Sydney Migration Specialists

23/05/2026

Australia’s 2026-27 Migration Program has officially been announced - and there are some major shifts applicants need to know about.

The Government is continuing to prioritise:
✔️ Skilled migration
✔️ Employer-sponsored pathways
✔️ Applicants already living in Australia

Some of the biggest changes include:
📈 A major increase in Employer Sponsored visas
📈 More Skilled Independent places
📉 A sharp reduction in Regional nomination places

If you’re planning to apply for permanent residency, state nomination, or employer sponsorship, these changes could directly impact your strategy and timing.

The migration landscape is evolving quickly - and preparation matters more than ever.

💬 Which visa pathway are you looking at for 2026–27?

17/04/2026

15/04/2026

30/03/2026

If you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident inviting a relative to Australia on Subclass 600 Visitor visa, you should know the hidden pitfalls of choosing the Sponsored Family stream. Sometimes, it may be the best option for applicants with a history of previous visa refusal or those unable to demonstrate a "strong incentive to return" to their home country. But in other cases, Tourist stream may do just fine.

30/03/2026

Waiting can be extremely frustrating, especially where matters of the heart are concerned❤️. But could there be a silver lining to long wait times for partner visa applicants?

26/03/2026

🚨 Arrival Control Determination – Key Update (26 March 2026)

What’s changed?
A new Arrival Control Determination is now in force for 6 months.

Who is affected?
Your Visitor (Subclass 600) visa will be temporarily inactive if you:
• Are outside Australia on 26 March 2026
• Hold a Subclass 600 visa
• Applied using a passport of IRAN

⚠️ No visa application fee refunds unless strict criteria are met.

Who is exempt?
The restrictions do NOT apply if you are:
• Partner or dependent child of an Australian citizen/PR
• Parent of a child under 18 in Australia
• Already in Australia at commencement
• Holder of a valid Permitted Travel Certificate (PTC)
Permitted Travel Certificate (PTC)
Only granted in limited cases, such as:
• Parents of Australian citizens
• Genuine temporary visitors

📌 Applications assessed case-by-case.

Before you travel
✔️ Check if your visa is affected
✔️ Request an official determination check via Home Affairs

Key takeaway
If you hold a Visitor visa linked to an Iranian passport, do not travel without confirming your status first.

SOURCE: https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-and-support/arrival-control-determination

DISCLAIMER: This post is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice.

23/03/2026

Beware the curse of Labour Market Testing! You get it wrong-you lose your SAF levy-ouch😖!

15/03/2026

If you are unsure whether you are eligible for 407 Training Visa, please complete an assessment form and we will get back to you: https://sydneymigrationspecialists.mmportal.cloud/assessment

07/03/2026

27/02/2026