Many people planning their future in Australia are asking the same question:

Will I ever get permanent residency in Australia? 

If you are studying, working, or living in Australia on a temporary visa, you may be wondering whether permanent residency is still realistic in 2026 — or whether the system has moved out of reach.

This article looks at the real migration opportunities for 2026, using current data and practical strategies. We also address difficult but important topics, including:

• The lack of invitations for the 189 visa, 190 visa, and 491 visa

• Visa cancellations and stricter checks

• How major events, such as the Bondi Beach attack, may influence immigration processing

Our goal is to help you make smarter, more realistic decisions about your migration pathway.

How the Recent Bondi Beach Attack Is Affecting Australian Immigration Processing

We would like to begin by expressing our sincere condolences to the victims and families affected by the tragic Bondi Beach attack in December.

For people living in Australia on temporary visas, this event may have broader implications. We expect to see:

• Stricter background and character checks

• Increased visa cancellations

• Greater scrutiny across visa applications

We will address this topic in more detail in a separate article, as it deserves careful and sensitive discussion.

Are 189, 190 and 491 Visas Still Realistic in 2026?

The reduction in places for the 190 and 491 visas has caused many people to ask whether Australia is still achievable.

The answer is yes — for some people. However, the strategy has changed.

For many years, points-tested visas such as the 189 visa, 190 visa, and 491 visa were the primary goal for skilled migrants, with employer sponsorship seen as a second option. That is no longer the case.

Employer-Sponsored Visas: The Strongest Pathway in 2026

If your goal is Australian permanent residency, employer-sponsored visas are now the strongest and most realistic options in 2026.

These include:

• 482 Skills in Demand visa

• 186 Employer Nomination Scheme

• 494 Regional Employer Sponsored visa

• DAMA and Labour Agreements

Australian businesses are facing genuine skills shortages across multiple sectors and are actively seeking reliable workers. As a result, we have seen:

• A significant increase in employer-sponsored visas

• A sharp reduction in state nomination places, including the 190 visa and 491 visa

Visas such as the 482 visa provide a pathway from temporary work to permanent residency through the 186 visa and many migrants are using this pathway as the first option.

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Why State Nomination Is More Competitive Than Ever

Many people ask whether they should target states like Western Australia or Tasmania, which often appear to have more flexible criteria.

However, the reality is this:

• Tasmania has 1,850 nomination places in 2025-26 financial year

• Western Australia has 3,400 places — with 3,355 already issued 

• Combined, that is only 5,250 nominations

You are not competing against hundreds of applicants — you are competing against hundreds of thousands of skilled migrants who already have:

• Skills assessments

• English test results

• Work experience

• Active EOIs

Most applicants, no matter how qualified, will never receive an invitation.

This does not mean the General Skills Migration (GSM) program is dead — but it is highly competitive. 

Which Occupations Are Still Receiving Invitations?

Looking at invitation results from 2025, one thing is clear: Australia is inviting only where there is genuine demand.

If you are under 45 and your occupation is clearly in shortage, it may still be worth:

• Obtaining a skills assessment

• Improving your English score

• Positioning your EOI strategically

High-Demand Jobs in Australia for Skilled Migration

Occupations currently receiving invitations include:

• Construction trades (bricklayers, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, roofers)

• Construction managers

• Healthcare professionals

• Secondary school teachers

When GSM Is Not the Best Migration Pathway

Some occupations remain on the skilled lists but are not receiving invitations, including:

• Marketing specialists

• Accountants

• Cooks

• Enrolled nurses

• Software engineers

• Contract administrators

• Niche roles such as artistic directors, copywriters, and dog handlers

In these cases, GSM visas may not be your strongest pathway.

Alternative Visa Options to Consider

Instead, you should consider:

• Employer-sponsored visas

• Alternative pathways, such as partner visas if you have an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident partner

We understand that employer sponsorship is not easy — especially if you are offshore — but thousands of applicants succeed each year, and you may be one of them.

Check our blog, “How to Find a Sponsor,” for helpful tips on how to find an Australian business to sponsor you.

Queensland National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858) – 2026 Update

Queensland has now opened nominations for the National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858).

This visa offers direct permanent residency and targets exceptionally talented individuals, including:

• Entrepreneurs

• Innovative investors

• Researchers

• Athletes

• Creatives

Permanent Residency Pathway for Individuals: 

• Up to the age of 55, or higher in exceptional cases 
• High-value entrepreneurs who commit AUD $1 million to new ventures in Queensland 
• Innovative investors who invest AUD $5 million in Queensland’s innovation ecosystem

This is one of the strongest permanent residency pathways currently available.

 
We have published a detailed guide explaining the Queensland NIV nomination process.

 
We also offer a free NIV assessment, where our team can check your eligibility.

Adelaide University Opens: What This Means for Students

Following the merger of the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia, Adelaide University has officially opened enrolments, becoming the largest university in Australia.

This will bring:

• More international students

• Increased investment in South Australia

However, students must have a clear migration strategy before enrolling and applying for a student visa, especially if permanent residency is part of the long-term plan.

Check our blog “Best 8 courses to study in Australia to get PR”. 

Student Visa Changes for India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Bhutan

Applicants from India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Bhutan may face increased scrutiny, as Australia has updated student visa assessment levels to strengthen integrity measures.

These changes may have been triggered by reports of widespread fraudulent degree practices. As a result, it is more important than ever for students to submit strong, well-documented applications.

Student Visa Expiry Reminder: Avoid Becoming Unlawful

We are seeing a large number of student visas expiring in March, many around the 15th.

Every year, people make the same mistake — waiting too long.

If your visa is expiring soon:

• Do not wait until the last minute

• Understand your next visa options early

• Lodge a valid application before expiry

Options may include course extensions, graduate visas, or transitions to skilled visas — but timing is critical.

How We Can Help You Plan Your Migration Strategy for Australia in 2026 

Migration to Australia in 2026 is still possible — but it requires realistic expectations, the right strategy, and early planning.

At Work Visa Lawyers, we are widely regarded as one of the best migration lawyers and one of the best registered migration agents in Adelaide, with extensive experience across skilled, employer-sponsored, and permanent residency pathways.

If you would like tailored advice based on your individual circumstances, please book an appointment and talk to our team.

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Townsville North Queensland DAMA Pathway: PR Up to 54 over 200 Occupations

If you’ve been researching regional visas, DAMA pathways, employer sponsorship options, or whether it’s still possible to obtain Australian permanent residency up to age 54, this guide is for you.

One of the most common questions we receive is whether Queensland offers a DAMA pathway.

The answer is yes — and one of the most flexible options available is the Townsville North Queensland Designated Area Migration Agreement (TNQ DAMA).

This pathway can be particularly valuable if you are:

• Over 45 and struggling to qualify for permanent residency
• Seeking age, English, or salary concessions
• Working in an occupation with limited visa options under standard programs

Below, we explain how the TNQ DAMA works, who it is for, and how it can lead to permanent residency in Australia.

What Is the Townsville North Queensland DAMA?

The Townsville North Queensland DAMA is a formal agreement between the Australian Government and Townsville Enterprise, acting as the Designated Area Representative for North Queensland.

The agreement allows approved regional employers to sponsor overseas workers when they are unable to fill roles locally.
Because the program is designed to address regional workforce shortages, it offers greater flexibility than standard employer-sponsored visa pathways.

Why the TNQ DAMA Matters for Employers and Migrants

The TNQ DAMA includes more than 200 eligible occupations, covering both skilled and semi-skilled roles.

For employers, it provides a realistic way to fill genuine labour shortages.
For migrant workers, it opens up migration pathways that do not exist under the standard skilled visa system.

Most importantly, it offers concessions that make permanent residency achievable for people who would otherwise be excluded.

Key Concessions Under the TNQ DAMA

Some of the major advantages of the TNQ DAMA include:

• Age concessions
  In many occupations, applicants can access permanent residency up to age 50 or 54 (instead of the usual age limit of 45).
  Note: with age concessions, applicants must generally be under 54 at the time of Subclass 186 or 494 nomination.
• English concessions
  Lower English language requirements may apply for certain occupations.
• Salary concessions
  Some roles allow reduced salary thresholds compared to standard visa requirements.
• Long-term labour agreements
  Once approved, a DAMA labour agreement can be valid for up to five years.
• Permanent residency pathways, including:
  • Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme)
  • Subclass 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional) leading to Subclass 191 PR

Which Regions and Occupations Are Covered? / TNQ DAMA Occupation List

The TNQ DAMA applies to designated areas of North Queensland, as defined by Townsville Enterprise.

The Townsville North Queensland DAMA occupation list is extensive and includes roles that are not available under Queensland’s standard state nomination programs, such as:

• Truck driver
• Kitchen hand
• Hotel receptionist
• Motor mechanic
• Fruit picker
• Numerous health-related occupations

The full occupation list is available on the official Townsville DAMA website and should always be checked carefully, as eligibility and concessions vary by role.

How Employers Can Access the TNQ DAMA

Accessing the TNQ DAMA involves several stages:

Stage 1 – Endorsement

The employer applies to Townsville Enterprise for endorsement as a DAMA business.
This includes submitting:

• DAMA request form
• Business declaration
• Covering letter outlining genuine labour needs
• Job description
• Organisational chart
• Evidence of unsuccessful local recruitment

Stage 2 – Labour Agreement

Once endorsed, the employer applies to the Department of Home Affairs for the labour agreement.

Stage 3 – Nomination

The employer nominates the overseas worker for an approved DAMA occupation.

Stage 4 – Visa Application

The worker lodges their visa application, typically under:

• Subclass 482
• Subclass 494
• Subclass 186

At every stage, employers must demonstrate that Australian workers were prioritised and that labour market testing has been conducted correctly.

How We Can Help

At Work Visa Lawyers, we specialise in employer-sponsored migration and regional pathways, including DAMA labour agreements. Our founder, Chris Johnston, is one of the best immigration lawyers in Australia, with over 20 years of experience in migration law.

We can assist with:

• Assessing whether your business and occupation qualify
• Advising on labour market testing requirements
• Preparing endorsement and labour agreement applications
• Managing communication with the Department of Home Affairs
• Handling sponsorship, nomination, and visa applications from start to finish

Whether you are a North Queensland employer struggling to fill a critical role, or a migrant worker exploring regional migration options, we can guide you through the process with clarity and confidence.

With the right strategy, it can provide a realistic pathway to permanent residency — even when other visa options are no longer available.

If you would like personalised advice, we invite you to book a consultation with our team.

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Sources:

https://www.townsvilleenterprise.com.au/skills-and-migration/designated-area-migration-agreement/

https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/os-data-2/townsvilleenterprise-com-au/documents/townsville_north_queensland_occupation_list_june2025.pdf

Resicare’s Success Story: How Work Visa Lawyers Helped Solve Regional Workforce Shortages Through the DAMA Program

Finding and keeping skilled staff in regional Australia can be a major challenge, especially in some sectors such as disability care. For Resicare SA, a South Australian disability support provider, this issue became critical when many of their staff began moving back to Adelaide.

Thanks to expert guidance from Work Visa Lawyers, Resicare found a long-term solution through the Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) program, helping them rebuild their workforce and continue delivering essential care services across the state.

The Challenge: Regional Workforce Shortages

Resicare had been operating in regional South Australia for several years, but staffing became increasingly difficult.

As Finance and Operations Manager Haroon explained:

“Around two years ago, people started moving back to Adelaide. We had no options to ask them to stay or work for us, and our services were very impacted.”

Without qualified carers in regional areas, Resicare’s ability to support clients was at risk.

The Solution: Partnering with Work Visa Lawyers

That’s when Resicare contacted Work Visa Lawyers for help. After assessing the company’s situation and workforce needs, our team identified the DAMA program as the best solution.

The DAMA allows approved regional employers to sponsor skilled overseas workers under more flexible conditions, including occupations not usually available under standard visa programs.

With our support, Resicare successfully applied for and received DAMA endorsement, enabling them to sponsor skilled disability carers and rebuild their workforce.

Haroon shared:

“The biggest help we received from Work Visa Lawyers was to guide us through the right path — the DAMA program. We built our team, and it’s been more than a year now that we’ve been providing services all over South Australia.”

Expanding Services with Confidence

Resicare’s success under the DAMA has not only solved their immediate workforce shortages but also set them up for growth.

“If we had not received that help from Work Visa Lawyers, we would not be operating in regional areas,” Haroon said. “Now, our plan for this year is to expand our services to Mount Gambier and Naracoorte. We are again working with Work Visa Lawyers for our DAMA renewals.”

When asked if they would recommend Work Visa Lawyers, Haroon commented:

“Absolutely 100%. They are very professional, and we truly believe they can help others just as they helped us.”

About Resicare SA

Resicare SA provides a wide range of disability and community support services, including:

• Supported Independent Living (SIL)
• Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)
• In-home and respite care
• Community participation and complex needs support

Their services extend across metropolitan Adelaide and regional South Australia.

Work Visa Lawyers and the DAMA Program

Work Visa Lawyers has extensive experience assisting employers across Australia to access skilled overseas workers through the DAMA program. Our team has supported a range of industries — including disability care, agriculture, hospitality, and construction — to meet their staffing needs and grow sustainably.

Here you can learn more about Labour Agreements and DAMAs.

We also have many videos on YouTube explaining the different DAMAs available in each state and territory. Check out our DAMA playlist.

If you or your business need assistance applying for a DAMA, please contact our team of experienced immigration lawyers and registered migration agents.

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482 Visa Australia: Top 5 Questions Answered  

The Subclass 482 Skills in Demand Visa (formerly the TSS 482 Visa) is one of the most common pathways for skilled workers to live and work in Australia. It allows approved employers to sponsor overseas workers for temporary positions when they can’t find suitable Australian candidates.

At Work Visa Lawyers, we receive many questions about the 482 work visa, from requirements and fees to how it can lead to permanent residency. 

Here, we answer the five most common questions about the 482 Visa.

What is the 482 Skills in Demand Visa?

The 482 Visa is an employer-sponsored visa that lets skilled workers come to Australia and work for an approved employer. 
One of the main benefits of this visa is that it can lead to Permanent Residency (PR) through the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme Visa after two years with the sponsoring employer.

There’s no age limit to apply for the 482 visa. However, to transition to PR through the 186 visa in the Temporary Residence Transition stream, you must generally:

• Be under 45 years old, and

• Have held a 482 visa for at least two years

Some exemptions may allow applicants over 45 to still apply.

To qualify for the SID 482 visa, your occupation must be on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL). You can check the full list on our website.

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1. Do I need a skills assessment for a 482 visa?

This depends on your occupation.

• For most professional or degree-level occupations, a skills assessment is not required.

• However, for trade occupations, a skills assessment is often mandatory for applicants from certain countries listed on the TRA 482 list.

• If you hold an Australian trade qualification, a skills assessment is not needed.

Example: If you’re a chef from India, you usually need a skills assessment — unless you studied your qualification in Australia.

Always check the Department of Home Affairs website or seek advice from a migration professional.

2. Can I, as the applicant, pay all the fees for the 482 visa?

Not all of them. 

By law, the employer must pay: 

• The Standard Business Sponsorship fee (AUD $420)

• The Nomination fee (AUD $330)

• The Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy, ranging from AUD $1,200 to $1,800 per year, depending on the business turnover.

The visa application charge can be paid by either the applicant or the employer. 

The currently fees for the 482 visa are: 

• Main applicant: AUD 3,210

• Additional applicant 18 and over: AUD 3,210

• Additional applicant under 18: AUD 808

Be cautious — employers cannot ask you to pay sponsorship or nomination fees. This is a serious breach of Australian migration law under section 245AR of the Migration Act.

If a migration lawyer or registered agent assists with your visa, the employer must pay their professional fees for the sponsorship and nomination stages.

3. How much work experience do I need?

You generally need at least one year of relevant, full-time work experience in your nominated occupation within the last five years.

Part-time or casual work can count if it’s equivalent to one year of full-time experience. 
Example: Two years of part-time work equals one year of full-time work.

This requirement ensures you have the practical experience to perform the role you’re being sponsored for.

4. Can I bring my family on the 482 visa?

Yes! You can include your spouse or partner and dependent children as secondary applicants.

They can:

• Work for any employer, in any occupation, with no work hour limits

• Study in Australia (note: some states may charge school fees for children)

This makes the 482 visa a flexible option for families looking to settle in Australia together.

5. How can I find a sponsor?

This is one of the most common questions we receive. 
Since the 482 is an employer-sponsored visa, you must find an employer willing to sponsor you.

Finding a sponsor takes strategy, preparation, and persistence. 
Here are some tips:

• Understand your visa options and eligibility

• Prepare a strong professional profile (CV, LinkedIn, English test, etc.)

• Target approved sponsors (those registered as Standard Business Sponsors or holding Labour Agreements)

• Build a strong Network 

• Look for opportunities in regional areas, where demand is often higher

We don’t assist in finding sponsors, but we have useful resources to help you: 

Blog: How to Find an Employer Sponsor in Australia 
YouTube Video: Tips on Finding a Sponsor

The Subclass 482 Visa remains one of the best options for skilled professionals who want to work in Australia and it can also be a stepping stone to Permanent Residency through the 186 Visa.

If you’d like personalised advice, book a consultation with our team. 
We’re an experienced, multilingual group of immigration lawyers and registered migration agents, based in Adelaide, South Australia, helping clients from all over the world.

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Permanent Residency Pathways for Construction Workers - Skilled Occupations That Support Australia’s Housing and Infrastructure Needs

Your skills are in high demand in Australia. As the nation expands its housing and infrastructure, the need for experienced professionals in construction, engineering, and related trades has never been greater. This growing demand creates clear, direct visa pathways to Australian Permanent Residency (PR) for qualified individuals like you.

1. Construction Trades

Carpenters, bricklayers, plumbers, tilers, electricians and many other construction workers are essential for residential and commercial building projects. Many of these occupations are included on the skilled occupation lists.

Visa pathways include

1. Subclass 482 – Skills in Demand (SID) Visa (employer-sponsored)
   • Main Requirements: Must be sponsored by an approved employer, have at least one  year of relevant work experience, have the occupation on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) and meet English language criteria. You may be eligible to apply for Permanent Residency after two years holding a 482 visa.
2. Subclass 186 Temporary Residence Transition stream – Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) - 482 visa to 186 PR
   • Main Requirements: The applicant needs to hold a 482 visa for at least 2 years, and the employer must nominate them for permanent residency. Generally, the applicant must also be under 45 years old.
3. Subclass 186 Direct Entry stream – Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) – PR through employer nomination
   • Main Requirements: Requires a nomination from an Australian employer, a positive skills assessment,at least three years of work experience, have the occupation on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), and competent English.
4. Subclass 189 - Skilled Independent, and 190/491 - State Nominated visas
   • Main Requirements: Based on a points system. Requires a positive skills assessment, must be invited to apply, and be under 45 years of age. The Subclass 190 and 491 also require a nomination from a state or territory government. Each state has different criteria and occupation lists.
5. Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMA)
   • Main Requirements: Available in specific regions of Australia. Employers in these areas can sponsor overseas workers, often with concessions for skills, language, and age requirements (up to 55 years old).

Work Visa Lawyers Tip: Our team helps tradespeople prepare for Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) skills assessments and lodge strong skilled visa applications.

2. Engineers

Civil, structural, and electrical engineers are vital for infrastructure development and housing projects.

Visa pathways include

1. Subclass 482 → 186 (TRT) pathway
   • Main Requirements: Begin with an employer-sponsored 482 visa, then transition to the 186 PR visa after working for your employer for a specified period (usually two years).
2. Subclass 186 - Direct Entry pathway
   • Main Requirements: Requires a nomination from an Australian employer, a positive skills assessment, at least three years of relevant work experience, and competent English.
3. Subclass 189/190 - Skilled visas via points or state nomination
   • Main Requirements: A points-based system where candidates need a positive skills assessment from Engineers Australia, must meet a points threshold, and be invited to apply. The 190 visa requires state nomination.
4. Subclass 491 - Regional provisional visas leading to 191 PR
   • Main Requirements: Requires nomination by a state/territory or an eligible family member to live and work in a designated regional area. This visa provides a pathway to the permanent 191 visa.

Work Visa Lawyers Tip: We assist engineers with Engineers Australia skills assessments and points-tested visas.

3. Surveyors & Architects

Surveyors and architects support the planning and design side of housing and urban development. These roles are also recognised on the skilled lists.

Visa pathways include

1. Subclass 482 - Employer sponsorship
   • Main Requirements: Requires sponsorship from an approved Australian employer, relevant qualifications, and English language proficiency.
2. Subclass 186 - ENS PR pathway
   • Main Requirements: Can be accessed via the Direct Entry or Temporary Residence Transition stream. Requires a positive skills assessment and relevant work experience.
3. Subclass 189/190 - Skilled PR visas
   • Main Requirements: A points-tested pathway requiring a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing body, an invitation to apply, and meeting the points threshold.
4. Subclass 491 - Regional provisional visa
   • Main Requirements: Requires nomination from a state or territory to live and work in a regional area, providing a pathway to permanent residency.

Work Visa Lawyers Tip: We provide advice for surveyors and architects navigating migration and state nomination requirements. Check our Employer-Sponsored Visa Services.

4. High-Demand Construction Occupations & Recent Invitation Rounds

Recent Subclass 189 invitation rounds have highlighted the strong demand for construction trades. In the last three 189 visa  rounds, many of these occupations received invitations with a minimum of just 65 points. This demonstrates a clear opportunity for skilled tradespeople seeking permanent residency in Australia.

Examples of occupations invited include:

• Carpenters and Joiners (with 65 points)
• Bricklayers (with 65 points)
• Plumbers (with 65 points)
• Electricians (with 70 points)

Work Visa Lawyers Tip: We stay on top of migration trends and can advise you on your points score and chances of receiving an invitation.

Building Australia’s Future

From trades and engineers to surveyors and project managers, skilled professionals are central to Australia’s housing and infrastructure development. If you’re qualified in these areas, there are clear visa pathways available.

How Work Visa Lawyers Can Help

At Work Visa Lawyers, our Adelaide-based team—founded by Immigration Lawyer Chris Johnston in 2011—specialises in Australian visa pathways for skilled workers.

Since 2011, we’ve helped thousands of skilled workers, families, and businesses with their migration matters. Whether you’re a carpenter, engineer, or architect, we can help you plan your pathway to Australia.

Book a consultation to explore your visa options.

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