I wanted to share my immigration journey because it’s been a long, exhausting process.

I migrated to Australia in 2010 at six years old as a dependent on my parents’ student visa. I completed my entire schooling here, from Prep to Year 12. Australia is the only home I’ve really known.

In 2015, we moved onto a temporary work visa in Melbourne, with my dad as the main applicant. The visa had a pathway to permanent residency, and we hoped to eventually settle here permanently. Unfortunately, my dad became unwell, and our visa circumstances changed.

In 2019, we were misled by an immigration agent and lodged a student visa application that was refused. Since then, we’ve gone through AAT appeals and Federal Circuit Court proceedings, spending thousands of dollars on legal fees and years trying to find a way forward. I’ve remained on a Bridging Visa A throughout this process.

Despite everything, I continued working and studying. I started working at 14 years and nine months, finished Year 12 in 2021, completed my Diploma of Nursing in 2023, achieved superior English in the PTE, and began working as an AHPRA-registered Endorsed Enrolled Nurse with NT Health in in July 2025.

Despite having multiple opportunities for employer sponsorship through my employers, my immigration circumstances mean I’m barred from lodging certain visa applications. It’s incredibly frustrating to have employers willing to support me, yet face barriers that prevent me from pursuing those opportunities.

In September 2026, I lodged an EOI for a subclass 491 visa. Even now, I’m not certain whether I’ll be able to obtain this visa, particularly given my previous visa refusal and complicated immigration history.

I’ve lived in the Northern Territory for around eight years and have only returned to India once, in 2015. My grandparents have since passed away, and I’m no longer connected to our extended family there. After spending almost my entire life in Australia, I have very few ties to India.

I’m proud of what I’ve achieved, but living with this uncertainty for so many years has been exhausting. I’ve worked hard, studied, built a career and tried to create a future for myself, all while not knowing whether I’ll be allowed to remain in the country I call home.

I don’t have a specific question. I just wanted to share my experience. After 16 years in Australia, I’m still fighting for the chance to stay permanently, and I hope one day all the sacrifices and hard work will be worth it.

My manager is not in good terms with me as I am leaving the company and is refusing to sign the reference letter. How strictly ACS will validate my reference giver. Can my colleague sign it for me instead? Unfortunately, there is no upper manager to my manager and the CEO just listens to him. he is making my life really hard at this point. Everything was prepared in company letter head but he keeps pointing to this and that lines and keep delaying and I know he is playing with my until my notice period ends and he won't have to deal with me. P.S. I work as data and reporting support and my job mainly aligns with an ict business analyst.

I'm asking purely out of curiosity, so I'll mainly be weighing how much money it would cost to get a definitive answer 😄.

A relative of mine, born in 1931, emigrated to Australia in 1956 for work and acquired Australian citizenship in 1975, for which she still holds the original certificate. She returned to her home country and re-established official residency there in 1985, living there permanently ever since as a full citizen. I should add that her current ID card lists only her local citizenship, I mean there is no mention of Australian citizenship on it.

Is it possible to determine with certainty whether she retained her Australian citizenship or if it lapsed for some reason?
If so, can this be confirmed based on specific legislation or Australian citizenship laws?
Could this be verified by contacting a relevant authority directly, perhaps by providing the reference number from her 1975 citizenship certificate? I assume it's impossible to check this independently online, right?

Thanks in advance to anyone who can help!

I have been trying to update my contract with my employer as they have placed my ordinary hours as “ minimum of 20 hours per week on contract and max 37 hours”

I have been consistently doing 35 hours per week for over three years working for them on the nominated occupation, which meets the stream 2 requirements but the HR wont allow the wording of my contract to change just to say my ordinary working hours are actually just 35 hours per week! I do not understand their reasoning for the refusal to update it.

Is it very risky to just push through with current contract with that statement? I have provided proof and support letters as well.

What else can I do and present to nomination so that case officer can possibly accept that I am continuously going to work the same 35+ hours per week?

Hi all,

I was planning to apply for the 804 Aged Parent Visa for my parents. Do you know which insurance providers offer coverage for the 804? I am aware of Bupa; however, the coverage is basic.

Thank you

Hi everyone!

I'm looking for advice on which visa pathway would make the most sense for my situation. I'm currently in WA on a student visa that expires in February 2028, and I'm trying to plan ahead rather than leave everything until the last minute.

I'm studying a vocational qualification and currently working in a field related to my studies. Ideally, I'd like to stay in Australia long-term and eventually obtain permanent residency (PR).

From what I've researched, I have three possible pathways:

1. Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) — Post-Vocational Education Work stream

My understanding is that this visa allows eligible graduates with certain vocational qualifications to stay and work in Australia temporarily.

I'm considering this as a way to gain more Australian work experience and potentially improve my chances of qualifying for skilled migration later.

1. Skilled migration — subclasses 189, 190 or 491

I'm also considering applying for skilled migration based on my qualifications and Australian work experience.

Based on my own calculations, I estimate that I could have around 85 points, although I still need to confirm my eligibility, skills assessment and the points I can legitimately claim.

The pathways I'm looking at are:

-Subclass 189: Skilled Independent visa — permanent residency without state nomination.

-Subclass 190: Skilled Nominated visa — permanent residency with state or territory nomination.

-Subclass 491: Skilled Work Regional visa — a provisional visa with a pathway to permanent residency if the relevant requirements are met.

I'm wondering whether having approximately 85 points and Australian work experience would make this a realistic option, particularly in WA. I also understand that submitting an expression of interest doesn't guarantee an invitation.

1. Partner visa (subclasses 820/801)

My partner and I are currently living together, and he would be willing to support a partner visa application. He would genuinely help me with the process, and this is an option we have discussed.

I understand that the onshore partner visa pathway generally involves the temporary subclass 820 followed by the permanent subclass 801. I would need to meet the relationship requirements and provide sufficient evidence that our relationship is genuine and continuing.

I'm open to this pathway, but I'd also like to understand whether it would make more sense to pursue skilled migration independently.

My main questions are:

1. Would it be better to apply for the 485 first to gain more work experience, or should I prioritise skilled migration?
2. Is approximately 85 points a competitive score for skilled migration in WA? (Civil construction/ engineering related)
3. Has anyone successfully obtained state nomination in WA with a similar background?
4. Would pursuing a partner visa be the more practical option, assuming I meet all the eligibility requirements?
5. If you were in my position, how would you approach these options while keeping the possibility of PR in mind?

I'm not necessarily looking for the easiest option. I want to make an informed decision that gives me the best realistic chance of staying in Australia long-term.

I'd really appreciate advice from anyone who's gone through a similar process, particularly those who have navigated these visa pathways in WA.

Thank you!

I'm a Canadian expat currently living in Indonesia. I obtained my Indonesian police clearance certificate in May 2026, and the certificate states that it is valid for six months.

However, from what I understand, the Australian Department of Home Affairs generally accepts police clearances issued within the past 12 months.

I'm trying to keep my subclass 190 application decision-ready, but I'd prefer not to go through the process of obtaining another Indonesian police clearance unless it's necessary.

Has anyone been in a similar situation or can confirm whether Home Affairs follows the 12-month validity period, even when the issuing country specifies six months?

Hi all.

I recently received a 189 visa invite which I applied for as a Single applicant because I am legally not married or in a de facto relationship.

For Form 80, Question 42 asks if I have a partner and the definition of partner in the form is broad which 'includes wife, husband, fiancé, boyfriend, girlfriend, significant other and de facto.'

Should I then list my boyfriend here?

We are not de facto as we do not live together or have any joint accounts/finances.

Would appreciate thoughts if someone has been in a similar situation.

Its been a month since we applied for my baby's citizenship. We provided everything they needed. Last week, we were asked for further documents, newborn's birth certificate, we already provided. Why are they asking for it again when that os already the original?

I have applied for the eVisitor visa on the 13th of August and (outwith a request for further information on the 21st of August) I have not heard anything back

I applied for the ETA visa on the app though it says that my application cannot be finalized (I got this first before applying for the eVistor and multiple times again after applying)

My travel date is in about a month's time and I'm not fully sure on if there any other options of getting a visa before then, any advice?

For further information, this would be my first time in the country and I am a UK Citizen

As per the title, I’ve had an offer for a new employer who is willing to sponsor but also am currently pending decision on a 482 renewal from my current employer. Does anyone have experiencing on switching over and how the process went?

I was working full time from 29/03/2021 to mid November 2024, then transitioned to part time of at least 20 hours per week (paid) from November 2024, until 04 April 2025 before I left the country (one week before my visa expires)

I had an approved skill assessment from 29/03/2022. Does it count as three years of work experience from 29/03/2022 until 04/04/2025 since I passed the threshold of min. hours of work required per week?

I’m a 26F PRC-licensed Civil Engineer looking for advice on migrating.

My background:

Experience: 3+ years as a Civil Design Engineer & Structural Engineer

Specializations:** **Solar infrastructure design, building analysis, and supporting end-to-end engineering lifecycles and project management.

For those who have made the move (or know the industry), where would you recommend I focus my efforts, and what should I prepare first?

Thank youuu!

Hi all, I am lodging my 189 visa. I have expired police clearance certificates (PCC) from few countries I stayed for more than 12 months. I haven't returned to those countries after I did my PCCs. Do I need to redo my PCCs?

Hi, I got invited last week with 85pts, 5pts of which comes from 1 year of work with my current employer. I've claimed this much last year as well, but unfortunately didn't reach the cutoff of invites last time. I've been with my employer since June 2024, and since my visa was due to expire last year, they sponsored me 407 visa, the visa I'm currently on.

407 visa requires that I have been working with my employer in a relevant role for the past 12 months. We did the documentations, pointed areas of improvement, and submitted the 407 application. My 407 visa got approved in like 5 working days, which was relatively quick compared to other applications.

My question is - is it safe that I claimed my work experience BEFORE the 407 visa as skilled experience even if it was also the basis of skills improvement for my training visa? I did not claim points for work experience during training visa period as it hasn't reached a year yet. Appreciate anyone who has been in the same situation to weigh in.

Thank you very much.

EDIT:
June 2024 - hired in my first role
December 2025 - training visa got approved, received a different job title in my employment offer so in my EOI, I pit an end date in my first role and added a second one for my current one
October 2026 - received invitation for 189

I have a valid skills assessment for my occupation and my manager can easily testify that both of my roles are related to my occupation. I'm just anxious that they won't consider my first role as "skilled experience" because it was the basis of my training for my second role and my second role (which hasn't reached a year yet) is evidently more closely related to my nominated occupation

Hi everyone! Has anyone been in Australia as a visitor when Home Affairs was ready to finalise their first 417 application?

I applied while offshore and have since entered on an ETA to spend time with family and friends. I understand I’ll need to be outside Australia for the visa to be granted, and I’m not working during my visit.

I’m particularly keen to hear from anyone who has been through this in the last month. How did Home Affairs contact you, what instructions did they give about leaving, and how long after you left Australia was your visa granted?

I know everyone’s circumstances are different, but hearing about recent experiences would help me get a better idea of what to expect. Thanks!

Hi is there a mega thread for NSW 190 invitation round happening this week? I could not find any

Hi all

My ex was a partner on my 482 visa, we have broken up recently and I'm due to be nominated for a 186 in February.

Will the breakup be questioned if my ex partner is not included on the 186 application if I haven't informed the govt of our break up under the 482 visa

Morally I do not want to get them deported but ultimately I can't risk my future so want some guidance

Not sure if anyone has been through something similar

Thank you

I believe I currently have 75 points, with Proficient English, a positive Professional Engineer skills assessment from Engineers Australia, and seven years of work experience. My experience as a Project Engineer mainly involves managing and coordinating multiple construction works, along with procurement and contract management.
Given my background, would it be worth applying for a Construction Project Manager (CPM) skills assessment? I am also planning to improve my English score to achieve Superior English and increase my migration points.

Hi all,

Have a question l. Can I get or opt for skill assessment for Civl Engineering Draftsperson ? as currently civil engineers are no where to be invited for 189 and 190 vic.

A bit about my profile

EOI : 90 and 95 point ( 189 and 190 Vic)
Current visa : 485 - Expiry Nov 2027
Work experience : Civil Design Engineer (2 yr 10 months, Nov 2023 - Aug 2026), Project Engineer (30 Sep 2026 - to date). Both work location in melbourne, Vic, Aus.

Already have skill assessment from EA (Employment and Qualification)

I think my civil design engineer job does qualify for vetassess civil engineer draftsperson positive skill assessment but not sure. Also if i get the skill assessment i wont be working in that nominated occupation but that eoi would be sitting at 90-95 as well.

Opting to get Civil engineering Draftsperson skill assessment and civil engineer are not being invited.

Any suggestions?

Hi everyone, I’m looking for some advice regarding my migration options and would love to hear from anyone who has been in a similar position.

My Situation:

Experience: I have ~10 years of total working experience as an Estimator in construction. For the past 2+ years, I’ve been working remotely for an Australian construction company.

Current Offers: My current employer has an open invitation to sponsor me whenever I'm ready to move, leaving the visa choice up to me. Recently, another Australian company reached out to offer me a role and wants to sponsor me for an onshore position as well.

Family: My spouse and I are in our mid-30s with no dependents. He has 10+ years of local professional experience in a role on the core skills list, though no prior Australian work history.

Dilemma: I’ve been holding off because I enjoy the lower cost of living and favorable currency exchange back home. However, I know local onshore experience would be great for our career long-term, and we would like to settle down in Australia if things go well.

My Question:

1. Should I ask my employer to nominate me directly for the 186 Direct Entry (DE) Permanent Residency visa while I continue working remotely;
   Or
   Is if better if I go for the 482 visa first and transition to PR later?

What are the pros/cons of both visa options from a lifestyle and career perspective?

1. How comfortable is an AUD 200k combined household income living and working in NOR Perth/ Perth CBD?

Thanks in advance!

Hi everyone,

My partner is about to lodge his EOI for 189 visa, with me as a dependent. I currently have a skill assessment, so we could claim the points for skilled partner. However, my skill assessment is approaching its 3 year expiry date, and will likely expire before we receive an invite.

I know that the department of home affairs' PAM3 outlines the following in section 17.8:

"A suitable skills assessment required for paragraph 6D111 must have been obtained at time of invitation but is not subject to the time periods prescribed in Schedule 2 and which apply to the primary applicant. This means that a suitable skills assessment obtained more than three years prior to the date of invitation can be accepted for this criterion."

However, I can only find this version of 2019: https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/foi/files/2020/fa-200601127-document-released.pdf , and wondering if this is still current? Just trying to verify that this is still the case in October 2026. :) Does anyone know how I can verify that?

Thank you!

Hi everyone,

The NSW Government has announced a revised Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) visa occupation list, which includes ANZSCO unit group 2523 – Dental Practitioners.

I’m a General Dentist, but I noticed that General Dentist does not appear to be listed on the federal skilled occupation list for the Subclass 190 visa.

Could anyone clarify whether General Dentists are eligible to apply for NSW state nomination under the Subclass 190 visa based on the revised NSW occupation list, even if General Dentist is not included on the federal list?

Does the inclusion of ANZSCO unit group 2523 on the NSW list mean that General Dentists are eligible, or must the specific occupation also be listed on the relevant federal occupation list?

I’d really appreciate any clarification, especially from anyone who has experience with NSW nomination or has received an invitation as a dentist.

Thanks in advance!