MIA Regional Migration Conference GC 2026: DAMA Growth Shows Targeted Regional Visas are the Future

The Migration Institute of Australia Regional Migration Conference was held on the Gold Coast on 8 May 2026.

The conference was sold out, so a full room of migration professionals, government representatives and regional migration stakeholders – all there to talk about regional migration. The beachside setting and the impressive Langham Hotel created a great environment for an important discussion about the future of regional migration in Australia.

I have taken the time to review all my notes from the sessions – the Department of Home Affairs, State Governments, and here are some summaries – with some takeaway comments as well.

Regional Migration — Setting the Scene

Presenter: Sean Choong MMIA, National President, Migration Institute of Australia

The conference opened with Sean Choong, National President of the MIA.

He acknowledged the important role that regional migration plays in supporting industries, building communities and helping regional towns remain viable. Regional migration is not just about visas. It is also about people, businesses, families and the future of communities across Australia.

Department of Home Affairs Regional Migration Update

Presenters:
Andrew Figg, Regional Director QLD/NT, Department of Home Affairs
Peter van Vliet, Chief Executive Officer, Migration Institute of Australia — moderator

Andrew Figg from the Department of Home Affairs provided updates on regional migration and processing.

The Migration Program planning level for the next year remains at 185,000 places, matching the current year.

The Department also discussed its continued focus on state-wide Designated Area Migration Agreements, including for Queensland and Tasmania.

Processing updates included:

• around 77,000 subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme applications on hand 
• priority processing under Direction 105, including for some health, teaching and regional occupations 
• around 106,000 partner visa applications in the processing queue, which is more than twice the annual planning level of 40,500 places 

The Department also noted that there are around 106,000 partner visa applications in the processing queue. This is more than twice the annual planning level, with partner visa allocations planned at 40,500 places per year. This raises the long-running concern that partner visas are effectively constrained by planning levels, but we will not go into that issue in detail in this article.

There were also some interesting statistics in relation to DAMA activity for the year:

• Queensland: 521 labour agreements and 1,021 visa grants 
• New South Wales: 234 labour agreements and 390 visa grants 
• Victoria: 200 labour agreements and 210 visa grants 
• Northern Territory: 567 labour agreements and 1,035 visa grants 
• South Australia: 509 labour agreements and 913 visa grants 
• Western Australia: 800 labour agreements and 1,500 visa grants 

The DHA has told us that the Regional Migration Review is complete, but the results do not have a release date.

The Department of Home Affairs emphasised that Registered Migration Agents and Lawyers should lodge complete, decision-ready applications to help support faster and more efficient processing.

Beyond the Games: Workforce Demands and Migration Strategy

Presenters:
Tom Tate, Mayor, City of Gold Coast and Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee member
Adam Pennicott, Executive Director, Strategic Partnerships and Initiatives, Department of Trade, Employment and Training
Nitin Rikhi AFMIA, Lawyer, NORPAC Legal Practice Leader, MIA QLD/NT State President — moderator

This session explored how the large workforce demands of major infrastructure projects, including the 2032 Olympics, intersect with migration policy and workforce planning.

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate was a passionate advocate for pursuing multiple projects at once and actively attracting investment to the Gold Coast.

He recognised that many states and territories are competing for the same workers, especially in construction and health. He also spoke about the major needs of the Gold Coast as the region prepares for 2032 Olympics-related infrastructure, including stadiums and transport.

Tom valued the Woking Holiday Visa holders -for the work they do in hospitality – and while they save on accommodation – they are willing to spend on experiences like sky diving and scuba diving. 

Adam Pennicott discussed specific workforce needs for the Gold Coast, including in the film industry.

One clear takeaway from this session was that some parts of Australia are very direct and forceful in promoting their workforce needs. This is different from some other areas, where local councils can sometimes be more conservative in how they speak about workforce shortages.

DAMAs in Practice

Presenters:
Sean Malone, Team Leader, Migrant Attraction and Connection Team, Skilled and Business Migration, Department for State Development SA
Geoff Heath, Migration Manager, DAMA and RCB, Cairns Chamber of Commerce
Justine Campbell, Chief Executive Officer, RDA Orana
Kevin Kardirgamar, Director, Occupational Regulation and Migration, Northern Territory
Anke Nagel FMIA, Senior Migration Consultant, PAX Migration Australia, Former QLD/NT State President and recent Chair of the MIA Regional Migration Advisory Panel — moderator

This session focused on Designated Area Migration Agreements, commonly known as DAMAs.

Geoff Heath strongly advocated for the benefits of DAMAs. He highlighted that DAMAs can offer occupations and workforce stability that many regional businesses would otherwise not be able to access.

He also commented on the need for regional area authorities to have a strong local connection and a clear understanding of what is happening on the ground.

Justine Campbell from RDA Orana spoke about the challenges of managing a large and diverse regional area across New South Wales. She also discussed uncertainty around a possible NSW state-wide DAMA.

With New South Wales stretching from popular coastal areas to inland and remote communities, a state-wide DAMA would need to balance very different regional needs. Inland New South Wales may need stronger concessions so it is not directly competing with larger and more attractive coastal regions.

Kevin Kardirgamar provided an update on the Northern Territory DAMA, one of Australia’s longest-running DAMA arrangements.

There are 13 different DAMAs in varous regioal areas of Australia. The more generous occupation lists and concessions on salaries, English and age prove to be the targeted incentives needed for regional areas.

Rather that visa simplification - the Regions need more visas designed to meet the skills needs and with built in concessions to bring more skilled migrants to regional Australia.

A regional visa with concessions that was simpler and cheaper than the DAMA would be even better again.  Regional Australia has heaps of SMEs and family businesses - so the more accessible the visa the better. 

State Pathways in a Tight Market: Where Are the Opportunities?

Presenters:
Aaron Pont, Acting Manager, Migration Queensland
Anne McCotter, Associate Director, Business and Skilled Migration, Investment NSW
Damian Marquardt, Manager, Migration Services, Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions, Victoria
Louisa Newstead, Director Population Strategy and Migration, South Australia
Kevin Kardirgamar, Director, Occupational Regulation and Migration, Northern Territory
Sean Choong MMIA, National President, Migration Institute of Australia — moderator

This session focused on state and territory nomination pathways in a competitive migration environment.

It was clear that different states and territories have different priorities in their skilled migration programs.

Migration Professionals in Practice: Naghmeh Danai

Presenter: Naghmeh Danai MMIA
In conversation with: Peter van Vliet, Chief Executive Officer, Migration Institute of Australia

In the session Migration Professionals in Practice, Naghmeh Danai MMIA joined Peter van Vliet for a Q&A about the fast-moving and challenging circumstances surrounding humanitarian visa grants for members of the Iranian women’s soccer team.

Naghmeh discussed her central role in facilitating urgent communications during a high-profile and rapidly developing series of events. Her work helped members of the team make successful humanitarian visa claims at a time when speed, coordination and professional judgment were critical.

This session was a strong reminder of the important role migration professionals can play in life-changing situations, particularly where humanitarian protection, public interest and urgent legal pathways intersect.

SA Skills Commission Regional Training Trial: From Framework to First Arrivals

Presenters:
Commissioner Cameron Baker, Chair of the South Australian Skills Commission
Mark Glazbrook MMIA, Chief Executive Officer and RMA, Migration Solutions
Jonathan Granger MMIA, Director and Principal Migration Agent, Granger Australia — moderator

One of the most interesting sessions of the day was about the SA Skills Commission regional training trial.

The session explored the use of the Subclass 407 Training visa as a way to help previously experienced candidates upskill their trade skills or nursing qualifications to meet Australian standards.

Commissioner Cameron Baker outlined the new initiative involving the South Australian Skills Commission and Mark Glazbrook from Migration Solutions.

The pilot has involved trainees in the regional area of Cleve, South Australia.  Starting with Enrolled Nurses and then Motor Mechanics, the program could be expanded. 

This session raised important questions about whether current visa programs could help shape a future national apprenticeship or traineeship visa model.

The reason that this current collaborative pilot project is interesting is that it goes to one of the key needs for the Australian migration program.
Australian needs a Trade Visa or to adapt existing visas to enable high quality vocational courses with full time work placement. 

This would assist to fill known shortages in trades and vocational occupations.

Joint Standing Committee on Migration Inquiry into the Value of Skilled Migration to Australia

Presenters:
Steve Georganas MP, Member for Adelaide and Chair of the Joint Standing Committee on Migration
Peter van Vliet, Chief Executive Officer, Migration Institute of Australia — moderator

Steve Georganas MP provided insights into the current Joint Standing Committee on Migration inquiry into the value of skilled migration to Australia.

He spoke about the important role migration has played in Australia’s development, including its contribution in the 1940s and 1950s.

He also outlined the Committee’s program of travelling around Australia and taking evidence on the value of skilled migration.

His comments in support of multiculturalism and the contribution migrants have made to Australia were warmly received by the audience.

Regional Visa Perspectives

Presenters:
Rebecca Macmillan MMIA, Special Counsel, Thomson Geer Lawyers
Leanne Stevens L MMIA, Chief Executive Officer and Registered Migration Agent, Emergico Migration
Stephanie Hunt MMIA, Corporate Immigration Manager, PAX Migration Australia
Helen Duncan L MMIA — moderator

This session looked at regional visa perspectives, including the subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional visa, the subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa, and the transition to the subclass 191 Permanent Residence visa.

The panel discussed some of the benefits of the 491 visa, including its ability to encourage visa holders to live and work in designated regional areas.

The 491 visa can support regional retention because visa holders are generally required to live, work and study only in designated regional areas while holding the visa.

From Problems to Possibilities: The Future of Regional Migration

Presenters:
Marney Richardson MMIA, Director and Registered Migration Agent, Richardson Migration, Former Manager of Migration Queensland, Trade and Investment Queensland
Mateja Rautner MMIA, Principal/Director, Migration Plus, Former member of MIA Regional Migration bodies
Anke Nagel FMIA, Senior Migration Consultant, PAX Migration Australia, Former QLD/NT State President and recent Chair of the MIA Regional Migration Advisory Panel
Con Paxinos FMIA, Director, PAX Migration, Registered Migration Agent, CA, Former MIA SA State President and National Board Member
Chris Johnston MMIA, Lawyer, Work Visa Lawyers, MIA SA State President and Former member of MIA Regional Migration Advisory Panel — moderator

In the final session of the day, I had the honour of moderating the panel From Problems to Possibilities: The Future of Regional Migration.

This expert panel considered some of the major problems in regional migration and possible solutions for the future.

Chris Johnston MMIA, Lawyer, Work Visa Lawyers, MIA SA State President — moderator

The session brought together experienced migration professionals with strong regional migration knowledge. The discussion considered both the problems facing regional migration and the practical reforms that could help make regional visa programs work better for employers, migrants and communities.

Marney Richardson, Director and Registered Migration Agent, Richardson Migration, Former Manager of Migration Queensland, Trade and Investment Queensland spoke about the possibility of the National Innovation Visa helping to drive innovation and investment into regional areas. She also commented on the positive effects of New Zealand’s investor visa program, which has grown significantly, especially following the closure of Australia’s business and investor visa pathways. She noted that United States passport holders have become a major applicant group for New Zealand’s investor program.

Mateja Rautner, RMA and Director, who leads a migration practice in Cairns, raised concerns that state-wide DAMA arrangements may reduce the local knowledge that has been important to the Far North Queensland DAMA. She also expressed concern about the lack of clarity around transition processes.

Anke Nagel, Senior Migration Consultant, PAX Migration Australia, Former QLD/NT State President and recent Chair of the MIA Regional Migration Advisory Panel - spoke about the continued benefits of the Northern Territory DAMA, Australia’s longest-running DAMA. Her comments highlighted how DAMAs can provide practical regional solutions when they are designed with strong local knowledge and industry input.

Con Paxinos,  Director, PAX Migration, Registered Migration Agent and Chartered Accountant
spoke about the continued potential of DAMAs to fill skills gaps in regional Australia. He highlighted that regional employers still need practical visa pathways that reflect real labour market shortages outside the major capital cities.

Known Regional Migration Problems and Solutions

Regional Migration Policies Worth Keeping

The panel also discussed the importance of keeping regional migration policies that are already working, including:

• keeping Perth, Adelaide and the Gold Coast classified as regional areas 
• retaining the Subclass 491 visa settings that require visa holders to live, work and study in regional Australia 
• keeping the additional points incentive for regional study 
• inviting more family-sponsored 491 visa applicants, as they may already have family support in regional areas

These points were influenced by discussions of the MIA Regional Migration Advisory Panel, previous MIA Regional Migration Committees, the MIA SA State Committee and the MIA submission to the Regional Consultation.

Conference Close

Presenter: Sean Choong MMIA, National President, Migration Institute of Australia

Sean Choong closed the conference by recognising the success of the sold-out event.

Networking drinks followed, giving attendees the opportunity to continue discussions about the future of regional migration.

Further networking continued at The Star Gold Coast, hosted by Queensland State President Nitin Rikhi.

Learning from Each Other — The Networking

One of the most valuable parts of any conference is the opportunity to catch up with colleagues, meet new people and speak directly with key stakeholders.

This was made even easier by the great Gold Coast weather and three networking events over two days. The Gold Coast also added its own flavour to the conference, with beachfront views and jet fighter planes flying past during the event.

Where Should the Regional Migration Conference Be Held Next Year?

Possible locations discussed included Tasmania, Darwin, Dubbo, Canberra, Adelaide, the Gold Coast and Cairns. From my conversations with members and government representatives, Cairns seemed to be a popular option.

A warm location in winter makes sense for a May conference.

Thanks to the MIA Team

Great conferences like this do not happen by accident.

The presentations were varied, relevant and all connected to the key theme of regional migration. The venue was excellent, with a beachfront setting that added to the overall experience.

Thank you to Peter van Vliet, Madeleine, Bronwyn Marley, Nitin Rikhi AFMIA, MIA QLD/NT State President, and the Queensland MIA Committee for their work in delivering such a successful event.

Some of the MIA Crew from SA

Conclusion

Regional Australia plays a central role in Australia’s prosperity and national capability.

The regions drive mineral exports, grow much of our food, support defence and energy projects, and help maintain Australia’s sovereign capabilities. Across the conference sessions, one message was clear: regional Australia needs skilled workers and stable communities.

Like the rest of Australia, regional communities need doctors, nurses, teachers, construction workers and other essential workers. But they also have specific workforce needs linked to local industries, major projects, agriculture, mining, tourism and infrastructure.

From an engaging conference, my key observations are below.

Standout Regional Migration Sessions

• Mayor Tom Tate and the Gold Coast local panel — a real eye-opener on how some regions strongly commit to growth, infrastructure and attracting skilled workers. The Gold Coast’s use of the Olympics as a focus for long-term planning was particularly interesting. 
• Naghmeh Danai MMIA in Migration Professionals in Practice — a powerful reminder of the life-changing role migration professionals can play, including in securing urgent humanitarian visa outcomes for members of the Iranian women’s soccer team. 

Steve Georganas MP on the value of skilled migration — his strong support for multiculturalism and the contribution migrants have made to Australia was warmly received. His willingness to learn about regional migration and the challenges facing different parts of Australia was also commendable.

What Is Working in Regional Migration?

Targeted regional visas are working, especially the Subclass 491 visa and DAMAs.

The Subclass 491 visa provides regional Australia with a wide range of skilled visa holders. Because of visa condition 8579, 491 visa holders are generally required to live, work and study in regional Australia. This helps regional retention. After several years of living in the regions, building connections and having children in local schools, many migrants are more likely to stay, even after they become permanent residents.

DAMAs also provide practical solutions for specific regional skills shortages. They can assist employers in occupations that may not be available through standard skilled visa pathways, including some lower-skilled but essential roles in areas such as disability care, horticulture and regional services.

The DAMA 494 pathway has helped bring life into what is otherwise a difficult visa. However, DAMA processing is currently too slow. This causes productivity losses and creates pressure for regional employers who are already stressed and overworked.

Working Holiday visa holders also continue to play an important role in supporting agricultural seasons and hospitality needs, helping regional areas with both food production and tourism services.

What Is Not Working in Regional Migration?

The Subclass 494 visa remains one of the most complicated and difficult skilled visas in Australia.

In many cases, it is harder to qualify for than the Subclass 482 visa, even though the 482 visa can be used across Australia, including in major cities. Regional visas should be more attractive and easier to access if the goal is to encourage migrants to consider regional areas. At the moment, the 494 visa often does the opposite.

A practical solution would be to make the 494 visa easier to access, or to align it more closely with the Skills in Demand Subclass 482 visa.

Concerns about the 494 visa have been raised with the Department of Home Affairs and relevant government ministers for many years. Yet the key problems remain unresolved, despite ongoing skills shortages and service gaps across regional Australia.

Where to Now? Regional Cuts and No Clear Direction From the Top

In the week following the conference, further regional visa cuts were announced.

The recent migration allocations indicate that regional 491 and 494 visa places will be cut from 33,000 to 14,110. Reducing 491 visa places means fewer skilled migrants living and working in regional – impacting health services, industries and communities. 

At the same time, the Skilled Independent Subclass 189 visa allocation has increased from 16,900 to 21,090. This is likely to result in more skilled migrants moving to Australia’s largest cities.

Regional Australia needs visa settings that reflect the real challenges faced by communities, industries and employers outside the major capital cities. This includes practical concessions and stronger incentives for migrants to live and work in regional areas.

The Department of Home Affairs has said that the Regional Migration Review is complete, but the results still have not been released.

THE  FUTURE OF REGIONAL MIGRATION is MORE TARGETED VISA PRORAMS

Regional Australia contributes so much to Australia.

The regions grow much of our food, drive mining exports, support tourism, defence, energy and infrastructure, and help maintain Australia’s national capability.

The DAMA figures discussed at the conference also show that targeted regional migration settings can work. Across the states and territories discussed, DAMA activity included 2,831 labour agreements and 5,069 visa grants.

That is not just a visa statistic. It represents regional employers finding workers, businesses staying open, communities being supported and industries continuing to grow.

The success of DAMAs shows that regional visas can help employers and communities when they are designed around real local needs.

But we need to go further.

Temporary Visa Crackdown 2026: What Is Happening?

While Australia has not announced a policy called a “temporary visa crackdown”, many temporary visa applicants are feeling that visas are becoming harder to get in 2026. There appear to be more checks, more document requests, faster decisions, higher costs and more refusals across different visa types.

This may affect people applying for or holding:

• Partner visas
• 407 Training visas
• Student visas
• 485 Temporary Graduate visas
• Visitor visas

For many people, a temporary visa is part of a bigger plan to study, work, live with a partner, visit family or move towards permanent residency in Australia.

That is why it is important to plan and prepare carefully before lodging a visa application.

You can also watch the video on our YouTube channel:

Partner Visas: Be Ready for Phone Calls and Relationship Checks

Some partner visa applicants may receive phone calls from the Department of Home Affairs.

This can happen for partner visas such as:

• Subclass 820 Partner visa
• Subclass 801 Partner visa
• Subclass 309 Partner visa
• Subclass 100 Partner visa

A phone call does not always mean there is a problem. The Department may be checking information or asking questions to help process the application.

However, applicants should be prepared. In some cases, both partners may be asked questions separately. The Department may compare the answers to check whether the relationship evidence is consistent.

Partner visa applicants should make sure their evidence clearly shows:

• financial aspects of the relationship
• living arrangements
• social evidence
• commitment to each other
• communication and time spent together
• future plans as a couple

You should always answer honestly. Do not guess if you are unsure. If you receive a request for more information, respond before the deadline.

Be Careful of Visa Scams

If someone calls you claiming to be from the Department of Home Affairs, be careful.

A real Department officer should not ask for your ImmiAccount password, credit card details or unusual payments over the phone.

If you are unsure whether the call is genuine, ask them to confirm details such as your file number or application lodgement date. You can also stop the call and check through official channels.

Second Stage Partner Visas: Do Not Ignore Requests

Partner visas usually involve two stages.

Many applicants first receive a temporary partner visa. Later, they may be considered for the permanent partner visa.

Some people make the mistake of thinking the process is finished once the temporary partner visa is granted. This is not always correct.

If the Department asks for more information at the second stage, you must respond. If you ignore a document request, your permanent partner visa could be refused, even if your relationship is still genuine.

If you hold a temporary partner visa, check your email and ImmiAccount regularly.

407 Training Visa: Timing Is Now a Major Issue

The 407 Training visa has become harder for many onshore applicants.

From March 2026, the Department changed the process and rules for Training Visas. As a result, the sponsor and nomination must be approved before the visa application can be lodged.

This creates a serious timing problem.

The process now requires for both::

1. The business to become an approved temporary activities sponsor; and
2. The training nomination application being approved

Before the visa applicant can apply for the 407 Training visa.

So if your current visa is expiring soon, this may not leave enough time to have your nomination approved, lodge the 407 visa and receive a bridging visa.

This is especially important for people who were thinking about the 407 Training visa as an alternative pathway after finishing study.

The key message is simple: plan early. Do not wait until your current visa is close to expiry.

Student Visas: Higher Risk and More Scrutiny

Student visa applications are receiving close attention.

Applicants must show that they are genuine students and that studying is their main reason for coming to Australia.

The Department may look closely at:

• why you chose your course
• why you chose your education provider
• whether the course fits your background
• your previous study and work history
• your financial documents
• your ties to your home country
• your immigration history
• whether your documents are genuine

Student visa processing priorities have also changed for offshore applications lodged on or after 14 November 2025 under Ministerial Direction 115.

This does not decide whether a visa is approved or refused, but it can affect how quickly some student visa applications are processed.

A weak student visa application can be very risky. It is important to explain your study plans clearly and provide strong supporting documents.

What If Your Student Visa Is Refused?

A student visa refusal can be very stressful, but it may not always be the end of your Australian visa journey.

If you applied while you were in Australia, you may have review rights. However, the deadline to lodge a review can be short.

If your student visa is refused, you should quickly check:

• why the visa was refused
• whether you have review rights
• the deadline to appeal
• your current visa status
• whether you need urgent legal advice

Do not ignore the refusal letter. Acting quickly can make a big difference.

485 Temporary Graduate Visa: Higher Fees and Less Room for Mistakes

The 485 Temporary Graduate visa is very important for many international graduates.

It can allow eligible graduates to stay in Australia temporarily after completing their studies.

However, from 1 March 2026, the cost of many 485 visa applications increased significantly. For many first-time main applicants, the government charge is now $4,600.

This is a major cost for graduates who have already paid tuition fees, rent, health insurance and other expenses.

It also means that a refused 485 visa can be very expensive.

If you are applying for a 485 visa, check your eligibility carefully before lodging. Make sure your documents are complete, including English evidence, health insurance, police checks and study documents.

Fast processing can sound positive, but it also means mistakes may be found quickly. If the visa is refused, you may have less time to plan your next steps.

Visitor Visas: Genuine Visitor Evidence Matters

Visitor visas may seem simple, but they can still be refused.

The Department may assess whether you are a genuine visitor and whether you are likely to leave Australia before your visa ends.

Important evidence may include:

• your reason for visiting Australia
• your travel plans
• your financial documents
• your job, business or study overseas
• your family ties outside Australia
• your previous travel history
• your invitation letter, if visiting family or friends

If you are applying for a visitor visa, your application should be clear and complete.

Do not assume that a visitor visa will be granted just because the visit is short.

Why Are There More Checks and Refusals?

There may be several reasons why temporary visas are being checked more closely.

The Australian Government has been focusing on migration integrity, genuine applicants and stronger compliance. There have also been public concerns about housing, international education, visa misuse and pressure on services.

For applicants, the practical message is this:

Temporary visa applications need to be stronger, clearer and better prepared than before.

This is not the time to lodge a rushed or incomplete application.

Do Not Use Fake or Edited Documents

The Department of Home Affairs has warned visa applicants not to provide false, altered or digitally changed documents.

This includes documents, images, videos or audio changed using digital editing tools or artificial intelligence.

Providing false or misleading information can lead to serious consequences, including:

• visa refusal
• visa cancellation
• Potentially being banned from making future visa applications
• possible legal consequences

Always provide genuine, accurate and verifiable documents.

What Should Temporary Visa Applicants Do Now?

If you are applying for a temporary visa in 2026, preparation is very important.

You should:

• plan early
• check your visa expiry date
• understand your visa conditions
• provide complete documents
• make sure your information is consistent
• respond quickly to Department requests
• check your emails and ImmiAccount regularly
• get advice before the situation becomes urgent

A visa refusal can be stressful, but some applicants may still have options. Depending on your situation, you may be able to appeal, lodge a new application or consider another visa pathway.

The most important step is to act quickly and get the right advice.

Need Help With a Temporary Visa or Visa Refusal?

Temporary visa applications in Australia are becoming more complex.

Work Visa Lawyers can assist with temporary visa applications, visa refusals, appeals and migration strategy.

If you are worried about your Partner visa, 407 Training visa, Student visa, 485 Graduate visa or Visitor visa, contact Work Visa Lawyers to book an appointment.

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The New Approved Work Sponsor Register 2026: What Employers & Visa Applicants Must Know

There is a big migration update in Australia for anyone involved in employer-sponsored visas.

On 8 April 2026, the Australian Government officially passed the Migration Amendment (Combatting Migrant Exploitation) Act 2026. This new law brings a major change: it allows the government to publish a public list of businesses that are approved to sponsor skilled overseas workers.

Here is everything you need to know about the new Approved Work Sponsor Register, whether you are an Australian business or a migrant worker looking for a job.

What is the Approved Work Sponsor Register?

Under the new law, the Secretary can publish specific information about approved work sponsors on the Department of Home Affairs website.

According to the updated legislation, the public register may include the following details about a business:

• The type or kind of approved work sponsor.
• The name of the approved work sponsor.
• The sponsor's Australian Business Number (ABN).
• The postcode connected to the sponsor's ABN.
• The number of visa nominations the approved work sponsor has made.
• The types of jobs or occupations the sponsor has nominated.

The law also strictly protects individual privacy, stating that personal identifiers will not be published.

What Does This Mean for Employers?

If you are a business that sponsors overseas workers, this change will create both new opportunities and new pressures.

Because everyone will be able to see that your business sponsors workers, you may worry about getting flooded with sponsorship requests. Being on a public list could mean receiving more emails, phone calls, and overall pressure from job seekers asking for a 482, 186, or 494 visa.

Employers need to be ready to manage and organise this expected increase in sponsorship enquiries.

What Does This Mean for Visa Applicants?

If you are a visa applicant or skilled worker, the Approved Work Sponsor Register may help you make more informed job-search decisions.

Instead of guessing whether a business has sponsored workers before, you may be able to check whether an employer is already an approved sponsor and what types of occupations they have nominated in the past.

This does not mean you should contact every approved sponsor on the list. A better approach is to focus on genuine job vacancies that match your skills, qualifications and work experience. For example, when reviewing job advertisements, you may be able to check whether the company is already an approved sponsor before deciding whether to apply.

An approved sponsor may already understand the sponsorship process, which can make the process more familiar for both the employer and the applicant. However, this does not guarantee that they are hiring, that they will sponsor you, or that you will be eligible for a visa.

It is also important to remember that many businesses that are not yet approved sponsors may still be able to become approved sponsors and nominate a skilled worker if they have a genuine business need for that role. In some cases, an employer that needs your skills may be able to register as a sponsor and nominate you sooner than you may think.

While we wait for the government to officially publish the register, visa applicants should continue to focus on strong, targeted job applications and genuine roles that match their occupation and experience.

You can also get a head start by reading our comprehensive guide on how to find a sponsor for a 482 Visa.

Need Help with Employer-Sponsored Migration?

This is a massive change for employer-sponsored migration in Australia, and Work Visa Lawyers will share the official list as soon as the government publishes it.

If you are an employer wanting to understand how to manage your sponsor duties, or an applicant looking for guidance on your visa journey, we are here to help. Contact Work Visa Lawyers today to speak with one of our top migration lawyers.

Talk to an Immigration Lawyer

References

Federal Register of Legislation: Migration Amendment (Combatting Migrant Exploitation) Act 2026 - View the official legislation here

4 Common Australian PR Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Chances in 2026

Many people come to Australia, study hard, work hard and follow the rules — but still miss out on permanent residency.

Sometimes the problem is not one big mistake. It is a small decision made early that quietly damages the whole PR pathway.

This article is about common mistakes that can hurt a person’s Australian permanent residency plans. The source script identifies four major traps: changing occupations too often, salary problems, weak work evidence and age-related timing issues.

These mistakes can affect skilled visas such as the 189 visa, 190 visa, 491 visa, 482 visa, 186 visa and 485 Graduate visa.

Mistake 1: Changing occupations too often

Some people keep changing their occupation because they are chasing the “easiest” PR pathway.

For example, a person may start with accounting, then move to cookery, then try engineering drafting, and later look at care work. This may feel like a smart move, but it can become a serious problem.

Many skilled visas require a suitable occupation, a skills assessment, relevant qualifications and/or relevant work experience. The Department of Home Affairs explains that skilled occupation lists include the occupations available for skilled visa programs and the relevant skills assessing authority for each occupation.

For the Skilled Nominated visa, subclass 190, Home Affairs says applicants must have an occupation on the relevant skilled list, have a suitable skills assessment and be invited to apply.

Why this can damage your PR pathway

Every time you change your occupation, you may “reset the clock”.

You may end up with:

• not enough work experience in one occupation;
• qualifications that do not match your nominated occupation;
• difficulty passing a skills assessment;
• fewer points for skilled migration;
• no clear employer-sponsored pathway.

Better approach

Choose a realistic occupation early and build a strategy around it. This may include your course, job, skills assessment, English test, state nomination options and employer sponsorship options.

Mistake 2: Salary problems in employer-sponsored visas

This mistake often happens with employer-sponsored visas, including the Skills in Demand visa subclass 482 and the Employer Nomination Scheme subclass 186.

A person may receive a job offer, but the salary may not meet the legal or market salary requirements.

Home Affairs says that, for nomination applications lodged between 1 July 2025 and 30 June 2026, the Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) is AUD76,515. For the 2026–27 financial year, this is expected to increase to AUD79,499 from 1 July 2026, based on the annual indexation formula in the Migration Regulations and the latest ABS Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings data.

However, meeting the CSIT alone may not be enough. For employer-sponsored visas, the salary generally needs to meet the relevant income threshold and the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR) for the occupation. This means the employer must usually pay whichever amount is higher.

For example, if an engineer’s normal market salary is over AU$ 100,000, an employer may not be able to simply offer the minimum threshold and expect the visa pathway to be safe.

The salary must be checked carefully against:

• the relevant skilled visa income threshold;
• the annual market salary rate;
• the role duties;
• the occupation;
• the employer’s business evidence.

Fair Work also notes that primary subclass 482 visa holders should be paid market salary rates by their sponsors.

Better approach

Before accepting an employer-sponsored pathway, check whether the salary is realistic for the occupation and industry. A low salary may look helpful to the employer, but it can create major visa risk for the applicant.

Mistake 3: Working as a “ghost employee” with no proper evidence

This can happen in hospitality, construction, trades, cleaning, care work and other industries.

A person may work long hours but receive cash payments with no payslips, no tax records and no clear bank evidence.

Cash payment itself is not always illegal. Fair Work says employees can be paid in cash, cheque or bank transfer. But employees must receive payslips, and employers must keep accurate pay and employment records.

Fair Work also explains that “cash in hand” payments where tax has not been taken out are against the law.

Why this can ruin your PR chances

For migration purposes, a letter from an employer may not be enough.

You may need strong evidence such as:

• payslips;
• bank statements;
• tax records;
• superannuation records;
• employment contracts;
• rosters;
• invoices, if applicable;
• position descriptions;
• employer references.

Without proper evidence, your work may be hard to prove. This can affect:

• your skills assessment;
• points for Australian work experience;
• employer-sponsored visa evidence;
• your credibility with the Department.

For the Skills in Demand subclass 482 visa, Home Affairs states applicants must have the skills to perform the nominated occupation and 12 months of full-time work experience, or equivalent, in the occupation or a related field.

Better approach

Keep records from day one. Even if you are a student or casual worker, ask for payslips and make sure your pay, tax and super are recorded properly.

Mistake 4: Leaving your PR plan too late because of age limits

Age is one of the biggest timing risks in Australian migration.

Many people only start thinking seriously about PR when they are already close to the age limit.

For the Skilled Independent subclass 189 visa, Home Affairs says it will not process the visa application if the applicant is 45 at the time of invitation.

For the State Nominations l subclasses 190 visa and 491 visa, Home Affairs says applicants must be under 45 to be invited to apply.

For the Employer Nomination Scheme subclass 186 Temporary Residence Transition stream, Home Affairs says applicants usually must be under 45 years of age when they apply, unless an exemption applies.

The 43-year-old danger zone

If you are 43 or older, timing becomes very important.

For example, the subclass 186 visa usually requires eligible sponsored employment on a full-time basis for at least two years.

This means a person who wants to use a 482 to 186 pathway must think carefully about timing. Waiting too long may mean the person turns 45 before they are ready to apply.

Graduate visa age trap

The Temporary Graduate visa subclass 485 also has age limits.

For the Post-Higher Education Work stream, Home Affairs says applicants must be 35 years or under when they apply.

This can be a serious issue for students who start a course in their mid-30s and only realise later that they may be too old for the Graduate visa when they finish.

Better approach

Do not wait until the last year of your visa. Check your age, course, occupation, English, skills assessment and sponsorship options early.

How to protect your Australian PR pathway

Here are practical steps that may help:

1. Choose a realistic occupation early
   Do not change careers only because you heard one occupation is “easy” for PR.
2. Check your skills assessment requirements
   Each occupation may have different requirements.
3. Keep strong work evidence
   Payslips, tax records and super records can be very important.
4. Check salary before relying on employer sponsorship
   The salary should meet the relevant income threshold and the market salary rate.
5. Plan before age becomes a problem
   If you are close to 35, 43 or 45, get advice early.
6. Get professional advice before making major decisions
   A wrong course, wrong occupation or wrong job can cost years.

Frequently asked questions

Can changing my course affect my PR chances?

Yes. Changing your course might affect your PR pathway if it changes your occupation, skills assessment options or Graduate visa strategy. Before changing course, check whether the new course connects to a real skilled migration or employer-sponsored pathway.

Is cash work useful for Australian PR?

Cash work may be difficult to use for migration purposes if there are no proper records. Fair Work says cash payment can be acceptable if tax is withheld and super is generally paid, but “cash in hand” arrangements where tax is not taken out are against the law.

Is the minimum salary enough for a 482 visa?

Not always. The salary must meet the relevant skilled visa income threshold and the annual market salary rate, whichever is higher.

Can I apply for PR after 45?

Some pathways may still exist after 45, such as certain labour agreement pathways, DAMA arrangements or family visas, depending on your circumstances. However, many skilled visas become much harder or unavailable after 45.

When should I start planning for Australian PR?

You should start as early as possible, ideally before choosing a course, occupation or employer-sponsored pathway. PR planning is not just about the final visa application. It often starts years earlier.

Final thoughts

Australian permanent residency is not only about working hard. It is about working hard in the right direction.

The four mistakes that can damage your PR chances are:

• changing occupations too often;
• accepting a salary that does not meet visa requirements;
• working without proper evidence;
• waiting too long and missing age limits.

If you are unsure about your PR pathway, book a consultation with Work Visa Lawyers. A clear strategy may help you avoid costly mistakes and choose a pathway that matches your real situation.

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190 and 491 State Nomination Updates 2026: Which Australian States Are Open, Closed or Running Out of Places?

Some Australian states and territories are now closed, closing soon, running out of places, or becoming very competitive for 190 and 491 state nomination. Tasmania has now announced that Registrations of Interest, or ROIs, for all pathways and passes will close at 5 pm on Wednesday, 3 June 2026. The last Tasmania invitation round for the 2025–26 program year will take place on Thursday, 4 June 2026.

The 2025–26 financial year ends on 30 June 2026. However, some states may run out of nomination places before that date.

For the 2025–26 program year, the Department of Home Affairs confirmed 20,350 state and territory nomination places. This includes 12,850 places for the subclass 190 visa and 7,500 places for the subclass 491 visa.

If you are waiting for a 190 or 491 invitation, you should check your options now.

What are the 190 and 491 visas?

The Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated visa is a permanent visa. You need to be nominated by an Australian state or territory.

The Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional visa is a temporary regional visa. It can lead to permanent residency later if you meet the requirements.

Both visas are points-tested. This means your age, English level, work experience, education and other factors can affect your points.

You usually need to submit an Expression of Interest, also called an EOI, through SkillSelect before you can be invited.

Why are 190 and 491 nominations so competitive?

State nomination is competitive because each state and territory only receives a limited number of places.

A state may have many skilled applicants, but only a small number of nomination places left.

This means you may meet the basic visa requirements but still not receive an invitation.

State-by-State 190 and 491 Updates

New South Wales 190 and 491 update

New South Wales remains very competitive.

For the 491 visa, NSW has different pathways. NSW says nomination is highly competitive and applicants should not rely only on NSW nomination.

For many applicants, the most important pathway is NSW 491 Pathway 2, which is invitation-only. To be considered, your occupation must be on the NSW Regional Skills List.

NSW is still an option for some 491 applicants, but it is very competitive. Your occupation, EOI and points must be strong.

Victoria 190 and 491 update

Victoria is now closed to new Registrations of Interest, also called ROIs, for the 2025–26 skilled visa nomination program.

Victoria confirmed that new ROIs closed at 4 pm AEST on 28 April 2026. The state will continue to consider ROIs already submitted for the remaining places.

If you withdraw your ROI, you cannot submit a new one until the 2026–27 program opens.

Victoria is closed to new ROIs for this program year. If you did not submit before the closure, you may need to wait or consider another visa pathway.

South Australia 190 and 491 update

South Australia is still issuing invitations, but competition remains strong.

In May 2026, South Australia issued 509 invitations. This included 295 invitations for the 190 visa and 214 invitations for the 491 visa.

South Australia has also issued 2,615 invitations so far in the 2025–26 program year.

South Australia is still active, but not all occupations have the same chance. Some occupations may receive more 491 invitations than 190 invitations.

Tasmania 190 and 491 update

Tasmania has announced an important update for the 2025–26 skilled migration program.

Registrations of Interest, also called ROIs, for all pathways and passes of the Tasmanian Skilled Migration State Nomination Program will close at 5 pm on Wednesday, 3 June 2026. Migration Tasmania says this is because of strong demand for nomination.

The last invitation round for the 2025–26 program year will take place on Thursday, 4 June 2026.

Migration Tasmania will continue to assess nomination applications. New applications can still be lodged if an applicant has already been invited to apply. However, because there are only a few nomination places remaining, not all applicants will be nominated this program year.

The latest public Migration Tasmania processing update, dated 21 May 2026, shows that Tasmania invited 30 subclass 190 ROIs and 27 subclass 491 ROIs in the latest round. It also reported 88 subclass 190 places and 213 subclass 491 places remaining at that time.

If Tasmania uses all its nomination places, approved applications may be nominated after Tasmania receives its 2026–27 nomination allocation. ROIs that are not invited before the end of the program year will stay in the Application Gateway for six months and may be considered when the 2026–27 program opens.

Tasmania is still active, but it is closing soon. If you want to submit a Tasmania ROI for the 2025–26 program year, the deadline is 5 pm on 3 June 2026. The last invitation round is expected on 4 June 2026.

ACT 190 and 491 update

The ACT continues to use the Canberra Matrix system.

The latest ACT update shows 312 nomination places remaining for 2025–26. This includes 185 places for the 190 visa and 127 places for the 491 visa.

The ACT also uses different categories, including Canberra residents, overseas applicants, critical skills and doctorate pathways.

The ACT still has some places left, but applicants need a strong Canberra Matrix score and must meet the ACT criteria.

Western Australia 190 and 491 update

Western Australia’s State Nominated Migration Program is active.

WA nomination can give eligible applicants extra points under the Home Affairs points test. WA says state nomination is available for the subclass 190 and subclass 491 visas.

WA also reminds applicants to keep their EOI up to date, including their location, occupation, qualifications and work experience.

Western Australia is still an important option for some skilled applicants, especially if their occupation matches WA priorities.

Northern Territory 190 and 491 update

The Northern Territory is closed to new General Skilled Migration nomination applications for the 2025–26 program year.

The NT Government says it has received enough applications to fully use its nomination allocation. Applications lodged before the closure will continue to be assessed.

The Northern Territory is closed to new GSM nomination applications for this program year. Applicants may need to wait for the next allocation or consider another pathway.

Queensland 190 and 491 update

Queensland opened its 2025–26 State Nominated Migration Program with 2,600 places.

This includes 1,850 places for the 190 visa and 750 places for the 491 visa.

Queensland has different pathways for skilled workers, graduates, offshore applicants and some regional business owners.

Queensland has nomination places available for 2025–26, but applicants still need to meet Queensland’s specific pathway rules.

What should you do if you are waiting for a 190 or 491 invitation?

If you are waiting for a 190 or 491 invitation, do not rely on only one state.

You should check:

• whether your occupation is still eligible
• whether your EOI is correct and updated
• whether your skills assessment is still valid
• whether your English test is still valid
• whether your claimed points can be proved
• whether your current visa is expiring soon
• whether you are close to turning 45
• whether another visa may be safer

If your visa is expiring soon, or if you are close to turning 45, waiting for state nomination can be risky.

You may need to consider other visa options, such as employer sponsored visas or partner visas.

Can Work Visa Lawyers help?

Yes. Work Visa Lawyers can help you understand your visa options and prepare a clear migration strategy.

We can assist with:

• 190 visa advice
• 491 visa advice
• Expression of Interest, or EOI, strategy
• state nomination applications
• skills assessment advice
• employer sponsored visas
• partner visas
• urgent visa strategy if your visa is expiring soon

State nomination can be very competitive. Small mistakes in your EOI or documents can affect your chances.

If you need help with your Australian visa options, contact Work Visa Lawyers.

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FAQ: 190 and 491 State Nomination Updates 2026

Which states are closed for 190 and 491 nominations?

Victoria is closed to new ROIs for the 2025–26 skilled visa nomination program. The Northern Territory is also closed to new General Skilled Migration nomination applications for the 2025–26 program year.

Is South Australia still inviting 190 and 491 applicants?

Yes. South Australia issued 509 invitations in May 2026, including 295 invitations for the 190 visa and 214 invitations for the 491 visa.

Is Tasmania still inviting 190 and 491 applicants?

Yes, but Tasmania is closing soon for the 2025–26 program year. ROIs for all pathways and passes will close at 5 pm on Wednesday, 3 June 2026. The last invitation round will take place on Thursday, 4 June 2026.

How many 190 and 491 nomination places are available in 2025–26?

The Department of Home Affairs confirmed 20,350 state and territory nomination places for 2025–26. This includes 12,850 places for the 190 visa and 7,500 places for the 491 visa.

Should I wait for the 2026–27 state nomination program?

This depends on your situation. If your visa is expiring soon, or if you are close to turning 45, waiting may be risky. You should consider getting migration advice before deciding to wait.

Disclaimer: This information is general only and does not take into account your personal situation. Australian migration rules and state nomination requirements can change quickly. You should get advice from a registered migration agent or immigration lawyer before making a visa decision.