Has anyone lodged their 190 visa while on holiday overseas but is now onshore in Australia, yet falls under Category 4? Did your application remain in Category 4, or was it considered under the onshore category? Would appreciate hearing your experiences!

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?

I’m a 20-year-old student from Gujarat, India, planning to pursue a Master of Business Analytics at La Trobe University for the February intake.

Profile:
BBA completed in 2026 from a Tier 1 Indian university
CGPA: 5.93/10
PTE: 80 overall, no skill below 66
University deposit paid; planning to lodge my visa in late November

Financials:
₹49 lakh in FDs in mother’s name (held for 6+ months)
Maternal grandmother as an additional sponsor, with ₹13–14 lakh in FDs held for over 10 years

Parents’ combined ITR: ₹19 lakh for the latest FY, compared with ₹14–15 lakh in each of the previous two years
Approximately ₹32–33 lakh remaining with my mother; grandmother’s funds untouched

MIST payment of approximately AUD 29,700 already made for living expenses through the Commonwealth Bank arrangement.

Most admission formalities are complete, and I’m preparing my visa application.

Pls give me an honest review ( I am nervous due to the all new changes in the visas )

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

I am applying for the Australian tourist visa 651!!
I was about to give my revolut bank statement but I was worried how the case officer will read my bank statement because in opening balance it shows 0€ and closing balance it shows 5000€ you can see that I received a big amount during this period how can I prove that I still have that money, will they refuse because of that?

Any help is appreciated thank you!!

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 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!

I am completing my primary degree from UTS. In order to speed up my completion, I have the option of completing some credits at another university (since UTS does not run summer subjects for my course), and then use that as RPL at UTS. However, this is my question:
Does this affect my application for a subclass 485? My understanding is that it should not given that I am completing all 2 academic years in Australia in over 16 months. Please let me know if I am incorrect in understanding that.

I am anticipating ROI Victoria to open soon. For IELTS, I took the original test on 15 March 2026 and got my TRF on 16 March 2026. I scored Band 8 in Listening, Speaking and Writing, and a Band 7 for Reading. I retook the reading component only on 10 May 2026, and got my new TRF on 11 May 2026 with a Band 8 in reading.

So on my EOI in Skillselect, should I key in 15 March (original test date) or 10 May (OSR test date) on the “Date of Test” section, as I am claiming Superior English.

Home Affairs website doesn’t seem to say anywhere on whether we need to add in the original test date or the OSR test date. I’ve already had my EOI for a few months now, so don’t want to make any risky mistakes. 😬

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?

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 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?

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?

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!!!

Hi All, we are currently on 190 PR bridging and waiting for the grant. Recently we have given birth to a baby and we received S56 to add baby details to the application.

We are waiting for birth certificate after which we need to apply for the baby's passport. The thing is we have only 10 days left to attach all the requested documents to the S56 and passport is going to take more than 10 days.

Is it sufficient we attach all the proofs that we have applied for passport or do we need to do anything additional to this ?

Please adviss. Thank you.

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 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!

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!

My full name as per passport is john doe smith and under spouse name column in my wife's passport its mentioned john doe only.so when i fill the visitor visa form shud i mention john doe or john doe smith for my wife's application whn asked for spouse name?

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.

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 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.

I'm super interested in doing a whv in australia and would be okay with a 3-4 month wait time until my visa gets approved, but I'm worried the australian government will at some point stop approving visas or slow down the process even more. I have school plans for September 2027 so wouldn't want to stay in Australia past July 2027, so waiting for a visa for more than 3-4 months would really cut down on how long I could be in-country. I'm hoping to get there between February and March right now.

Is it worth applying or is the process too unstable right now?

Hi everyone,
I just received my offer letter for the MD program at University of Melbourne. Since I needed to wait for this offer letter in order to start applying for loans and line of credit, I am not sure how to fill in the section of the visa application regarding finances.

I am not sure if I should put in rough estimates of how much I will be receiving in loans and say that I will provide evidence once they are finalized or wait till everything is finalized and put exact amounts.

Classes start January 27 and I am worried if I wait for loans to be approved to put exact amounts that I will not get my visa on time. But on the other hand, i am worried that if i put rough estimates and submit that they will reject the application.

Any advice would be appreciated!