Weekly Immigration Update: 485 Visa Fee Surge, NSW 190 Invitation Results, and Education Sector Reforms

Executive Summary

This week, the Australian immigration landscape has seen significant shifts, most notably a substantial increase in Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) visa fees and the launch of a critical petition regarding Subclass 191 processing delays. Additionally, New South Wales (NSW) has issued a fresh round of invitations across various sectors, while new regulations are set to change how education agents receive commissions for student transfers.

Introduction

Staying informed is vital for anyone navigating the Australian visa system. At the Australian Immigration Agency (AIA), we monitor these rapid policy changes to provide the most current and authoritative advice. This week’s update focuses on a major cost increase for graduates, positive news for skilled workers in New South Wales, and essential reforms aimed at protecting the integrity of the international education sector.

Subclass 191: Petition Against Processing Delays

The Australian Immigration Agency is pleased to announce that the formal petition regarding the ongoing delays in Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (Subclass 191) processing has been approved.

With over 100,000 Subclass 491 visa holders currently in the pipeline, the backlog has reached a critical point. Industry specialists emphasize that this is a vital opportunity for those affected to make their voices heard. The petition will remain open for signatures for only 28 days. Participation is essential for those seeking to highlight the impact of these delays on families and the broader regional workforce.

Significant Fee Increase for Subclass 485 Visas

In a move that has taken the industry by surprise, the Australian Government has implemented a 100% increase in the visa application charge (VAC) for the Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) visa.

Key Financial Changes:

• New Primary Applicant Fee: The cost has risen to $4,600.
• Extension Fee: The application fee for the 485 visa extension has also increased by 100%.
• Exemptions: Applicants from Pacific Island nations and Timor-Leste remain eligible for the previous fee structure.

While the government’s explanatory statement justifies the exemption for Pacific nations as a commitment to deepening regional engagement and skills exchange, no specific reasoning was provided for the sharp increase applied to other international applicants. Immigration experts and education advocates have expressed concern that international students are increasingly being viewed as a primary revenue source, which may impact Australia’s competitiveness as a study destination.

New South Wales (NSW) Subclass 190 Invitation Round

Despite a challenging year for the Subclass 189 visa, the Subclass 190 program in New South Wales continues to provide pathways for skilled professionals. AIA has tracked several successful invitations from the most recent round.

Notable Invitation Points:

• IT & Engineering: ICT Business Analysts (105 points), Software and Application Programmers (100 points), Engineering Professionals (110 points), and Computer Network and Systems Engineers (85 points).
• Construction & Architecture: Architects (95 points), Architectural Draftspersons (85 points), and Civil Engineers (100 points).
• Health & Education: Registered Nurses (100 points), Early Childhood Teachers (95 points), Medical Diagnostic Radiographers (80 points), and Speech Pathologists (80 points).
• Trade & Professional Services: Motor Mechanics (80 points), Land Economists (70 points), and Valuers (85 points).

While points remain high—particularly in the ICT sector—the diversity of occupations receiving invitations is a positive sign for onshore applicants.

Reform to Education Agent Commissions

To improve the integrity of the international education sector, the government is introducing new laws to end “student poaching.” By the end of this month, education agents will no longer be able to claim commissions for placing students into new courses if the student has not yet completed their principal course of study.

What This Means for Students:

• No Change to Transfer Rights: Students are still legally permitted to change providers after the first six months of arrival in Australia.
• Agent Fees: Because agents will no longer receive commissions from the new institution in these scenarios, they may begin charging students directly for administrative assistance with the transfer process.
• Goal of the Reform: These changes aim to discourage agents from incentivising students to abandon their original courses prematurely.

Addressing Subclass 186 Processing Times

The Australian Immigration Agency has noted growing concerns regarding the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186). Processing times for both onshore and offshore applicants are currently extending beyond reasonable expectations, creating uncertainty for both employers and workers. In response, immigration experts are preparing a formal petition to advocate for streamlined processing and clearer timelines for this vital permanent residency pathway.

Key Takeaways

• Urgent Action Required: The petition for Subclass 191 processing is live; stakeholders have 28 days to sign.
• Increased Costs: Most Subclass 485 applicants now face a $4,600 application fee, a doubling of the previous cost.
• NSW Opportunities: Recent Subclass 190 rounds show a broad range of invitations, though points remain competitive in IT and Engineering.
• Commission Shifts: Education agents will lose commissions for “poached” students, which may change how transfer services are charged.

Professional Guidance and Support
Navigating these changes requires expert insight. If you are affected by the fee increases or require assistance with your state nomination or permanent residency application, the Australian Immigration Agency (AIA) is here to help. Contact us for a comprehensive consultation to ensure your migration strategy remains on track.