Insights
Victoria’s first round on 15 January 2026 issued more state-nomination invitations, covering IT, marketing, advertising and accounting, mainly for Subclass 190. The vast majority of invitees were onshore, and many had worked in relevant roles in Victoria for a substantial period.
Read More →
Following Northern Territory MINT repayments? The 50 applicants who invested in 2020 are expected to receive 80% of their initial capital, plus interest less fees, around 31 January 2026. Places for 2025–26 are largely exhausted.
Read More →
If you are considering WA state nomination as a construction tradesperson, interstate and offshore applicants also have opportunities. The dedicated round on 12 January 2026 included both groups. Most invitees had 65 EOI points, and 819 Subclass 491 invitations were issued.
Read More →
For family visits, holidays or business visits to Australia, distinguish visa validity from the permitted stay. Parents of temporary residents commonly use a one-year visitor visa for short visits, while business visitors also need evidence of why the visit is necessary and of business dealings.
Read More →
If you are planning to apply for Australian courses, updates include UNSW College entry and English requirements, reopened applications for some CDU nursing bachelor’s and master’s programmes, ANU’s 2026 admission updates, and VU’s key dates for February 2026 entry.
Read More →
Applicants following Subclass 190, Subclass 491 or Subclass 143 parent visa applications can note the grant update of 9 January 2026: grants have resumed for Subclass 190 and 491, and there are also multiple Subclass 143 parent visa grant outcomes.
Read More →
Looking back at study and migration planning in 2025, Newstars Beijing secured Northern Territory MINT, table tennis talent Subclass 858 and aged care Subclass 482 outcomes, while expanding research degree applications. Clients from different backgrounds followed their own application pathways.
Read More →
After an offshore skilled migration applicant received S57 and 4020 requests following a phone interview about employment evidence, the response focused on genuine work experience and discrepancies in the referee’s answers. The applicant responded in November 2025 and received a Subclass 491 grant in January 2026.
Read More →
When planning Australian migration, consider differences in 2024–25 grants and backlogs: mainland Chinese family grants exceeded skilled grants, while Subclass 491 grants were nearly 20,000 offshore and under 14,000 onshore. The report excludes Subclasses 191, 888, 801 and 100.
Read More →
If skilled migration points are a barrier, consider employer sponsorship through Subclass 186 without EOI points. You can apply onshore or offshore, but must meet age, occupation, English, experience, skills assessment, eligible employer sponsorship, health and character requirements.
Read More →Newstars has branded offices around the world — find a professional consultant near you.
Get in touch for a free consultation — we'll help you analyse your situation from every angle.
Book Consultation
