Great Journey Migration

01/07/2026

New Australian visa application fees effective from 1 July 2026

The new fees apply to applications lodged on or after 1 July 2026. Here are some of the key changes:

Skilled visas
Subclass 189 Skilled Independent: $4,910 → $6,135
Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated: $4,910 → $6,140
Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional: $4,910 → $6,140

Employer sponsored visas
Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme: $4,910 → $6,140
Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional: $4,910 → $6,140
Subclass 482 Skills in Demand: $3,210 → $4,015

Graduate, partner and family visas
Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate: $2,300 → $5,750
Partner visas 820/801 and 309/100: $9,365 → $11,710
Prospective Marriage visa 300: $9,365 → $11,710

Parent visas
Subclass 103 Parent visa, first instalment: $5,280 → $6,600
Subclass 143 Contributory Parent visa, first instalment: $5,040 → $6,300
Subclass 804 Aged Parent visa, first instalment: $5,280 → $6,600
Subclass 864 Contributory Aged Parent visa, first instalment: $5,040 → $6,300

Student and visitor visas
Subclass 500 Student visa: $2,000 → $2,500
Subclass 600 Visitor visa, lodged in Australia: $500 → $630
Subclass 600 Visitor visa, lodged outside Australia: $200 → $250

Resident Return visa
Subclass 155 Resident Return visa: new fee $1,475

Bridging Visa B
Bridging Visa B: $190 → $575

For advice about your visa options, please contact us at +61 433 877 404 or [email protected]

16/05/2026

2026 / 27 Skilled Migration Planning Levels: A Significant Shift in Pathway Allocations

The Department of Home Affairs has released the detailed planning levels for the 2026 / 27 program year. While the total Migration Program remains at 185,000 places, the internal allocation across visa categories has changed meaningfully.

Key changes in the Skilled stream:

▪ Employer Sponsored: 44,000 → 58,040 places (+14,040)
The largest increase in the program. The Government is clearly prioritising employer driven migration to meet workforce demands.

▪ Skilled Independent: 16,900 → 21,090 places (+4,190)
An expanded allocation for high points applicants in critical occupations, providing more room within the Subclass 189 program.

▪ State / Territory Nominated: 33,000 → 35,500 places (+2,500)
A modest increase reflecting continued state-level demand for skilled workers.

▪ Regional: 33,000 → 14,110 places (-18,890)
A substantial reduction of more than half. Applicants relying on the Subclass 491 or 191 pathway should expect increased competition and higher invitation thresholds.

▪ Talent and Innovation: 5,300 → 3,500 places (-1,800)
A reduced allocation following the consolidation of the Global Talent and Distinguished Talent programs.

Family stream:

▪ Partner: 40,500 → 41,500 places (+1,000)
▪ Total Family Program remains broadly steady at 52,460 places.

What this means for applicants:

The Government has signalled a clear preference for employer driven and onshore skilled migration. Applicants whose strategy was built around a regional pathway should consider revisiting their options in light of the reduced allocation. Those with strong employer sponsorship prospects or competitive points scores are likely better positioned than in prior years.

If you would like to discuss how these changes affect your visa pathway, please contact our office.

📞 +61 433 877 404
📧 [email protected]

Source: Department of Home Affairs

13/05/2026

13/05/2026

Federal Budget 2026/27 → here's what migration applicants need to know.

✅ 185,000 permanent places (unchanged)
✅ 70% reserved for onshore applicants
✅ Points Test tightening
✅ $85.2m to fast track trades skills assessments

Swipe through for the full breakdown.

⚠️ These are announcements, not law. Current rules still apply until legislated.

Not sure where you stand? Get in touch.
📞 +61 433 877 404
📧 [email protected]

25/03/2026

The Department of Home Affairs has announced temporary travel restrictions for certain Visitor (Subclass 600) visa holders with Iranian passports. The Arrival Control Determination commences on 26 March 2026 and will remain in force for 6 months. It applies to people who are outside Australia, hold a Visitor (Subclass 600) visa, and whose departmental records show they used an Iranian passport in that visa application. For affected persons, the Visitor visa has temporarily ceased to be in effect, unless an exemption applies.

If you or your family members may be affected, it is important to check your circumstances carefully before travelling and seek advice if needed.

Home Affairs brings together Australia's federal law enforcement, national and transport security, criminal justice, emergency management, multicultural affairs, settlement services and immigration and border-related functions, working together to keep Australia safe.

13/03/2026

Important update – Training Visa (Subclass 407) changes from 11 March 2026

The Department of Home Affairs has introduced a significant change to the Subclass 407 Training visa process.

From 11 March 2026, applicants can no longer lodge a valid Subclass 407 Training visa application unless both the sponsor approval and nomination approval have already been granted.

Previously, the visa application could be lodged while those applications were still being processed. This is no longer allowed.

This means applicants must now carefully manage their timing and ensure they continue to hold a valid visa while waiting.

If you are considering a 407 visa, it is important to get advice early.

28/02/2026

Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate) VAC increase – effective today (1 March 2026)

The Department has implemented an unexpected Visa Application Charge (VAC) increase for the Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate) visa effective today. There was no prior announcement from DHA before this change took effect.

✅ New base VAC (main applicant): $4,600
For most cases, this means you’ll now be looking at $4,600 just for the main applicant, with additional applicant charges applying if you include eligible family members.

If you’re planning to lodge a 485 soon, please factor this into your budget and timing. If you’re our client and your application is ready, message/email us so we can discuss next steps.

Find out about Australian visas, immigration and citizenship.

27/02/2026

🚨 Important update: salary thresholds increasing for employer-sponsored visas (Subclass 482 & 186) from 1 July 2026

From 1 July 2026 (2026–27 program year), the income thresholds used for Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand) and Subclass 186 (ENS) will increase due to annual indexation:

Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT): $79,499 (current 2025–26: $76,515)

Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT): $146,717 (current 2025–26: $141,210)

These thresholds are automatically indexed each year under regulation 5.42A of the Migration Regulations using ABS AWOTE data — meaning a new legislative instrument isn’t required for the annual update.

✅ Applies to relevant Subclass 482 / 186 applications lodged on or after 1 July 2026.

⏳ If you want to lodge before 30 June 2026, you need to act now.
Many nominations may require Labour Market Testing (LMT), including advertising for at least 4 weeks (28 days) (where applicable), plus time to prepare supporting documents.

If you’d like us to assess your pathway and timeline, send us a message to book a consult.