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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SA DAMA: Your Postcode Picks the Agreement, Not Your Business
South Australia runs two DAMAs on different maps. Your postcode decides which agreement and which occupations you can actually nominate under.
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Orana DAMA: Which RDA Takes Your Application, and What It Costs
The Orana DAMA spans five RDA regions in inland NSW. See which RDA assesses your endorsement, what the $990 plus GST fee buys, and which clocks start.
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NT DAMA Salary Maths: Why $67,510 Is the Floor and Not the Wage
Territory employers can nominate at $67,510 from 1 July 2026. However, the NT market salary rate still governs. What the NT DAMA costs and what you must prove.
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Great South Coast DAMA: Your Endorsement Runs Five Years, Your Worker Numbers Run One
Great South Coast DAMA endorsement runs five years, but worker numbers cover one. Fees of about $850 to $1,000, checks and timing, verified September 2026.
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Great South Coast or Goulburn Valley: Which Victorian DAMA Can You Use?
Victoria has two DAMAs: 113 occupations around Warrnambool and 138 around Shepparton. Compare the councils, fees, concessions and the industry agreement rule.
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Goulburn Valley DAMA: The Four Checks to Run Before You Offer the Job
The GV DAMA covers Greater Shepparton, Campaspe and Moira across 138 occupations. Check the postcode, the occupation, the concession and the $750 fee first.
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The Sponsorship Costs You Cannot Pass to a Worker, and What a Breach Costs You
Sponsors must absorb the levy, nomination and recruitment costs. Infringement notices reach $79,200 per breach for a company. What to check in 2026-27.
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Your 482 Job Just Ended: The 180-Day Clock, the 365-Day Cap and Four Ways Out
Lost your 482 job? Condition 8607 allows up to 180 days in one gap, capped at 365 days across the visa. Your options and deadlines in 2026-27.
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A DAMA Is a Deed, Not a Visa: What Regional Employers and Workers Actually Sign
What a Designated Area Migration Agreement is in 2026: the two-tier structure, age, English and salary concessions, and the $4,015 482 charge.
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Decision-Ready or Invisible: How Victoria’s Registration of Interest System Selects Nominees
How Victoria's skilled nomination works in 2026: SkillSelect EOI and Live in Melbourne ROI, decision-ready evidence and the $6,140 visa charge.
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From TSS to Skills in Demand: Nine Rules That Changed and What They Mean in 2026-27
TSS to Skills in Demand: one year of experience, a $79,423 threshold, PR for every stream and 180 days to find a new sponsor. The 2026 rules, one by one.
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T20 World Cup 2028: Two Countries, Four Visa Groups, and Why a Commentator Is Not a Player
408 visa at $535 for T20 World Cup 2028 squads, 400 or 600 for media and guests, and trans-Tasman logistics for Australia and New Zealand. 2026 figures.
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