Kris Ahn Lawyers

Kris Ahn Lawyers Kris Ahn Lawyers, based in Sydney and Brisbane, specialises in Australian immigration law.

Led by accredited specialist Kris Ahn, their expertise stands out, as there are only 96 accredited specialists in Australia.

👇Australia’s 2026–27 Migration Program Planning Levels Released: Major PR Allocation Changes AheadLast Friday evening (1...
18/05/2026

👇Australia’s 2026–27 Migration Program Planning Levels Released: Major PR Allocation Changes Ahead

Last Friday evening (15 May 2026), the Department of Home Affairs officially released the visa allocation numbers for the upcoming 2026–27 financial year.

Some major changes are coming:
🔹 Employer-Sponsored visas (Subclass 186) increased significantly
🔹 Regional visa allocations (491/Regional stream) heavily reduced
🔹 Parent visa allocations reduced

Let’s take a closer look at the key updates 👇
📌 Total Migration Program - remains unchanged at 185,000 places
• Skilled stream: 132,240 places (+40)
• Family stream: 52,460 places (-40)

📌 Skill Program - Compared to the current 25–26 financial year:
🔹 Regional allocations reduced by 18,890 places
🔹 Employer-Sponsored visas increased by 14,040 places
🔹 Skilled Independent (189) increased by 4,190 places
🔹 State Nominated (190) increased by 2,500 places
This shows the Government’s stronger focus on employer-sponsored migration pathways. This may also indicate a focus on 189 and 190 visas, with potentially higher invitation allocations in the new financial year.

📌Family Program Changes
🔹 Parent visa reduced by 1,440 places
🔹 Partner and Child visa allocations increased

📌 Another Major Change: Priority for Onshore Applicants
Under the recent Federal Budget announcements, both Skill and Family stream applications will prioritise applicants already inside Australia (129,590 Onshore vs 55,110 Offshore).

📌 The Government also confirmed that:
• Over 70% of permanent migration places will continue to be allocated to the Skill stream
• Migration reforms will focus on attracting younger, more highly skilled, and better educated migrants
• Further reforms to the points test, Working Holiday visas, and Graduate visas are expected

If you are currently preparing for Australian migration or planning your visa pathway, now is the time to seek professional advice and plan ahead strategically.

📩 Feel free to book a consultation with Kris Ahn Lawyers — where experience, strategy, and results matter.




📢 Federal Budget 2026–27: Migration Update | Major Migration Changes You Need to Know!Australia’s Federal Budget 2026–27...
13/05/2026

📢 Federal Budget 2026–27: Migration Update | Major Migration Changes You Need to Know!

Australia’s Federal Budget 2026–27 was announced last night (12 May 2026), bringing important developments for migrants, skilled workers, employers, and international applicants.

Let’s look at what’s changing and what it means for your visa strategy!

Here is the breakdown of the key migration announcements:

🔹 Permanent Migration Program Maintained
✔ 185,000 permanent migration places confirmed for 2026–27

🔹 Strong Focus on Skilled Stream
✔ 132,240 places allocated to the Skill stream
✔ Over 70% of the intake focused on addressing workforce shortages

🔹 Onshore Applicants Prioritised
✔ 129,590 places allocated for onshore applicants
✔ Offshore applicants expected to face stronger competition

🔹 Proposed Changes to the Points Test
📌 Greater emphasis on:
• Younger applicants
• Higher education
• Stronger skills & workforce contribution

🔹 Faster Trade Recognition
✔ $85.2 million investment into faster skills assessments through Trades Recognition Australia (TRA)

🔹 Compliance & Worker Protection Measures
✔ Increased funding targeting misuse of visa systems
✔ Stronger protections for vulnerable migrant workers

🔹 Working Holiday & Graduate Visa Changes
• Proposed expansion of Working Holiday visa ballots
• Increased visa application charges for Temporary Graduate visas

💡 What This Means for You
👉 Onshore applicants may currently have stronger opportunities
👉 Skilled applicants with competitive profiles may benefit most
👉 Strategic planning is becoming more important than ever
Australia’s migration system continues shifting toward younger, highly skilled, onshore talent.

👨‍⚖️ At Kris Ahn Lawyers, we closely monitor immigration policy changes to help clients plan smarter migration pathways with confidence.
📩 Need advice on your visa strategy?
Contact Kris Ahn Lawyers to discuss your options.









⚠️ Permanent Resident in Australia? Why You Should ReconsiderAustralian Citizenship in 2026Many permanent residents dela...
24/04/2026

⚠️ Permanent Resident in Australia? Why You Should Reconsider

Australian Citizenship in 2026
Many permanent residents delay applying for Australian citizenship — often because PR already feels secure.
But in 2026, that assumption may no longer hold.

📢 What’s Changing?
Recent policy direction suggests:
• Stronger distinction between citizens and non-citizens
• Greater focus on citizens’ priority access
• Potential tightening of benefits and support eligibility
• Increasing importance of civic participation

💡 Citizenship is becoming more than symbolic — it’s increasingly practical.

🔑 Why Citizenship Matters
✔ Greater security
– No visa cancellation risks
– Permanent right to stay in Australia
✔ Access to opportunities
– Potential priority for housing & support programs
✔ Full participation
– Right to vote and shape future policies
✔ Travel certainty
– No need for Resident Return Visas
✔ Protection against policy changes
– Safeguard as migration rules tighten

⚠️ Why This Matters Now
Waiting may mean:
• Facing stricter requirements later
• Missing eligibility opportunities
• Losing access to benefits

💡 What You Should Do
• Review your eligibility
• Consider your long-term plans in Australia
• Address any risks (travel history, character, visa issues)
• Seek structured legal advice before applying

👨‍⚖️ How We Can Help
At Kris Ahn Lawyers, we help permanent residents:
• Assess citizenship eligibility
• Identify risks before applying
• Plan the right timing and strategy
• Prepare strong, accurate applications

📩 Thinking about applying for Australian citizenship?
Book with Kris Ahn Lawyers now. Early advice can help you make the right decision with confidence.








⚠️ Temporary Visa Holders in Australia — What You Need to Know in 2026Australia’s immigration landscape is shifting. For...
21/04/2026

⚠️ Temporary Visa Holders in Australia — What You Need to Know in 2026

Australia’s immigration landscape is shifting. For those on temporary visas, the key issue is no longer just eligibility — it’s whether your current pathway remains viable in a changing environment.

📢 What’s Changing?
Recent policy signals suggest:
• Stronger focus on reducing migration numbers
• Increased scrutiny on visa applicants
• Tighter control of onshore pathways
• Greater emphasis on compliance & enforcement
💡 Even before laws change, these signals can influence visa outcomes.

🎯 Who Is Most Affected?
• 🎓 Student visa holders – stricter progression pathways
• 🎓 Graduate visa (485) – pressure to secure skilled roles
• 🔄 Bridging visa holders – higher risk & less flexibility
• 🏢 Employer-sponsored visas – stricter role & salary scrutiny
• 🛡 Protection visa applicants – faster decision-making

⚠️ What This Means for You
The system is shifting from more access → more selection
• Fewer “easy” pathways
• Higher scrutiny on applications
• Greater importance of strategy & timing

❗ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Relying on outdated advice
• Waiting until your visa is close to expiry
• Assuming pathways will remain open
• Taking a “wait and see” approach

💡 What You Should Do Now
✔ Review your current visa pathway
✔ Explore alternative options early
✔ Address risks (employment, documents, history)
✔ Seek structured legal advice

👨‍⚖️ Why This Matters
In a tighter system, strong and well-planned cases still succeed — but strategy matters more than ever.

📩 Need guidance on your visa pathway?
At Kris Ahn Lawyers, we help clients plan ahead, manage risks, and build strong migration strategies.









🎯 Employer-Sponsored Visas & 407 Training Visa – What You Need to KnowThinking about getting Australian PR through Emplo...
15/04/2026

🎯 Employer-Sponsored Visas & 407 Training Visa – What You Need to Know

Thinking about getting Australian PR through Employer-sponsored visas or just being sponsored by an employer? Understanding how these visa pathways work is essential for making the right decisions.

In this seminar, our Senior Lawyer Daman Sharma shares practical insights into employer-sponsored visas and training visa pathways.

🔍 In this seminar video, you’ll learn:
⚖️ Employer-Sponsored Visas (482 & 186)
• Key visa pathways and requirements
• How sponsorship and nomination work
• Pathways to permanent residency

📊 407 Training Visa Explained
• Purpose of the visa
• What counts as genuine training
• Common issues and refusal risks

⚠️ Compliance & Strategy
• Importance of proper documentation
• Role alignment and salary considerations
• Why “decision-ready” applications matter

💡 Key Takeaway
A well-prepared and strategic application can make a significant difference — especially for employer-sponsored and training visa pathways.

👨‍⚖️ Presented by Daman Sharma
Senior Lawyer at Kris Ahn Lawyers
Specialising in employer-sponsored visas, partner visas, and complex migration matters

📺 Watch the full seminar on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0-SrmSPdEk

📩 Need guidance on your visa options?
Book a consultation with Kris Ahn Lawyers — where strategy, precision, and experience guide your migration journey.










✨ Happy Holiday Season! ✨As the holiday period approaches, we would like to take this opportunity to wish all our client...
02/04/2026

✨ Happy Holiday Season! ✨

As the holiday period approaches, we would like to take this opportunity to wish all our clients, partners, and community a safe, relaxing, and joyful break.

🎉 May this time be filled with rest and meaningful moments with your loved ones.

📅 Please note our office will be closed during this period:

Closed:
• Fri 3 Apr: Closed
• Sat 4 Apr: Closed
• Sun 5 Apr: Closed
• Mon 6 Apr: Closed

Reopening:
Tue 7 Apr: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Our team will respond to all enquiries as soon as possible once we return.

🙏 Thank you for your continued trust and support — we look forward to assisting you again soon.







🚨 Travel Ban Alert: Iranian Visitor Visa Holders Affected | What You Need to Know?If you hold an Iranian passport and ar...
31/03/2026

🚨 Travel Ban Alert: Iranian Visitor Visa Holders Affected | What You Need to Know?

If you hold an Iranian passport and are planning to travel to Australia on a Visitor visa (Subclass 600), the latest Australian government restrictions may affect your ability to travel.

📢 What’s Happened?
Australia has introduced an Arrival Control Determination (ACD) — a temporary measure that can suspend travel rights even if you hold a valid visa.
• Effective from 26 March 2026
• Applies for up to 6 months
• Affects certain Iranian Visitor visa holders outside Australia

❗ Who Is Affected?
You are affected if you:
• Are outside Australia
• Hold a Subclass 600 Visitor visa
• Applied using an Iranian passport
👉 Your visa is not cancelled, but it is temporarily suspended — meaning you cannot travel during this period.

✅ Who Is NOT Affected?
You may still travel if you:
• Were already in Australia when the restriction began
• Are a partner or child of an Australian citizen/PR
• Are a parent of a minor in Australia
• Hold an approved Permitted Travel Certificate (PTC)

💡 Important to Know
• Your visa may resume after the ACD ends (if still valid)
• If it expires during the restriction, you must reapply
• Refunds are generally not available
• A PTC application may allow travel in limited cases

👨‍⚖️ Need Help Navigating This?
ACD restrictions and PTC applications can be complex and time-sensitive.
At Kris Ahn Lawyers, we assist clients with:
• Assessing whether you are affected
• Identifying exemptions
• Preparing PTC applications with strong supporting evidence

📩 If you or your family are impacted, seek advice early to protect your travel plans.










⚠️ Parent Visa Refused on Health Grounds? You May Still Have an OptionA parent visa refusal after years of waiting can b...
24/03/2026

⚠️ Parent Visa Refused on Health Grounds? You May Still Have an Option

A parent visa refusal after years of waiting can be devastating — especially when the refusal is due to health issues that developed during the long processing period.

Many families lodge applications when their parents are healthy, only to face refusal years later as medical conditions worsen. At that point, it can feel like there are no options left.

But in certain circumstances, there may still be a lawful pathway.

🔍 Medical Treatment Visa (Subclass 602) – “Unfit to Depart”
This visa, particularly the “Unfit to Depart” stream, can sometimes provide a lawful pathway for certain applicants to remain in Australia where their medical condition makes international travel unsafe or unrealistic.

Applicants generally must:
• Be in Australia
• Be aged 50 or older
• Have previously applied for a permanent visa
• Have that visa refused on health grounds
• Be assessed as unfit to depart Australia by a Medical Officer of the Commonwealth

💡 Why This Matters
This pathway often arises after parent visa refusals, where applicants develop conditions such as:
• Heart disease
• Dementia or neurological conditions
• Severe mobility issues
• Diabetes complications
• Serious degenerative illnesses
If international travel is medically unsafe, this visa may allow them to remain lawfully in Australia with their family.

📌 Key Features
✔ No need to prove genuine temporary intention
✔ No requirement for a treatment plan or financial capacity
✔ Focus is on whether the applicant can safely leave Australia
⏳ While temporary, it may allow extended stay through successive visas in appropriate cases.

⚠️ Important Considerations
• No direct pathway to permanent residency
• No automatic access to Medicare
This is a practical but temporary solution, not a permanent outcome.

📩 If your parent visa has been refused on health grounds, early legal advice can make a significant difference.
Contact us to explore your options and plan the right strategy.

📢 Immigration Update: Changes to Training Visa (Subclass 407) Application Requirements | Effective from 11 Mar 2026The D...
10/03/2026

📢 Immigration Update: Changes to Training Visa (Subclass 407) Application Requirements | Effective from 11 Mar 2026

The Department of Home Affairs has announced updates to the Training Visa (Subclass 407) application requirements. If you are considering this visa pathway, it’s important to understand how these changes may affect future applications.

🔍 What is the Subclass 407 Training Visa?
The Training visa allows individuals to come to Australia to undertake workplace-based occupational training or professional development in their field of study or occupation.

📌 Key Points About the 407 Visa
• Temporary visa allowing training in Australia (usually up to 2 years)
• Requires an approved sponsor and nomination for a structured training program
• Training must be directly related to the applicant’s occupation, qualifications, or professional development

📊 Old vs New Application Process
Previously, applicants could lodge the sponsorship, nomination, and visa application at the same time, allowing them to secure their lodgement earlier and potentially obtain a Bridging visa while waiting for approval.

From 11 March 2026, applicants must first obtain sponsorship approval, then nomination approval, before they can submit a valid Subclass 407 visa application.

This change may extend the overall application timeline, making early planning more important for applicants.

⚠️ Preparing for the New Requirements
With the new rules in place, applicants will need to approach the 407 visa process with more forward planning. This means identifying a suitable sponsor early, preparing a detailed training program and role description, and allowing adequate time for both the sponsorship and nomination approvals.

👨‍⚖️ Need Advice on Your Visa Options?
If you’re considering a Subclass 407 visa or want to understand how these changes may affect you, our team can help guide you through the process.

📩 Contact Kris Ahn Lawyers to discuss your situation and plan the right migration strategy.









⚠️ Did you know your visa can be refused because of the immigration health requirement?Many applicants don’t realise tha...
10/03/2026

⚠️ Did you know your visa can be refused because of the immigration health requirement?

Many applicants don’t realise that medical conditions and expected healthcare costs can affect visa outcomes under Australia’s immigration law.

In this informative seminar, Tony Huang (Accredited Specialist in Immigration Law) explains how the immigration health assessment works — and what applicants can do if issues arise.

🔎 In this video, you’ll learn:
• What PIC 4005 and PIC 4007 mean for visa applicants
• How the Medical Officer of the Commonwealth (MOC) assesses health conditions
• What counts as “significant cost” under immigration law
• How the “one fail, all fail” rule can affect family applications
• When a health waiver may be possible under PIC 4007
• How lawyers build legal strategies and submissions in complex health cases

💡 Many people assume a health issue automatically means visa refusal — but that’s not always the case. The right legal strategy can make a critical difference.

👨‍⚖️ Presented by Tony Huang
Special Counsel at Kris Ahn Lawyers
Accredited Specialist in Immigration Law
Over 1,000 successful immigration cases

🎥 Watch the full video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mkfdm5f0_8Y

📩 If you are facing health requirement issues in your visa application, our team at Kris Ahn Lawyers can help assess your situation and develop the right legal approach. 👨‍⚖️ Book a consultation with our lawyers: https://krisahn.com.au/book-a-consultation/









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