Immigration Law Matters - Australia

02/06/2026

𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔–𝟐𝟕 𝐌𝐢𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐝 🇦🇺

The Australian Government has officially confirmed that the 2026–27 permanent Migration Program will remain at 185,000 places, with the overall program size and the Skill-to-Family ratio unchanged from 2025–26.

A strong focus will continue to be placed on onshore applicants, with 129,590 places allocated to migrants already living in Australia, while 55,110 places will be available for offshore applicants, particularly highly skilled migrants who can address workforce shortages and support Australia's long-term economic growth.

📊 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔–𝟐𝟕 𝐌𝐢𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐧

✅ Skill Stream: 132,240 places (71%)
✅ Family Stream: 52,460 places (28%)
✅ Special Eligibility: 300 places

🔹 𝐌𝐚𝐣𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦
The Government has made several significant adjustments across key skilled visa categories:

📈 Skilled Independent Visa: Increased from 16,900 → 21,090
📈 Employer Sponsored Visas: Increased from 44,000 → 58,040
📈 State/Territory Nominated: Increased from 33,000 → 35,500
📉 Regional State/Territory Nominated: Reduced from 33,000 → 14,010
📉 Talent & Innovation: Reduced from 5,300 → 3,500

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐬
The Government is clearly prioritising:
✔ Employer-sponsored migration
✔ Skilled migrants already living and working in Australia
✔ State and Territory nomination pathways

👨‍👩‍👧 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬
Only minor adjustments have been made across Family visas:

📈 Child Visas: Increased from 3,000 → 3,500
📉 Parent Visas: Reduced from 8,500 → 7,060
📉 Other Family Visas: Reduced from 500 → 400

📌 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐀𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐬
The most notable change is the substantial increase in Employer Sponsored visas, reinforcing the Government's focus on addressing Australia's workforce shortages through employer-driven migration pathways.

At the same time, the sharp reduction in regional nomination places suggests a shift away from regional migration incentives and towards broader state nomination and employer-sponsored pathways.

If you are currently considering:
✅ Employer Sponsored Visas (SID / 482 / ENS 186)
✅ Skilled Independent Visas (189)
✅ State Nominated Visas (190)
✅ Family or Partner Visas

now is the time to seek advice and understand how these changes may affect your migration strategy.

𝐈𝐋𝐌 𝐀𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐚
𝗠𝗶𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 | 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 | 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗮 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 | 𝗔𝗥𝗧 | 𝗙𝗖𝗖
🪪 MARN: 1278455 | 1387820
📌 Level 4, 256 Queen St, Melbourne VIC 3000
☎︎ Office: (+61 3) 9606 0674
⚠️ Urgent: (+61) 403 676 452
✉︎ [email protected]
🌐 www.ilmaustralia.com

𝐅𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐔𝐬
ⓕ https://www.facebook.com/ilmaustralia
📸 instagram.com/ilmaustralia

24/04/2026

21/04/2026

We make Australia’s visa pathways clearer and more manageable. At ILM Australia, we break down skilled migration and employer‑sponsored visas into straightforward steps, highlight common pitfalls, and explain when it’s essential to call a registered migration agent. Visit our detailed visa service pages to see how we tailor strategies to your situation and help speed up accurate applications. Ready to get started? Learn more: https://wix.to/EVBfPFf

13/04/2026

We see how a single missing document or an unclear statement can turn a hopeful visa application into a refusal — and the consequences can last. At ILM Australia, we specialise in the tough cases: PIC 4020 matters, partner and student visa refusals, sponsorship errors and AAT appeals.

If your application was refused, or you want to avoid costly mistakes, we’ll assess your file, explain the realistic pathways (AAT review, new application, ministerial requests) and prepare decision-ready evidence that addresses case officer concerns. Speak with our migration experts in Melbourne — personalised, strategic, litigation-grade support from a team experienced in complex appeals and multilingual client assistance.

Read the full 2026 guide and steps to avoid refusal: https://wix.to/3MmukFD

Have questions? Comment below or call our office to book an assessment.

Australian visa refusal infographic by Immigration Law Matters Australia showing common refusal reasons including PIC 4020, weak evidence, and missed deadlines.

26/03/2026

𝐈𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐈𝐀𝐍 𝐏𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬: 𝐀𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐥 𝐃𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 (𝐄𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝟐𝟔 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔)

The Minister for Home Affairs has announced an Arrival Control Determination commencing 26 March 2026 and in effect for six months. This Determination has immediate implications for Visitor (Subclass 600) visa holders from Iran.

✈️ 𝗪𝗵𝗼 𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱?

The Determination temporarily suspends the operation of Visitor visas for individuals who:

• Are outside Australia on 26 March 2026
• Hold a Subclass 600 Visitor visa
• Were recorded as using a passport issued by the Islamic Republic of Iran when applying

❗ Important: No refunds will be provided for affected visa holders unless specific criteria are met.

✅ 𝗪𝗵𝗼 𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱?

The Determination does not apply to individuals who are:

• A spouse, de facto partner, or dependent child of:
– an Australian citizen
– an Australian permanent resident
– an eligible New Zealand citizen

• A parent of a child under 18 who is in Australia
• Already in Australia when the Determination commenced
• Holders of a valid Permitted Travel Certificate (PTC)

📄 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗹 𝗖𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲 (𝗣𝗧𝗖)

A PTC may allow travel despite the restrictions, but applications are strictly limited. Typical circumstances include:

• Parents of Australian citizens, or
• Individuals who can demonstrate a genuine temporary intention to stay in Australia

➡️ Applicants must provide evidence that the restrictions do not apply before travel. Applications are submitted via the Department’s Arrival Control Determination Portal.

🔍 𝗕𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴

Affected individuals should:

✔️ Check if their Visitor visa is impacted via the Arrival Control Determination Portal
✔️ Confirm whether an exemption or PTC applies
✔️ Seek professional immigration advice if unsure

We emphasise: the Determination does not cancel visas, but renders them temporarily ineffective, preventing travel to Australia unless an exemption or PTC is in place.

𝐈𝐋𝐌 𝐀𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐚
𝗠𝗶𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 | 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 | 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗮 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 | 𝗔𝗥𝗧 | 𝗙𝗖𝗖
🪪 MARN: 1278455 | 1387820
📌 Level 4, 256 Queen St, Melbourne VIC 3000
☎︎ Office: (+61 3) 9606 0674
⚠️ Urgent: (+61) 403 676 452
✉︎ [email protected]
🌐 www.ilmaustralia.com

𝐅𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐔𝐬
ⓕ https://www.facebook.com/ilmaustralia
📸 instagram.com/ilmaustralia

17/03/2026

𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐀 𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐃: 𝐒𝐮𝐛𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝟖𝟖𝟖 – 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 (𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐧𝐭) 𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐚

A huge congratulations to our client on the successful grant of their Subclass 888 – Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) visa! 🇦🇺

This achievement marks the final stage of a long and carefully managed migration journey that began with the Subclass 188 visa back in April 2017. After years of commitment and compliance, our client is now officially an Australian Permanent Resident.

The Subclass 888 visa (Investor stream) is a highly specialised pathway for applicants who have maintained a designated investment in Australia and demonstrated an ongoing commitment to the Australian economy. Applications under this stream are subject to strict scrutiny — particularly regarding the lawful source of funds, financial traceability, and regulatory compliance.

This successful outcome reflects the expertise and diligence applied throughout the process. Youssef Haddad, who represented the client from the initial Subclass 188 stage through to permanent residency, ensured that every aspect of the application was strategically prepared.

A key focus of this matter was the preparation and verification of complex financial documentation. All funds were meticulously analysed, clearly traced, and presented to the Department of Home Affairs in a manner that was fully transparent and legally compliant — resulting in a smooth assessment with no issues raised.

This outcome highlights the importance of precision, consistency, and expert handling in business migration matters.

We are proud to have supported our client throughout this journey and congratulate them on this outstanding result.

𝐈𝐋𝐌 𝐀𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐚
𝗠𝗶𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 | 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 | 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗮 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 | 𝗔𝗥𝗧 | 𝗙𝗖𝗖
🪪 MARN: 1278455 | 1387820
📌 Level 4, 256 Queen St, Melbourne VIC 3000
☎︎ Office: (+61 3) 9606 0674
⚠️ Urgent: (+61) 403 676 452
✉︎ [email protected]
🌐 www.ilmaustralia.com

𝐅𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐔𝐬
ⓕ https://www.facebook.com/ilmaustralia
📸 instagram.com/ilmaustralia

12/03/2026

☕🎉 𝐌𝐞𝐥𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞: 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝’𝐬 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔! 🎉☕

Yep, you read that right — Melbourne has officially beaten the planet. According to Time Out, we’re #1 in food, culture, happiness, and yes… coffee. Take that, Sydney (21st) and Adelaide (29th)!

So, what does this mean for us locals?

Extra pride while waiting 10 minutes for a latte ☕

More excuses to say “I told you so” to friends visiting from Sydney 🍷

Unlimited justification for our obsession with laneways, street art, and brunch avocado toast 🥑

To the rest of the world: you may have pizza, mountains, or beaches… but we have flat whites, trams, and a coffee culture so strong it wakes the sun up.

27/01/2026

📢 𝐈𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞 – 𝐀𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐄𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐲 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬 (𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐚 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠) - 𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐀𝐟𝐟𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐬

Effective 31 December 2025, the Department of Home Affairs will cease immigration operations at the following overseas missions:

• Australian Consulate-General in Dubai
• Australian High Commission in Singapore
• Australian Embassy in Washington DC

🔹 What does this mean?
These changes relate only to immigration functions at these locations.

🔹 Will this affect our clients?
No. We will continue to represent you at which ever Embassy assumes control of your case. You will not be required to attend an overseas mission..

🔹 Processing of applications
Visa applications from these regions will continue to be processed as usual across the Department’s global immigration network.

If you have questions about how this may affect your circumstances, feel free to get in touch.

𝐈𝐋𝐌 𝐀𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐚
𝗠𝗶𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 | 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 | 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗮 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 | 𝗔𝗥𝗧 | 𝗙𝗖𝗖
🪪 MARN: 1278455 | 1387820
📌 Level 4, 256 Queen St, Melbourne VIC 3000
☎︎ Office: (+61 3) 9606 0674
⚠️ Urgent: (+61) 403 676 452
✉︎ [email protected]
🌐 www.ilmaustralia.com

𝐅𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐔𝐬
ⓕ https://www.facebook.com/ilmaustralia
📸 instagram.com/ilmaustralia

16/01/2026

𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 & 𝐓𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐍𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 – 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

The Department of Home Affairs has released updated data on State and Territory nominations for the month of December 2025 under:

✔️ Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)
✔️ Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491)

🗓 Reporting period:
30 November 2025 – 31 December 2025

📞 Contact ILM Australia today to discuss your skilled and work visa options and maximise your chances of success.

𝐈𝐋𝐌 𝐀𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐚
𝗠𝗶𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 | 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 | 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗮 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 | 𝗔𝗥𝗧 | 𝗙𝗖𝗖
🪪 MARN: 1278455 | 1387820
📌 Level 4, 256 Queen St, Melbourne VIC 3000
☎︎ Office: (+61 3) 9606 0674
⚠️ Urgent: (+61) 403 676 452
✉︎ [email protected]
🌐 www.ilmaustralia.com

𝐅𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐔𝐬
ⓕ https://www.facebook.com/ilmaustralia
📸 instagram.com/ilmaustralia

18/12/2025

✨🎄 ILM Christmas Party 🎄✨
A wonderful evening celebrating the year with our team. We are grateful to our clients for their continued trust in our work and to our colleagues for their dedication and collaboration. Wishing everyone a joyful holiday season and a successful year ahead. Christmas party