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MCLG Migration, Melbourne (2026)

26/10/2026

Is Victoria 190 your pathway to permanent residency? Here's how to get ready. 🇦🇺

On 13 October 2026, Victoria's Live in Melbourne program shared its plans for 2026-27. Victoria will nominate skilled workers for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190), which lets you live and work in Australia permanently.

The opening date has not been announced yet, and registrations from 2025-26 do not carry over.

WHICH WORKERS IS VICTORIA LOOKING FOR?
Victoria's priority industries for 2026-27 are:
• Healthcare
• Social assistance, like aged and disability care
• Education
• Construction

A new Victorian Points Test will rank applicants, and the highest-ranked are invited first. Work in a priority industry? This could be your chance.

WHO CAN APPLY?
Under the current rules, you need to:
• Be under 45 when you are nominated
• Have at least Competent English (a set English test score)
• Have a valid skills assessment in an eligible job
• Score at least 65 points on the Australian points test
• Live in Victoria, or live overseas and plan to move there

You must also agree to live and work in Victoria for at least two years.

HOW CAN YOU BE READY WHEN IT OPENS?
1. Check your documents. Your skills assessment and English test need at least 12 weeks left when you apply.
2. Update your EOI. Keep your Expression of Interest in SkillSelect (the online system for skilled visas) correct.
3. Watch for the opening date. Only trust dates from Live in Melbourne and Home Affairs, and ignore rumours online.

Places are limited, and the best-ranked applicants are invited first. Getting your documents ready early can help you apply as soon as the program opens. Meeting the requirements does not guarantee an invitation.

Want to be ready when Victoria 190 opens? Follow Maison Chen Law Group and message us for guidance.

General information only, not legal advice. Program dates, eligibility requirements, selection criteria and outcomes may vary and are subject to change.

26/10/2026

Do your ties to Australia still protect your visa? 🤔

New character rules start on 31 October 2026. On 18 September 2026, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke signed Ministerial Direction 123, which replaces Direction 110.

A Ministerial Direction is a set of rules that decision makers must follow. This one guides how Home Affairs and the Tribunal decide character cases, which decide whether a visa is refused or cancelled because of a person's conduct.

WHAT HAS CHANGED?
The character test itself has not changed. What changed is how much each factor counts. Your ties to Australia still matter, but community safety now comes first.

WHAT WILL COUNT MORE
• Keeping the community safe
• Family violence, which now covers more behaviour, like stalking or breaking a court order
• Hate speech and calling for violence

WHAT WILL COUNT LESS
• Your family and work ties in Australia
• How long you have lived here

Harm to an Australian business is no longer considered.

WHO COULD BE AFFECTED?
Anyone whose visa could be refused or cancelled on character grounds. This can include people with criminal charges or convictions, or family violence matters, in Australia or overseas. It covers all visa types, including temporary and permanent visas.

Cases already open will use the new rules if they are decided on or after 31 October.

WHAT CAN YOU DO NOW?
If you have a character issue or an open case:
1. Read any notice carefully. Answer Home Affairs by the deadline in the letter.
2. Update your response. A response written under the old rules may need changes.
3. Get advice you can trust. Use a registered migration agent or lawyer and check official Home Affairs sources.

Worried about a character issue on your visa? Follow Maison Chen Law Group and message us for guidance.

General information only, not legal advice. Character decisions depend on individual circumstances, and rules, policies and outcomes may vary and are subject to change.

26/10/2026

Ok they’re open!
For those who want to get in contact with us, send us an email at [email protected] or call us on +61370651628

DISCLAIMER: This disclaimer applies to all social media posts from Maison Chen Law Group and its associated entities. Content in these posts does not constitute immigration or legal advice, is not intended as a substitute for such advice and must not be relied upon as such. The material is designed to provide an informative guideline (current at the time of publication and subject to changes) for general informational purposes only. Please consult an Australian MARA registered agent or Australian Lawyer for professional advice before you make any type of application.

26/10/2026

Will they open today?
For those who want to get in contact with us, send us an email at [email protected] or call us on +61370651628

DISCLAIMER: This disclaimer applies to all social media posts from Maison Chen Law Group and its associated entities. Content in these posts does not constitute immigration or legal advice, is not intended as a substitute for such advice and must not be relied upon as such. The material is designed to provide an informative guideline (current at the time of publication and subject to changes) for general informational purposes only. Please consult an Australian MARA registered agent or Australian Lawyer for professional advice before you make any type of application.

25/10/2026

AUSTRALIA: COULD MIGRATION CUTS AFFECT INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS?

On 14 October 2026, ABC News reported comments from University of Tasmania Vice-Chancellor Professor Rufus Black regarding opposition migration proposals and their potential impact on higher education.

What student migration changes have been proposed?
The Coalition has proposed policy measures including:

Reducing international student commencements to 240,000 annually
Abolishing Temporary Graduate visas
Substantially reducing overall temporary migration

Important note: These are opposition proposals, not newly enacted laws. Existing Student and Temporary Graduate visa requirements continue to apply unless formally changed by parliament.

Why are universities concerned?
Professor Black argued that international student revenue helps support Australian university research. He warned that substantial reductions could affect:

Research investment — Funding available for university research programs
University employment — Jobs supported by higher education activity
International relationships — Australia's attractiveness to prospective students and overseas partners

The opposition has argued that universities should manage with a lower international student intake.

Planning to study in Australia?
Migration policy discussions can create uncertainty, but proposed restrictions must be distinguished from rules already in force. Before applying, prospective applicants should review current eligibility, course requirements, and visa conditions.

Need guidance with your Australian Student visa options?
Message Maison Chen Law Group to review your current circumstances, understand valid visa pathways, and receive professional advice on your study plans.

[email protected]
mclg.com.au
+61 3 7065 1628

Follow Maison Chen Law Group for the latest Australian visa and migration updates.

General information only, not legal or migration advice. Proposed political policies do not alter current migration regulations until legislated.

25/10/2026

AUSTRALIA FACES HOSPITALITY WORKER SHORTAGES AMID MIGRATION DEBATE

ABC News reported on 14 October 2026 that the Australian Hotels Association (AHA) launched a campaign highlighting the hospitality sector's ongoing reliance on migrant workers.

The association warned that reduced migration intake could worsen existing workforce shortages across the country, citing approximately 7,000 chef and cook vacancies.

Note: This is an industry-reported estimate, not a verified count of available visa sponsorship positions.

Which hospitality jobs are involved?
The hospitality sector employs workers across a wide range of roles, including:
Chefs
Cooks
Restaurant Managers
Café Managers
Hotel Service Managers
Food and Beverage Attendants
Kitchenhands
Housekeeping staff

Important distinction: Not every hospitality job qualifies for visa sponsorship. Different roles carry distinct qualification standards, employment requirements, and visa eligibility criteria.

Can hospitality workers apply for sponsored visas?
Depending on the specific occupation, qualifications, and individual circumstances, eligible workers sponsored by approved employers may explore options such as:

Subclass 482 — Skills in Demand visa (for eligible workers sponsored by approved employers)

Subclass 494 — Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa (for qualifying positions in designated regional areas)

Subclass 186 — Employer Nomination Scheme (for eligible permanent employer-sponsored applications)

All applicable occupation lists, TSMIT/salary requirements, and employer sponsorship criteria must be satisfied.

Working in Australia's hospitality industry?
Workforce shortages create recruitment demand, but they do not automatically establish visa eligibility or guarantee employer sponsorship. Understanding the role, employer obligations, and visa pathway requirements is essential.

Looking for an employer-sponsored Australian work visa?
Message Maison Chen Law Group to discuss your occupational eligibility, evaluate sponsorship pathways, and prepare your application strategy.

[email protected]
mclg.com.au
+61 3 7065 1628

Follow Maison Chen Law Group for the latest Australian visa and migration updates.

General information only, not legal or migration advice. Visa eligibility, occupation lists, and sponsorship criteria are subject to Department of Home Affairs regulations.

24/10/2026

DIFFERENT JOURNEYS. ONE GOAL: A VISA GRANT!

Congratulations to our clients on their recent Australian visa grants! We are thrilled to celebrate another round of successful outcomes across multiple visa pathways.

Here is a showcase of our recent visa grants:

1. Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)

Visa Stream: Direct Entry

Occupation: Valuer

Date Granted: 12 October 2026

2. Partner Visa (Subclass 820)

Visa Lodge Date: 20 May 2025

Date Granted: 13 October 2026

3. Skilled - Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

Occupation: Mechanical Engineer (90 points)

EOI Lodged: 12 May 2025

EOI Invited: 15 December 2025

Visa Lodged: 26 February 2026

Date Granted: 15 October 2026

4. Skilled - Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

Occupation: Cafe & Restaurant Manager (70 points)

EOI Lodged: 17 December 2025

EOI Invited: 10 February 2026

Visa Lodged: 11 March 2026

Date Granted: 16 October 2026

Every client's migration journey is unique, whether navigating employer sponsorship, skilled state nomination, or partner visas. Having a clear, strategic plan makes all the difference.

Ready to start your Australian migration journey?
Message Maison Chen Law Group today to discuss your circumstances, understand your visa options, and prepare for your next steps.

[email protected]
mclg.com.au
+61 3 7065 1628

Follow Maison Chen Law Group for the latest Australian visa updates, success stories, and practical migration advice.

General information only, not legal or migration advice. Processing times and eligibility criteria vary based on individual circumstances and Department guidelines.

24/10/2026

ARE MIGRATION DEBATES AFFECTING MIGRANT COMMUNITIES?

A report published by The Guardian Australia on 18 October 2026 explored how the national immigration debate is affecting members of the Indian-Australian community.

Some community members described feeling alienated by negative migration rhetoric, while others expressed differing views about migration intake levels, infrastructure, and Australia's economic and housing challenges.

Important distinction: These reported views represent community perspectives on the public debate, not changes to Australian immigration law.

Migrants are more than visa statistics
Indian-Australian communities contribute significantly across many sectors of Australian society, including:

Healthcare and education
Technology and professional services
Small businesses and entrepreneurship
Skilled trades and other core industries
Community and cultural organisations

While public discussions often center on net migration numbers, they also directly impact the everyday experiences and sense of belonging for people already living in Australia.

Migration discussions involve complex policy considerations
Public debate surrounding migration touches on many interrelated topics:

Migration levels — How migration planning relates to overall population growth.

Housing & infrastructure — Ensuring public services, housing, and construction keep pace.

Workforce needs — Addressing critical occupational skill shortages across industries.

Social inclusion — Understanding how policy debates affect multicultural communities.

What does belonging in Australia mean to you?
Migration is about much more than visa processing and statistical targets—it involves building careers, families, and strong local communities. Constructive discussion can consider migration policy alongside the real contributions and experiences of migrants.

Share your perspective respectfully in the comments.

Follow Maison Chen Law Group for Australian migration news, visa updates, and practical information.

General information and community perspective only, not legal or migration advice.

23/10/2026

IS IT GETTING HARDER FOR SKILLED MIGRANTS TO FIND JOBS IN AUSTRALIA?

Recent Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data shows that Australia’s unemployment rate reached 4.7% in September 2026.

Why does this matter for skilled migrants?
Migrants considering Australia may face greater uncertainty when planning employment. Factors to keep in mind include:
Competition for available positions

Recognition of overseas qualifications

Specific employer requirements

Local recruitment conditions

Differences between occupations and regional markets

Important reminder: Having an eligible visa pathway does not automatically guarantee employment.

What should prospective migrants do before relocating?

1. Research your occupation – Check actual labour market demand in your target state or region.

2. Review skills recognition – Confirm whether you need formal professional registration, licensing, or skills assessment.

3. Check your visa conditions – Understand workplace rights, employment restrictions, and sponsorship requirements.

4. Plan your finances – Account for local living costs and potential delays in securing suitable work.

Planning to work and migrate to Australia?
Latest economic indicators highlight why realistic employment planning matters alongside visa eligibility. A suitable migration strategy should always consider your genuine career prospects in Australia’s evolving labour market.

Need guidance with Australian skilled migration?
Message Maison Chen Law Group to discuss your visa options, evaluate state nomination pathways, and plan your next steps.

[email protected]
mclg.com.au
+61 3 7065 1628

Follow Maison Chen Law Group for the latest Australian visa and migration updates.

General information only, not legal or migration advice. Job market conditions and visa criteria vary by state, industry, and individual circumstances.

23/10/2026

TASMANIA ISSUES 77 NEW 190 AND 491 INVITATIONS!

Migration Tasmania released its latest invitation results from the 15 October 2026 Registration of Interest (ROI) round, issuing a total of 77 invitations across eligible nomination priority categories.

Invitation breakdown by visa subclass:

Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated): 45 invitations
Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional): 32 invitations

What were the lowest invited scores?
Subclass 190 — 319 points
Subclass 491 — 88 points

Please note: These figures refer specifically to Tasmania's internal ROI ranking system, not the federal SkillSelect points test. Meeting a previous round's lowest score does not guarantee an invitation in future rounds.

How many nomination places remain?
As reported on 15 October, available nomination allocation places stand at:
Subclass 190: 944 places remaining
Subclass 491: 682 places remaining

Currently, Migration Tasmania reports 878 submitted Subclass 190 ROIs and 612 submitted Subclass 491 ROIs on hand.

Next invitation round date:
The next invitation round is scheduled for Friday, 23 October 2026, due to the Hobart Show Day public holiday.

Waiting for a Tasmania 190 or 491 invitation?
Tasmania continues to issue nominations through its competitive ROI process. Applicants should ensure their employment, qualifications, and claimed priority attributes are fully supported by verifiable evidence.

Planning your Tasmanian skilled migration application?
Message Maison Chen Law Group to review your ROI profile, assess your claimed priority attributes, and plan your next steps.

[email protected]
mclg.com.au
+61 3 7065 1628

Follow Maison Chen Law Group for the latest Australian visa and migration updates.

General information only, not legal or migration advice. Invitation results, score thresholds, and remaining nomination places are subject to change following subsequent rounds.

MCLG Migration

26/10/2026

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