Australia’s Regional Visa programs, such as DAMAs (Designated Area Migration Agreements), are designed to support regional employers when standard employer-sponsored migration pathways are limited. They offer targeted solutions for attracting and retaining talent for hard-to-fill roles—especially those excluded from mainstream visa options. Written by Sheila Woods (MARN: 0533879) of Interstaff  27 February 2026 At the recent SA HR Leadership...

The Australian Bureau of Statistics has announced new Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE) figures that will apply to income thresholds for the Subclass 482 and Subclass 186 Visa programs from 1 July 2026. Written by Sheila Woods (MARN: 0533879) of Interstaff 27 February 2026 2026-27 Income Thresholds From 1 July 2026, the thresholds will increase to: Core Skills...

Yesterday evening, the Minister for Home Affairs announced an Arrival Control Determination will commence from today, 26 March 2026, banning Iranian visitor visa holders from travelling to Australia for six months. The determination is made possible under legislation that passed parliament earlier this month, giving the Minister new powers to temporarily restrict travel to Australia...

DAMAs (Designated Area Migration Agreements) provide concessions to standard visa criteria, including English, salary, experience, and age requirements and broader occupation lists to sponsor workers. To continue our series on Strengthening Workforce Strategy with Regional Migration, we will outline the practical implications of engaging visa holders under a DAMA. Written by Sheila Woods (MARN: 0533879) of Interstaff 18 March...

The Australian Protection Visa Subclass 866 is for people who fear persecution or harm in their home country. It offers a legal pathway for those unable to return due to perceived danger. Under certain circumstances, applicants may apply to attain refugee status and start a new life in Australia. It is important that individuals seeking...

Moving a pet to Australia is widely considered one of the most complex logistical challenges in the world of international relocation. Because Australia is a rabies-free nation, its biosecurity laws are incredibly strict to protect its unique environment. If you are planning a move in the future, here is why the process is so demanding...

We are pleased to introduce you to Regency FX, our forex and international payments partner.  They are able to assist you in all your requirements for all aspects of managing your foreign exchange risks and international payment requirements.  Here they outline the assistance they can provide when you are buying a property abroad. Regency FX...

Moving your family to New South Wales (NSW) is an exciting chapter, full of opportunities for education, work and quality of life. But settling in smoothly means thinking beyond visas and flights. You need a day-to-day life where your children feel supported, your spouse finds community and routines become familiar. NSW is Australia’s most populous...

Divorce is complicated enough within one legal system. When you are an expat, it can involve two, sometimes three jurisdictions at once. Different countries may claim authority over custody, property division and even your right to remain in the country. Expat divorce is not just an emotional process. It is a legal and logistical one...

Australia’s strong consumer market, proximity to Asia-Pacific trade routes and stable regulatory environment make it an attractive place to start an import business. But importing is not simply about finding overseas suppliers and placing orders. It is about compliance, logistics, storage and operational readiness from day one. If you are planning to build an import...

Returning to Australia after years overseas often brings a reassessment of priorities. For many expats, the appeal of open land, self-sufficiency and regional opportunity becomes stronger with distance. Starting a farm can feel like a grounded, long-term move after a mobile international lifestyle. But farming in Australia is not a lifestyle decision alone. It is...

International health insurance specialists at William Russell are urging expats to familarise themselves with upcoming changes to claiming their state pension and the price of voluntary contributions while overseas. Here are the changes coming into effect in April. Key changes: Sharp rise in voluntary contributions: Until now, retirees living abroad have been able to make...