Frequently asked questions

No. Home Affairs is consulting on proposals (released 30 October 2026, submissions close 12 pm AEDT, 23 November 2026). Nothing has been decided, and today's rules still apply. Our guide to the proposed changes explains each idea with examples.

Most temporary visa holders, including 485, 482, visitor and working holiday visa holders, can no longer apply for a Student visa from inside Australia. Most current students also apply from outside Australia now, unless an exemption applies — for example moving up to a higher-level course, or finishing within 12 months.

Yes, if you apply to the ART on or after 1 November 2026. The fee is $1,863.50, paid when you lodge. It's refunded in full if you win. There's no fee if you're in immigration detention.

No. Reviews lodged before 1 November 2026 stay on the old rules. You generally only pay if your review is unsuccessful.

Not on a Bridging B. From 1 November 2026 you can't get one while a protection visa application, review or court case is pending, even if you have another visa application too. Get advice before you travel.

No, as long as you haven't applied for a protection visa. You can still apply for a Bridging B in the usual way.

No. The ART fee for most other refusals stays at $3,727.

Our fee pays for our work. The government charge goes to Home Affairs (or the assessing authority) and is set by law. We always show them separately, with the date we last checked them.

Generally no. Refunds are only available in limited situations, which is one reason getting it right first time matters.

Start with a free 10-minute phone call. If you need full advice, book a A$110 consultation — the fee comes off any package you choose. Packages are paid in stages, only after you sign a written service agreement.

Search their MARN on the OMARA register at mara.gov.au. Omar Nafiz's MARN is 2318164.

Since 19 September 2026, skilled applications in priority sectors such as construction, healthcare and teaching are processed first, then applications from people who were in Australia when they applied. Since 25 July 2026, family visa applications made in Australia for a visa granted in Australia get the highest priority.

Yes, many people do. We help when the stakes are high, the rules are unclear, or a deadline is close — because a refusal usually costs more time and money than advice.

Your occupation decides. We confirm it in your consultation.

From about 10 business days (CPA) to about 120 days (TRA's Migration Skills Assessment). Preparing a complete file usually takes 4–7 weeks before that.

Yes. People come to us when they're unsure about the occupation, the letters or a deadline, because a negative outcome costs months and another fee.

Most authorities accept a statutory declaration backed by payslips, tax and bank records.

No. A review, appeal, reassessment or a different occupation may work. Review windows are short — TRA's is 28 days.

It depends where the applicant is and what visa they hold. We check before you plan any travel.

Usually not as de facto partners, unless the relationship is registered or limited exceptions apply.

Usually no. The charge covers both stages.

Usually more than a year for the first stage. Since 25 July 2026, onshore family applications for onshore grant are processed with the highest priority.

Tell us straight away. Some situations, like family violence or the sponsor's death, may still allow the applicant to continue.

Usually not. Some occupations and passport holders do.

Generally yes, with work and study rights.

You generally have up to 180 days to find a new sponsor, apply for another visa, or leave.

After 2 years full-time on the 482, your employer can nominate you for the 186. If you've changed employers, ask us how your time counts.

Nearly at 2 years on your 482: TRT is usually simpler. 3+ years' experience and a strong skills assessment: Direct Entry can be faster.

Ask us — it depends on how and when your sponsorship changed.

Some for TRT, for example for high earners. Not generally for Direct Entry.

Five years.

Often yes, through a 482 and later a 186.

Pay the agreed terms, keep records, report certain changes within 28 days, and never recover costs from the worker.

Degrees usually go to Post-Higher Education Work. Diplomas and trade qualifications usually go to Post-Vocational Education Work.

You need to have held a Student visa in the last six months. Talk to us straight away — other pathways may fit better.

Usually, unless you're using a Masters (research) or Doctoral degree — then you can apply under age 50.

A change was announced so new applications can't include family members. Check the start date with us before you apply.

For skilled visas, only work in your nominated occupation at the right skill level, usually 20+ hours a week.

It depends on your occupation and the program year. We'll give you a realistic target.

Often English: Proficient adds 10, Superior adds 20.

189: no sponsor, highest points. 190: a state nominates you (+5), permanent. 491: regional, provisional (+15).

It changes often. As at 28 Oct 2026: Victoria's subclass 190 is open for registrations (from 26 Oct), NSW invites from SkillSelect, South Australia is taking onshore registrations, and Western Australia invites monthly. See the State nomination page for each state, with official links.

190 is permanent (+5). 491 gives +15 but is regional and provisional.

You commit to living there, usually for the first 2 years.

It depends on your occupation and where you live.

Victoria opened 2026–27 registrations for the subclass 190 on 26 October 2026. Everyone needs to submit a new ROI for 2026–27 — check your score with our Victorian Points Test calculator. Subclass 491 registrations aren't open yet.

If they're an eligible relative who is a citizen or PR living in a designated regional area.

Not while on the 491.

We check your exact postcode against the current Home Affairs list.

After 3 years on the 494 with qualifying income, through the 191.

Taxable income, as shown on your ATO notice of assessment.

Apply before your 491 or 494 expires.

Several across NT, SA, Queensland, NSW, WA and Victoria. We confirm the current list before advising.

Yes, but they must be in the region and get endorsed.

No. Tier 1 and Tier 2 are checks. You leave with a written risk summary and a plan. Tier 3 adds the full application.

No. Nobody can. We tell you honestly where the risks are and what can be fixed before you lodge.

No. They are proposals under consultation. Today's rules apply until the Government decides. We check you against both, so you're ready either way.

Yes. Parents and guardians are welcome, and there's a track designed for the people funding the visa.

No. The 485 is on the excluded list. You'd apply from outside Australia and be outside when it's granted.

Usually, unless you're finishing within 12 months, moving up a qualification level, doing a PhD, at school, affected by a provider closure, or DFAT/Defence sponsored.

12 months of course fees, A$29,710 living costs and travel, plus A$10,394 for a partner and A$4,449 per child if they're eligible.

Up to 48 hours a fortnight while your course is in session; unlimited during official breaks.

Only if an exemption applies — for example needing up to 12 more months with the same provider, or progressing to a higher AQF level.

No. Holders of other temporary visas must lodge from outside Australia and be outside when it's granted.

No. Your current visa and its conditions stay the same.

Usually not — family can only be included in limited cases, and only when applying.

Usually yes, if you completed your Bachelor and the Masters is a higher AQF level delivered by a higher education provider.

No — they're the same AQF level, so you'd lodge from outside Australia. A PhD can be lodged onshore.

Once you've commenced a Masters by Research or PhD, there's no limit on work hours.

Masters (research) graduates can apply for a 485 up to age 49 and usually get a longer stay.