Australian Migration Newsletter - September 2026
The September 2026 Australian Migration Newsletter looks at the latest developments in Australian migration, including the 2026–27 state and territory nomination programs, new skilled visa processing priorities and changes to the Work and Holiday visa program.
Australian Visitor Visa: Can I Take My Domestic Helper on Holiday to Australia?
Can you take your domestic helper with you when you travel to Australia? In many cases, the answer is yes, but obtaining an Australian Visitor Visa for a domestic helper is not automatic. The circumstances of the proposed visit, the employment relationship, the length of the stay and the evidence provided can all be important. This article looks at when these applications can work, why they may be refused, and why the situation is very different when a family is permanently relocating to Australia.
Australian Visitor Visa: What Can You Do on a Visitor Visa?
Understand what you can and cannot do on an Australian Visitor visa (subclass 600), including how long you can stay, whether you can work or study, visiting family, visa conditions and Condition 8503.
Common Problems With Australian Partner Visa Applications
Australian Partner visa applications can become more complicated when there are issues with relationship evidence, periods of separation, previous relationships, children, visa history, character or unusual circumstances. Learn about 10 common problems and why addressing potential issues before lodging an application can be important.
Your Story Matters — But So Does the Evidence: The Role of Objectivity in Family Migration
Your story matters in a family migration application, but so does the evidence. Learn why objectivity is essential when preparing an Australian family visa application and how stepping back from emotion can help identify the evidence and issues that matter.
Do My Partner and I Need to Live Together to Prove a De Facto Relationship?
Do you need to live with your partner to establish a de facto relationship for Australian migration purposes? Not necessarily. Couples may live apart because of distance, work, study, cultural or religious expectations or other circumstances. What matters is whether the relationship meets the relevant visa requirements and can be supported by appropriate evidence.
Can I Travel to Australia While My Permanent Visa Application Is Being Processed?
Waiting for an Australian permanent visa does not necessarily mean you have to remain outside Australia. Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to obtain another visa that allows you to visit, study or travel to Australia while your permanent visa application is being processed.
Can I Apply for an Australian Partner Visa If My Partner Is Still Legally Married to Someone Else?
Being legally married to someone else does not necessarily mean that a person cannot establish a genuine relationship with a new partner for Australian migration purposes.
The circumstances surrounding the previous relationship need to be understood and, where relevant, supported by evidence. At the same time, the new relationship must satisfy the applicable requirements and be supported by evidence demonstrating that it is genuine and continuing.
Can I Submit an EOI Before Getting a Skills Assessment?
For most skilled migration applicants, you need a positive skills assessment before submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI). Find out why your skills assessment matters, what happens after you receive a positive result, and what to consider if your assessment is unsuccessful.
Expression of Interest (EOI) for Australian Skilled Migration: What It Is and Why It Matters
An Expression of Interest (EOI) is not a visa application—it's the first formal step in many Australian skilled migration pathways. Learn what an EOI actually is, why accuracy matters, how it affects your chances of receiving an invitation, and the common mistakes that can cause problems later in the migration process. Whether you're considering skilled migration or the National Innovation Visa, understanding the role of an EOI is essential.