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Tag Archives: Australia Skilled Migration

EMK Global Education & Migration   →  News   →  Australia Skilled Migration
August 27, 2026
August 27, 2026

VETASSESS Professional Skills Assessment Fees to Increase from 9 September 2026

Author By EMK Global Australia Categories News

VETASSESS has announced an upcoming increase to its Professional Skills Assessment fees, effective 9 September 2026.

According to VETASSESS, the fee adjustment is being made in line with movements in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and has been reviewed in accordance with Australian Government guidance.

For applicants currently preparing a skills assessment, the upcoming change is an important deadline to be aware of.

Key Information at a Glance

Key Information Details
Fee increase effective from 9 September 2026
Applications received before 9 September 2026 Current fees will apply
Applications received from 9 September 2026 Updated fees will apply
Trade Occupation Assessments Not affected


Which Services Will Be Affected?

The fee increase will apply to Professional Skills Assessments and a number of related services.

These include Priority Processing (PP), Skills Assessment Support (SAS), Chinese Qualification Verification (CQV), Non-Migration Skills Assessments and Administration fees.

Importantly, VETASSESS has confirmed that the fee update does not apply to assessments for trade occupations.

Important Deadline: 9 September 2026

One of the most important points for applicants is that applications received by VETASSESS before 9 September 2026 will be charged at the current rates.

Applications received from 9 September 2026 onwards will be subject to the updated fees.

Therefore, applicants who are already ready to proceed with their assessment should carefully consider their application timeline and ensure their application is properly prepared before lodging.

 

Current Published VETASSESS Fees

VETASSESS currently lists the following fees for selected professional assessment services:

Service Applying from within Australia Applicant outside Australia
Full Skills Assessment AUD $1,205.60 AUD $1,096
Priority Processing* AUD $907.50 AUD $825
Points Test Advice AUD $342.10 AUD $311
485 Skills Assessment AUD $457.60 AUD $416

*Priority Processing is an additional fee on top of the Full Skills Assessment fee. Fees shown by VETASSESS may include or exclude GST depending on the applicant’s Australian tax residency status.

Applicants should check the official VETASSESS fee schedule before lodging, particularly around the 9 September 2026 fee change.

 

What Is a VETASSESS Skills Assessment?

A Skills Assessment is an important part of the professional occupation recognition process for people seeking to migrate to Australia.

VETASSESS assesses qualifications and employment experience to determine whether an applicant has the skills and knowledge required for their nominated occupation.

VETASSESS assesses a wide range of professional occupations across areas including:

  • Business and Finance
  • Arts and Education
  • Construction and Manufacturing
  • Hospitality and Retail
  • Science, Health and Agriculture

 

Why Is a Skills Assessment Important for Skilled Migration?

For several skilled migration pathways, applicants need to provide information about their skills assessment as part of the SkillSelect Expression of Interest (EOI) process.

The Department of Home Affairs states that applicants for skilled visas such as subclass 189, 190 and 491 need to submit an EOI before they can be invited to apply. Applicants also need a skills assessment in their nominated occupation before submitting their EOI.

However, having a positive skills assessment does not guarantee an invitation or visa grant. The Department of Home Affairs also makes clear that meeting the minimum points threshold does not guarantee an invitation, as invitation outcomes depend on the relevant program and selection process.

 

What Should Applicants Do Now?

If you are considering a skilled migration pathway and your occupation is assessed by VETASSESS, it is worth reviewing your situation before the fee change takes effect.

You should consider:

  • Checking whether VETASSESS is the relevant assessing authority for your nominated occupation.
  • Reviewing the qualification and employment requirements for your occupation.
  • Preparing your supporting documents carefully.
  • Checking that your employment history and qualifications can be properly evidenced.
  • If you are ready to lodge, being aware of the 9 September 2026 fee-change deadline.

 

Keep Your Migration Strategy Up to Date

A skills assessment is only one part of the overall skilled migration process. Your occupation, qualifications, work experience, English proficiency, points score and other circumstances can all affect your potential pathway.

The Department of Home Affairs also recommends keeping your EOI information up to date if your circumstances change, such as gaining additional work experience, obtaining a new qualification, improving your English proficiency or receiving a new skills assessment.

 

Need Help With Your Skills Assessment?

Planning your skills assessment carefully can help you avoid unnecessary delays and ensure that your qualifications and employment experience are presented appropriately.

📩 Contact EMK Global Education & Migration for assistance with reviewing your profile, understanding your potential skills assessment pathway and planning your next steps towards skilled migration in Australia.

Important: This article is provided for general information only and does not constitute migration or legal advice. VETASSESS assessment requirements, fees and Australian migration policies may change. Applicants should always check the latest information directly with VETASSESS and the Australian Department of Home Affairs.

Source: VETASSESS

August 7, 2026
August 7, 2026

Tasmania Skilled Migration Program 2026–27: Key Changes to State Nomination for Subclass 190 & 491 Visas

Author By emkpakistanstaff Categories News

The Tasmanian Government has announced significant updates to the 2026–27 Tasmanian Skilled Migration State Nomination Program, with new eligibility requirements, revised priority attributes, updated income thresholds, and changes to supporting documentation. 

These changes affect applicants seeking nomination under the Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) and the Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491). 

If you are planning to apply for Tasmanian state nomination, understanding these updates is essential. 

Tasmania Receives 2,050 Nomination Places 

For the 2026–27 program year, Tasmania has received: 

  • 1,250 nomination places for the Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa 
  • 800 nomination places for the Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional Visa 

Major Changes to Eligibility Requirements 

Several important updates have been introduced across the Tasmanian Skilled Employment, Tasmanian Skilled Graduate, Tasmanian Established Resident and Business Operator pathways. 

Key changes include: 

  • Applicants who meet the Subclass 190 pathway requirements but are not eligible for a Subclass 190 visa due to skills assessment or SkillSelect point limitations may still submit a Registration of Interest (ROI). If approved, they may instead receive nomination for the Subclass 491 visa. 
  • References to the previous salary requirement have been replaced with a new “Priority Income Level.” 
  • Business income thresholds have been updated in line with the increased Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT). 

Updated Income Thresholds 

The revised income levels include: 

  • Priority Income Level: $57,000 per year or $28.85 per hour 
  • TSMIT: $79,423 per year 
  • 90% of TSMIT: $71,480 per year 
  • Average Annual Earnings: $106,600 per year 

These figures are now used across several nomination pathways and priority attributes. 

Changes to the Tasmanian Skilled Employment (TSE) Pathway 

Applicants under the Tasmanian Skilled Employment pathway will notice several important changes: 

  • Gold priority now requires applicants to have worked in Tasmania for the past six months, with at least one job providing a minimum of 30 hours per week. 
  • New point allocations have been introduced for different employment durations. 
  • Greater emphasis has been placed on Tasmanian employment as an indicator of long-term settlement. 
  • Some previous industry experience attributes have been reduced in priority. 

Updates for Tasmanian Skilled Graduates 

Graduates will benefit from several new priority attributes, including: 

  • Additional points for applicants who have lived, studied and worked only in Tasmania. 
  • New Orange-Plus priority attributes for employment directly related to Tasmanian study. 
  • Increased points for higher salary levels. 
  • Recognition of employment gained before graduation where it meets eligibility requirements. 

Changes for Established Residents 

The Tasmanian Established Resident pathway now includes: 

  • New priority attributes for applicants with two years’ industry experience while earning above the Priority Income Level. 
  • Additional points for applicants who have only lived in Tasmania during their Australian residence. 
  • New scoring options for applicants earning below the Priority Income Level. 

Important Employment Rule Changes 

Migration Tasmania has clarified several employment assessment rules, including: 

  • Employment must generally average at least 20 hours per week. 
  • Multiple jobs may be combined to meet minimum hours in some pathways; however, each job must independently satisfy income requirements where applicable. 
  • Annual leave, personal leave and maternity leave may count towards eligible employment if residency requirements are maintained. 
  • Significant employment gaps may reset qualifying employment periods. 

New Occupation-Specific Rules 

Additional guidance has been introduced for certain occupations. 

Massage Therapists 

From 1 December 2026, employment will only be recognised where work is performed in health, allied health, aged care or disability care settings. 

Motor Mechanics and Auto Service Technicians 

From 1 December 2026, stricter employer eligibility requirements will apply. 

Applicants may also be required to provide additional evidence, including manufacturer training certificates, diagnostic reports and customer service records. 

Stronger Employment Verification 

Migration Tasmania has introduced additional measures to verify genuine employment. 

Applications may receive additional scrutiny where: 

  • Employment appears inconsistent with the employer’s business. 
  • Unusual financial transactions exist between employer and employee. 
  • Salary arrangements do not align with market rates. 

Applicants must also demonstrate that wages comply with the relevant Australian award or enterprise agreement. 

Supporting Document Updates 

Several supporting document requirements have been strengthened. 

Applicants may now need to provide: 

  • Australian Taxation Office (ATO) superannuation payment statements. 
  • Casual employment summaries (where multiple casual jobs are claimed). 
  • Evidence confirming pay rates meet applicable award requirements. 
  • USI transcripts for eligible VET graduates. 
  • Additional evidence for PhD research claims. 

What These Changes Mean for Skilled Migrants 

The 2026–27 changes place a stronger emphasis on: 

  • Genuine long-term employment in Tasmania 
  • Employment related to skills assessments or Tasmanian study 
  • Higher income levels 
  • Strong evidence supporting employment claims 
  • Long-term commitment to living and working in Tasmania 

Applicants should carefully review the updated eligibility criteria before lodging a Registration of Interest or nomination application. 

Need Help with Your Tasmania Skilled Migration Application? 

At EMK Global Education & Migration, our registered migration professionals can assess your eligibility, explain the latest policy updates, and help you prepare a strong application for Tasmanian State Nomination under the Subclass 190 or Subclass 491 visa pathways. 

Contact EMK Global today for expert migration advice and personalised assistance. 

November 18, 2025
November 18, 2025

2025–26 State and Territory Nomination Allocations: What Migrants Need to Know

Author By emkpakistanstaff Categories News

The Australian Department of Home Affairs has released the 2025–26 state and territory nomination allocations for the Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) visa and the Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) visa. These allocations determine how many skilled migrants each state and territory can nominate for permanent and provisional residency pathways over the financial year.This year’s figures reveal a significant tightening across both visa subclasses, signaling increased competitiveness and more targeted migration strategies by state governments.

1. National Overview

For the 2025–26 program year, the total number of places allocated is:
Subclass 190: 12,850 places
Subclass 491: 7,500 places
Total: 20,350 places

This marks a notable reduction from the 2024–25 allocation, reflecting the government’s continued shift toward a smaller, more skilled, and more targeted migration program.

2. Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa

National Trend: Reduced Capacity
The 190 program has dropped from 16,500 places last year to 12,850 places in 2025–26, a reduction of 3,650 positions nationwide.
State-by-State Breakdown:
– ACT – 800
– NSW – 2,100
– NT – 850
– QLD – 1,850
– SA – 1,350
– TAS – 200
– VIC – 2,700
– WA – 2,000

Key Observations

  • Victoria (2,700 places) now holds the largest 190 allocation, overtaking NSW.
  • Western Australia continues an upward trend, reflecting demand in construction, engineering, and health.
  • NSW has experienced a significant reduction, likely leading to tougher selection criteria and higher competitiveness.
  • South Australia and Tasmania have seen sharp decreases, suggesting more targeted occupation lists and possibly prioritisation for onshore applicants

3. Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional Visa

National Trend: Moderate Decrease
The 491 program decreased from 9,760 places last year to 7,500 places for 2025–26.State-by-State Breakdown:
– ACT – 800
– NSW – 1,500
– NT – 800
– QLD – 750
– SA – 900
– TAS – 650
– VIC – 700
– WA – 1,400

Key Observations

– NSW remains the largest regional program, despite its reduction.
– Western Australia retains a strong focus on regional development, with 1,400 places.
– South Australia continues to prioritise regional migration with 900 allocations.
– States such as Queensland, Tasmania, and Victoria operate moderate-sized programs with selective criteria.

4. What These Changes Mean for Applicants

Higher Competition Across All States!

With reduced nomination numbers, states will become increasingly selective. Applicants with strong points, relevant work experience, and high English proficiency will be favoured.

Emphasis on Targeted Skills

States are expected to prioritise:
– Critical skill shortages
– Health, engineering, construction, and education sectors
– Applicants with strong employment evidence
– Onshore applicants with established ties

491 Remains an Important Pathway

While the 190 program has become more competitive, the 491 visa remains a valuable pathway for applicants willing to live and work in regional Australia.

5. Strategic Advice for 2025–26 Applicants

To remain competitive in the new migration landscape, applicants should consider:

5.1. Maximising Points
– Improve English scores
– Gain additional work experience
– Obtain partner skills points (if applicable)

5.2.⁠⁠ Building State/Territory Alignment
– Review each state’s occupation list and nomination criteria
– Strengthen ties such as employment, study, or community engagement
– Prepare compliant documentation early

5.3. ⁠⁠Considering Regional Pathways
With limited 190 places, regional options under the 491 visa may provide faster nomination opportunities, particularly in states like NSW, WA, and SA.

5.4. ⁠⁠Staying Updated
State nomination programs can change rapidly. Regular monitoring of updates ensures you do not miss closing windows or newly introduced priority occupations.

6.⁠⁠ Final Thoughts

The 2025–26 allocation signals a more targeted and strategic skilled migration program, with states focusing on applicants who can meet immediate labourmarket needs. While competition has increased, opportunities remain strong for applicants who prepare early, understand state priorities, and position themselves effectively.

For personalised advice on your best visa pathway under the 2025–26 program, contact our migration team —we’re here to help you navigate every step of the process.

Source: Allocations published on the Department of Home Affairs’websiteon 18 November 2025

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