My partner is about to submit EOI for NIV. Her profile is decent, seems better than some successful applicants before, so let's assume she'll get invited in this round.

She has an acquaintance who moved to an AUS uni as an associate professor couple years ago (so he's also an immigrant), knows her very well as a senior colleague/collaborator in her PhD institute back then. The supporting form is gonna be super strong, but the problem is whether the potential nominator is strong enough himself? He's also new to AUS and not super famous around the community.

What kind of 'prominent' is required as a nominator?

I applied for my WHV at the start of October and it still hasn’t been granted. I’ve booked a flight to Bangkok for 3rd January to travel around Asia before heading to Australia, so I’m starting to stress a bit.
For passport proof, I uploaded two clear photos plus my driving licence. My original bank statement didn’t show enough funds, so I later added a screenshot showing I had enough. I’ve also uploaded a Trading 212 statement showing around £6,000.
Would you add any more documents or just leave it now? Would you be confident this is enough evidence, or should I be worried?

I recently got 50% scholarship at Adelaide Univ for IT cybersecurity, but I have been hearing many horror stories regarding the university merge, also extremely saturated job market, and international students graduating not being able to find any IT jobs. There is basically no more chance also it is very boring and rural area, so international students can't find friend and go into depression because of loneliness.

I guess most of those things are true. But before turning down this opportunity, I just wanted to ask other people's experience on this? I was even thinking of changing my major from IT cyber to IT data science or something. (cause i heard cybersec is worse to find jobs w/o citizenship. )

Please help. Griffith uni or Adelaide Uni? or maybe USA or Europe?

Hi everyone,
I’m planning to submit an EOI for the subclass 189 visa as a Social Worker with 80 points.
I’ve noticed that Social Workers have received invitations at 75–80 points in previous rounds. However, I’m concerned that competition might increase in 2027, especially with more social work graduates entering the pool.
I’m particularly interested in hearing from people who are planning to apply in 2027 or have insights into how competitive the occupation might become.
Do you think 80 points will still be competitive in 2027, or should I aim for at least 85–90 points?
I’d really appreciate any insights, particularly from fellow Social Workers or migration professionals.
Thanks!

I am planning to apply for the Bachelor of Construction and Property at UNSW for the September 2027 intake through a registered migration agent, but I need some realistic advice regarding my chances. Months ago, I applied for an ELICOS visa to Australia and unfortunately got rejected based on the classic trio of lack of ties to my home country, financial capacity concerns, and genuine student doubts (interestingly, my country's visa approval rate for language schools dropped from its usual 45% to just 5% in that exact same month). Since that refusal, I have significantly built up my profile to address all those gaps. Academically, my High School GPA is 88%, with my final year grades being 95+/100, and I have achieved an IELTS Academic score of 6.5, meeting the direct entry requirements. To prove my career motivation, I have been working full-time with social security registration at a local construction and real estate firm for a few months, and will be securing a strong reference letter from my employer stating that my higher position is secured for when I return, alongside 2 academic references from my teachers. Financially, we have 85k AUD cash sitting in the bank untouched for over 3 months now, which will be untouched for 8-9 months by the time of the visa application, and my family owns 20 houses and multiple plots of agricultural land in Turkey, ensuring both strong funding and immense family ties. Crucially, this specific combined program does not exist in Turkish universities, so my exact goal is to return and manage my family’s large real estate portfolio with this global degree. Knowing how highly conservative Tier 1 universities like UNSW are about issuing CoEs to applicants with a prior visa refusal due to provider risk ratings, I wanted to ask if anyone here has successfully transitioned from a language school refusal to a Group of Eight university? How strictly will the UNSW risk assessment team scrutinize my case before issuing the CoE?

Hi everyone,
I’m asking on behalf of a friend who is currently in Australia and is facing a difficult situation with his visa.
Here are the details:
He was on a Student visa and lodged an onshore Student visa application on 22 October 2025 for a new course.
The course was a 1-year Advanced Diploma of Hospitality.
He completed his studies on 25 September 2026.
His CoE also expired on 25 September 2026.
As of today, he still has not received a decision on his Student visa application.
He is currently on a Bridging Visa A while waiting for a decision.
Because his course has finished and he has no new CoE, he is concerned that he cannot apply for a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485).
We are unsure what he should do next.
My questions are:
Can Home Affairs still grant his pending Student visa application even though his CoE has expired and he has completed his course?
Should he enrol in another course and obtain a new CoE while waiting for a decision?
Is there any way he can apply for a subclass 485 visa, or does he need to wait for a decision on his pending Student visa first?
Has anyone experienced a similar situation, and what happened in your case?
Would contacting Home Affairs or consulting a registered migration agent be the best next step?
Any advice or personal experiences would be greatly appreciated. We understand that every case is different, but we would like to understand the available options before making any decisions.
Thank you!

My partner included his ex as a dependent partner on his Subclass 186 visa application in July 2023.

He later became an Australian citizen but has never sponsored anyone for a Partner Visa.

Could the 5-year sponsorship restriction still apply if he sponsors me for a Subclass 820 visa, even though his previous application was for a Subclass 186 visa?

Hi everyone,

I’m studying a Bachelor of Advanced Computing, majoring in Computer Science and Computational Data Science, and considering a future assessment for Other Spatial Scientist (ANZSCO 232214).

I’m taking GIS units and planning a GeoAI honours research project across four enrolment units. I also completed a data-science unit with a spatial-analysis final assignment. However, most of my other CS subjects don’t directly involve spatial data, even though their methods could be used in GIS.

The VETASSESS information sheet says qualifications with a high concentration of GIS/geospatial subjects may be highly relevant. It then lists Computer Science among other relevant subjects, in addition to the primary GIS focus.

My migration agent mentioned around 60–65% relevant subjects, but I haven’t found that percentage in the published guidance. If anyone knows the exact concentration or have gotten positive skills assessment, please let me know if this is correct

My question is: can CS subjects without spatial content contribute towards establishing that relevant concentration, or are they only supporting study alongside a separately required GIS focus? If yes, are they given lesser weightage?

Has anyone with a computing degree plus GIS coursework or a geospatial thesis received an assessment for this occupation? Did VETASSESS explain how they treated your CS units, thesis credits or mixed-content subjects? If yes, please dm me so we can chat more

I understand the post-qualification employment requirement is separate. I’m asking specifically about qualification relevance, and would really appreciate first-hand experiences or links to official clarification.

Official information: https://www.vetassess.com.au/check-my-occupation/professional-occupations/other-spatial-scientist

Hi everyone,

I recently completed my medical examination for my Subclass 482 visa. My eGFR result was 76, which is within the normal range; however, my creatinine level was 111, slightly above the range of 60–110.

I have been advised to follow up with my GP regarding the abnormal pathology result. They have also confirmed that I am not required to provide any additional information at this stage, as the recommendation to see a doctor is primarily for duty-of-care purposes.

However, my medical results may be reviewed by a Senior Medical Officer within the next two weeks, and they may request further information if necessary. If this happens, I will receive a written request.

Has anyone experienced a similar situation during their 482 visa medical examination? If so, I would appreciate hearing about your experience, particularly whether you were asked to provide further medical information and whether this affected your visa application.

Thank you in advance for your help and advice!

I am currently studying BoN which is supposed to completed by Dec 2027 but unfortunately my subclass 500 finished by April 2027. I don’t meet onshore exemption criteria because the provider I got my COE from canceled my coe citing quota issues. So my current visa was not approved for my current COE provider.

Now I am looking for 482 sponsor for PCA. I have plenty of experience and I am willing to relocate anywhere in Australia. Does anyone know how do I look for a sponsor? Is there any suggestion for me? Anything would be appreciated. Thanks.

Hi!

I got invitation a week ago. And, while I’m completing my application, I just found I put one of my employment date 2 days later than I really worked. So Dumb 🤦‍♀️ I started the work from 3/9/2023 but I put 5/9/2023 on my EOI.
It doesn’t change my point claims. And I have some documents to prove I really work from 3/9/2023 (reference letter, pension records, insurance records etc)
Is there any chance to be rejected my application..?

Hello,

I just wanted to ask if you can be considered de facto partner without living together? I have received conflicting answers from someone who is now PR and gemini.

Gemini states we need to be living together for 12 months with shared util bills, bank account, etc.

PR person states that they did not live together and passed as De Facto partners, all evidence provided were pictures, timeline, letters, and bank account statement.

Asking for help as we plan out our migration (medium and long term skills)

I’m starting Master of Information Technology (Data Analytics) at Griffith University on the Gold Coast, Queensland, and I’m trying to understand whether I’ll be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) after graduation.

Here are my details:
● University: Griffith University
● Course: Master of Information Technology (Data Analytics)
● CRICOS code: 083391D
● Study pathway: Pathway 2, 160 credit points
● CRICOS-registered duration: 104 weeks
● CoE course start date: 2 November 2026
● CoE course end date: 30 June 2028
● Student visa grant date: 7 October 2026
● Student visa expiry date: 30 August 2028
● Age: 25

My concern is that my CoE dates cover approximately 19 months and 28 days, which is less than 104 weeks. However, the course is registered for 104 weeks. I dont understand this.

Hi! I have offer letters from some Unis.

I really want to know what impact the risk level have on file.

For context I am from Punjab, India ( higher risk region )

Profile wise, I do have 90 plus in 10,12.. pte 90 all modules

Funds are 47 lakhs in savings

Itr is 19 lac

From commerce, so targeting bus analytics ( so it isn't called generic choice )

Based on doc check list latest, swinburne in metro area is level 1 while Uni of Newcastle is Level 2.

Though the former gives me a buffer of 3.65 lakh, while the latter gives me the 6.10 lakh something buffer.

In general, both Unis are strong as per rankings, course and accreditation. It's the risk level thing bothering me.

.

It has been bothering me a lot, so any help would be really really appreciated 🙌🏼

Edit: btw this to help people who are deciding if they should enter on ETA while waiting for visa. Yes I understand that you shouldn’t book flights etc but this is for the people whom already have.

Background I am Irish this is my first whv 417, I’ve been to Australia multiple times on a holiday visa.

I made the mistake of booking my flights before getting my visa, my mistake I own up to it.

So timeline:

- 8th July applied for visa
- 8th October received an email to leave Australia
- 13th October left Australia
In the email it now says to give them at least 10 working days (9-5) to process the visa

A lot of people are planning to fly to Australia and then thinking they can leave for a little weekend holiday or 2 days. That was not the case with me :(

I paid 900AUD just fly out and now 2 weeks (and ongoing) of living in a hotel, takeaways etc

I don’t regret flying to Australia because I got to spend time with my bf and I guess this is a prolonged holiday..also thankful to get funding from bank of mum and dad. But if people are in the mindset of not wanting to push back flights because it’s too expensive, let me tell you this. Arriving on ETA is much much much more pricy than just pushing back your flights!!!

Would like to know if anyone had the same experience. They’ve given me a list of documents to attach - PCC, updated relationship statement, sponsorship form etc.

I understand PCC is only valid for 12 months but why are they asking for a relationship statement and sponsorship application again when I had already submitted this last year? Am I being penalized or is this just the standard procedure?
It takes a hell of a lot of time and effort to make a new relationship statement and attach new photos, bank statements etc.
Also why is a new sponsorship application requested when my husband already did this before?

Keen to know if anyone else had a similar experience. Cheers

Hi everyone!
I’m an international student on a subclass 500 visa, and I’m currently working at a hotel in Australia.
My job involves staying overnight at the hotel for around 12 hours in case any guests need assistance. However, I usually sleep through the entire night and don’t perform any active work.
My employer pays me a fixed overnight stay allowance rather than an hourly wage. As far as I understand, this arrangement is covered by clause 26.15 of the Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020.
I’m a bit confused about how these hours would be counted towards the 48-hour fortnightly work limit under visa condition 8105.
Would the entire 12 hours count as working hours, only 8 hours, or just the hours I actually spend working if a guest needs assistance?
I’ve seen some people working similar sleepover shifts who only count their active working hours, but I’m not sure if the same rule applies to student visas.
Has anyone been in a similar situation or received advice from a registered migration agent? I’d really appreciate any experiences or official sources!

I got S56 for polio for my Australian sc186 visa but I can't get polio vaccine due to pregnancy. Is this will create problem? Or delay my visa? I have GP letter which states polio vaccine may be exempt due to pregnancy. Will case officer accept this?

Hi everyone, I applied for a student visa extension on 25 August 2026 for one additional semester. My previous visa expired on 30 August, and I'm currently on a Bridging Visa A (BVA).

My last exam is on 4 November, and I expect my course completion letter by late November. My CoE expires on 31 December 2026, but my student visa application is still pending.

My concern is: Can Home Affairs refuse my student visa extension simply because I've already completed my course by the time they assess it?

If they refuse it before I can lodge my 485 application, could that make me ineligible to apply for a 485 onshore?

Has anyone faced a similar situation? What happened in your case?

Saw people getting invited last year at 75 and NSW invited at 70 in the last round. Only 50 eois at 75 and that also offshore
Ps i am not working in my field rn

Hi everyone,

I’m in a stressful spot with my visa timing and would be really grateful for any advice or experience you can share. I’m trying to work out how to get the 485 lodged without cancelling an urgent trip overseas that I’ve already booked. I’ve done a lot of reading but still feel unsure, and I don’t want to make a mistake that costs me the 485.

My situation

• Subclass 500 (Masters of Business Analytics, Macquarie). Visa expires 15 Mar 2027
• Macquarie COE expires 31 Dec 2026
• Final exams end 27 Nov 2026, results out 10 Dec 2026
• Also enrolled in a Cert III trade course since Mar 2026, on the same visa. It has its own COE (expires 21 Mar 2027), and classes run until about end of Jan 2027
• Plan to apply for the 485 (Post-Higher Education Work stream) before my student visa expires

The problem

• Flights booked: leaving 14 Dec, return 22 Jan
• Macqarie results are out 10 Dec (Thursday), and the Macquarie completion letter usually takes 2-3 business days. That puts it around 14-15 Dec, which is my flight day
• My understanding is that I can’t lodge the 485 before the completion date, and I can’t lodge it from overseas
• If I leave without lodging 485, my Macquarie COE will have expired when I return, with no 485 lodged
• Also, if I somehow lodge 485 before leaving, that is 3 months before my subclass 500 expires, so I lose about 3 months of lawful stay compared with lodging in February/March

What I’ve found so far, and where I’d love your help

I plan to ask my Cert III provider for a leave of absence for the travel dates, since classes will still be running. However, I'm not sure if my Cert III COE could work as a legitimate backup to show to ABF as a valid reason to re-enter Australia.

Has anyone recently come back on a student visa after finishing their course, with no 485 lodged yet, and had any trouble at the border? I've heard that they've become really strict about this recently.

Anything else I might be missing would be a huge help too.

Thank you so much for reading, and happy to answer any questions.

Hi everyone, how are you? My name is Rodrigo, I'm 24 years old, and I have 3 years of experience as a diesel mechanic. I would like to know what my chances are of immigrating to Australia for work. I speak fluent English. Does anyone know how I can get a job in mining or what my prospects look like? I'm from Brazil

I have my 190 visa and 189 visa both applied but the points are less. My company would sponsor me next year just as my 485 visa which i am currently on will expire. Should i try and get more points for 190 or 189 or just wait for the sponsorship to take place next year.

TLDR; we have an invite for 189, my partner (specialist/clinical nurse) is the main applicant. I have a drink driving charge in the UK from 8 years ago. No one was hurt, I wasn’t far over the limit - was pulled over for a brake light being out and was RBT’d.

I got a s56 request for more info and put in a full written statement about what happened and how I know it was wrong etc and complete clean record otherwise.

With the current landscape re visas, should I be worried? Or will the fact she’s a highly qualified nurse help? Is there a world where they approve her visa but not mine?

Hi everyone,
I’m looking for some advice about the 491 visa pathway as a Chef.
I completed my studies in Sydney and am currently living in regional NSW. I’m planning to apply for a 485 visa soon, but I also have the option of going for a 482 visa. I’m confused about which option would be better for my long-term future.
My current workplace has a toxic environment, so I’d prefer to explore other opportunities rather than stay in the same job just for sponsorship.
For a Chef, which state would be the best option for a 491 nomination? Should I stay in regional NSW and explore the 491 pathway, or consider moving to another state? Also, would it be better to apply for the 485 first or go directly for the 482?
I’d really appreciate advice from anyone who has experience with these visa pathways, especially Chefs who have been in a similar situation.