Anzscosearch Australia Migration

14/10/2026

The Victorian Government has announced the Victorian Points Test (VPT), a new system for ranking Registrations of Interest (ROIs) for the Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) and Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) visas.

Under the new system, ROIs will be ranked using seven weighted factors, with age and English language proficiency playing a particularly significant role.

👉 For example:

Age 20–29 years: 300 points
Superior English: 200 points
Proficient English: 100 points

✅ We have developed a new calculator to help applicants and migration professionals estimate their VPT score and better understand how different factors contribute to their ranking.

The Victorian 2026–27 skilled visa nomination program is not yet open, but applicants can start assessing their potential scores and preparing ahead of the opening.

🔗 VPT Calculator: https://anzscosearch.com
🔗 Official Victorian Government information: https://liveinmelbourne.vic.gov.au/migrate/skilled-migration-visas/vpt

12/10/2026

📢 SkillSelect Update — New Invitation Round Date Confirmed

The Department of Home Affairs has confirmed that the next invitation round for the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) will take place on 15 October 2026.

This is an update to the Department’s previous advice that the next round would be held by 31 October 2026.

With the invitation round just days away, applicants are encouraged to review their Expression of Interest (EOI) and ensure all information is accurate and up to date.

🔗 https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skillselect/invitation-rounds

Stay informed with Anzscosearch for the latest Australian skilled migration updates.

01/10/2026

21/09/2026

Priority processing can make a real difference.

Under new Ministerial Directions 121 and 122, some employer-sponsored and skilled visa applications are being processed in priority order.

👉👉👉 If your application relates to a priority sector such as construction, healthcare, teaching, agriculture, aquaculture, fishing, resources, or law enforcement/defence-related roles, your visa may be processed faster than standard cases.

Of course, faster processing is not guaranteed, and it still depends on the visa pathway, the application quality, and your individual circumstances.

17/09/2026

Australia’s migration system is changing.

The Minister for Immigration has announced a number of measures designed to give the government greater control over temporary migration and net overseas migration.

Some of the key changes include:

• a points system boost for construction trades
• tighter rules for Student and Graduate visa dependants
• Working Holiday second and third year visas moving to a ballot system
• future Visitor visas carrying a No Further Stay condition
• tighter restrictions on student visa hopping
• stronger enforcement action against overstayers

These changes may affect how applicants plan their migration pathway, particularly where temporary visas have previously offered more flexibility.

☝🏻 Stay informed, plan carefully, and seek advice early when policy settings begin to shift.

27/07/2026

Tasmania has received 2,050 nomination places for the 2026–27 program year.

1,250 places for subclass 190
800 places for subclass 491

The Skilled Migration State Nomination Program is expected to reopen in the coming weeks, with further details to be announced soon.

https://www.migration.tas.gov.au/news/2024-25_program_open_to_rois

30/06/2026

Australian visa fees have increased from 1 July 2026.

23/06/2026

📢 Latest SkillSelect Invitation Round – 4 June 2026

The Department has published the results of the latest SkillSelect invitation round for the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189).

🚀 10,000 invitations were issued for the subclass 189 visa.

Trades were strongly represented in this round, with several occupations invited at 65 points, including:

• 334112 Airconditioning and Mechanical Services Plumber
• 331212 Carpenter
• 331211 Carpenter and Joiner
• 341111 Electrician (General)
• 341112 Electrician (Special Class)
• 334114 Gasfitter
• 334111 Plumber (General)
• 333411 Wall and Floor Tiler

ℹ️ The next invitation round for the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) is expected to be held by 30 September 2026.

👉🏻👉🏻 Explore the full invitation round data, occupation points and backlog analysis on anzscosearch.com