We share most up-to-date insights.
How I Stayed in Australia After My WHV
Many Working Holiday Makers only start seriously looking into long‑term visas and migration options when their visa is close to expiring. Because of information gaps and poor planning, quite a few end up leaving Australia with regret instead of a new chapter.
Three Months Left on My Visa: How I Found a Way to Stay
Three Different Roads, Three Different Ways to ‘Hustle’
Want to Work in Australia After Graduation? Navigate These 5 485 Visa Hurdles
485 is not a “congratulations, here’s your visa” gift that arrives automatically once you finish your course. It’s a ticket you have to proactively qualify for, with strict criteria that need planning before your final semester.
A note for those considering study or migration in Australia
Riverwood Migration is proud to be recognised by Kaplan Business School with theGreater China Annual Performance Award 2025.
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Is Your Australian Employer Sponsorship Stuck at Step One?This "Business Licence" Is the Real Key
That’s right. In Australia, a business must first obtain Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS) approval before it can sponsor overseas workers. Without it, any nomination or visa application is built on shaky ground.
Success Story: Applying for a 485 When Your Partner Holds a Different Visa
Applying for a 485 can be tricky — especially if your spouse has a different visa status and your relationship evidence isn’t complete yet. So how can you plan it out?
Not Studying at a Top University? A Practical Guide to Australia’s TAFE and VET Pathway
The TAFE and VET system offers an alternative to traditional university education that is practical, structured and closely linked to Australia’s labour market.
One of the “Migration Trio”: What Aged Care Work in Australia Really Looks Like
In conversations about Australian migration, a few study and career options come up again and again.
Is Australia Really “Targeting Asia”?
For anyone with complex education histories, funding structures or future migration plans, relying on generic advice or recycled templates carries more risk than ever.
Regional Pathways: A Strategic Route to Australian Permanent Residence
As competition for Australian permanent residence intensifies in major metropolitan centres, many skilled migrants are experiencing higher points thresholds, more restrictive occupation lists, and longer waiting times for invitations.
Not About High Points: How Skilled Trades Can Lead to Permanent Residency in Australia
In the landscape of Australian skilled migration, professions such as nursing, teaching and engineering often attract the most public attention.
From Hacker to Permanent Residency: How Australia’s Rarest Innovation Visa Is Actually Granted to Technical Experts
Australia’s Subclass 858 National Innovation Visa (NIV) is one of the country’s most selective permanent residency pathways.
Success Story: Managing a 482 Partner Visa Where the Relationship Was Registered During the Visa Process
Partner visa planning is often delayed because couples believe their relationship evidence is “not strong enough”.
Success Story｜Student Visa with Partner Granted
Many people assume that applying for an Australian student visa is simply about completing forms and submitting documents.
Mining Engineers in High Demand Across Australia
Australia's resources sector is entering a new phase of growth, creating significant opportunities for skilled Mining Engineers seeking to live and work in the country.
Australia's Skills Shortage 2026
The Australian labour market presents a dynamic and complex picture as we enter 2026.
Forging a Future Down Under: The Strategic Pathway to Australian Residency Through Meat Processing
According to industry analyses from organisations like Meat & Livestock Australia, the sector is a cornerstone of regional economies and a significant employer.
From Working Holiday to Permanent Resident: Your Strategic Blueprint for 2026 and Beyond
the window of opportunity remains open, but the path through it requires more foresight than ever.
Navigating Australian Migration After 35: A Comprehensive Guide to Pathways Beyond Points
I’m over 35, can I still migrate to Australia?
Analysis: The Bondi Aftermath, Australia’s Evolving Immigration Landscape, and Strategic Advice for Visa Holders & Applicants
The tragic events at Bondi have precipitated a significant moment of national reflection and policy recalibration in Australia.
Australian Immigration 2025: A Year-End Review and Your Guide for 2026
As the festive lights twinkle and the year draws to a close, it’s a pivotal moment to reflect on the significant shifts that have shaped Australian immigration in 2025.
South Australia Tightens Trade Course Rules for International Students
From 31 January 2026, all occupations classified as "trade apprenticeship" will no longer be able to enroll new students through purely classroom-based learning.
Navigating the 2025-26 Australian Migration Landscape: Strategic Insights for Students and Skilled Professionals
The Australian government's migration strategy for the 2025-26 program year focuses on "getting the settings right".
The National Innovation Visa (NIV): Australia’s Premier Direct PR Pathway for Global Innovators and Investors – State Nominations Now Live
This visa represents a paradigm shift: it is a direct, permanent residence (PR) pathway from the outset, eliminating the provisional visa stage. It focuses on a candidate's proven extraordinary achievements and potential contribution, removing traditional barriers such as age limits, standardised English language testing, and occupation lists.
Beyond the ATAR Score: A Strategic Guide for Families Navigating University Admissions and Future Pathways in Australia
The release of the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) is a defining moment for Year 12 students and their families across Australia. While the focus is rightly on university offers, at Riverwood Migration, we see this as a pivotal point for broader family planning, especially for those considering their long-term future in Australia.
Latest NIV Invitation Data Reveals the Rise of Tech and Health Sectors
304 invitations issued. 85 world-class innovators on their way to Australia.
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2026 THE World University Rankings: Six Australian Universities in the Global Top 100
Australia has once again proven its strength in global higher education.
Your Comprehensive Guide to Australian Permanent Residency Pathways in 2025
Navigating the Australian immigration system can be complex. Understanding the different pathways to Permanent Residency (PR) is the crucial first step.
Australia's Skilled Migration: A Deep Dive into Carpentry, Tiling, and Plumbing Pathways
The quest for the "most stable" skilled migration pathway is a common one, especially within the trades sector.
Beyond the Headlines: A Deep Dive into Victoria's "Adult Time for Adult Crime" Bill and Its Societal Implications
Victoria has ignited a fierce national debate with the introduction of the "Adult Time for Violent Crime" bill.
Australian Immigration Update: Analysing the Latest 189 Invitations and the JRP Advantage
This article provides a detailed breakdown of the latest trends and explores a strategic, often overlooked pathway for qualified applicants.
Your Monthly Australian Migration & Visa Update: Major 189 Invitation Round and Policy Shifts Explained
The Australian migration landscape is dynamic, and staying informed is key to a successful application.
From Cook to Permanent Resident: A Comprehensive Guide to Australian Immigration
The occupation of Cook (ANZSCO 351411) is not just a job; it's a highly sought-after skill that offers a viable and structured pathway to calling Australia home permanently.
Guide to Choosing Your Master's Degree in Australia: Duration (1 vs 1.5 vs 2 Years) and Type (Coursework vs Research)
Embarking on a Master's degree in Australia is an exciting step. However, two critical decisions can define your experience and future: the duration of your course and the type of Master's you pursue.
Australia Student Visa Update — New 3-Tier Processing System from 14 November 2025
Starting 14 November 2025, offshore Student Visa (Subclass 500) applications will be processed under a new three-tier priority system based on each institution’s international enrolment ratio.
Strategic Pathways: Navigating Australian Migration and Public Sector Career Opportunities
At Riverwood Migration, we provide more than just visa advice; we offer strategic insights for long-term settlement in Australia.
Navigating Australia's Group of Eight Universities: A Deep Dive into Premier Programs and Career Pathways
For prospective international students, Australia's Group of Eight (Go8) represents the pinnacle of academic excellence and research innovation.
Australia’s Migration Boom: A Comprehensive Guide to 7 PR Pathways in 2025
With Australia’s net migration reaching a record 245,890 in the year to May 2025, the nation continues to affirm its status as a top destination for global talent.
Navigating Your Path to Australian Permanent Residency in 2025: A Comprehensive Overview of Key Visa Pathways
Planning your move to Australia? Our expert guide breaks down the 7 most viable pathways to Australian Permanent Residency (PR) in 2025, including the new National Innovation Visa, skilled migration, and employer-sponsored options.
Nursing and Social Work No Longer in Shortage?
Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) has just released the much-anticipated 2025 Occupation Shortage List (OSL) — providing an updated snapshot of the Australian labour market and revealing where skilled talent is still urgently needed.
2026 Australian University International Quotas Announced
Australia’s 2026 international student enrolment quotas have officially been released — and the results mark a major shift in the higher education landscape.
Western Australia State Nomination Quota: 30% Cut
The Australian Federal Government plans to slash Western Australia’s State Nominated Migration Program (SNMP) quota from 5,000 to 3,400 (a 30% cut).
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Victoria Unexpectedly Reopens 2025–26 Skilled Migration Program｜380 Interim Places Released – Policy and Risk Breakdown
On 2 October, the Victorian Government suddenly announced the reopening of the 2025–26 Skilled Migration Program (state nomination), effective immediately.
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Tasmania State Nomination Now Open! 2025–26 Program Fully Upgraded: Scoring System, Income Thresholds & Application Pathways Explained
Following the reopening of nomination programs in Victoria and Queensland, the Tasmanian Government officially launched its 2025–26 Skilled Migration State Nomination Program on 6 October.
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State Governments Gain Direct Access to Travel Records
A major change has just reshaped Australia’s migration framework — the Federal Government has passed an amendment that formally authorises all state and territory governments to directly access applicants’ entry and exit movement records.
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2026 QS Business Master’s Rankings Released: Australian Universities Shine Across Five Disciplines with Dual Value in Study & Migration
In September 2025, QS released the 2026 Business Master’s Rankings, covering five key disciplines: Finance, Business Analytics, Marketing, Management, and Supply Chain Management.
Australia’s Asylum Backlog Deepens: Nearly100,000 Awaiting Deportation, Student Visa Applicants Under Scrutiny
Recent reports have revealed that Australia’s protection visa (asylum) system is close to breaking point. According to News Corp Australia (7 September).
Australia’s 482 Visa Update: Occupation List Review Underway, English Requirement Eased
The Australian Government has recently announced that Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) will commence a review of the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).
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Early Childhood Blocked, Secured Nursing at the University of Melbourne
Over the past year, Australia’s early childhood education programs have faced repeated negative press.
QLD State Nomination Now Open! 2025-26 Occupation Lists and Pathways Released
On 19 September 2025, Queensland officially opened applications for its State Nomination Program. For the new program year, QLD has not only updated both the onshore and offshore occupation lists, but also clarified the requirements and assessment criteria for each pathway.
ACT State Nomination Latest Results: 559 Invitations Issued Despite Only 165 Interim Places
On 15 September 2025, the ACT released its latest state nomination bulletin. Despite holding just 165 interim allocations, this round saw a remarkable 559 invitations issued. The scale of this round has surprised many applicants, showing that while competition is fierce, there are still strong opportunities.
Big Win for Tasmanian Graduates: 485 Visa Extended to “2+2” Model!
The Department of Home Affairs has officially announced a major policy change — from 12 September 2025, international students who study and graduate in Tasmania, and continue to live and work in the state, will now be eligible for an additional two-year extension on their 485 Post-Study Work Visa (regional stream).
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Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa｜Quarterly invitation rounds confirmed, another round expected before the end of 2025
On 21 August 2025, the Department of Home Affairs issued almost 7,000 invitations under SkillSelect, the vast majority being for the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa.
ANU Vice-Chancellor Resigns｜Leadership Crisis and Future Challenges
The Australian National University (ANU), one of Australia’s most prestigious institutions, has been rocked by major news: Vice-Chancellor and President Genevieve Bell has announced her resignation.
Major Layoffs in Australian Banking｜Implications for the Skilled Occupation List and Migration Pathways
Australia’s financial sector is undergoing significant turbulence. Major banks — including ANZ, NAB, Commonwealth Bank, and Bank of Queensland — have announced large-scale job cuts, ranging from hundreds to several thousand roles.
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Waiting Too Long for an EOI Invite? How the Applicant Secured a 189 Visa Instead
Our client, Ms C, held a Bachelor of Nursing and was living and working in South Australia. Initially, she aimed for a 190 State Nomination visa, but soon ran into major hurdles.
First 189 Invitation Round of the 2025–26 Program Year: Nearly 7,000 Invitations Issued, Latest Cut-off Scores Revealed
On 21 August, the Department of Home Affairs released the first SkillSelect invitation round results for the 2025–26 program year.
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Australia’s Migration Policy in 2025: The Reality Behind the Protests
Recently, large-scale anti-immigration rallies under the banner of “March for Australia” broke out across major cities such as Sydney and Melbourne.
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2025–26 State Nomination Update: Interim Allocations in South Australia, ACT and Tasmania
Recently, several Australian states and territories announced their interim skilled migration allocations for the 2025–26 program year.
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2025–26 Australia Permanent Migration Cap Maintained: Positive Signals for Skilled and Family Streams
The Australian Government has officially confirmed that the permanent migration program for the 2025–26 financial year will remain capped at 185,000 places.
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Australia’s 2025–26 Migration Program Ceiling Remains at 185,000
On 2 September 2025, the Australian Government confirmed that the permanent Migration Program planning level for 2025–26 will remain at 185,000 places.
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2025-26 Program Year: WA & ACT State Nomination Updates
As the new program year begins, state nomination policies are once again a key focus for international students and skilled migration applicants.
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2025 Core Skills Occupations List (CSOL) Review Commences
On 25 August 2025, Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) formally commenced the review of the 2025 Core Skills Occupations List (CSOL).
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Australia and New Zealand to Launch “One Card for Two Countries”: New Opportunities for Students and Migrants
At the 2025 annual leaders’ meeting in Queenstown, New Zealand, the Prime Ministers of Australia and New Zealand confirmed that the two nations are moving ahead with plans for a Joint Identity Card and Driver’s Licence.
Document Delays + Imminent Visa Expiry: Successfully Secured a 482 Employer Sponsored Visa!
Ms P, an experienced professional in the hospitality industry, received sponsorship from an employer in New South Wales (NSW) to work as a Chef, formally commencing her journey towards the 482 Employer Sponsored Visa.
Australian Universities to Raise International Student Fees in 2026: What Does It Mean for You?
According to The Australian, several Australian universities have confirmed that international student tuition fees will increase from 2026.
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Australia’s Latest Salary Rankings: What They Mean for Students and Migration Planning
A recent salary report released by HR platform Employment Hero has sparked widespread discussion across Australian social media.
RBA Cuts Rates Again, House Prices Rise: What It Means for Migrants and International Students
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has cut the cash rate for the third time this year, bringing it down to 3.6%.
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Riverwood Migration × Western Sydney University: Supporting Talent Development Every Step of the Way
At Riverwood Migration, we firmly believe that a more professional and compassionate migration law profession must begin with nurturing talent at the education stage.
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Home Affairs Minister Confirms: No Major Changes to PR Quota for 2025–26
In August 2025, Australia’s Minister for Home Affairs, Clare O’Neil, confirmed in a public interview that “we are not planning a significant increase to the permanent migration intake”.
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English Language Requirement for the 482 Visa Set to Be Lowered – PTE Changes Expected from 13 September 2025
In a major update to Australia’s skilled migration framework, the Department of Home Affairs has confirmed that the English language threshold for the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Subclass 482 visa – Short-Term stream – will be lowered.
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Major Housing Plan Launched in Adelaide CBD: A New Era for Migrants and Skilled Professionals
As Australia's economy continues to grow and population pressures mount, the City of Adelaide has unveiled an unprecedented urban development strategy—a bold move to fast-track residential construction in the CBD.
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Mature Age + Long Study Gap: How a Hospitality Student Visa Application Beat the Odds
Client C from Hong Kong completed her studies up to Form 6 (Year 12 equivalent) and then moved straight into the workforce.
Australia to Lift International Student Cap to 295,000 Next Year, with a Strong Focus on Southeast Asia
The Australian Government has announced that, from next year, the cap on international student enrolments will rise to 295,000, an increase of 25,000 places compared with this year. This marks the first expansion of the cap after a year of tightened controls.
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PTE Academic Score Requirements Update
The Department of Home Affairs has recently updated the PTE Academic score requirements in the visa system.
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ATO Tightens Oversight on ‘Lifestyle Assets’ and Investment Properties
For overseas investors, skilled migrants, and business migrants holding high-value assets or investment properties in Australia, this means greater transparency and increased scrutiny in tax reporting, with potential exposure to reassessments, penalties, and even criminal liability for breaches.
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International Students Are Not the Culprit of Inflation: RBA Sets the Record Straight
In July 2025, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) released its Quarterly Bulletin, including a detailed analysis on the relationship between international students and the Australian economy.
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NT 491 Offshore Occupation List Updated – Get Ready for 2025 Nomination Round!
On 11 July 2025, the Northern Territory (NT) Government officially released its updated offshore 491 Skilled Occupation List.
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Switching Fields to OT – How Riverwood Helped S Secure a Spot at USYD Against the Odds
Client S, a graduate with a Bachelor of Social Sciences (Second Honours) from the University of Hong Kong, later completed a Master of Science in Applied Behaviour Analysis at Endicott College (USA) and became a certified BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst).
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NSW ROI Opening This Week: A Strategic Gateway for Global Talent to Migrate to Australia
In late 2024, the Australian Government officially launched the National Innovation Visa (NIV, Subclass 858) — a new permanent residency pathway that replaces the former Global Talent Visa.
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QS Best Student Cities 2026: Melbourne & Sydney Hold Strong – Why Australia Remains a Top Study Destination
The highly anticipated QS Best Student Cities Ranking 2026 has just been released, and once again, Melbourne and Sydney have secured their positions in the global top 10.
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Australian Government Proposes Student Debt Reduction Legislation: What It Means for Graduates and Future Migrants
In July 2025, the Australian Federal Government announced its intention to introduce a major legislative reform aimed at reducing HELP student debt by 20% for around 3 million people.
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[PTE Major Update 2025] New Task Types, Human Scoring & IELTS Alignment
From 7 August 2025, PTE Academic and PTE Academic UKVI will undergo significant structural changes aimed at better assessing real-world English proficiency and aligning more closely with the CEFR framework.
[ATO’s 2024 Highest-Paid Occupations] Which Fields Offer Top Earnings & Migration Potential?
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has just released its latest 2024 report on the top ten highest-earning occupations across Australia — and the results once again reinforce a familiar pattern.
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Victoria’s Nomination Pathway for Subclass 858 Now Open
The Victorian Government has officially confirmed its participation in the National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858) program — a federal permanent residency visa pathway aimed at attracting top global talent with internationally recognised achievements.
Only 1 Day Left on Visa – How We Secured a 2.5-Month Bridging Solution in a High-Risk Case
Client T contacted us with just one day left before their 485 Graduate visa was due to expire.
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ANMAC Broadens Skills Assessment Access for International Nurses
For internationally qualified registered nurses (IQRNs) seeking to migrate to Australia through skilled migration, a clearer and earlier pathway is now officially available.
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Australia's 5-Year Housing Surge & Skilled Migration Boost in Construction
In the first half of 2025, PRD’s latest Smart Moves: Capital City Editions report confirms what many have already observed: Australia’s housing shortage remains a central issue across capital city markets.
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Over 23,000 Student Qualifications Cancelled: Ghost Colleges Expose Risks to Migration
Recently, the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) announced a significant crackdown: over 23,000 students have been notified that their qualifications are no longer valid, following the deregistration of multiple private vocational education providers—commonly referred to as "shonky" or "ghost colleges."
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2025–26 Australia Parent Visa Policy Update: Application Fees Increase by 3%, AOS Income Threshold Rises by 2.4%
As the 2025–26 financial year officially begins, Australia’s immigration policies have undergone another round of adjustments.
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ATO Confirms: Over 1.1 Million Chinese-Linked Accounts Reported to Chinese Tax Authorities
According to the latest 2023 CRS (Common Reporting Standard) data released by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), Australia has shared a substantial volume of financial account information with tax authorities in China.
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Multiple Visa Warnings from Immigration? Riverwood Helped Secure Approval!
Client A entered Australia two years ago on a tourist visa and has since extended their stay multiple times.
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UK-Australia tech partnership upgrade: potential impacts on Australian skilled migration
The Tech Council of Australia (TCA) and techUK have recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking a significant step forward in UK-Australia technology cooperation.
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Engineers Australia announces fee increases for 2025–26: Migration skills assessment costs to rise
From 1 July 2025, Engineers Australia (EA) has officially increased all migration skills assessment fees by approximately 3% to 4%.
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What Amazon’s $20 billion investment means for Australian immigration
Amazon Web Services (AWS) has announced an additional $20 billion AUD investment in Australian data centres between 2025 and 2029.
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Visa once cancelled, but still started her migration journey with a student visa!
One of our recent clients, Ms G, is a prime example of how even a complex immigration history can be turned around with the right strategy and support.
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2026 QS rankings: The rise and fall of Australian universities
The 2026 QS World University Rankings have been released, drawing significant attention to the performance of Australian universities in an increasingly competitive global higher education landscape.
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2024-25 NT skilled migration update: Limited 491 nominations still available
As the 2024-25 program year progresses, the Northern Territory (NT) has released its latest update on General Skilled Migration (GSM) nomination applications.
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2025 civil engineering draftsperson assessment changes: Key EA updates
The Engineers Australia (EA) has recently announced significant changes to the skills assessment criteria for Civil Engineering Draftspersons (ANZSCO 312211). The new requirements will officially take effect from 1 July 2025.
Major changes to skilled migration and student visa policies
With the 2024–25 financial year approaching, several important updates to Australia’s visa system will come into effect from 1 July 2025. These changes may significantly impact the eligibility criteria and costs for those planning to apply for skilled migration or student visas, so it’s essential to stay informed and prepare in advance.
