Visa law, explained by the people who lodge it.
Rule changes, thresholds, evidence and the mistakes behind refusals, for the 482, the 186 and partner visas. Written by our lawyers, not a content agency.
What we track
- Government chargesvisa application charges and levieseach July
- Income thresholdsindexed annuallyCSIT, SSIT
- Occupation listsCore Skills Occupation List456 codes
- Processing timesas the Department publishes themmonthly
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No Letter, Then a Refusal: The 35-Day Clock When the Tribunal Breaks Its Own Promise
A Tribunal member said she would write. The refusal came instead. In Harpreet (September 2026) the Court set it aside. You have 35 days to file for review.
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Day 41 of Health Cover Arrears: The 60-Day Window Before Condition 8501 Is Breached
Your health cover debit failed. Home Affairs says insurers generally allow 60 days before a policy ends. What condition 8501 requires, and what a lapse costs.
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The Deposit Request Arrived Before the Agreement: Three Checks Before You Pay a Migration Agent
No deposit before a signed agreement, a separate client money account, no fee without a statement of services. The checks to run before paying a migration agent.
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The Officer Works for the Department: What to Settle Before an Immigration Status Resolution Meeting
Who the Immigration Status Resolution Service meets, what its officers can and cannot do, how SRSS and RRAP differ, and what to settle before you book in 2026.
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Day 22 of an Expired Visa: The 28-Day Line and the Compliance Routine Burke Restarted
Visa expired in Australia? Home Affairs ties a re-entry ban to 28 days, the Bridging visa E has no fee, and 100 more compliance officers arrive in 2026.
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Up the AQF Ladder or Out of the Country: The Student Visa Course Rule Now in Force
From 2 October 2026 a student visa holder lodges a further $2,500 500 visa in Australia only for a higher AQF level course or five other exemptions.
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The Student Visa Family Ban Started Today: Five Exemptions and No Way to Add Family Later
From 2 October 2026 most student visa applicants cannot include a partner or child. The five exemptions, the subsequent entrant ban, and who lodged in time.
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88 Days Buys a Ballot Ticket, Not a Second Year: Your Options Now
Second year working holiday places drop to 45,000 by ballot, third year to 5,000. What the 2026 announcement changes and the $4,015 alternative.
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Finished Your 88 Days? The Second Year Visa Is Now a Ballot, and Here Are the Odds
Second year working holiday visas go to a 45,000 place ballot, third years to 5,000. The odds on last year's numbers, what still applies today, what to do.
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A Carpenter on 70 Points: What the Trade Uplift Adds and What It Does Not
Housing trades are set to score like a degree. On the 2026 points table that means 15 points, not 10. What is confirmed, what is not, and what to do now.
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Visa Running Out in Broome? Nominate Before the Kimberley DAMA Is Signed
Under the Kimberley DAMA you can usually nominate before Home Affairs approves an initial labour agreement. Fees, timing and concessions, checked with the EKCCI.
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Two Mechanics in Mount Isa: Pricing the Townsville DAMA Before You Start
What the Townsville North Queensland DAMA costs an employer: DAR endorsement fees by business size, nomination and SAF charges, and the $71,481 salary floor.
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Reading about your own situation?
A consultation with a migration lawyer turns an article into a plan: your pathway, your dates, your costs, in writing.