https://maisonmigrationservices.com.au/, https://www.mara.gov.au/, https://www.mara.gov.au/, https://thebusinessawards.c

Maison Migration Services Australia, Suite 1A, Level 2, 186-190 Church Street, Parramatta (2026)

14/10/2026

🚨 VICTORIA'S NEW POINTS TEST SYSTEM FOR SKILLED MIGRATION 2026-27!

A significant update for skilled migration applicants seeking Victorian State Nomination under Subclass 190 and Subclass 491.

The Victorian Government has released detailed information about its new Victorian Points Test (VPT), including the weighting of selection factors used to rank Registrations of Interest (ROIs).

📊 HOW DOES THE NEW VICTORIAN POINTS TEST WORK?

The new ranking framework considers seven key factors:

🎂 Age: Up to 300 points
🗣️ English Language Proficiency: Up to 200 points
💼 Nominated Occupation Experience: Up to 100 points
🎓 Educational Qualifications: Up to 100 points
🏢 Occupation Skill Level: Up to 50 points
👫 Eligible Partner Skills: Up to 50 points
💰 Victorian Skilled Employment Earnings: Up to 150 points

🎯 HOW ARE INVITATIONS SELECTED?

Victoria uses two selection approaches:

🔹 Most Competitive: ROIs with the highest VPT scores across eligible occupations may be selected.

🔹 Priority Industries: Highly ranked candidates within designated priority industries may also receive invitations.

⚠️ IMPORTANT TO KNOW

✅ The Victorian Points Test operates separately from the federal SkillSelect points test.

✅ The federal points test generally requires a minimum of 65 points for Subclass 190 and 491.

✅ There is no fixed VPT pass mark.

✅ A high score does not guarantee an invitation or nomination.

📲 SWIPE THROUGH OUR GUIDE to explore the new scoring system and understand how the different factors can influence your ranking.

📢 WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

The Victorian Government will announce the opening of its 2026 -27 Skilled Visa Nomination Program separately.

Prospective applicants should review their eligibility, understand the new ranking criteria and monitor official announcements.

📩 CONSIDERING VICTORIAN STATE NOMINATION?

Contact Maison Migration Services to discuss your skilled migration eligibility and available pathways.

🌐 www.maisonmigrationservices.com.au

📞 0423 614 280

📚 OFFICIAL REFERENCES

Victorian Government, Live in Melbourne

Victorian Points Test (VPT)
https://liveinmelbourne.vic.gov.au/migrate/skilled-migration-visas/vpt

Victorian Government, Live in Melbourne
Victoria's Skilled Visa Nomination Program 2026-27
https://liveinmelbourne.vic.gov.au/news-events/news/2026/update-victorias-skilled-visa-nomination-program-2026-27

Australian Government, Department of Home Affairs
SkillSelect, Expression of Interest
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skillselect/expression-of-interest

⚠️ DISCLAIMER

This publication provides general information only and does not constitute migration advice tailored to individual circumstances. Points allocations, eligibility requirements, selection priorities and nomination arrangements are subject to change. Meeting eligibility criteria or achieving a high VPT score does not guarantee an invitation, state nomination or visa grant.

06/10/2026

🎉 ANOTHER SUCCESS STORY STANDARD BUSINESS SPONSORSHIP APPROVED IN JUST 5 BUSINESS DAYS! 🇦🇺

We are pleased to have assisted another valued business client in obtaining approval as a Standard Business Sponsor (SBS).

What is a Standard Business Sponsorship?
A Standard Business Sponsorship allows an eligible business to sponsor suitably skilled overseas workers for certain employer-sponsored visas, subject to meeting the applicable sponsorship, nomination and visa requirements.For businesses experiencing genuine skills shortages, becoming an approved Standard Business Sponsor can provide access to skilled overseas workers where appropriately skilled Australian workers are not available.

⏱️ In this matter, the SBS application was approved in just 5 business days.

At Maison Migration Services, we assist businesses throughout the employer-sponsored migration process, including:

• Standard Business Sponsorship applications
• Employer nomination applications
• Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visas
• Employer-sponsored permanent visa pathways
• Sponsorship compliance and migration advice

📩 Employer Sponsorship Enquiries:
[email protected]
MARN: 1688817

⚠️ Disclaimer: This post provides general information only and does not constitute migration, legal or other professional advice. The 5-business-day processing period relates solely to this particular application and should not be taken as an indication or guarantee of processing times for other applications. Processing times and outcomes vary depending on the circumstances of each matter, the completeness of the application and Department of Home Affairs processing. Past outcomes do not guarantee future results. Eligibility for sponsorship, nomination and visas is subject to the applicable migration law and requirements at the time of application.

05/10/2026

🇦🇺 The story behind Labour Day

More than 170 years ago, Australian workers began asking for something that seems ordinary today: a fair balance between work and life.

In the 1850s, workers campaigned for an eight-hour working day, built around a simple idea:
⏰ 8 hours for work
🌿 8 hours for recreation
😴 8 hours for rest

What began as a workers’ movement became an important part of Australia’s history and helped shape the workplace conditions and rights enjoyed by generations that followed.

Today, Labour Day is more than a public holiday. It is an opportunity to remember that Australia has been built and continues to move forward through the skills, dedication and hard work of millions of people, from those who came before us to the diverse workforce of today.

This Labour Day, we celebrate the people who keep Australia moving. 🇦🇺

Happy Labour Day, NSW, from Maison Migration Services.

01/10/2026

🚨 STUDENT VISA CHANGES – WHO CAN STILL APPLY IN AUSTRALIA? | LIN 26/087

From 2 October 2026, a person who already holds a Subclass 500 Student visa will generally need to be outside Australia to apply for another Student visa, unless they fall within a specified exception.

LIN 26/087 sets out important exceptions for certain primary Student visa holders, including:
🎓 Doctoral students – students enrolled in a course leading to a doctoral degree.

🏫 Provider default – where the education provider fails to start or continue delivering the course, the student may qualify to apply in Australia, generally where the application is made within 12 months of the provider default.

⏳ More time to finish the principal course – a student who has already started their principal course may qualify where the course is expected to be completed within 12 months after the end date stated on the CoE.

📈 Progressing to further study – a student who has completed their principal course may qualify where they are enrolled in no more than one further course and that course is at a higher AQF level. Additional requirements apply where the completed course was a higher education course.

What about partners and children?
LIN 26/087 also specifies limited circumstances for secondary applicants, including certain family members of:
👨‍🎓 doctoral students;
🌏 students whose courses are fully funded by a foreign government;
🏫 students affected by provider default; and
⏳ students who need additional time to complete their studies.

⚠️ Important: These are specific legislative exceptions. Simply holding a Student visa, wanting to extend your studies, or enrolling in another course does not automatically mean you can lodge another Student visa in Australia.

📌 Source: LIN 26/087 – Federal Register of Legislation, registered 1 October 2026: https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2026L01349/asmade/text

Maison Migration Services | MARN 1688817
Disclaimer: General information only. This does not constitute migration, legal or education advice. Eligibility depends on individual circumstances and the applicable legislation.

01/10/2026

🚨 BREAKING: MAJOR STUDENT VISA CHANGES FROM 2 OCTOBER 2026 🇦🇺

Amendments made by the Migration Amendment (Student Visa Reform) Regulations 2026. Significant changes to Australia's Subclass 500 Student visa framework commence from 2 October 2026.

📌 WHAT'S CHANGING?

✈️ Existing Student visa holders

If you already hold a Subclass 500 visa and want to apply for another Student visa as the primary applicant, you will generally need to apply from outside Australia.

✅ Important exemptions apply
Certain applicants may still be able to apply onshore, including eligible:
• Defence and Foreign Affairs students
• School students
• Doctoral students
• Students affected by provider default
• Students requiring further time to complete their principal course
• Students genuinely progressing to a more advanced course, where the relevant requirements are met

👨‍👩‍👧 Family applications significantly restricted
The reforms introduce much tighter rules for secondary applicants and subsequent family applications. Specific exceptions and transitional arrangements apply.

🚫 More temporary visa holders are restricted from applying onshore
Separate legislative instruments specify classes of visa holders/persons who cannot make the relevant Student visa application while in Australia, subject to the exact requirements and exemptions.

⚖️ New rules for onshore applications
Applicants applying in Australia will generally need to hold a substantive visa, unless a specific exception applies. A new provision also applies to certain former Student visa holders following a successful ART cancellation review.

📅 WHEN DOES IT START?
The reforms apply to relevant Subclass 500 applications made on or after 2 October 2026.

⚠️ IMPORTANT: Whether a person can lodge a Student visa application in Australia depends on their current and previous visa status, whether they are applying as a primary or secondary applicant, their proposed studies and whether an exemption applies.

Follow Maison Migration Services as we break down the changes and what they may mean for Student visa holders and future applicants.

🌐 www.maisonmigrationservices.com.au
MARN 1688817

📚 SOURCE: https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2026L01347/asmade/text

⚠️ Disclaimer: This information is general in nature and is based on legislation and legislative instruments commencing on 2 October 2026. It does not constitute migration, legal or education advice. Individual circumstances may vary. Always refer to the current legislation and seek advice relevant to your individual circumstances.

01/10/2026

🚨 STUDENT VISA UPDATE | LIN 26/102

A significant change is coming for certain temporary visa holders who intend to apply for a Subclass 500 Student visa in Australia.

The Migration (Student Visa Applications to Be Made from outside Australia) Instrument 2026 (LIN 26/102) was registered on 1 October 2026 and specifies the classes of visa holders affected by the new Student visa application requirements.

📌 WHO IS AFFECTED?

The specified visa subclasses are:

🔹 400 – Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist)
🔹 403 – Temporary Work (International Relations) – Domestic Worker (Diplomatic or Consular) stream only
🔹 407 – Training
🔹 408 – Temporary Activity
🔹 417 – Working Holiday
🔹 457 – Temporary Work (Skilled)
🔹 462 – Work and Holiday
🔹 482 – Skills in Demand
🔹 482 – Temporary Skill Shortage
🔹 485 – Temporary Graduate
🔹 600 – Visitor
🔹 601 – Electronic Travel Authority
🔹 602 – Medical Treatment
🔹 651 – eVisitor
🔹 771 – Transit
🔹 988 – Maritime Crew
🔹 995 – Diplomatic (Temporary), subject to the additional requirement specified in the instrument

✈️ WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR VISA HOLDERS?

Once the relevant Student visa reforms commence, a person who falls within one of the classes specified by LIN 26/102 will be required to make the relevant Student visa application from outside Australia.

In practical terms, affected visa holders planning to transition to a Student visa should be aware that remaining in Australia and lodging the Student visa application onshore will no longer be available under these provisions once they commence.

⚠️ The listed visas are not being cancelled or abolished. The change relates to the ability of affected visa holders to make a Student visa application while in Australia.

📅 WHEN WILL THE CHANGE COMMENCE?

LIN 26/102 commences on the later of:

➡️ the day after its registration; and
➡️ immediately after the Migration Amendment (Student Visa Reform) Regulations 2026 commence.

If those Regulations do not commence, LIN 26/102 will not commence at all.

👉 KEY TAKEAWAY

If you currently hold one of the specified visas and are considering changing to a Student visa, do not assume that you will be able to lodge the Student visa application from within Australia once these reforms commence.

The visa subclass you hold, the applicable stream and your individual circumstances will need to be considered.

📌 Source: Australian Government – Federal Register of Legislation
Migration (Student Visa Applications to Be Made from outside Australia) Instrument 2026 (LIN 26/102)
https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2026L01348/asmade/text

Maison Migration Services | MARN 1688817

Follow Maison Migration Services as we break down the 2026 Student visa reforms and explain what the changes may mean for current visa holders and future applicants.

Disclaimer: Information is general in nature and does not constitute migration advice. Individual circumstances and visa requirements vary.

01/10/2026

NEW TRANSFER RULES FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS IN AUSTRALIA 🇦🇺

Australia has introduced new rules for international students already studying in Australia who want to change their college, university or education provider.

The new rules take effect from 2 October 2026.

🎓 WHAT HAS CHANGED?
From 2 October 2026 to 30 June 2027, international students studying courses such as VET and higher education will generally need to complete at least 12 months of their principal course with their current education provider before transferring to another provider.

From 1 July 2027, this requirement returns to 6 months.

📌 Previously: 6 months
📌 From 2 October 2026: 12 months
📌 From 1 July 2027: Back to 6 months

⚠️ CAN YOU TRANSFER BEFORE COMPLETING 12 MONTHS?
Yes, in certain circumstances.
You may be able to transfer earlier if:
✅ Your current provider agrees to release you and records the release in PRISMS
✅ Your provider or course has ceased to be registered
✅ Your provider is subject to a sanction that prevents you from continuing your course
✅ Your government sponsor supports the transfer in writing as being in your best interests F2026L01351

📢 THINKING OF CHANGING PROVIDERS?
If you are already studying in Australia and considering moving to another college, university or education provider, check the new transfer requirements before cancelling your current enrolment or accepting a new offer.

Source: https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2026L01351/latest/text

⚠️ Disclaimer: This information is general in nature and is based on the legislation registered on 1 October 2026. It does not constitute migration, legal or education advice. Individual circumstances may vary.

01/10/2026

💳 Card payment surcharges removed from 1 October 2026

A positive change for consumers and Australian visa applicants paying by card.

From 1 October 2026, Visa, Mastercard and eftpos introduced no-surcharge rules for card payments. American Express and UnionPay have also removed surcharging.

For visa applicants, this means the additional card surcharge previously payable may no longer apply when paying eligible visa application charges using these card networks.

Planning your Australian journey? 🇦🇺

Maison Migration Services can assist prospective international students and visa applicants with understanding their Australian visa options and the migration requirements relevant to their circumstances.

Disclaimer: Potential savings shown are illustrative and based on a 1.4% card surcharge applied to the visa application charges displayed. Actual savings may vary depending on the payment method and circumstances.

Source: https://www.rba.gov.au/payments-and-infrastructure/review-of-retail-payments-regulation/2026-03/conclusions-paper/faqs/

25/09/2026

🚨 Important Student Visa Update | Effective 25 September 2026
A new legislative instrument affecting certain onshore Student visa applications is now in force.
The Migration (Visas that Preclude a Person from Lodging a Student Visa Application in Australia) Instrument 2026 was registered on 24 September 2026 and commenced the following day. Federal Register of Legislation
Under the instrument, holders of certain substantive temporary visas are precluded from validly applying for a Subclass 500 Student visa or Subclass 590 Student Guardian visa while in Australia.

The affected visa subclasses are:
• Subclass 403, limited to the Domestic Worker (Diplomatic or Consular) stream
• Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate
• Subclass 600 Visitor
• Subclass 601 Electronic Travel Authority
• Subclass 602 Medical Treatment
• Subclass 651 eVisitor
• Subclass 771 Transit
• Subclass 988 Maritime Crew
• Subclass 995 Diplomatic (Temporary), for primary visa holders

The new instrument also repeals the previous 2016/016 instrument.
🎓 Planning to study in Australia?
Maison Migration Services can assist prospective international students with understanding their Australian visa options and the migration requirements relevant to their circumstances.

Source: Australian Government, Federal Register of Legislation
View the Migration (Visas that Preclude a Person from Lodging a Student Visa Application in Australia) Instrument 2026
https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2026L01282/asmade/text

Disclaimer: Information is general in nature and does not constitute migration advice. Individual circumstances and visa requirements vary.

23/09/2026

📢 NEW SKILLED VISA PROCESSING PRIORITIES – MINISTERIAL DIRECTION 122

From 19 September 2026, new processing priorities apply to certain provisional and permanent skilled visa applications.

Under Ministerial Direction 122, the highest processing priority is given to primary applicants in specified occupations within:

🏗️ Construction
🩺 Healthcare
👩‍🏫 Teaching
🌾 Agriculture, Aquaculture & Fishing
⛏️ Resources
👮 Law Enforcement
🛡️ Defence

For applications outside these priority occupation groups, the processing order also considers whether the primary applicant was in Australia when the visa application was lodged.

Importantly, Direction 122 changes the order in which applications are considered - it does not change visa eligibility requirements or guarantee a particular processing timeframe or visa outcome.

If you are considering a skilled or employer-sponsored visa, understanding how these new priorities apply to your occupation may assist with your migration planning.

Sources:https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/Visa-subsite/files/md-122.pdf

⚠️ Disclaimer: Priority processing does not guarantee a specific processing timeframe or visa outcome. Processing times are indicative only, subject to change, and individual processing times may vary. Always refer to the Department of Home Affairs for the latest official information.

Maison Migration Services Australia

14/10/2026

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