2025-26 WA State Nominated Migration program Wed, 29/10/2025 - 10:58 The 2025–26 State Nominated Migration Program criteria is available on the WA State Nomination Migration Program page (opens in a new tab) . A limited invitation round will be conducted in October for the interim 2025-26 SNMP allocation. Invitations to apply for State nomination will commence when Western Australia’s 2025-26 allocation is confirmed by the Commonwealth Government. To be considered for WA State nomination, please ensure your Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect is current and includes accurate details such as residency status, nominated occupation, qualifications and relevant work experience. News Category SNMP

A new online support service has been launched to make it quicker and easier for individuals in Australia with expired visas to have their immigration status resolved. A Status Resolution Officer can help provide the correct information so people can make the right decision about their future. Our team are here to provide a safe, voluntary way for people to resolve their immigration status and regain peace of mind. If your visa has expired or you have a Bridging visa E, you can now request a confidential appointment for a time that suits you through a new online booking form. Status Resolution Officers are separate from the Australian Border Force, and all meetings through the online support service are voluntary. Request an appointment. Don’t delay — your future in Australia could depend on it.

The 24-year-old, originally from Yemen, is one of just 20 refugees due to come to Australia as part of this pilot program.

As announced by Austroads on 21 October 2024, changes are being introduced to the Recognised Country Scheme for Experienced Driver Recognition status for car and motorcycle licences. The 31 October 2025 deadline for Experienced Driver Recognition status to cease has now been extended to 31 January 2026 for the recognised countries and jurisdictions in List B in NSW. Other states and territories will end the EDR category prior to this. The extension of this date will allow drivers from these currently recognised countries and jurisdictions additional time to transfer their overseas licence to a NSW driving licence. From 1 February 2026, drivers aged 25 or over, from recognised countries and jurisdictions in List B will need to pass the Driver/Rider Knowledge Test and the Rider/Driving Test to obtain a NSW driver licence. Penalties will apply to a temporary visa holder who has resided in NSW for a continuous period of six months or more, and who continues to drive in NSW on their overseas licence. They will be considered to be driving a vehicle unlicenced. Some regions are experiencing increased wait times for booking the Driving Test. Appointment availability is published and updated weekly for the next eight weeks. Bookings are open online, can be made via the contact centre or a service centre. For more information, please refer to the attached factsheet. Details on these changes and others under the Recognition Status Scheme can also be accessed via the Austroads website.

Are you a skilled migrant looking to make your mark in the South Australian job market? Whether you're in engineering, construction, ICT, healthcare, or any other field, this comprehensive training program is designed to help you confidently navigate the local job scene and land your next role. Join us for a half day of practical workshops led by experienced career coaches, where you’ll gain essential skills to boost your job search. Learn how to tailor your resume to Australian standards, master the art of behavioural interviews, and understand the key cultural differences that will help you thrive in your new workplace. Event details: Date: Wednesday, 28 October 2025 Time: 9:00am – 12:30pm with morning tea provided Location: SABC, Level 1, 136 Greenhill Road, Unley Cost: Free Register now POSTED MORE NEWS

Are you a skilled migrant who has recently arrived in South Australia? You are invited to attend the Welcome to South Australia event for skilled migrants, hosted by the Skilled and Business Migration team from the Department of State Development. This is your opportunity to gather valuable insights to support your smooth settlement in South Australia, connect with your new community, and network with individuals who can assist you in establishing your life here in SA. The first part of the event will include a panel discussion with expert recruiters providing advice on accessing the local job market. You will also gain key information on securing rental accommodation and hear from a previous attendee sharing their personal experience of navigating a similar journey. A key focus of the event is meeting with guests during an informal morning tea. It’s an excellent networking opportunity to connect with a wide range of organisations, like-minded professionals and support services such as: Professional associations Recruitment agencies Cultural and community organisations Service providers Event details: Date: Tuesday, 18 November 2025 Time: 9:00am – 12:30pm Location: Adelaide CBD Cost: Free Register now Places are limited so we encourage you to register your attendance early. Spouses and partners are welcome to attend. Unfortunately, children under 10 years of age are not permitted to attend the event. POSTED MORE NEWS

As the academic year ends, thousands of international students are signing on for holiday work. But if things go wrong, experts warn that few understand their legal entitlements or how to recover unpaid wages.

This Department’s latest Admin Paper provides a detailed snapshot of how Australia’s migration and citizenship system performed in 2024–25, a year of strong policy reform and stabilisation after pandemic-era disruption. Highlights - 9.48 million visa applications were lodged, up 1.7 % from 2023-24, with 9.45 million finalised and a 7.3 % refusal rate - Temporary visas in effect rose 3.5 % to 2.78 million, driven by strong demand for skilled and working-holiday programs - Net Overseas Migration (NOM) eased to 316,000 to March 2025, down from the post-COVID peak of 556,000, with forecasts trending to 225,000 by 2028–29 - Student-visa reforms (genuine-student test, higher English and financial thresholds, and the end of COVID concessions) led to a 26 % drop in lodgements - Skills in Demand (SID) and National Innovation visas launched 7 Dec 2024, replacing the TSS program and targeting critical workforce needs - Working-Holiday Maker visas surged 37 %, while bridging visa holders rose 24 %, reflecting ongoing program churn - The Migration Program (2024–25) delivered its full quota of 185,000 places, 71 % Skilled and 28 % Family - Top source countries: India, China, Philippines, UK, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka Policy Themes - Downward pressure on NOM through closure of pandemic visas and “permanent temporariness” pathways. - Emphasis on integrity and quality in international education. - Targeted, faster processing for skilled migration tied to genuine labour shortages. - Expansion of regional and labour-agreement pathways (Aged Care ILA, PALM, MATES scheme). - Continued focus on protecting migrant workers and community safety under the Character and Integrity programs. Looking Ahead 2025-26 planning levels remain at 185,000 places (132,200 Skilled / 52,500 Family). Longer-term reforms include regional migration settings, essential-skills pathways, and integration of Jobs & Skills Australia advice into visa planning Australia’s migration system is entering a new phase of balance, attracting global talent, protecting integrity, and supporting national prosperity. Source: The-Administration-of-the-Immigration-and-Citizenship-Programs---15th-edition-Oct-2025.pdf

This year's program focused on reform, resilience and readiness, addressing the evolving global landscape and Australia's role within it. Key themes included: Demography and Destiny: Opening keynote by SImon Kuestenmacher on how migration will shape Australia's population and workforce. Skilled Migration and Workforce Planning : Panels featuring Ai Group, ACTU, AusVEg and the Scanlon Foundation explored migration's role in economic growth. Partner Visas and Humanitarian Issues : VETASSESS and the Institute of Public Accountants led discussions on qualifications recognition and future pathways. AI and Mental Health in Practice: Practical sessions addressed digital transformation and wellbeing in migration services. Featured Presentation: Dr Mamta Chauhan and Dr Rocco Guarnaccia Dr Mamta Chauhan, Executive Director of VETASSESS and Dr Rocco Guarnaccia, Director of Vocational Education and Training, featured on a standout panel titled "Global trends and drivers of cross-border mobility: what this means for Australian migration? " . Their presentation explored: Global migration shifts: Traditional leaders like the US, UK and Canada are reducing intake, while New Zealand, Germany, India and China emerge as new influences. India's migration appetite remains strong despite increased scrutiny on offshore agents China is investing in local upskilling but maintains interest in outbound migration. Skills Assessment Innovations: Australia continues to relay on qualifications and experience-based assessments Canada is evolving toward recognising work experience The US is developing a global skills directory to streamline mobility. South Africa is leveraging Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) to integrate refugee populations more rapidly. Generational Learning and Workforce Readiness The speakers emphasised the importance of understanding generational learning styles to better prepare future workers: From Silent Generation to Gen Alpha, each cohort brings distinct traits and expectations. They compared Pedagogy (teacher-led), Andragogy (adult-focused) and Heutagogy (self-determined) learning models, advocating for flexible, learner-driven approaches that support lifelong learning. Generation Z: The Workforce of the Future Gen Z is the most formally educated, digitally connected and globally aware generation With projections of 17 jobs across 5 careers, their adaptability and tech fluency demand new approaches to education, skills recognition and migration policy. The MIA National Migration Conference 2025 reinforces the importance of collaboration, innovation and future-readiness in shaping Australia's migration system. With insights from leaders like Dr Mamta Chauhan and Dr Rocco Guarnaccia, the event offered a vital platform for policy, practice and progress.

Careers: Made in SA professional workshops help you in your professional job search, providing you important information for accessing the South Australian job market, gaining valuable insights into South Australian workplace culture and employer expectations, as well as the opportunity to expand your professional network. Over three half-day sessions, you’ll gain the knowledge, tools, and confidence to navigate the local job market, including: Effective job search strategies Writing local style resumes and cover letters Interview preparation and confidence-building techniques Building and using your professional network. The November program will take place 8:45am – 1:00pm: Tuesday 25 November Wednesday 26 November Thursday 27 November. Participants must be available to attend all three days. The sessions will be held in a central Adelaide location. Expressions of Interest (EOIs) close 18 November 2025. Submit yours now. Places are limited, so please complete your EOI as soon as possible. POSTED MORE NEWS

The Department of Home Affairs has released a new legislative instrument under regulation 5.34E of the Migration Regulations 1994, updating the framework for the disclosure of identifying information to specified international organisations in accordance with paragraph 336F(1)(e) of the Migration Act 1958. This instrument replaces the previous 2016 version (IMMI 16/068), ensuring continued lawful information sharing between Australia and international bodies for humanitarian, legal, and administrative purposes. Key updates include: Removal of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda and the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia following their closure. Inclusion of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals to maintain cooperation on matters of international criminal law. Retention of existing prescribed organisations such as the International Committee of the Red Cross, International Monetary Fund, Interpol, International Organisation for Migration, and the United Nations. The instrument maintains Australia’s commitment to responsible international cooperation while upholding privacy and legislative safeguards. It is exempt from disallowance under section 42 of the Legislation Act 2003 and commenced the day after registration. Source: Migration-Disclosure-of-Information-to-Prescribed-International-Organisations-Instrument-2015.pdf and Migration-Disclosure-of-Information-to-Prescribed-International-Organisations-Instrument-2015-Explanatory-Statement.pdf

Australia has excelled once again in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026, with an improved overall score across 14 categories! The THE rankings assess universities around the world on their core missions of teaching, research, knowledge transfer and internationalisation. The 2026 THE WUR rankings have now been released, with 2,191 universities assessed. How did Australia perform? This year: 97% of Australia’s public universities are recognised in the global ranking. Six Australian universities are again in the top 100, and 10 universities are featured in the top 200 worldwide. Australian universities in the top 200 (in order of rank): University of Melbourne The University of Sydney Monash University Australian National University UNSW Sydney The University of Queensland University of Technology Sydney The University of Western Australia Macquarie University Adelaide University One third of Australia’s ranked universities rose in the rank this year, with three also achieving their best-ever performance: Charles Sturt University The University of Notre Dame Study with an Australian world-class education provider Australian universities are ranked highly overall and are also among the world’s best for individual study areas, as featured on the Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2025. Ready to explore these world-class education providers for yourself? Check them out using the Study Australia Course Search tool.