MJ Legal - Immigration Specialists

MJ Legal - Immigration Specialists We provide quality legal assistance in matters related to Immigration!

06/06/2026

Will You Receive a Skilled Migration Invitation Before Your 485 Expires?

With many state nomination places already allocated under the Subclass 190 and 491 programs, invitation numbers are becoming increasingly important for temporary visa holders planning their next move.

While new allocations will be available in the next migration program year, the timing of future invitation rounds remains uncertain. In previous years, some states did not recommence invitations until several months into the new program year.

For 485 visa holders approaching expiry, understanding where invitation numbers currently stand and having alternative pathways available can be critical to maintaining lon g term migration options.

05/06/2026

From refusal to employer sponsorship, a complex visa pathway requires careful strategy.

This client came to us after a previous 482 refusal and later faced further complications when a partner visa pathway was no longer available.

At that stage, we had to reassess the client’s circumstances and identify a new lawful pathway forward. The client was working as a chef in regional Victoria, and after discussions with the employer, we prepared a detailed 482 nomination and visa application.

The case required careful work around the business finances, including evidence showing how the employer could continue supporting the sponsored position despite early trading losses.

The 482 visa was successfully granted, and the client is now progressing toward permanent residency through the 186 pathway.

Complex visa matters often require more than one option. They require timing, evidence, strategy, and a clear understanding of how different pathways connect.

04/06/2026

Subclass 189 Invitations Are Rolling Out

The latest Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) invitation round appears to be generating strong results across a range of occupations.

So far, we have seen invitations issued to occupations including:
• Solicitors at 80 points
• Registered Nurses at 80 points
• Electronics Engineers at 100 points

Early indications suggest that some applicants are receiving invitations at lower points than in previous rounds, which may point to a larger invitation round than many expected.

As more invitations are issued and additional data becomes available, we will continue monitoring the outcomes and sharing updates with the migration community.

Don't Become 52,453.There are currently 52,452 active student visa cases before the Administrative Review Tribunal.For m...
04/06/2026

Don't Become 52,453.

There are currently 52,452 active student visa cases before the Administrative Review Tribunal.

For many applicants, a refusal only becomes real when they receive the decision. By then, their options may already be limited.

The best migration strategies are usually built long before a refusal occurs.

Whether you're on a student visa, 485 visa, or planning your next pathway, understanding your options early can make all the difference.

02/06/2026

Victoria and NSW State Nominations Have Closed

Both Victoria and New South Wales have now exhausted their allocations for the current migration program year and are no longer issuing state nomination invitations under the Subclass 190 and 491 programs.

For temporary visa holders, particularly those on a 485 visa with an expiry date approaching in the coming months, this is an important development to be aware of.

While new allocations are expected after 1 July, the timing of future invitation rounds remains uncertain. Last year, some states did not recommence invitations until later in the year.

Understanding your options early and having contingency plans in place is becoming increasingly important as invitation opportunities become more limited.

01/06/2026

Here are 2 important steps you should follow when applying for a Subclass 482 visa to achieve a successful outcome.

22/05/2026

Permanent Residency in Australia? Here’s the General Skilled Migration Process

The skilled migration pathway involves more than just getting 65 points. Understanding the process early and planning strategically can make a major difference to your PR journey.

From identifying an occupation on the skilled occupation list, obtaining a skill assessment, lodging an Expression of Interest, and applying for state nomination, each step plays an important role in securing an invitation for permanent residency.

With competition increasing across many occupations, getting into the system early and having a clear strategy is more important than ever.

20/05/2026

Federal Budget Update: What It Means for Migrants in Australia

The migration program has been maintained at 185,000 places, with over 70% expected to go to applicants already in Australia.

With state nomination programs expected to open after 1 July, now is the time to prepare your skill assessment and Expression of Interest if skilled migration is part of your PR strategy.

19/05/2026

Federal Budget 2026: Positive Signs for Skilled Migrants

The Federal Government has confirmed that the permanent migration program will remain at 185,000 places next year, despite speculation that migration numbers may be reduced.

Another key takeaway is that over 70% of these places are expected to go to migrants who are already in Australia, continuing the recent trend of prioritising onshore applicants.

The government has also confirmed that reforms to the skilled migration points test are expected in the future, although further details have not yet been released.

For many temporary visa holders currently in Australia, this highlights the importance of getting into the skilled migration system early under the current rules.

18/05/2026

Breaking Migration Update: ART Hearings Have Changed!

From today onwards, the ART is no longer automatically required to provide applicants with a hearing before making a decision.

The Tribunal may now first assess the written material available before deciding whether a hearing is necessary.

This is a significant procedural change, particularly for applicants currently waiting on student visa review matters before the ART.

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