Insights
Latest insights from the trusted migration experts.
Stay ahead with expert commentary and updates on Australia’s evolving visa and migration landscape.
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Occupations
Immigration Tips
skill assessment
October 19, 2026
394111 Cabinetmaker (394112 Cabinet Maker): TRA Skills Assessment, Code Differences and Visa Options
Cabinetmaker is ANZSCO 394111 on the lists for the 189, 190, 491 and 494, but Cabinet Maker 394112 on the lists for the 482 and 186. Here's why the code changes, which TRA program applies to you, what it costs and where a positive outcome takes you.
Occupations
Immigration Tips
skill assessment
October 19, 2026
331211 Carpenter and Joiner and 331213 Joiner: TRA Skills Assessment and Visa Options
Carpenter and Joiner (ANZSCO 331211) and Joiner (ANZSCO 331213) are TRA trades on the 189, 190, 491, 482, 186 and 494 lists, with slightly different rules from Carpenter. Here's which TRA program applies to you, what it costs, how the codes differ and where a positive outcome takes you.
Occupations
Immigration Tips
skill assessment
October 16, 2026
252511 Physiotherapist: APC Skills Assessment, the New Fees from 21 October 2026, and Your Visa Options
Overseas-trained physiotherapists can't go straight to the Australian Physiotherapy Council's migration skills assessment: they need a Final Certificate first, through APEP, FLYR or Express FLYR, and those fees rise on 21 October 2026. Here's which pathway fits you, every fee, Ahpra registration and the routes to the 189, 190, 491, 482, 186 and 494.
Immigration Tips
Occupations
skill assessment
October 16, 2026
331111 Bricklayer and 333411 Wall and Floor Tiler: Which TRA Assessment You Need and Your Visa Options
Bricklayer (ANZSCO 331111) and Wall and Floor Tiler (ANZSCO 333411) are both TRA trades on the 189, 190, 491, 482, 186 and 494 lists, but the TRA program you need differs between them, and for bricklayers it depends on your passport. Here's how to choose, what each program costs, and where a positive outcome takes you.
Occupations
Immigration Tips
skill assessment
October 16, 2026
341111 Electrician (General): Why TRA's OSAP Is Compulsory, What It Costs, and Your Visa Options
Electrician (General), ANZSCO 341111, is a licensed trade, so TRA's cheaper Migration Skills Assessment and Job Ready Program are closed to it and the Offshore Skills Assessment Program is compulsory for permanent visas. Here's what OSAP involves and costs, the 482 rules by passport, and the routes to the 189, 190, 491, 482, 186 and 494.
Immigration Tips
Skilled Visas
Visa Updates
October 14, 2026
What Is the 494 Visa? Subclass 494 Requirements, Occupation List, Conditions and the 191
The subclass 494 is a 5-year employer-sponsored visa for regional Australia that leads to permanent residence through the subclass 191 after 3 years. Here are the requirements and when each is tested, the 494 occupation lists, the conditions, 2026-27 costs and processing.
Skilled Visas
Immigration Tips
Immigration Resources
October 14, 2026
485 Visa in 2026: What Changed, Requirements, Cost and the Second 485
The 485 Temporary Graduate visa now costs $5,750 for the main applicant, up from $2,300 at the start of 2026, and 485 holders can no longer apply for a student visa from inside Australia. Here are the 2026 changes, who qualifies, the English scores, how long you can stay and the second 485.
Immigration Tips
General Immigration News
October 14, 2026
ACT State Nomination 2026-27: Results of the 12 October Canberra Matrix Round
The ACT held its first Canberra Matrix invitation round of 2026-27 in the week of 12 October 2026, for subclass 190 only. Here are the invitations by pathway, minimum Matrix scores for common occupations, the next round dates and what ACT nomination costs.
Immigration Resources
October 13, 2026
Medical for an Australian Visa: Health Examinations Explained
Most Australian visa applicants have to meet the health requirement, and many need a visa medical to prove it. Here's which tests you'll need by age and visa, how the HAP ID and Bupa or panel clinic booking work, how long results stay valid, and when a health waiver is possible.
skill assessment
Immigration Tips
October 13, 2026
VETASSESS Skills Assessment: Processing Time and Fees in 2026
VETASSESS assesses professional and general occupations in about 7 weeks for $1,146 (more if you pay GST), or 10 business days with priority processing. Here are every fee and processing times it publishes, plus reviews, renewals and the 485 assessment.
Skilled Visas
Immigration Tips
October 13, 2026
Subclass 190 Visa: Requirements, Processing Time and Conditions in 2026
The subclass 190 is a permanent, points-tested visa that needs a state or territory nomination. Here's what has to be true at invitation and at decision, the $6,140 charge, current processing times, the Direction 122 order and the conditions once it's granted.
Skilled Visas
Visa Updates
October 13, 2026
Victoria's 190 and 491 Nomination for 2026-27: New Fees and the Victorian Points Test
Victoria will charge $60 to register interest and $180 to apply for 190 or 491 nomination in 2026-27, and it has published the full Victorian Points Test it uses to rank applicants. Here are the fees, every points band, the priority industries and what to do before the program opens.
Frequently Asked Questions
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