On Tuesday, 30 September 2025, OMARA notified all registered migration agents of the upcoming implementation of Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for the OMARA Portal, effective Monday, 20 October 2025. The complete OMARA communication can be accessed below: OMARA will be introducing the compulsory use of Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for all registered migration agents using the OMARA Portal from Monday, 20 October 2025.  MFA adds an extra layer of security, helping to protect personal and sensitive information from unauthorised access.  What do I need to do to enable MFA?  There will be two sign-in options, one for current users, another for new users. All current users of the OMARA Portal must sign in to their existing account to transfer to the new sign-in system and enable MFA on their existing account. For any new users in your organisation, they will need to create an account with the new sign-in system to enable MFA. Is further help available? Yes, OMARA is available to provide help and support during this MFA implementation process.

Victoria has officially opened its 2025–26 Skilled Migration Program, welcoming applications from both onshore and overseas skilled workers. For the 2025–26 program year, the Department of Home Affairs has allocated a small interim number of places: 200 places for the Skilled Nominated visa (Subclass 190) and 180 places for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 491). While this is only an initial allocation, the full quota is expected to be announced in the coming weeks. If you’ve already submitted a Registration of Interest (ROI), there’s good news — your active ROI will continue to be considered under the 2025–26 program.A new ROI is only required if any of your previously provided information has changed. To be considered, you must submit a SkillSelect Expression of Interest (EOI) and a Registration of Interest (ROI). Click here: Victorian Government Website   2025-26 Skilled Migration Visa Nomination Program

Effective from 1 October 2025, the Department of Home Affairs has brought into effect two important legislative instruments that introduce updated rules for Complying Investments and the Disclosure of Information to Prescribed Bodies, ensuring continuity, clarity, and consistency in visa assessment and information-sharing processes. Complying Investments The Migration (Complying Investments) Instrument 2025 repeals and replaces IMMI 15/100. This instrument is remade in substantially the same form and requirements as its predecessor, it ensures consistent assessment criteria for: No substantive changes have been made — only a continuation of existing rules to provide stability for current and future applicants. Disclosure of Information to Prescribed Bodies The Migration (Disclosure of Information to Prescribed Bodies) Instrument 2025 replaces IMMI 15/066. This updated instrument outlines the prescribed bodies to which authorised officers may disclose identifying information under regulation 5.34D of the Migration Regulations. While it introduces no major changes, it: No new bodies have been added to the list of prescribed entities. Click here:   LIN 25/066-Migration (Complying Investments) Instrument 2025 LIN 25/075-Migration (Disclosure of Information to Prescribed Bodies) Instrument 2025

The growing use of messaging platforms such as WeChat and WhatsApp has made it easier for registered migration agents and legal practitioners to communicate with clients. However, these apps are not designed for secure or compliant record-keeping, which can make it difficult to retrieve, verify, or store communications in a way that meets professional obligations. Using informal messaging apps without proper backup or integration into a secure practice management system may result in non-compliance and expose practitioners to data breaches, miscommunication, or disputes over undocumented advice. Under the OMARA Code of Conduct, practitioners must: Best Practice Recommendations include avoiding substantive advice or instructions solely via chat platforms, using secure email or encrypted client portals for formal communications, promptly saving all relevant messaging exchanges to the client file, following up chat messages with an email confirming the discussion, and informing clients about your preferred communication channels and why they are used. By maintaining proper records and secure communication practices, practitioners can effectively manage risks, meet professional obligations, and protect both themselves and their clients.

VETASSESS has announced an increase in skills assessment application fees for professional and general occupations, effective from 22 October 2025. From 22 October 2025, VETASSESS will increase its skills assessment application fees for professional and general occupations in accordance with the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The revised fees will apply to: No change applies to trade occupation assessments. Updated Fees Assessment Type Previous Fee New Fee (from 22 Oct 2025) Full Skills Assessment (General & Professional) $1,070 $1,076 Subclass 485 Skills Assessment $832 $852 This adjustment reflects routine indexation in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI), ensuring fees remain consistent with economic changes. Click here: Vetassess Fees Chart

New 28-Day Timeframe for Review Requests Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) has updated its Assessment Review Policy to ensure greater consistency, transparency, and timely service delivery across all TRA programs. Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) has updated its Assessment Review Policy, effective September 2025. Under the revised policy, applicants have a 28-day window to request a review of their assessment outcome. TRA encourages all applicants to carefully check their assessment results and submit any review requests within this 28-day period to avoid potential delays or ineligibility. Key Changes: Click here: TRA Website

The Department of Home Affairs has updated procedural instructions for the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa, introducing a significant enhancement for graduates based in Hobart and surrounding postcodes. Updates for Hobart graduates under the Second PHEW stream: Key Changes: Implications for Graduates: Procedural Guidance:

The Migration Instrument 2025 (LIN 25/059) introduces updated rules for reporting systems used by international passenger aircraft. This new instrument replaces four older instruments—IMMI 15/016, 15/019, 15/020, and 15/021—that were due to expire on 1 October 2025.   This change provides a clear and consistent framework for airlines and crew, helping maintain compliance and accuracy in migration reporting obligations. Click here: LIN 25/059-Migration (Approval of Primary and Fall-back Reporting Systems—International Passenger Aircraft) Instrument 2025

Streamlining Migration Compliance for Cruise Operations The Migration Instrument 2025 (LIN 25/060) establishes updated rules for reporting systems used by international passenger cruise ships. This instrument replaces three previous instruments—IMMI 15/022, 15/023, and 15/024—that were scheduled to sunset on 1 October 2025. This update provides cruise operators with a clear, legally compliant framework for reporting, helping maintain accuracy and consistency in migration obligations for all onboard personnel and passengers. Click here: LIN 25/060-Migration (Approval of Primary and Fall-back Reporting Systems—International Passenger Cruise Ships) Instrument 2025

The Department of Home Affairs has released updated Ministerial Instructions that significantly update the handling of Ministerial Intervention requests for sections 351, 501J, 46A, and 48B of the Migration Act 1958. Sections 351 and 501J (Updated 17 September 2025) New instructions amend those issued on 4 September 2025, for applicants seeking MI on s351 and s501J grounds. Key changes include: Personal Procedural Decisions (PPD) for these sections: Sections 46A and 48B (Updated 4 September 2025) For more information on this click here:   Positive personal procedural decision (section 351 and 501J) Negative personal procedural decision (section 351 and 501J) PPD for Historic and Active MI Requests (section 351 and 501J) Ministerial Intervention – sections 351 and 501J​​ of the Act 1958