MCLG Migration

MCLG Migration Making your dream of living in Australia a dream come true by providing relevant migration advice!

Australian Child Visa Application Update 2026: New Lodgement Rules Now in Force.A new legislative instrument for certain...
03/09/2026

Australian Child Visa Application Update 2026: New Lodgement Rules Now in Force.

A new legislative instrument for certain Child visa applications commenced on 2 September 2026.

Which visas are affected? The new rules apply to Child (Migrant) visas, Child (Residence) visas, and Extended Temporary visas. The instrument sets the approved form, manner and place for lodging these applications.

Is this a major eligibility change? No, the changes are mainly technical. The explanatory material describes the update as minor and technical, and existing application arrangements largely continue. This is not a major rewrite of Child visa eligibility requirements. The main point is making sure the application is lodged using the correct current arrangements.

Important adoption restriction remains. One existing restriction continues, and Pakistan remains the specified country. A Child (Migrant) or Child (Residence) application may be invalid where the applicant relies on an adoption that occurred in Pakistan to satisfy the relevant Child visa criteria.

Applying for a Child visa? Use the current lodgement rules. Before submitting, make sure you check the correct visa class, the approved application form, how the application must be lodged, where it must be lodged, and any adoption-related restrictions. Applications sent under certain previous arrangements also have transitional protections under the new instrument.

Planning a Child visa application? Follow and message us to discuss your family migration options.

Management Skills Assessment Fees Increase from 21 September 2026.Senior manager planning skilled migration to Australia...
03/09/2026

Management Skills Assessment Fees Increase from 21 September 2026.

Senior manager planning skilled migration to Australia? IML ANZ is increasing its Migration Skills Assessment fees.

How much is the new fee? Applying from outside Australia goes from $788 to $820, excluding GST. Applying from within Australia goes from $866 to $902, including GST. The new fees apply from 21 September 2026.

Other IML assessment services are increasing too. Renewal goes from $578 to $601 offshore, and $635 to $661 onshore. Reassessment follows the same increase, from $578 to $601 offshore and $635 to $661 onshore. Review also increases from $578 to $601 offshore and $635 to $661 onshore. Appeal sees the largest jump, from $788 to $985 offshore, and $866 to $1,084 onshore.

Which occupations does IML assess? IML ANZ currently assesses 9 senior-level managerial occupations: Chief Executive/Managing Director, Corporate General Manager, Sales and Marketing Manager, Advertising Manager, Public Relations Manager, Human Resource Manager, Engineering Manager, Supply and Distribution Manager, and Procurement Manager.

Planning to lodge? Before submitting an IML skills assessment, confirm whether IML is the correct assessing authority, whether your management experience meets the criteria, whether your qualifications are relevant, and whether you have the required supporting evidence. IML says its regular assessment timeframe is around 10 weeks, while its express service aims for around 6 weeks, based on a complete application.

New fees start 21 September 2026. Follow and message us to discuss your skilled migration pathway.

02/09/2026

Protection visa grant!
For those who want to get in contact with us, call us on +61370651628

DISCLAIMER: This disclaimer applies to all social media posts from Maison Chen Law Group and its associated entities. Content in these posts does not constitute immigration or legal advice, is not intended as a substitute for such advice and must not be relied upon as such. The material is designed to provide an informative guideline (current at the time of publication and subject to changes) for general informational purposes only. Please consult an Australian MARA registered agent or Australian Lawyer for professional advice before you make any type of application.

Australia Jobs 2026: 1.35 Million New Vacancies Recorded.1,353,000 new job vacancies. Australia's labour market is still...
02/09/2026

Australia Jobs 2026: 1.35 Million New Vacancies Recorded.

1,353,000 new job vacancies. Australia's labour market is still generating significant hiring activity.

Around 99,000 more vacancies than a year earlier. During the May 2026 quarter, 1.353 million new vacancies were recorded, up 8% compared with the same period a year earlier. That represents roughly 99,000 additional vacancies.

These aren't just online job ads. Jobs and Skills Australia's Total New Vacancies measure captures jobs advertised or filled through channels including online job advertisements, word of mouth, social media, signs and local advertising, and other recruitment channels. So it provides a broader picture of Australian hiring than online job boards alone.

Looking for work in Australia? If you're exploring Australian job opportunities, check employer career pages, major job platforms, recruitment agencies, industry networks, regional employers, and professional and trade associations. Some opportunities may be filled without ever appearing on the major online job boards.

Important for migrants: a job vacancy does not automatically mean visa sponsorship. Australia may be hiring, but you still need to check whether your occupation is eligible for a visa pathway, whether the employer offers sponsorship, whether you meet the qualifications and experience requirements, and whether a skills assessment is required.

Looking to work and migrate to Australia? Follow and message us to discuss your options.

VETASSESS Skills Assessment Fees Increase from 9 September 2026.How much will a Full Skills Assessment cost? Current fee...
02/09/2026

VETASSESS Skills Assessment Fees Increase from 9 September 2026.

How much will a Full Skills Assessment cost? Current fee is AUD $1,096. From 9 September, AUD $1,146. That's a $50 increase. These figures are excluding GST, which may apply depending on the applicant's Australian tax residency.

Other VETASSESS fees are increasing too, and it's not just the standard assessment. Priority Processing goes from $825 to $863, Points Test Advice from $311 to $325, Post-485 assessment from $852 to $891, Reassessment from $745 to $779, Appeal from $1,082 to $1,132, and Renewal within 3 years from $473 to $495.

This applies to VETASSESS professional assessments. VETASSESS assesses professional occupations across areas including Business & Finance, Science, Health & Agriculture, Arts & Education, Construction & Manufacturing, and Hospitality & Retail. Important: the September fee increase does not apply to VETASSESS trade occupation assessments.

Before 9 September: already preparing your application? Check the date. VETASSESS says applications received before 9 September 2026 will be charged at the current rates. But don't rush an incomplete application simply to avoid a fee increase. Check your occupation, qualification requirements, employment evidence, and supporting documents.

Planning a skilled migration pathway? Follow and message us to discuss your options.

Requirements for an applicant living in NT and was not a graduate of an NT institution. For those who want to get in con...
01/09/2026

Requirements for an applicant living in NT and was not a graduate of an NT institution.
For those who want to get in contact with us, call us on +61370651628

DISCLAIMER: This disclaimer applies to all social media posts from Maison Chen Law Group and its associated entities. Content in these posts does not constitute immigration or legal advice, is not intended as a substitute for such advice and must not be relied upon as such. The material is designed to provide an informative guideline (current at the time of publication and subject to changes) for general informational purposes only. Please consult an Australian MARA registered agent or Australian Lawyer for professional advice before you make any type of application.

MIA Calls for Priority to Be Restored for Offshore Skilled Workers and Partner Visas.The Migration Institute of Australi...
01/09/2026

MIA Calls for Priority to Be Restored for Offshore Skilled Workers and Partner Visas.

The Migration Institute of Australia is urging the Government to reconsider the new visa processing priorities affecting applicants outside Australia.

MIA wants offshore applicants reconsidered. MIA has renewed its call for the Government to reverse the deprioritisation of highly skilled workers applying from offshore, and partners of Australians applying from offshore. The concern relates to Ministerial Directions 117 and 119, which took effect on 25 July 2026.

Why skilled workers are affected. Offshore skilled applicants now sit lower in the processing order. Under Ministerial Direction 119, processing priority depends on both occupation and where the applicant was located when they applied. Most other skilled applications lodged while the applicant was outside Australia fall into the fifth and final priority group, with comparable onshore applications generally processed ahead of them.

Offshore Partner applications also receive lower priority. Under Ministerial Direction 117, onshore Partner visas (Subclass 820/801) receive higher priority, while offshore Partner visas (Subclass 309/100) and Prospective Marriage (Subclass 300) receive lower priority. Home Affairs says lower-priority offshore Partner applications are likely to experience longer processing times, which MIA says may mean longer periods of separation for Australians whose partners are overseas.

Nothing has been reversed yet. This is an advocacy position from the Migration Institute of Australia. As of now, the Government has not announced a reversal of Ministerial Directions 117 or 119, and current Home Affairs processing priorities remain in place.

Applying from offshore? Your location may now affect when your application is processed. Follow and message us to discuss your circumstances.

Different journeys. One goal: a visa grant.Our clients' pathways span the National Innovation (subclass 858), Skilled In...
01/09/2026

Different journeys. One goal: a visa grant.

Our clients' pathways span the National Innovation (subclass 858), Skilled Independent (189), Skilled Nominated (190) and Skills in Demand (482) visas, across occupations including floor finisher, solicitor, roof plumber, retail manager and social worker.

Each case tells its own story, from EOI lodgement and invitation through to visa lodgement and grant, with timelines ranging from a few months to over a year depending on the pathway and circumstances.

Every case is different, and so is every road to permanent residency.

Ready to start yours? Follow and message Maison Chen Law Group now.

This post provides general information only. Past outcomes do not guarantee future results, and processing times, requirements and eligibility depend on individual circumstances.

📍 Are you living offshore but have family in the Northern Territory?You may be eligible for NT nomination under the fami...
31/08/2026

📍 Are you living offshore but have family in the Northern Territory?

You may be eligible for NT nomination under the family support stream.
However, simply having a relative in the NT is not enough. Your relative must meet specific residence and visa requirements, confirm they can support your settlement, and be an eligible family member.
You will also need to prove your relationship and show that you have made genuine and sustained efforts to find employment in the NT.

Swipe through to understand the key requirements and which relatives may qualify. 👉

For those who want to get in contact with us, call us on +61370651628

DISCLAIMER: This disclaimer applies to all social media posts from Maison Chen Law Group and its associated entities. Content in these posts does not constitute immigration or legal advice, is not intended as a substitute for such advice and must not be relied upon as such. The material is designed to provide an informative guideline (current at the time of publication and subject to changes) for general informational purposes only. Please consult an Australian MARA registered agent or Australian Lawyer for professional advice before you make any type of application.

AITSL Skills Assessment Fees Are Changing. New fees start 7 September 2026.Planning a teaching skills assessment for Aus...
31/08/2026

AITSL Skills Assessment Fees Are Changing. New fees start 7 September 2026.

Planning a teaching skills assessment for Australian migration? Take note of the new AITSL fees.

AITSL is updating its skilled migration fees. From 7 September 2026, new fees will apply to applications submitted through the AITSL online applicant portal. The changes cover skills assessment applications, appeals of assessment outcomes, and Skilled Employment Statements (SES). Applications submitted on or before 6 September 2026 will pay the current fee.

New fees from 7 September: skills assessment application at AUD $1,198, appeal of assessment outcome at AUD $938, and Skilled Employment Statement (SES) at AUD $265. No GST is charged. These are the final AITSL migration assessment fees.

One more fee to know: the partial refund amount is also changing. From 7 September 2026, the available partial refund amount for a skills assessment application will be AUD $982. If you're preparing to lodge around the changeover date, check which fee structure applies before submitting your application.

Planning a teaching migration pathway? Before lodging your skills assessment, check your nominated teaching occupation, AITSL qualification requirements, English language requirements, required documents, and the correct fee at the time of lodgement.

Don't get caught by the fee change. Follow and message us to discuss your Australian migration options.

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