Southern Stone Migration

Southern Stone Migration Registered Migration Agency located in Mount Waverley, Melbourne Australia. Professional immigration service

The Department of Home Affairs has issued a new round of invitations under the Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) visa p...
04/06/2026

The Department of Home Affairs has issued a new round of invitations under the Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) visa program today.

This invitation round demonstrates the Government’s continued focus on addressing skills shortages across key sectors, including healthcare, education, and the skilled trades.

Applicants who have received an invitation are required to lodge their Subclass 189 visa application within the 60-day period.

Prior to lodging, applicants should carefully review their Expression of Interest (EOI) to ensure that all information remains accurate and is supported by appropriate documentary evidence. In particular, applicants should confirm that:

• Their skills assessment remains valid
• Their English language test results remain valid
• All points claimed in the EOI can be substantiated with supporting documentation

Receiving an invitation is a significant milestone; however, the quality and accuracy of the visa application itself remain critical to a successful outcome.

If you require professional assistance with your Subclass 189 visa application, our team at Southern Stone Migration is available to provide guidance and support throughout the process.

⚠️ Affected by the Gold Migration Lawyers Closure? We're Here to Help.The recent closure of Gold Migration Lawyers has l...
01/06/2026

⚠️ Affected by the Gold Migration Lawyers Closure? We're Here to Help.

The recent closure of Gold Migration Lawyers has left many visa applicants uncertain about the status of their immigration matters.

If you were previously represented by Gold Migration Lawyers, it is important to understand that the closure of a law firm does not pause or extend deadlines imposed by the Department of Home Affairs or the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART). Your matter may still require urgent attention.

Our experienced migration team is currently assisting affected clients with:

✅ Reviewing the status of ongoing visa applications and ART review matters
✅ Identifying critical deadlines and outstanding Department requests
✅ Providing strategic advice on complex migration matters
✅ Transferring representation and ensuring continuity of communication
✅ Managing ongoing visa applications, appeals, and review proceedings

Whether your matter involves an employer-sponsored visa, partner visa, parent visa, skilled migration, protection visa, citizenship application, visa cancellation, or ART review, obtaining timely professional advice can be critical.

We understand that unexpectedly changing representatives can be stressful. Our team is committed to providing clear, practical, and professional support to help you navigate this transition with confidence.

📞 (03) 9981 9559
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.southernstone.com.au

🔖 Australia's Permanent Migration Program Planning LevelsThe latest 2026–27 permanent Migration Program settings outline...
25/05/2026

🔖 Australia's Permanent Migration Program Planning Levels

The latest 2026–27 permanent Migration Program settings outline how Australia will balance skilled migration, family pathways, and long term workforce needs in the year ahead. For a full breakdown of the program settings, see the details in the image 👇️

Understanding the program settings is only the first step - interpreting what they mean for your pathway is where true strategy begins.

At Southern Stone Migration, we specialise in transforming complex policy into tailored, forward looking visa solutions. Our approach is discreet, precise and deeply considered, ensuring every client receives guidance that aligns with their goals and long term future in Australia.

# PlanningLevels

📢 Australia has just released the 2026–27 migration planning levels. The Employer Sponsored program receives a major boo...
18/05/2026

📢 Australia has just released the 2026–27 migration planning levels. The Employer Sponsored program receives a major boost - jumping from 44,000 to 58,040 places. That's 14,040 new opportunities in one year. This is one of the strongest signals yet that Australia is prioritising employer‑driven skilled migration.

For employers and skilled workers, this means a more favourable environment, more certainty, and a better chance to secure permanent residency through sponsorship.

At Southern Stone Migration, employer‑sponsored visas are one of our core strengths. We help businesses and applicants navigate these programs with clarity, strategy, and a deep understanding of how policy shifts translate into real‑world outcomes.

If you're considering an employer‑sponsored pathway, now is the time to plan ahead - and we're here to support you every step of the way.

📊 Data source: Australian Department of Home Affairs - Migration Program Planning Levels 2026–27: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/what-we-do/migration-program-planning-levels

JUST ANNOUNCED: Australia’s Latest Migration Changes (2026–27 Budget)The Australian Government has just released new upd...
12/05/2026

JUST ANNOUNCED: Australia’s Latest Migration Changes (2026–27 Budget)

The Australian Government has just released new updates to the migration program, reshaping priorities for skilled migration and trade workers.

Key highlights from the latest announcement:

• The permanent migration program will remain at current levels
• Skilled migration continues to be the main focus of the program
• The points test will be reformed to prioritise younger and more highly skilled applicants
• Faster pathways will be introduced for trade workers entering the workforce
• Improvements to skills recognition processes for in-demand occupations, including construction and trades

This marks a clear shift toward a skills-focused migration system, especially supporting in-demand trades and productive workers.

📌 Southern Stone Migration will continue to monitor and share further updates as more details are released.

📣 Important Update for Parent Visa ApplicantsThe Department of Home Affairs has announced that from 22 April 2026, four ...
16/04/2026

📣 Important Update for Parent Visa Applicants

The Department of Home Affairs has announced that from 22 April 2026, four Parent visa subclasses will move to online lodgement. This change replaces the long standing paper based process and is intended to make applications easier to submit and manage.
Visas moving to online lodgement include:

• Parent (subclass 103)
• Aged Parent (subclass 804)
• Contributory Parent (subclass 143)
• Contributory Aged Parent (subclass 864)

From this date, applicants will be able to upload documents, track progress and communicate with the Department directly through the online system. Our team will continue to monitor updates from the Department and share further details as they become available.

🎉 Another ART win for our team! A 482 nomination that was originally refused for “position not genuine” has now been se...
02/04/2026

🎉 Another ART win for our team!

A 482 nomination that was originally refused for “position not genuine” has now been set aside, with the nomination approved soon after. A huge relief for both the employer and nominee.

Cases like this show that a refusal isn’t the end — strong, well‑structured evidence can turn things around, especially now that most ART matters are decided on the papers.

👉 Read the full breakdown on our website: https://southernstone.com.au/art-win-482-position-not-genuine-refusal-successfully-overturned/

⏰️ This is another reminder for employers and sponsored workers: Australia’s 482/186 visa salary thresholds will rise on...
26/03/2026

⏰️ This is another reminder for employers and sponsored workers: Australia’s 482/186 visa salary thresholds will rise on 1 July 2026, meaning any nomination lodged after this date must meet higher pay requirements. For roles sitting close to current CSIT or SSIT levels, even a small delay could trigger salary increases or derail sponsorship plans.

If you want to secure applications under the current thresholds, act BEFORE 30 June.

Full details and guidance are now on our website: https://southernstone.com.au/482-and-186-visa-salary-thresholds-increase-from-1-july-2026-what-employers-sponsored-workers-need-to-know/

Need advice? Southern Stone is here to help.

📢 Important Update: Iranian Visitor Visa Holders (Subclass 600)From 26 March 2026, the Australian Government has introdu...
26/03/2026

📢 Important Update: Iranian Visitor Visa Holders (Subclass 600)

From 26 March 2026, the Australian Government has introduced a temporary Arrival Control Determination affecting Iranian passport holders with a Visitor (Subclass 600) visa who are outside Australia.

🔍 What this means

• Most Iranian visitor visa holders outside Australia cannot travel for now
• The measure applies for up to 6 months
• Visas are paused, not cancelled

✅ Who is NOT affected
• People already in Australia
• Immediate family of Australian citizens or PRs (in eligible cases)
• Those granted a Permitted Travel Certificate (limited situations)

📝 New visa applications
• Subclass 600 applications can still be lodged
• Applications will continue to be assessed on their merits

⚠️ If this affects you
Seek advice before making travel plans.

👉 Official update:
https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-and-support/arrival-control-determination

💼 Need help?
The team at Southern Stone is here to assist.

🔥 Even with a valid visa, you might NOT be allowed to enter Australia: Section 84B is now active.Australia has officiall...
18/03/2026

🔥 Even with a valid visa, you might NOT be allowed to enter Australia: Section 84B is now active.

Australia has officially switched on Section 84B, and this new rule gives the government the power to immediately stop certain temporary visa holders from entering the country if they believe the situation overseas is too risky.

This is one of the biggest changes to border control in years. It means that even people who already hold a valid temporary visa could be told they can’t board a flight or can’t enter Australia during high‑risk periods.

Keep watching the updates，it could hit without notice.

Address

Suite 1, 241-243 Blackburn Road, Mount Waverley
Melbourne, VIC
3149

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+611300188999

Website

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