Author: Julie Williams | MARN 9903637

Celebrating our newest Citizens on the 75th Anniversary of Australian Citizenship Australia Day marks the 75th Anniversary of Australian Citzenship which first occurred on 26 January 1949.  We also like to recognise and celebrate Australia’s newest citizens which Migration Downunder have assisted in achieving their end goal of Australian citizenship. 75 Years of Australian Citizenship For […]

Akshaf’s Story – Subclass 820 Partner Visa Tell us a bit about your background. I was originally born in Pakistan and migrated to the UK with my mother and brother at the age of 10. After completing my education and working there, I was inspired by a friend to explore life in Australia. I arrived […]

Applying for an Australian Permanent Skilled Migration Visa Australia’s state and territory-nominated visa options to migrate without an employer sponsor have become more competitive due to the government significantly reducing its 2023-24 allocations for these visas. Many make the mistake of assuming that because they work in a skilled occupation that is on one of […]

Partner Visa Update for Subclass 309 Offshore Applicants As of 25 November 2023, Australia’s Partner Visa Program has become simplified with the removal of the distinction between ‘onshore’ and ‘offshore’ applicants, making it easier for those who are residing outside of Australia. There are two separate pathways in the Partner Visa Program: Onshore (Subclass 820/801) and Offshore […]

Geoff Bird’s Story – Citzenship Tell us a bit about your background. My name is Geoff and I’m from England. I first came to Australia on a working holiday visa in 2012. I loved my first year here so much that I applied for a second working visa after completing 3 months of farm work. My […]

The much-anticipated announcement of the Government’s new Migration Strategy has finally been revealed, including the new 4-Year Skills in Demand visa which will replace the Temporary Skilled Shortage (TSS) 482 visa. Most announcements are preliminary with further detail yet to come, following further consultation. Most of the changes not coming into effect until late 2024. […]

Permanent Parent and Contributory Parent visa applications are subject to capping and queuing under the Migration Program set by the Government each year. In relation to the function of the Parent and Contributory Parent visa ‘queue’, here are some key points below that will assist in understanding the lengthy processing time frames of parent applications. […]

Expanding Access to the TRT Stream  Required amendments – have been released – to the Regulations to give effect to the changes that expand pathways to permanent residence for the Subclass 186 Temporary Residence Transition Stream (TRT) Subclass 482 and 457 skilled workers. Key changes that have come into effect from 25 November 2023: Expanded […]

Permanent Residency for TSS 482 Visa Holders The long-awaited announcement as to when all TSS 482 visa holders will have a pathway to permanent residence regardless of their occupations under the 482 visa stream, including those under a Labour Agreement, has been announced. Changes come into effect from Saturday, 25 November 2023. The nominated worker […]

Pawinee’s Story – 190 Skilled Visa Tell us a bit about your background. My name is Pawinee. I was an international student from Thailand who came here to study for a Master of Teacher (Birth to Five) at Macquarie University in 2018. I was originally on a Student Visa and then on a Post-Graduate visa […]

Maimoona & Shahida‘s Story – Subclass 870 Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa Tell us a bit about yourselves. My name is Maimoona – I am a daughter, mother, wife, banker and an Australian citizen living in Sydney with my family. I was born to Pakistani parents and have lived in Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa […]

Pauleen and Ulysis’ Story – 300 Prospective Marriage Visa Tell us a bit about yourselves. My name is Pauleen. I’m from Negros Occidental, Philippines, and while Ulysis was born in the Philippines, he spent his early childhood in Australia. I’ll be joining Ulysis in Australia in the upcoming month. How was your experience with Migration […]

Tanvir & Dilruba’s Story – 309 Partner Visa Tell us a bit about yourselves. My name is Tanvir. I’m from Mymensingh, Bangladesh, and Dilruba is Australian. We met around six years ago through a mutual friend. We got married in July 2021. Currently, Dilruba is studying at The University of Queensland. We applied for a […]

Trevor’s Story – Citizenship Tell us a bit about your background I was born in the United States and moved to Australia in 2019 to pursue a career in academia at the University of Melbourne. How was your experience with Migration Downunder? I have nothing but positive things to say about my experience with Migration […]

Sandra’s Story – 820 Partner Visa Tell us a bit about your background I am originally from Spain and came to Australia in 2022. I met Hamish, my partner, in 2019 in Scotland while we were both doing a uni exchange. In early 2020, Hamish returned to Australia and I went back to Spain to […]

Ali’s Story – Citizenship & Subclass 309/100 Partner Visa Tell us a little about yourself. I am Ali, an Afghani citizen who arrived as a refugee and was granted permanent residency over ten years ago.  Sadly, I arrived without my family as I fled Afghanistan in fear for my life and seeking a better future […]

Tajinder’s Story – Regional Migration Employer Sponsored Tell us a little about yourself I am Tajinder. I arrived in Australia with my wife in 2008. I was on a student visa for almost 5 years and a 457 for 1 year. I became a permanent resident in 2013 through the employer sponsored regional migration program […]

Father’s Day – Parent Visas  With Father’s Day not far away, in Australia, many residents in Australia are reminded of the distance between themselves and their parents. Australia offers several different options for parents to reunite with their children who reside in Australia and dependent on your individual circumstances will determine the best option for […]

Employer Nomination Scheme Subclass 186 Update By the end of 2023, the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream of the Employer Nomination Scheme Subclass 186 visa will be amended as follows: 1. All Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Subclass 482 visa holders will be eligible for ENS visas sponsored by their employers; 2. Applicants will need to […]

Australian Migration Program Update (April 2023) On 27 April 2023, the Home Affairs Minister, Clare O’Neil addressed the National Press Club announcing major reforms to the migration program. The emphasis is on restoring the Australian values into Australia’s Skilled Migration Program to bring in: • Integrity – Otherwise without it we will lose the public […]

New Direct Pathway to Australian Citizenship for Eligible New Zealand Citizens On Saturday, 22 April 2023, the Australian Government made an announcement for a new direct pathway to Australian citizenship for eligible New Zealand citizens. New Zealanders who enter Australia on a New Zealand passport do so under the Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement and are issued […]

Precious’ Story – Student Visa Tell us a little about yourself I am Precious and I’m from the Philippines. I came to Australia to study and experience Australian Education to obtain the best international knowledge. How was your experience with Migration Downunder?  Migration Downunder made my dream possible by providing the best and excellent service. […]

Kevin’s Story – Subclass 482 Tell us a little about yourself I am from the Philippines but I have been living in Australia since October 2022. What made you want to live in Australia permanently? How was your experience with your employer? I have always liked Australia for its laid back lifestyle and the wildlife […]

Suraj’s Story – Citizenship Tell us a little about your background  I am Suraj. We moved to Australia back in 2016 from New Zealand on a work visa. My wife and 2 sons have made Sydney our home. What made you want to live in Australia permanently? We always wanted to migrate to Australia. The […]