Hammond Migration

18/08/2026

Skilled visa processing has changed 🇦🇺

From 25 July 2026, Ministerial Direction 119 introduces a new processing priority for a range of skilled visas, including subclasses 482, 186, 189, 190, 491 and 494.

The key change? Your occupation and whether you were in or outside Australia when you lodged may now affect your processing priority.

Onshore applicants, particularly those working in construction, healthcare and teaching, may receive higher processing priority. The changes also apply to existing applications that are still undecided.

These changes affect processing order only, all usual visa requirements still apply.

Read our latest update to find out what the changes could mean for your application.

  The Australian Government has introduced Ministerial Direction 119, which took effect on 25 July 2026. This Direction replaces Ministerial Direction 105 and changes the order in which many skilled visa nominations and visa applications are processed. Importantly, this direction now applies to Ski...

03/08/2026

If you're an employer looking to sponsor overseas talent or you're planning to migrate to Australia through an employer-sponsored pathway, there are important changes you need to know.

From 1 July 2026, the Australian Government has:
✔️ Increased the minimum salary thresholds for employer-sponsored visas.
✔️ Increased visa application charges across most skilled visa categories.

These changes may affect:
• Employers' recruitment and sponsorship costs.
• Visa applicants and their families.
• Future migration planning and budgeting.

Planning ahead is more important than ever. Understanding these updates can help you make informed decisions and avoid unexpected costs.

📞 If you're unsure how these changes may affect your circumstances, our team is here to help.

📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.hammondmigration.com.au

  From 1 July 2026, the Australian Government introduced several important changes affecting Australia’s employer-sponsored migration program. These include higher salary thresholds for employer-sponsored visas and increased visa application charges across most visa categories. These changes are ...

31/03/2026

Taking a short pause this Easter to reflect, recharge, and spend time with loved ones 🐣✨

Our office will be closed from April 3–6, but your journey doesn’t have to wait. You can still send your enquiries through our website contact page or message us on Facebook, and our team will get back to you as soon as we return.

Planning your next move to Australia? Let’s make sure you’re on the right path, even while we’re away.

👉 Read more about how we can support your visa journey via the link in our bio.

17/12/2025

As we close out the year, the Hammond Migration team will be taking a short break to recharge and prepare for the year ahead.

📅 Office closed: 25 December 2025 – 2 January 2026
📌 Back to regular hours: 5 January 2026

Thank you to our clients, partners, and community for trusting us with your Australian migration journey this year. We look forward to continuing to support individuals, families, and businesses in 2026.

Wishing you a safe, relaxing, and joyful holiday season!

24/09/2025

Queensland Skilled Migration Update this September 2025

Queensland has reopened nominations for subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional Provisional) and subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Permanent) visas with an interim allocation of 250 places.

✨ Pathways are available for:
✅ Skilled workers (onshore & offshore)
✅ International graduates
✅ Building & construction workers
✅ Small business owners (491 only – closes for new businesses after 19 Sept 2025)

If you’re considering living and working in Queensland, now’s the time to check your eligibility and prepare your application.

Remember: Requirements vary across streams (points, skills assessment, work experience, and commitment to living in QLD).

👉 Book a consultation with us today to secure your chance before allocations fill up!

        Queensland has received a small interim allocation of 250 visa nomination places while waiting on the full allocation from the Federal Government. As of 19 September 2025, nominations have reopened for skilled migration under both the subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional Provisional) and ...

17/09/2025

Thinking of hiring someone on a visa in Australia? 🤔
It’s not as simple as it might seem, different visa types, ever-changing rules, and legal responsibilities can make things tricky. From choosing the right visa to understanding your obligations as a sponsor, there's a lot to keep in mind.

Whether you're new to hiring visa holders or just need a refresher, this guide breaks down the key things every employer should know in plain English.

✅ Know your responsibilities
✅ Stay compliant
✅ Avoid costly mistakes

Read more here and feel free to reach out if you need help navigating the process: [email protected]

Hiring someone on an existing visa may seem relatively straightforward at first glance, however, the process contains more nuances and important details than meets the eye. Acronyms, government policy shifts and changes in visa application requirements compared to previous applications submitted for...

04/09/2025

Applying for an Australian visa isn’t just ticking boxes on an online form. The way you organise and present your documents can make a huge difference. The clearer and more structured your paperwork is, the smoother it’ll be for the case officer to go through your application.

Here are a few practical tips to keep things on track:

✅ Set up a system – Keep all your visa docs in one spot (folder, cloud, or drive) so nothing goes missing.
✅ Name files properly – e.g., Passport.pdf, IELTS.pdf, BirthCertificate.pdf.
✅ Keep it safe – Use secure storage instead of digging through email chains.
✅ Check expiry dates – Police checks, English tests, skills assessments, and passports all have time limits.
✅ Sort out name differences early – If names vary across documents, back it up with proof (marriage cert, stat dec, etc.).
✅ Use a checklist – Each visa has different requirements, so a tailored list keeps you on track.
✅ Save copies – Always hang on to a full set after you apply. Handy for extensions or future visas.

Tip: Some documents (like police checks or skills assessments) can take ages to come through. Get started early to save yourself stress and avoid delays.

If you’d like a hand, the team at Hammond Migration is here to guide you through the process.
📧 [email protected]

  Applying for an Australian visa involves much more than filling out online forms. The quality and organisation of your supporting documents often play a key role in the success of your application. The more organised the documentation, the better. It is best to remember when providing evidence to...

16/07/2025

A Quick Guide to Australia's Skilled Occupation Lists 🇦🇺

Thinking about applying for a skilled visa to Australia? It's not just about having the right skills, it’s about being on the right occupation list!

🔍 Here’s what you need to know:

✅ CSOL (Core Skills Occupations List) – Supports the new Skills in Demand (SID) visa and subclass 186. Features 456 occupations based on 2022 ANZSCO.

✅ MLTSSL (Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List) – For long-term demand roles. Crucial for subclass 189, 190, 491, and 485 visas. Offers a path to PR.

✅ STSOL (Short-term Skilled Occupation List) – Targets short-term and regional needs. Relevant to 190 and 491 state-nominated visas.

Whether you're aiming for permanent residency, state sponsorship, or regional work, the right occupation list makes all the difference.

Not sure which list your profession falls under? Let us help you navigate the best visa pathway.

DM us or speak with a legal practitioner today.

  If you are planning to apply for a skilled visa in Australia, it is important to understand that there is not just one list of eligible occupations. There are several, and each one applies to different types of visas. These occupation lists help the government identify and target the skills that ...

09/07/2025

Planning to apply for an Australian visa? Big changes are coming from 01 July 2025. The Department of Home Affairs has announced fee and salary threshold increases across multiple visa subclasses.

📌 New Visa Application Fees (Main Applicant):
🔹 Partner visa (820/309): $9,365
🔹 Skilled visas (189, 190, 186, 491): $4,910
🔹 Skills in demand visa (482): $3,210
🔹 Student visa (500): $2,000
🔹 Temporary graduate (485): $2,300
🔹 Tourist visa (600): $200

💼 Updated Minimum Salary Requirements:
🔸 CSIT (Core Skills): Now $76,515
🔸 SSIT (Specialist Skills): Now $141,210
🔸 TSMIT (Regional Sponsorship): Now $76,515

These changes aim to reflect processing costs and strengthen Australia's migration system.

Need help navigating your visa options?

Email us at 👉 [email protected]
We’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Don’t wait—start your migration journey informed and prepared.

Migration fees increase: What you need to know If you are planning to apply for an Australian visa, here is what you need to know. Who and why is it from? The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has announced fee increases for a wide range of Australian visa subclasses. This change is part of the […]

04/06/2025

We’re proud to share that James Hammond has been named a Leading Immigration Lawyer – 2025 by Doyle’s Guide.

This recognition reflects James’s dedication to his clients and commitment to excellence in immigration law.