What If Migration

The cost of an Australian Partner Visa has almost doubled in the last 10 years.

With application fees now at $11,710, getting the process right the first time is more important than ever.

📩 Contact us if you'd like guidance on your Partner Visa application.

Bringing a partner to Australia is a costly and time-consuming process.

Applicants now face a record application fee of $11,710 — up $2,345 from the previous charge. Wait times for those applications to be processed are then leaving couples separated for months and, in some cases, years.

The government says the fee increase is part of wider reforms to the migration system and is intended to support improvements across the migration program.

In an interview with SBS Nepali, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said he did not accept the way the visa fee increase has been characterised, arguing visa fees needed to be considered alongside other costs involved in moving overseas, including airfares.

Learn how the cost of partner visas is impacting couples here: https://bit.ly/4fWVvm3

🚨 Attention passport holders of Cyprus, Finland, Germany and the Republic of Korea!

A recent change to Australia's Working Holiday (subclass 417) visa could mean you're now eligible for a second or third Working Holiday visa—even if you were previously too old to apply.

From 1 July 2026, the maximum age has increased from 30 to 35 years for eligible passport holders from these countries. Applications can be lodged up to the day before your 36th birthday, provided you meet the other visa requirements.

If you thought you'd missed your chance because you turned 31, it may be time to check your eligibility.

📩 Think this might apply to you? Get in touch today to find out whether you're eligible and don't miss the opportunity to apply before your 36th birthday.

🇦🇺 Thinking about a parent visa for your mum or dad?

There’s one test that can make or break the application — and it can’t be waived, no matter the circumstances. It’s called the balance of family test.

In plain terms: at least half of your parent’s children need to be living in Australia as citizens or permanent residents (or more of them here than in any other single country). A child here on a student visa or bridging visa doesn’t count — only PR, citizenship, or eligible NZ citizenship.

Get this wrong and you could be planning around a visa that was never going to work for your family.

Not sure where your family stands? Send me a message and I’ll walk you through it.

📚 Can My Child Enrol in a WA Public School?

If you're moving to Western Australia or currently on a visa, you may be wondering whether your child is eligible to attend a public school and whether school fees apply.

The answer depends on factors such as your visa type, residency status, and your child's circumstances.

In our latest article, we explain:

✅ Who can enrol in a WA public school
✅ Which visa holders may need to pay fees
✅ What documents are required
✅ Key information for migrant and international families

Read the full article here: https://whatifmigration.com/wa-public-school-enrolment/

If you're planning your family's move to WA and have questions about visas, schooling, or settlement, feel free to contact What If Migration.

WA Public School Enrolment for Visa Holders: Complete Guide Everything you need to know about WA public school enrolment for visa holders. Which visas have entitlement, what fees apply, and how to enrol.

🚨 WA Invitation Round Update — Trades Are Trending! 🔥

Western Australia continues to prioritise skilled trade occupations in the May invitation round.

📌 Electricians
📌 Plumbers
📌 Carpenters
📌 Bricklayers
📌 Refrigeration Mechanics
📌 Cabinetmakers
…and more trade occupations are receiving invitations.

The message is clear:
🏗️ Building & construction trades remain in strong demand across WA.

With invitations issued from as low as 65 points for several occupations, this could be a great opportunity for skilled tradespeople planning their Australian PR pathway through WA State Nomination (190/491 visas).

✅ WA is also offering the Construction Visa Subsidy Program (CVSP) with payments of up to AUD 10,000 available for eligible offshore and onshore applicants

If you work in a trade occupation and want to understand your eligibility, now is the time to prepare your EOI strategically.

📩 Contact us for a migration assessment and personalised guidance.

https://www.news.com.au/finance/economy/federal-budget/hopeless-budget-confirms-labors-stunning-migration-blowout/news-story/fc49456144ef9ff93c2ac11794b5d95c?

‘Hopeless’: Budget confirms Labor’s stunning migration blowout Australia will add another one million people to its population over the next four years as Labor concedes it has blown past its migration forecasts with a flood of temporary visa holders staying longer than expected.

🏗️ WA Employers: Did You Know You May Be Able to Sponsor Skilled Workers at No Cost?

Western Australia is currently offering support to construction employers through the Construction Visa Subsidy Program (CVSP), helping businesses address skilled labour shortages across the state.

Eligible employers may be able to receive financial assistance to cover migration agent fees and visa-related costs when sponsoring overseas skilled workers.

This is a significant opportunity for WA construction businesses struggling to find qualified staff locally.

The program may assist with costs associated with:

💰 Standard Business Sponsor registration
💰 SAF levy
💰 Nomination application
💰 Migration agent professional fees

Eligible occupations can include a range of construction and trade roles such as:

🔨 Electricians
🔨 Carpenters
🔨 Bricklayers
🔨 Plumbers
🔨 Civil construction workers
🔨 Project managers
🔨 And many more

For many employers, this can mean sponsoring a skilled worker with little to no out-of-pocket costs.

At What If Migration, we assist both employers and skilled workers with:

✅ Employer sponsorship pathways
✅ Skills and occupation eligibility
✅ Visa applications
✅ Regional migration options

With ongoing demand for skilled workers in WA, now is a great time for employers to explore sponsorship options before program settings change.

📩 Contact What If Migration today to find out whether your business or occupation may qualify.

⚠️ 485 VISA FEE HAS DOUBLED — What you need to know NOW

Effective 1 March 2026, the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa fee has increased from $2,300 to $4,600. This is a 100% jump — the sharpest single increase in recent Australian migration history.

With no transition period given, graduates who hadn't yet lodged are now facing double the cost.

At this price point, there's zero room for errors, delays, or incomplete applications.

👉 If you're approaching your 485 eligibility window, contact us today.
We'll assess your eligibility, prepare your application correctly, and help you protect your $4,600 investment.

📩 DM us or visit www.whatifmigration.com.au to book a consultation.

3rd coffee down and deep into CPD ☕️

To remain registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority, migration agents must complete professional development every year.

Migration law changes constantly and what worked last year may not work today.

As a registered migration agent I am committed to providing advice that’s current, compliant and informed.

Enjoy your weekend ☀️

Roses are red,
Visas are complex,
But love makes the journey
Completely worth the stress.

This Valentine’s Day, I’m reminded that migration is never just paperwork — it’s about people, partnerships, and building futures together.

Behind every partner visa, skilled visa, or family reunion is courage, commitment, and love that crosses borders.

If you’re navigating your own migration journey, know that you don’t have to do it alone.

Happy Valentine’s Day to all the brave hearts building their future in Australia 💌🌏