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Tag Archives: Skilled Migration Australia

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

VETASSESS Professional Skills Assessment Fees to Increase from 9 September 2026

Author By Shaleem Danish 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 27, 2026
August 27, 2026

New Skilled Visa Processing Priorities Under Ministerial Direction 119

Author By Shaleem Danish Categories News

Australia has introduced new processing priorities for certain skilled visa applications under Ministerial Direction 119 (MD119), which came into effect on 25 July 2026.

The new Direction replaces Ministerial Direction 105 (MD105) and introduces an important change to how skilled visa applications are prioritised: the Department of Home Affairs now considers both the applicant’s occupation and their location at the time of application.

For skilled migrants and employers, particularly those considering employer-sponsored or skilled migration pathways, understanding the new priority system can be important when planning their next steps.

 

What Is Ministerial Direction 119?

Ministerial Direction 119 determines the order in which the Department of Home Affairs processes nomination and visa applications for a range of skilled visa subclasses.

According to Home Affairs, MD119 applies to all applications currently on hand, including applications lodged before 25 July 2026 that have not yet been finalised.

The new Direction also covers the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482), which was not previously included under MD105.

 

What Are the New Processing Priorities?

Under MD119, skilled nomination and visa applications are processed according to five priority groups:

Priority Applications
Priority 1 – Highest Law enforcement or defence-related occupations where the applicant was in Australia at the time of application
Priority 2 Law enforcement or defence-related occupations where the applicant was outside Australia at the time of application
Priority 3 Construction, healthcare and teaching occupations where the applicant was in Australia at the time of application
Priority 4 Other skilled applications where the applicant was in Australia at the time of application
Priority 5 Other skilled applications where the applicant was outside Australia at the time of application

This means that an applicant’s location at the time of application now plays an important role in determining processing priority.

 

What Does This Mean for Healthcare, Teaching and Construction Workers?

Construction, healthcare and teaching remain identified as priority occupation groups under MD119.

However, there is an important distinction.

Applicants in these occupations receive Priority 3 only where they were in Australia at the time of application.

For example, a nurse, teacher or construction professional who was in Australia when their application was lodged may fall within Priority 3.

By comparison, an applicant in the same occupation who was outside Australia when the application was lodged does not receive the same Priority 3 treatment. Unless they fall within the law enforcement or defence categories, offshore applications are processed under Priority 5.

Importantly, this does not mean offshore healthcare, teaching or construction professionals are no longer eligible for skilled migration.

MD119 determines processing priority. It does not, by itself, change the eligibility criteria for the relevant visa.

 

Which Skilled Visas Are Affected?

MD119 applies to a broad range of skilled migration visas, including:

  • Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186)
  • Skilled Independent (subclass 189)
  • Skilled Nominated (subclass 190)
  • Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) (subclass 191)
  • Skills in Demand / Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482)
  • Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491)
  • Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (subclass 494)

It also covers several other skilled and legacy visa subclasses specified by Home Affairs.

The inclusion of the Skills in Demand subclass 482 visa is particularly notable, as Home Affairs confirms that it was not previously included under MD105.

Does Higher Priority Guarantee Faster Processing?

Not necessarily.

A higher priority means the Department gives the application a higher position in its processing order. It does not guarantee a particular processing timeframe or a successful visa outcome.

Actual processing times can still depend on factors such as whether the application is complete, requests for additional information, health and character checks, application complexity, application volumes and Migration Program planning levels.

Home Affairs also notes that skilled visa applications are not necessarily processed in the order in which they are received.

In simple terms:

Processing priority ≠ visa eligibility ≠ guaranteed visa grant.

 

What About Applications Already Lodged?

MD119 applies to all applications currently on hand.

This means that applications lodged before 25 July 2026 but still awaiting processing may now be prioritised according to the new Direction.

Applicants with pending skilled visa applications should therefore be aware of where their application may sit within the new processing priority framework.

 

What Should Skilled Visa Applicants Do?

The introduction of MD119 highlights the importance of considering more than just visa eligibility when planning a skilled migration pathway.

Applicants should understand:

  • whether their visa subclass is covered by MD119;
  • which processing priority may apply to their circumstances;
  • whether their occupation falls within a priority occupation group; and
  • how their location at the time of application affects processing priority.

It is also important to ensure that applications are properly prepared and supported by the required evidence, as processing priority does not replace the requirement to satisfy all relevant visa criteria.

 

Need Help Understanding Your Skilled Migration Options?

Australia’s skilled migration framework continues to evolve, and changes to processing priorities may affect how applicants plan their next steps.

Contact EMK Global Education & Migration for assistance with reviewing your circumstances, understanding your potential skilled or employer-sponsored migration pathways, and planning your next steps.

Important: This article is provided for general information only and does not constitute migration or legal advice. Visa requirements, processing priorities and migration policies may change. Applicants should always check the latest information from the Australian Department of Home Affairs or seek professional advice relevant to their circumstances.

Source: Department of Home Affairs

May 21, 2026
May 21, 2026

Australia Population Growth Forecast: 1.4 Million More People Expected Over Next Four Years

Author By Shaleem Danish Categories News

Australia’s population is projected to increase by another 1.4 million people over the next four years, according to updated Treasury Budget papers released by the Federal Government.

The revised forecasts show that net overseas migration will remain significantly higher than previously expected, highlighting the continued importance of migration in supporting Australia’s economy, workforce, and long-term infrastructure goals.

The updated projections are expected to influence discussions around skilled migration, housing demand, labour shortages, and economic growth across the country.

Australia’s Population Expected to Reach 29.4 Million

According to the latest Treasury forecasts, Australia’s population is expected to rise from approximately 28 million people to 29.4 million by 2029–30.

This population growth will largely be driven by overseas migration, which continues to play a major role in:

· filling workforce shortages

· supporting economic productivity

· strengthening regional development

· addressing skill gaps in critical industries

The revised figures confirm that Australia remains heavily reliant on migration to sustain long-term economic growth

Net Overseas Migration Forecast Revised Upwards

One of the biggest changes in the Budget papers is the increase in net overseas migration forecasts.

2025–26 Migration Forecast

Net overseas migration for 2025–26 is now projected at:

· 295,000 people

This is significantly higher than the earlier estimate of:

· 260,000 people

2026–27 Migration Forecast

Migration for 2026–27 is forecast to reach:

· 245,000 people

The revised figures indicate that Australia is expected to continue attracting large numbers of migrants, international students, skilled workers, and temporary visa holders over the coming years

Skilled Migration Remains a Major Priority

The Federal Government has confirmed that the Permanent Migration Program will remain at:

· 185,000 places for 2026–27

Most of these places will continue to focus on skilled migration pathways.

The Government says migration is essential to help address ongoing workforce shortages across several industries, including:

· healthcare

· aged care

· engineering

· information technology

· construction

· infrastructure development

· education

· regional industries

Australia continues facing labour shortages in many sectors, particularly in regional areas and major infrastructure projects.

Australia Targeting Younger and Highly Skilled Migrants

The Budget papers also reveal that Australia plans to attract:

· younger migrants

· highly educated professionals

· skilled workers

· overseas tradies

· construction workers

This strategy aligns with the Government’s broader focus on improving workforce participation, productivity, and long-term economic sustainability.

Younger skilled migrants are often viewed positively because they:

· contribute to the workforce for longer periods

· help support the tax system

· reduce ageing population pressures

· strengthen economic growth

Construction workers and tradies are also expected to play an important role in helping Australia deliver housing and infrastructure projects nationwide.

State-by-State Population Growth Forecasts

The latest projections show population growth across all Australian states and territories over the next four years.

Victoria

Victoria is expected to receive the largest increase, with:

· 405,000 new residents

New South Wales

New South Wales is projected to add:

· 365,000 new residents

Queensland

Queensland is forecast to gain:

· 314,000 new residents

Western Australia

Western Australia is expected to grow by:

· 184,000 new residents

South Australia

South Australia is forecast to add:

· 50,000 new residents

Northern Territory

The Northern Territory is expected to gain:

· 8,000 new residents

Tasmania

Tasmania is also projected to receive:

· 8,000 new residents

These projections highlight the continuing concentration of migration and population growth in Australia’s major states and metropolitan regions.

Migration Continues to Drive Economic Growth

The Government says migration remains critical for maintaining Australia’s economic performance.

Key benefits identified include:

· supporting labour market demand

· boosting consumer spending

· increasing tax revenue

· improving productivity

· helping businesses fill vacancies

· supporting major infrastructure delivery

Many industries continue struggling to recruit enough local workers, making overseas migration an important part of workforce planning.

Housing and Cost of Living Concerns Continue

Despite the economic benefits, the increase in migration is also expected to intensify national discussions around:

· housing affordability

· rental shortages

· infrastructure pressure

· transport congestion

· rising living costs

Australia’s rental market remains under significant pressure, particularly in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth.

Some experts argue that stronger housing supply measures will be necessary to accommodate future population growth.

The Government has stated that skilled migration and housing construction initiatives must work together to support sustainable growth.

Impact on International Students and Skilled Workers

The revised migration forecasts are likely to create continued opportunities for:

· international students

· skilled migrants

· employer-sponsored applicants

· regional visa applicants

· construction and healthcare workers

Australia remains one of the world’s most popular migration destinations due to:

· strong employment opportunities

· high quality of life

· permanent residency pathways

· world-class education system

Skilled migrants in occupations experiencing shortages may continue benefiting from strong demand across multiple visa categories.

Final Thoughts

Australia’s updated Treasury forecasts confirm that migration will remain a central part of the country’s economic and population strategy over the coming years.

With an additional 1.4 million people expected by 2029–30, skilled migration is set to continue shaping Australia’s workforce, infrastructure development, and long-term economic future.

At the same time, policymakers will face growing pressure to address housing supply, affordability, and infrastructure challenges as population growth accelerates.

For migrants, international students, and skilled workers, the latest forecasts reinforce Australia’s continued focus on attracting talented people to support national growth and workforce demand.

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