First Migration Service Centre - MARA Registered Migration Agents Melbourne

News & Updates

Stay informed about Australian immigration news and policy changes

Expert advice from MARA-registered migration agents

Featured Articles

189 vs 190 vs 491: Which Skilled Visa is Right for You?
Migration Tips
Featured
23 October 2025•5 min
189 vs 190 vs 491: Which Skilled Visa is Right for You?
Compare Australia's three main skilled migration pathways: the independent 189 visa, state-nominated 190 visa, and regional 491 visa. Understand the key differences in sponsorship requirements, bonus points, residency obligations, and processing times to choose the best pathway for your permanent residency journey.
Social Workers, Teachers & Community Services: Your PR Pathway in Australia
PR Pathways
Featured
14 October 2025•5 min
Social Workers, Teachers & Community Services: Your PR Pathway in Australia
Discover permanent residency (PR) options for social workers, teachers, and community services professionals in Australia. Learn about state nomination programs, skilled occupation lists, and practical strategies for securing PR under current policy.
Free Australian Citizenship Application Calculator: Check When You Can Apply (2025)
Migration Tips
Featured
9 October 2025•5 min
Free Australian Citizenship Application Calculator: Check When You Can Apply (2025)
Planning your Australian citizenship application? Use our free calculator to instantly check if you meet the residence requirements to apply for citizenship by conferral. Validate the four key requirements: 4 years lawful residence, 12 months as permanent resident, and absence limits. Get your earliest eligible application date in 2 minutes.

All Articles

189 vs 190 vs 491: Which Skilled Visa is Right for You?
Migration Tips
23 October 2025•5 min read
189 vs 190 vs 491: Which Skilled Visa is Right for You?
Compare Australia's three main skilled migration pathways: the independent 189 visa, state-nominated 190 visa, and regional 491 visa. Understand the key differences in sponsorship requirements, bonus points, residency obligations, and processing times to choose the best pathway for your permanent residency journey.
Social Workers, Teachers & Community Services: Your PR Pathway in Australia
PR Pathways
14 October 2025•5 min read
Social Workers, Teachers & Community Services: Your PR Pathway in Australia
Discover permanent residency (PR) options for social workers, teachers, and community services professionals in Australia. Learn about state nomination programs, skilled occupation lists, and practical strategies for securing PR under current policy.
Partner Visa Relationship Breakdown: What Happens to Your Application? (2025)
Migration Tips
10 October 2025•5 min read
Partner Visa Relationship Breakdown: What Happens to Your Application? (2025)
What happens if your relationship breaks down during the partner visa process? This guide covers your options after separation, special provisions for family violence, sponsor obligations, and how to navigate this difficult situation under stricter sponsor eligibility rules in 2025.
Free Australian Citizenship Application Calculator: Check When You Can Apply (2025)
Migration Tips
9 October 2025•5 min read
Free Australian Citizenship Application Calculator: Check When You Can Apply (2025)
Planning your Australian citizenship application? Use our free calculator to instantly check if you meet the residence requirements to apply for citizenship by conferral. Validate the four key requirements: 4 years lawful residence, 12 months as permanent resident, and absence limits. Get your earliest eligible application date in 2 minutes.
Partner Visa Application: Essential Tips and Common Mistakes to Avoid (2025)
Migration Tips
9 October 2025•5 min read
Partner Visa Application: Essential Tips and Common Mistakes to Avoid (2025)
Critical tips and common pitfalls for Australian partner visa applications. Learn what to prepare, evidence requirements, timing considerations, and mistakes that can delay or jeopardize your 820/801 or 309/100 visa application.
491 Visa Occupation List: 2025 Updates, State Nomination & Strategy
Migration Tips
5 October 2025•5 min read
491 Visa Occupation List: 2025 Updates, State Nomination & Strategy
A concise 2025 update on the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491): how the skilled occupation lists work, state/territory nomination requirements, designated regional areas, and practical tips to position an EOI for selection.
Partner Visa Without Marriage: De Facto Relationship Requirements and Application Guide (2025)
Migration Tips
4 October 2025•5 min read
Partner Visa Without Marriage: De Facto Relationship Requirements and Application Guide (2025)
Complete guide to Australian partner visa applications for unmarried couples. Covers 820/801 and 309/100 visa requirements, 12-month cohabitation rule, relationship evidence, exemptions, and step-by-step application process for de facto partnerships.
Engineers to Australian PR: Skills Assessment, Points, and Success Strategies (2025)
Migration Tips
3 October 2025•5 min read
Engineers to Australian PR: Skills Assessment, Points, and Success Strategies (2025)
A detailed guide for civil, mechanical, electrical, and software engineers pursuing Australian PR. Explains Engineers Australia skills assessment, state nomination opportunities, occupation codes under ANZSCO, and the latest 189/190 invitation round points trends.
Accountant to Australian PR: Skilled Migration Pathway, Points & Case Study (2025)
Migration Tips
3 October 2025•5 min read
Accountant to Australian PR: Skilled Migration Pathway, Points & Case Study (2025)
A comprehensive guide for accountants seeking Australian PR through skilled migration. Covers ANZSCO codes (221111, 221112, 221113), CPA/CA/IPA skills assessment, latest 189/190 invitation points (90-100+), and a real-world case study showing how to meet requirements.
Early Childhood Educator to Australian PR: Pathway, Requirements and Invitation Points
Migration Tips
3 October 2025•5 min read
Early Childhood Educator to Australian PR: Pathway, Requirements and Invitation Points
A practical, date-driven roadmap for Early Childhood professionals to move from Student/Graduate → PR, focusing on ANZSCO 241111 Early Childhood (Pre‑Primary School) Teacher, state nomination options for educators, skills assessment requirements, and the latest 189/190 invitation point benchmarks.
Student Visa to Australian PR: A Step-by-Step Timeline with Dates (IT Graduates)
Migration Tips
2 October 2025•5 min read
Student Visa to Australian PR: A Step-by-Step Timeline with Dates (IT Graduates)
A practical, date-driven roadmap for international IT graduates to move from Student (subclass 500) → Temporary Graduate 485 → PR (189/190/491), with example deadlines, checklists and tips.
Complete Guide: Overseas Doctors' Pathway to Migrating to Australia
Migration Tips
2 October 2025•5 min read
Complete Guide: Overseas Doctors' Pathway to Migrating to Australia
Discover the step-by-step process for overseas-trained doctors to migrate and work in Australia, including medical registration pathways, visa options, and essential requirements for 2025.
Best PR Pathways for International Students in Australia (2025 Update)
Migration Tips
2 October 2025•5 min read
Best PR Pathways for International Students in Australia (2025 Update)
A 2025 guide to Australian PR pathways for international students: updated 485 rules, points‑tested 189/190/491 options, employer sponsorship via the new Skills in Demand (subclass 482), and regional 494 → 191 routes.
Tasmania Employer Sponsorship for Remedial Massage: 2025 Guide (No Local Study Required)
Visa Updates
2 October 2025•5 min read
Tasmania Employer Sponsorship for Remedial Massage: 2025 Guide (No Local Study Required)
A 2025 guide to Tasmania employer sponsorship options for Remedial Massage professionals, covering the new Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visa, Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), and regional pathways like the 494 → 191 route.
How Chefs Can Apply for Employer-Sponsored Visas in Australia – 2025 Guide
Migration Tips
2 October 2025•5 min read
How Chefs Can Apply for Employer-Sponsored Visas in Australia – 2025 Guide
A detailed 2025 guide for chefs seeking employer-sponsored visas in Australia, including visa options, eligibility, employer requirements, and how to meet skills assessments under current laws.
Australia's 482 Visa Replaced: Your 2025 Guide to the New Skills in Demand (SID) Visa
Visa Updates
2 October 2025•5 min read
Australia's 482 Visa Replaced: Your 2025 Guide to the New Skills in Demand (SID) Visa
Australia has replaced the 482 TSS visa with the new Skills in Demand (SID) visa in 2025. This guide details the new streams, lower work experience requirements, expanded PR pathways, and the new Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).
Australian PR Guide 2025: Offshore Applicants Can Apply Without Studying in Australia
Migration Tips
2 October 2025•5 min read
Australian PR Guide 2025: Offshore Applicants Can Apply Without Studying in Australia
Comprehensive guide for offshore applicants seeking Australian permanent residency in 2025 through skilled migration pathways without studying in Australia, including 189, 190, and 491 visa options.
491 Visa Occupation List 2025: Complete Guide with 504 Eligible Occupations
Immigration News
2 October 2025•5 min read
491 Visa Occupation List 2025: Complete Guide with 504 Eligible Occupations
Comprehensive guide to the 491 Skilled Work Regional visa occupation list for 2025, including all 504 eligible occupations, points system updates, and regional area classifications.
Changes to Partner Visa Processing Times in 2024
Partner Visa
15 January 2024•5 min read
Changes to Partner Visa Processing Times in 2024
Recent updates from the Department of Home Affairs indicate changes to partner visa processing times. Learn what this means for your application.
Student Visa Requirements: What You Need to Know
Student Visa
10 January 2024•5 min read
Student Visa Requirements: What You Need to Know
A comprehensive guide to student visa requirements for international students planning to study in Australia in 2024.
Graduate Visa Extension Opportunities
Graduate Visa
5 January 2024•5 min read
Graduate Visa Extension Opportunities
Explore the latest opportunities for graduate visa extensions and how recent graduates can extend their stay in Australia.
Parent Visa Options Explained: Which One is Right for You?
Parent Visa
28 December 2023•5 min read
Parent Visa Options Explained: Which One is Right for You?
Understanding the different parent visa options available in Australia and how to choose the best pathway for your family.
10 Common Visa Application Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Visa Tips
20 December 2023•5 min read
10 Common Visa Application Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Learn about the most common mistakes people make when applying for Australian visas and how to ensure your application is successful.
Hong Kong Residents: New Pathway to Australian Permanent Residency
Immigration News
1 March 2022•5 min read
Hong Kong Residents: New Pathway to Australian Permanent Residency
Major announcement: Hong Kong residents holding graduate or temporary work visas can now apply for Australian permanent residency with minimal requirements. Learn about the new streamlined pathway to PR.
How to Get Married in Australia: Step-by-Step Guide for Couples
Immigration News
10 February 2022•5 min read
How to Get Married in Australia: Step-by-Step Guide for Couples
Planning to marry in Australia? Learn the legal requirements, paperwork, celebrant options, and practical tips to make your ceremony seamless.
Partner Visa in Australia: De Facto Relationship Guide
Immigration News
20 January 2022•5 min read
Partner Visa in Australia: De Facto Relationship Guide
Living together without a marriage certificate? Learn how de facto couples can qualify for the Australian Partner visa, what evidence you need, and how the assessment process works.
How to Apply for Medicare in Australia: Benefits & Step-by-Step Guide
Immigration News
5 January 2022•5 min read
How to Apply for Medicare in Australia: Benefits & Step-by-Step Guide
New to Australia or recently granted a visa? Learn who can access Medicare, what documents you need, and how to apply for your Medicare card with confidence.
Understanding Hay Fever in Australia: Seasonal Guide and Relief Tips
Immigration News
1 November 2021•5 min read
Understanding Hay Fever in Australia: Seasonal Guide and Relief Tips
Hay fever affects millions of Australians every spring. Learn why symptoms flare, how to manage them, and when to seek medical support.
Key Tips for Preparing an Australian Partner Visa Application
Immigration News
15 October 2021•5 min read
Key Tips for Preparing an Australian Partner Visa Application
Applying for a Partner visa? Discover essential planning steps, evidence checklists, and common mistakes to avoid before you lodge.
How to Transition from 482 to 186 Visa: Pathways, Timelines, and Case Study
Immigration News
20 September 2021•5 min read
How to Transition from 482 to 186 Visa: Pathways, Timelines, and Case Study
Ready to secure permanent residency after a 482 visa? Explore the TRT and Direct Entry streams, eligibility rules, timelines, and a practical case study.
Australian Visa English Requirements: Scores Explained by Visa Type
Immigration News
30 August 2021•5 min read
Australian Visa English Requirements: Scores Explained by Visa Type
From student visas to skilled migration, understand the English test scores you need, approved exams, and tips for meeting Australia's language requirements.
Registering a De Facto Relationship for Australian Partner Visas
Immigration News
25 July 2021•5 min read
Registering a De Facto Relationship for Australian Partner Visas
Thinking about lodging a Partner visa as a de facto couple? Learn why registering your relationship matters, state-by-state requirements, and the evidence you still need.
De Facto Relationships Under Australian Law: Rights, Recognition, and Migration
Immigration News
15 June 2021•5 min read
De Facto Relationships Under Australian Law: Rights, Recognition, and Migration
Australia recognises de facto relationships alongside marriage. Learn what defines a de facto partnership, your legal rights, and how it affects visa applications.
Australian Permanent Residents: Study Benefits in New Zealand Explained
Immigration News
10 May 2021•5 min read
Australian Permanent Residents: Study Benefits in New Zealand Explained
Australian permanent residents can access domestic tuition fees and student support in New Zealand. Learn about eligibility, application steps, and living costs.
Subclass 870 Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa: Eligibility and Application Guide
Immigration News
20 April 2021•5 min read
Subclass 870 Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa: Eligibility and Application Guide
Want to bring your parents to Australia for an extended stay? The subclass 870 visa allows up to 10 years of temporary residence. Learn eligibility, costs, and application steps.
Complete Guide to Australian Partner Visa Applications: Process, Evidence, and Timeline
Immigration News
15 March 2021•5 min read
Complete Guide to Australian Partner Visa Applications: Process, Evidence, and Timeline
Everything you need to know about applying for an Australian Partner visa—from eligibility and evidence requirements to processing times and common pitfalls.