expat network

3 Essential Visa Rules For Expats In Dubai

Dubai’s glittering skyline and cosmopolitan lifestyle continue to attract expats from around the world, especially those seeking new opportunities in the UAE. But before you can enjoy brunches with a view of the Burj Khalifa or weekend desert escapes, there’s one crucial hurdle to clear: securing your residence visa. And at the heart of this…

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Permanent Residence From A 482 Visa | Employer-Sponsored Visa Transitions

Permanent Residence (PR) via the 186 Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Visa has become more accessible for 482 Visa holders since the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) 482 Visa was replaced by the Skills in Demand (SID) Visa in December 2024. Written by Sheila Woods (MARN: 0533879) of Interstaff  10 July 2025 Read on to understand: Greater Flexibility | PR Tied…

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Visa Processing Times And Key Migration Updates

Sheila Woods of Interstaff gives an update on Visa processing times and key migration updates. Written by Sheila Woods (MARN: 0533879) of Interstaff  10 July 2025 Here’s a summary of updates relating to: Permanent Migration Program 2025/26 It is likely that program planning levels for 2025/26 will remain the same as the 2024/25 program year, unless the Government announces…

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Subclass 482 Visa Sponsorship Trends | What Australian Employers Should Know

As Australia continues to navigate a tight labour market, the Department of Home Affairs’ Temporary Resident (Skilled) Report – 31 March 2025 offers several insights for employers sponsoring skilled migrants on a 482 Visa. The data reveals not only the scale of temporary skilled migration in Australia but also evolving demand trends that could influence your workforce…

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482 Visa Processing Times | Delays In Australian Government Processing

Is your team waiting on a 482 Visa outcome from the Department of Home Affairs? As a result of the 482 Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) Visa transition to the Skills in Demand (SID) Visa in December 2024, processing for both programs are delayed as the Government attempts to clear a backlog of TSS Visa cases…

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Australia Regional Visa Review | Incentivising Migrants To Live And Work Regionally

As part of Australia’s Migration Strategy released in 2023, the Government committed to reviewing regional visa and migration settings. Now, in 2025, this focus on regional migration appears to be gaining momentum following the Government’s implementation of the Skills in Demand 482 Visa. Immigration plays a key role in supporting regional Australia by driving economic…

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Labour Agreements | Which Australian Visa Requirements Can Be Negotiated?

Labour Agreements allow employers to negotiate with the Government for concessions to standard visa settings to address specific business or industry needs. As a result of recent legislative amendments, the Minister now has clear statutory authority to determine certain visa settings. While visa settings have been negotiable via Labour Agreements for some time, the amendments aim…

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Navigating UK Passport Renewal From Abroad: A Step-By-Step Guide For Expats

Renewing your UK passport while living overseas can seem complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re in the USA/ Mexico/ South America/ Caribbean, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Europe, Asia, understanding the process is key to avoiding delays and stress. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know…

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Immigration And Australian Federal Election Campaign Promises

We are now on the cusp of the Federal Election, which is fast approaching this weekend. The outcome is expected to shape the direction of the migration program, but we remain cautious about whether the initiatives will be fully implemented.  Here’s a summary of the major parties’ campaign promises to get an understanding of the potential…

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Skilled Visa Salary Thresholds to Increase to 4.6% From 1 July 2025

From 1 July 2025, a 4.6% increase in Skilled Visa Salary Thresholds will apply, requiring employers to offer higher salaries to employees they nominate for Subclass 482, 494 and 186 Visas from this date. The change reflects the Government’s commitment to annually adjust salary thresholds on 1 July in line with increases to the Average Weekly Ordinary…

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