Crossing Borders

17/10/2026

🇦🇺 STUDY, WORK & STAY IN AUSTRALIA: WHAT HAS CHANGED?

Over the past three years, Australia’s student and temporary visa landscape has undergone significant changes, affecting international students, graduates and working holiday visa holders.

📚 Student Visas (Subclass 500)
Changes to English and financial requirements, visa application fees and application arrangements have made it increasingly important to plan ahead.

🎓 Temporary Graduate Visas (Subclass 485)
Age limits, post-study work options and application fees are key considerations for international students planning their future in Australia.

✈️ Working Holiday Visas (Subclass 417 & 462)
Changes to application fees, restrictions and visa pathways may affect your plans to work and travel in Australia.

⚠️ Thinking about studying, working or staying in Australia? Understanding the current requirements is essential before making your next move.

At Crossing Borders Australian Immigration Services, our team can help you understand your visa options and navigate your Australian immigration journey.

📞 Call us: 1300 79 64 62
🌐 Visit: www.crossingborders.com.au

📩 Get in touch with our team for personalised advice about your visa options.

Immigration rules and fees can change. Always check the latest requirements and your eligibility before applying.

StudyInAustralia LiveInAustralia MigrationAustralia CrossingBorders

16/10/2026

🇦🇺 **VICTORIA SKILLED MIGRATION UPDATE – NEW FEES FOR 2026–27!**

Victoria has announced new fees for Registrations of Interest (ROI) and state nomination applications under the **Skilled Nominated (subclass 190)** and **Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) (subclass 491)** visa programs.

💰 **What are the new fees?**

✅ **Registration of Interest (ROI):** $60 ($66 incl. GST)

✅ **Subclass 190 nomination:** $180 ($198 incl. GST)

✅ **Subclass 491 nomination:** $180 ($198 incl. GST)

📌 **Important things to know:**

🔹 GST applies if you are in Australia at the time of payment.

🔹 Nomination application fees are only payable if you are invited to apply and submit an application.

🔹 The ROI fee is charged only once per program year, even if you withdraw and resubmit.

🔹 **Existing ROIs will not carry over!** Applicants who submitted an ROI in a previous program year must submit a new ROI to be considered for 2026–27.

🔹 Victoria has also released further information about its **Victorian Points Test, priority industries and selection criteria**, which influence who receives an invitation.

📅 **When does the program open?**

Victoria has not yet announced the opening date for the 2026–27 program. Further details are expected.

💬 **Considering a subclass 190 or 491 visa?**

Understanding Victoria's nomination requirements and preparing a competitive ROI can make a difference.

At **Crossing Borders**, we assist skilled migrants with eligibility assessments, Expressions of Interest, state nomination applications and visa pathways.

📩 **Contact Crossing Borders** to discuss your skilled migration options.

🔗 Source: Live in Melbourne – 16 October 2026

15/10/2026

📣 Victoria skilled migration update | 2026–27

Planning to apply for Victorian nomination for a subclass 190 or 491 visa? Here’s what’s changing:

✅ New Victorian Points Test (VPT)
Victoria will rank applicants separately from federal SkillSelect points, considering age, English, qualifications, relevant experience, occupation skill level, eligible partner skills and Victorian skilled earnings where applicable.

✅ Priority occupations
Selected occupations in healthcare, education, social assistance and construction will receive priority consideration.

✅ Competitiveness matters
The VPT has no fixed pass mark. Meeting the minimum federal points requirement does not guarantee an invitation.

✅ New fees
ROI: $60 | Nomination application: $180.
GST applies if you are in Australia when paying.

✅ Fresh ROI required
ROIs are valid for one program year, so previous applicants will need to submit again.

📌 The program has not yet opened for new ROIs. Further eligibility details and opening dates are still to be announced.

💬 Considering Victorian nomination? Contact Crossing Borders to review your options and prepare for the new program.

Official details: https://liveinmelbourne.vic.gov.au/migrate/skilled-migration-visas/vpt

15/10/2026

🇦🇺 **NSW SKILLED MIGRATION 2026–27: PROGRAM NOW OPEN!**

📢 **Important updates for skilled migrants seeking permanent residency in NSW!**

The NSW Government has announced the opening of its **2026–27 Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) program**, along with updated occupation priorities and details of the first invitation round.

Here's what you need to know. 👇

✅ **1. Subclass 190 Nomination Program – NOW OPEN**

The NSW Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) program is officially open for the 2026–27 program year.

This visa provides a pathway to permanent residency for eligible skilled workers nominated by NSW.

Prospective applicants should ensure their SkillSelect Expression of Interest (EOI) is accurate, up to date and supported by valid evidence.

📅 **2. First Invitation Round – Week Commencing 19 October 2026**

NSW expects to conduct its first subclass 190 invitation round during the week commencing **Monday, 19 October 2026**.

If you're hoping to receive an invitation:
✔️ Check that your EOI is current and accurate.
✔️ Ensure your skills assessment and English language results are valid.
✔️ Confirm that you can substantiate every claim made in your EOI.
✔️ Review the NSW nomination eligibility requirements.

📋 **3. Updated NSW Skills List Released**

NSW has published its updated Skills List for 2026–27, reflecting priority occupations and critical workforce shortages.

🔹 Occupations are identified at the **ANZSCO unit group level**.

🔹 All subclass 190-eligible occupations within a listed unit group may be considered for NSW nomination.

🔹 Occupations outside the NSW Skills List **will not be considered** for a subclass 190 nomination invitation.

⚠️ Being on the Skills List does not guarantee an invitation. Applicants must also satisfy applicable eligibility and selection requirements.

🚫 **4. Subclass 491 Regional Visa – Applications Remain Closed**

NSW has confirmed that **all subclass 491 nomination pathways remain closed to new applicants**.

Further announcements are expected regarding the regional nomination program. No reopening date has yet been confirmed.

🏥 **5. NSW Health Deployment Opportunities**

Nurses, midwives and allied health professionals may also be interested in the NSW Health Deployment Program, which offers:

✔️ Short-term placements of 2–13 weeks across NSW.
✔️ Paid travel and accommodation.
✔️ Additional financial support.
✔️ Opportunities to gain experience while supporting rural and regional communities.

This is a workforce initiative, separate from the NSW skilled visa nomination program.

💼 **HOW CROSSING BORDERS CAN HELP**

Navigating skilled migration requirements can be complex, particularly with occupation lists, invitation rounds and changing eligibility criteria.

At **Crossing Borders**, we can assist with:

✅ Assessing your eligibility for NSW skilled nomination.
✅ Reviewing your occupation and skills assessment requirements.
✅ Preparing or updating your SkillSelect EOI.
✅ Assessing skilled migration pathways, including subclasses 189, 190 and 491.
✅ Providing advice on visa and nomination requirements.

📩 **Considering skilled migration to NSW? Contact Crossing Borders to discuss your options.**

14/10/2026

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-10-14/hospitality-industry-warns-shortages-migrant-workers/107266454?

The latest pushback on sweeping migration cuts has come from the hospitality industry in a social media campaign focused on the consequences for everyday Australians if crucial jobs are left vacant.

14/10/2026

Visa myth: you don't need a lawyer or RMA; AI can help you

Not quite. Whilst we all (almost all) love AI. AI is not always correct and can provide outdated information. A quick check early can save you stress, time, and costly mistakes. 🤝

If you’re unsure about your next step, book a consultation with Crossing Borders today.

13/10/2026

🇳🇵 **NEPAL FLASH FLOODS – AUSTRALIAN DISASTER RECOVERY ASSISTANCE**

The Australian Government has introduced a new determination recognising people adversely affected by the devastating flash floods in Nepal.

📅 **Effective: 25 September 2026**

The determination relates to flooding, landslides and debris flows resulting from a glacier collapse on or after 26 August 2026.

**Who may be considered adversely affected?**

✅ Individuals seriously injured as a direct result of the disaster, requiring hospitalisation.

✅ Immediate family members of an Australian citizen or resident who died or is missing and presumed deceased due to the disaster.

✅ Carers of children who fall within either of the above categories.

**What does this mean?**

The determination establishes circumstances in which individuals may be recognised as adversely affected for the purposes of the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP).

Importantly, recognition under the determination does **not automatically guarantee payment**. Other eligibility requirements must also be satisfied.

📌 **Crossing Borders** encourages affected individuals and families to seek advice about their eligibility and available assistance.

📖 **Source:** Social Security (AGDRP—Adversely Affected Persons—Nepal Flash Floods) Determination 2026 (LIN 26/101).

**Crossing Borders | Australian Immigration Law**

13/10/2026

🇦🇺 **AUSTRALIA’S MIGRATION DEBATE: MORE THAN JUST NUMBERS**

Australia’s migration system needs to do more than manage numbers, it needs to support the businesses, industries and communities that depend on a skilled and reliable workforce.

Across Australia, international workers make an essential contribution to hospitality, tourism, agriculture, healthcare and countless other industries.

📍 **For regional and remote Australia, that contribution is particularly important.**

Many employers already struggle to attract local workers. Skilled migrants and working holiday makers help fill genuine workforce gaps, keep businesses operating and support regional economies.

⚠️ **Yet Australia’s migration system is becoming increasingly difficult and expensive for employers to navigate.**

High sponsorship costs, lengthy visa processing times and complex requirements create uncertainty for businesses trying to plan ahead.

And in a competitive global market, Australia risks losing valuable skilled workers to countries offering faster and more accessible migration pathways.

💬 **The Crossing Borders perspective**

We believe migration reform must be practical, balanced and responsive to Australia's genuine workforce needs.

✅ Faster and more predictable visa processing

✅ More affordable and workable employer sponsorship pathways

✅ Greater recognition of regional and remote workforce challenges

✅ Migration policies informed by economic realities, not simply headline migration figures

**Migration should not be viewed solely as a number to reduce or control. It is also an investment in Australia's workforce, economic growth and regional sustainability.**

A strong migration system must maintain integrity and protect workers while ensuring Australian businesses can access the skills they genuinely need.

**Australia needs smarter migration policy, not simply smaller migration numbers.**

🌏 **Crossing Borders | Australian Immigration Law**

13/10/2026

🇦🇺 **CROSSING BORDERS | Is the subclass 186 visa your pathway to permanent residency?**

The Employer Nomination Scheme visa offers permanent residency to eligible skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer. There are three streams:

✅ **Temporary Residence Transition:** Generally requires two years of eligible full-time sponsored employment in Australia within the preceding three years. Unpaid leave does not count.

✅ **Direct Entry:** Generally requires an occupation on the Core Skills Occupation List, three years of relevant work experience and a positive skills assessment, unless exempt.

✅ **Labour Agreement:** Requirements depend on the employer’s approved agreement, which may include concessions.

Applicants generally need to be under 45, meet the applicable English requirement and satisfy health and character criteria. Exemptions may apply.

**Planning early matters.** Check your eligibility date, English results, skills assessment validity and the employer’s nomination and salary requirements before applying.

📩 Contact **Crossing Borders** to discuss your employer-sponsored permanent residency options.

General information only. Eligibility depends on your individual circumstances.

13/10/2026

❌ MYTH: You have to be married to apply for an Australian Partner Visa.

✅ FACT: De facto couples qualify too — including same-sex couples and those in long-distance relationships.

The partner visa (subclass 820/801 or 309/100) is open to both married AND de facto couples. What the Department actually looks at is whether your relationship is genuine, committed, and ongoing — not whether you've walked down an aisle.

For de facto couples, there's typically a 12-month cohabitation requirement (with some exceptions for registered relationships or compelling circumstances).

So if you've been wondering whether your relationship "counts" — it very likely does. 💛

The best first step? A free visa eligibility assessment with us. Thirty minutes, no obligation, and you'll leave knowing exactly where you stand.

👉 Book via the link in bio.