MigrationBuro - Andrew Heathcote - Migration Agent

31/05/2026

Parent visas under the 2026/27 Migration Program

If you're hoping to bring a parent to Australia permanently, here's what's just changed.

The Government has reduced Parent visa places from 8,500 to 7,060 for 2026/27. Parent visas are capped and queued, which means a smaller annual quota leads directly to longer waiting times.

The Department's current published processing estimates are around 15 years for Contributory Parent visas, and around 33 years for non-Contributory Parent visas. With the reduced allocation, those timeframes are likely to grow.

A few things families should think about:
The Contributory stream costs significantly more but processes much faster. For elderly parents, it's often the only practical option.

The Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa (Subclass 870) isn't a permanent visa, but it can allow parents to spend up to 10 years in Australia in total while a permanent application waits in the queue.

If you have an application already lodged, it's worth getting a check on where you sit in the queue and whether your information is up to date with the Department.

Before paying any Contributory application fees, make sure your parent meets the Balance of Family test. This catches families off guard more often than you'd think.

Every situation is different. If you'd like to talk through your family's options under the new program, the MigrationBuro team is here to help.

📞 Book a consultation online or give the office a call. We've been helping families navigate Australian migration since 2008.

31/05/2026

2026/27 Migration Program update

The Australian Government has confirmed the planning levels for the 2026/27 Permanent Migration Program. The total intake stays at 185,000 places, with significant changes in how those places are allocated.

The main changes:

- Employer Sponsored (186): up to 58,040 places — the strongest pathway in the program
- Skilled Independent (189): up to 21,090 places
- Partner visa: small increase to 41,500 places
- Regional (491/494): reduced sharply to 14,110 places
- Parent visa: reduced to 7,060 places

Roughly 70% of all places are reserved for applicants already living in Australia.

If you're on a 482 with a sponsoring employer, the 186 ENS is now the most reliable pathway to permanent residency.

If you've been planning a 491 regional pathway, the reduced allocation means a more competitive process. It's worth reviewing your strategy.

If you have a Parent visa application in the queue, the smaller allocation will affect processing times.

Every situation is different, and the right pathway depends on your circumstances. If you'd like a clear view of where you stand under the new program, book a consultation with us or give the office a call.

We've been helping clients navigate Australian migration since 2008.

22/05/2026

Most refused visa applications I review weren't refused because the applicant wasn't eligible.

They were refused because of how the case was presented.

After 18 years as a registered migration agent, the single most common mistake I see is this: applicants treat the visa application as a form-filling exercise. It isn't. It's a evidentiary submission to a delegate who has never met you and has no obligation to ask for clarification.

If your evidence doesn't make the decision easy, the decision goes against you.

Three things I see repeatedly:

1. Genuine relationships documented like a checklist instead of a story. Joint bank statements alone won't carry a partner visa. The decision-maker needs to understand the relationship arc.

2. Skilled visa applicants under-claiming points because they don't realise what counts. I've seen 5–10 point swings from re-evaluating evidence the applicant already had.

3. Responding to s56 requests literally instead of strategically. A request for "further information" is rarely just about information. It's about doubt. Address the doubt, not just the question.

A refusal on your record changes every future application you make. It's worth getting the first one right.

If you're preparing an application — or worse, responding to a request that's worrying you — book a consultation before you submit anything else.

14/05/2026

Australia’s 2026–27 Federal Budget confirms that skilled migration remains a critical part of the country’s long-term workforce strategy, despite continued efforts to reduce overall net overseas migration.

The permanent Migration Program will remain at 185,000 places, with around 70% allocated to skilled migration. The Government has also indicated that a significant proportion of skilled places will continue to favour applicants already living and working in Australia.

Several key industries continue to experience ongoing labour shortages, particularly healthcare, construction, engineering, infrastructure, hospitality, agriculture, and technology. Skilled migrants remain essential to supporting these sectors and helping businesses address workforce gaps.

One of the more significant announcements is the proposed reform of the skilled migration points test which we have been aware of for some time. While full details have not yet been released, the Government has indicated it intends to place greater emphasis on younger applicants, higher qualifications, specialised skills, and stronger long-term economic contribution potential.

The Budget also includes substantial investment into faster trade skills assessments and licensing reforms, aimed at helping qualified migrant trades workers enter the Australian workforce more efficiently.

For employers, these developments reinforce the importance of long-term workforce planning, sponsorship compliance, and maintaining access to skilled overseas labour as migration policy continues to evolve.

04/05/2026

Very interesting analysis on what the Parent Visa program costs Australia. For a while now we have been advocating that the Parent visa program will under go some change in the future. With reports like this it just may be sooner than we think.

The AFR has produced the following chart showing the massive backlog of parent visas awaiting permanent residency: In the 2024-25 financial year, there were 157,000 parent visas in the backlog, up 52,000 from 2018-19. The 2023 Migration Review cited Treasury estimates that each permanent migrant par...

17/04/2026

Parent Visa Update - Online Lodgement Starts 22 April 2026

From 22 April 2026, applications for four permanent Parent visa subclasses will move to online lodgement via ImmiAccount.

In most cases, paper applications will only be accepted in exceptional circumstances - such as verified ImmiAccount technical issues supported by the eServices Support Helpdesk.

What this means for you:
• If you are currently preparing a paper application, now is the time to consider whether switching to online lodgement is the better option for your situation
• The Department will update the relevant Parent visa pages on 22 April 2026
• Online lodgement is expected to streamline how applications are prepared, submitted and managed

If you or your family are considering a Parent visa, speak with us at MigrationBuro for tailored advice on the best lodgement strategy for your circumstances.

👉 Book a consultation:

25/03/2026

MigrationBuro is a professional, end-to-end Australian immigration consultancy service designed to simplify visa applications, including Skilled Migration, Employer Nominated Visa and Family Visas. If you are seeking migration assistance, please reach out at [email protected]

19/02/2026

MigrationBuro exists for people who want expertise without the ego. We focus on strategy, evidence, and integrity, and that’s what gets results.
If that sounds right for you, get in touch at [email protected]

12/02/2026

Honest advice is the foundation of good migration work. I won’t tell you what you want to hear; I’ll tell you what will work.
If you value straight answers, email [email protected]

05/02/2026

Many people underestimate how powerful a well-written submission is. It’s your chance to tell your story clearly, legally, and persuasively. That’s where I can help.
Reach me at [email protected]