa for applicants from China, Vietnam, and India. This new system aims to make the selection process fairer, as the demand for these visas significantly exceeds the available spots. Applicants will need to pay a $25…

Australia’s Business Innovation and Investment Visa Program (BIIP) is undergoing significant changes. As part of the federal government’s 2024-25 budget, the Business Innovation stream (subclass 188) will permanently close to new applications starting in July 2024. The program, designed to attract business owners and investors, has been found to offer limited economic benefits.…

Filipino passport holders aged 18-30 can apply for the Australian Work & Holiday Visa starting July 1, 2024, provided they meet specific eligibility and application requirements. This change is detailed in the Migration (Arrangements for Work and Holiday (Subclass 462) Visa Applications) Amendment (The Philippines) Instrument (LIN 24/041) 2024, updating the…

The Department of Home Affairs has announced some important changes to the visa conditions for 8107, 8607, and 8608 Temporary Work (Skilled) visa holders, starting from 1 July 2024. These updates are part of the Migration Strategy to help tackle worker exploitation and enhance productivity. Here’s what you need to know: More…

Are you thinking about studying abroad in Australia? If yes, understand the four major changes in the rules and regulations for an Australian student visa. Additional changes are anticipated later this year. CHANGE TO EVIDENCE OF FINANCIAL CAPACITY The financial requirements for Student and Student Guardian visa applicants have increased on May 10, 2024. To…

The 2024/25 Federal Budget revealed several changes to immigration policies, including a major update to the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482). Starting from November 23, 2024, the required work experience for the TSS visa will be reduced from two years to one year. This applies to all TSS streams: Short-term, Medium-term, and Labour Agreements. Currently, the Short-term…

Australia has announced a groundbreaking change for Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) 482 visa holders, offering them a clear path to permanent residence from November 25, 2023.  The key changes include reducing the required employment duration with the same employer to two years and eliminating skilled occupation lists for transitional Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Subclass 186…

As the new fiscal year approaches, changes are coming to Australia’s migration system. The government plans to spend $18.3 million over the next four years, starting in 2024-25, to improve the system, boost the economy, and ensure fairness. A big part of this budget, $15.0 million over three years, will go towards helping migrant workers…

On 14 May 2024, the Australian Government announced the permanent Migration Program planning level for 2024–25 at 185,000 places. Of these, 132,200 places (about 70%) will be allocated to skilled workers to support Australia’s economy. From 2025–26 onward, the government will plan migration numbers for four years at a time instead of just one year. (Budget paper…