Via Migration

The process to apply for an Australian visa just got easier thanks to the Australian Immi App.

Now live in 34 countries, the app allows eligible applicants to complete key biometric steps from their smartphones, helping reduce costs and processing times.

To be eligible, clients must have previously provided their biometrics (facial image and fingerprints) to the Department of Home Affairs and hold a valid passport.

For more information on the Australian Immi App, including eligibility and step-by-step instructions visit https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/supporting/Pages/australian-immi-app.aspx

The long-awaited state and territory allocation for skilled visas 190 and 491 has been announced. But, it's not the news we have been waiting to hear....

State and Territory Skilled Migration Update - Via Migration Full skilled visa allocations for states and territories announced for 2025-26. And it's not great news...

Next invitation round for subclass 189 visas coming on the 13th of November! Get your EOIs up to date!

Are you a highly skilled worker who wants to live and work permanently in Australia?

The next invitation round for the 189 Skilled Independent visa (points tested stream) will be on 13 November.

Australia wants a wide range of highly skilled workers – including educators, health workers and medical specialists.

Start getting your documents together and submit an expression of interest.

Don’t have enough time? There will be more opportunities. We're now planning quarterly 189 invitation rounds.

To learn more visit: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/skilled-independent-189/points-tested

📢 UK professionals invited to explore career opportunities in South Australia.

The South Australian Government, together with business and industry, is travelling around the UK this October for the Move to South Australia Roadshow.

Each Roadshow event will allow people to connect directly with South Australian employers, meet support services, gain insights from Brits who have successfully relocated, and learn about the lifestyle and career opportunities available in South Australia.

Event dates and locations 👇

📍 London – Saturday, 11 October
📍 Newport (Wales) – Sunday, 12 October
📍 Birmingham – Tuesday, 14 October
📍 Manchester – Thursday, 16 October
📍 Glasgow – Saturday, 18 October

Learn more and register ▶ movetosouthaustralia.com

The Pacific Engagement stream visa ballot closes Monday 25 August, 11.59pm AEST.

Be sure to complete your registration form and pay the ballot registration fee before it closes. You can’t submit a late registration.

You can check the status of your registration in your ImmiAccount.

More information about the random selection process is available on the Department of Home Affairs’ website: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/pacific-engagement/ballot-registration/ballot-country-status

Planning an Aussie visa?
New English test score rules are in effect for student, graduate, partner, and skilled visas for tests completed after the 7th of August 2025.

📝 Find out what Functional, Competent, Proficient, and Superior English mean — and which test scores you need!

Read the full guide: https://viamigration.com.au/english-requirements-for-australian-visa/

Got questions? Drop them below 👇

Australia’s Pacific Engagement stream visa (PEV) ballot for 2025 opens today!

It is a new ballot and registrations from the 2024 ballot are not included in this draw.

To be able to apply for a PEV, you must first be selected in the random ballot. Eligible citizens from participating countries can enter – people of all skill levels, genders and occupations are welcome.

Participating countries for the PEV 2025 program are:

• Federated States of Micronesia
• Fiji
• Kiribati
• Nauru
• Palau
• Papua New Guinea
• Samoa
• Solomon Islands
• Timor-Leste
• Tonga
• Vanuatu

Learn more about how to register here: http://spr.ly/6184fPJXK

🎯 Planning to apply for a state-nominated visa in Australia this year?
The new migration program year will be opening soon, but getting a Subclass 190 or 491 visa takes more than just lodging an EOI.

In our latest guide, we cover:

✅ How to choose the right occupation
✅ What points you actually need to be competitive
✅ Why 2025–2026 state nomination rules may change
✅ The importance of being honest in your application
✅ What to expect at the visa stage

💡 Plus, find out how Via Migration can help you assess your eligibility and build a personalised strategy to get nominated.

📖 Read the full guide here: https://viamigration.com.au/state-nominated-visa-australia-2025/

Visa fee changes have been now amended in legislation and officially published by the department of Home Affairs. I wrote about it here on Friday: https://viamigration.com.au/visa-application-fee-increases-july-2025/

The department's fee calculator and website doesn't show the changes yet, so if you're interested in some od the prices not mentioned in my article feel free to message me and I'll look it up!

Visa Application Fee Increases July 2025 - Via Migration From 1 July 2025, the Department of Home Affairs will increase visa application charges across a wide range of visa subclasses.

🚀 National Innovation Visa (NIV) – Nomination Pathways Now Open in NSW & SA!
New South Wales (NSW) and South Australia (SA) have announced their nomination pathways for the National Innovation Visa (subclass 858).

Here’s a full breakdown of the pathways – and which state offers what:

🔹 Academic & Research Professionals
For individuals with high-impact research and global recognition.
✅ Available in: NSW, SA

🔹 Entrepreneurs
For innovative startup founders with a track record of success.
✅ Available in: NSW, SA

🔹 Innovative Investors
For those funding early-stage or disruptive businesses.
✅ Available in: NSW, SA

🔹 Creative Professionals
For recognised artists, performers, designers, and creatives.
✅ Available in: NSW, SA

🔹 Sports Professionals
For elite athletes, coaches, and sports scientists.
✅ Available in: NSW only

🔹 Other Globally Talented Individuals
For exceptional talents who don’t fit into the above categories but have a compelling case.
✅ Available in: SA only

Each state will assess applicants based on local priorities and sector alignment — especially in areas like advanced tech, clean energy, space, cyber, and creative industries.

Learn more:
👉 NSW: https://viamigration.com.au/niv-nsw/
👉 SA: https://viamigration.com.au/south-australia-niv/

Want to know if you qualify?
Book a consultation here: https://viamigration.com.au/book-a-consultation/

Book a Consultation - Via Migration

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What if your New Zealand partner becomes an Australian citizen?
You can stay on your current 461 visa until it expires, but you won’t be eligible for a new 461 based on their status anymore. You may need to switch to a different visa pathway like a partner visa. Read more in our blog.

📲 Talk to us before making any big changes.

461 Visa: NZ Citizen Family Relationship Visa - Via Migration The 461 visa allows non-New Zealand citizens to live, work, and study in Australia for up to five years if they are a family member of a NZ citizen.