Immigration News

Migration: Paving the Way for a Brighter Future for Families and Future Generations
29 January 2025 Julie Williams | MARN 9903637As the Lunar New Year approaches, it brings with it the promise of new beginnings, prosperity, and opportunities. For many, this festive season is a time to reflect on the past and plan for a brighter future. At Migration Downunder, we recognise the deep cultural significance of the Lunar New Year and celebrate Australia as […]
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Reuniting Families in Australia: Your Pathway to Togetherness
20 January 2025 Julie Williams | MARN 9903637The holiday season often reminds us of the warmth and joy of family, whether it’s spending time with loved ones who are visiting Australia or cherishing moments while overseas, dreaming of being closer to family members here. If you’ve been longing to bring your family together, now is the perfect time to turn that dream […]
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What to Expect When Moving to Australia
18 December 2024 Christina MathewA Personal Journey Across Melbourne, Sydney, and Perth Migrating to a new country is filled with excitement, hope, and often some serious challenges. My journey from India to Australia is a testament to this. Years ago, as I anxiously researched Australian immigration updates, I became a subscriber to Migration Downunder’s YouTube channel, seeking guidance and […]
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Overview of the Skills in Demand Visa
17 December 2024 Julie Williams | MARN 9903637The Skills in Demand (SID) visa was introduced on 7 December 2024, replacing the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) 482 visa. This significant change in Australia’s migration framework aims to address the country’s evolving labour market needs by streamlining skilled migration and providing enhanced pathways for highly skilled workers. Here’s a detailed look at the SID […]
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Commencement of the New Skills in Demand Visa Program & CSOL
4 December 2024 Julie Williams | MARN 9903637The Department of Home Affairs has announced that effective 7 December 2024, the new Skills in Demand (SID) visa program will be implemented along with the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL). This new program will replace the Subclass 482 visa and its existing occupation lists. Key Details of the SID Visa Implementation Initially, many anticipated […]
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Upcoming Changes to the Australian Skilled Migration Program
20 November 2024 Julie Williams | MARN 9903637As you are no doubt aware, the Australian government has announced significant updates to the skilled migration landscape, focusing on the introduction of the Skills in Demand Visa, which will replace the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) subclass 482 visa. These changes reflect Australia’s continued efforts to streamline skilled migration and address critical workforce shortages in […]
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Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for an Australian Visa
19 November 2024 Julie Williams | MARN 9903637Applying for an Australian visa can be a rewarding but complex process. With various visa options and strict requirements, even small errors can lead to delays or rejections. To help you navigate the process, we’ve outlined the top five mistakes to avoid when applying for an Australian visa. 1. Providing Incomplete or Incorrect Information Accuracy […]
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Australia’s Current Targeted Sectors for Skilled Migration
21 October 2024 Julie Williams | MARN 9903637As Australia continues to grow and strengthen its economy, the need for skilled migration in critical sectors has become a top priority for the Australian government. To support this demand, various skilled visa pathways are available for individuals with expertise in industries that are vital to Australia’s long-term prosperity. These sectors are not only fundamental […]
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The Transition from ANZSCO to Occupation Standard Classification for Australia (OSCA): What You Need to Know
9 October 2024 Julie Williams | MARN 9903637Australia’s migration and employment landscape is constantly evolving, and with it, so are the systems used to classify and manage occupations. One of the most significant recent changes in this area is the transition from the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) to the new Occupation Standard Classification for Australia (OSCA). This […]
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Keeping Families Together in Australia: Exploring Visa Pathways for Reuniting with Family Members
9 October 2024 Julie Williams | MARN 9903637Australia’s strong emphasis on family unity and migration has made it a leading destination for individuals seeking to reunite with their loved ones. The Australian government provides various visa options for families, allowing spouses, parents and children to reconnect and live together. 1. Partner Visas One of the most popular visa options for families is […]
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New Ballot Process for Australian Work and Holiday Visa – Subclass 462 – China, Vietnam & India
30 September 2024 Julie Williams | MARN 9903637In a significant development for cultural exchange and economic collaboration Chinese and Indian citizens can now apply for a Subclass 462 Work & Holiday Visa. This initiative aims to bolster the ties between the countries. Commencing on 1 October 2024, the Australian government is implementing a visa pre-application (ballot) process for the following high demand […]
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Reuniting with Your Children: The Child Visa Process Explained
25 September 2024 Julie Williams | MARN 9903637For Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens, reuniting with children overseas is a deeply emotional and important step. The Australian government offers several pathways to bring children to Australia through a child visa. This article serves as a detailed guide to help you navigate the process, understand the eligibility criteria, and successfully […]
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Navigating the Australian Permanent Parent Visa Program: Understanding Your Options and Why You Should Apply Now
11 September 2024 Julie Williams | MARN 9903637Australia’s Permanent Parent Visa program offers a pathway for parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to reunite with their families. However, understanding the available visa options and making an informed decision is crucial, as the process involves significant waiting times, costs, and specific eligibility criteria. Basic Criteria for Parent Visa […]
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Celebrating 25 Years of Turning Migration Dreams into Reality
4 September 2024 Jessica SasayiahMigration Downunder proudly celebrates its 25th anniversary, marking a significant milestone in its journey as a leading provider of immigration services. Founded and owned by Julie Williams, a seasoned Registered Migration Agent, the firm has built a reputation for its unwavering commitment to clients and deep expertise in Australian migration law. Julie’s vision of delivering […]
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Victoria State Nomination Program Update – August 2024
2 September 2024 Julie Williams | MARN 9903637A representative from the Victorian government recently provided key updates on the state nomination program, which re-opened in August 2024. The message from the Melbourne State Government highlights an increase in opportunities for regional Victoria during the 2024-2025 program year. This year, 2,000 places have been allocated to the Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) visa, […]
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Queensland State Nomination Program Update – August 2024
28 August 2024 Alice Wang | MARN 0852751During a recent symposium, a representative from the Queensland government provided key updates on the state nomination program, scheduled to reopen in early September 2024. Here are the highlights: In Summary: There’s a real focus on Energy workers and the Queensland state government are not necessarily considering the number of points an applicant has as […]
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Things Employers Need to Know When Employing Temporary Skilled Workers in Australia
14 August 2024 Julie Williams | MARN 9903637Employing temporary skilled workers in Australia can provide businesses with access to a diverse talent pool and specialised skills that may not be readily available locally. However, it also involves navigating a complex landscape of immigration laws and regulations. Employers must be aware of their obligations and the criteria that need to be met to […]
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Gaining a Visa for Australia: A Marathon, Not a Sprint
8 August 2024 Julie Williams | MARN 9903637The journey to obtaining an Australian visa can often feel like preparing for the Olympics. Much like athletes training for the marathon, prospective migrants must approach the process with dedication, patience, and a long-term perspective. Training for the Long Haul Just as marathon runners spend months, even years, preparing for the big race, aspiring migrants […]
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Changes to the Temporary Graduate Visa Program – Subclass 485
24 July 2024 Alice Wang | MARN 0852751What is the Temporary Graduate 485 Visa? Key Changes Exemptions Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream If you need assistance with the Subclass 485 visa, consider reaching out to me or one of the expert migration agents. They can help guide you through the process and keep you updated on any changes that may affect your […]
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Key Immigration Changes from 1 July 2024
1 July 2024 Albert Fang | MARN 1280959The Australian government has implemented significant immigration changes affecting various visa classes across the program from 1 July. Whilst we have received the new Regulations; the policy around these key changes has not yet been released. Fee Increases The Government lodgement fees for most subclasses have increased from 1 July by approximately 2.8 %, as […]
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Everything you need to know about Australian Registered Migration Agents
1 July 2024 Julie Williams | MARN 9903637The most important thing to keep in mind is that anything related to a visa, including company sponsorship and nomination applications, is subject to legal criteria under the Migration Act 1959, Migration Regulations 1994, and discretionary Departmental policy. Do I need to use a registered migration agent? The short answer is no. You can lodge […]
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Why your health & character matters to the Department of Home Affairs?
20 June 2024 Julie Williams | MARN 9903637Why your health & character matters to the Department of Home Affairs? All visa applicants must meet strict health criteria for any visa application. There are some limited exceptions for temporary short stay visas however there are no exceptions in most cases. For a permanent visa application, the person is required to complete a full […]
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Frequently Asked Immigration Questions By Employers
11 June 2024 Julie Williams | MARN 9903637With the reduction of independent points-based invitations for temporary skilled migrants to gain permanent residency, more and more temporary visa holders are asking their employers for sponsorship. Julie Williams, Migration Downunder’s Managing Director and Principal Migration Agent, answers some of the common questions that employers may have regarding their legal obligations and employment responsibilities. What does […]
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Updates on Designated Area Migration Agreements
30 May 2024 Katrin HodderSenior Migration Agent, Katrin Hodder, recently attended a Continuing Professional Development training program in Adelaide with a focus on the South Australia and Northern Territory Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMA). In this article, Katrin shares some insights on the latest updates and how entering into a DAMA can be beneficial to you as a business […]
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