Immigration - Expat Network

Enhancing Workforce Strategy With Australia’s Regional Visa Programs

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…

Changes To Visa Income Thresholds From 1 July 2026

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…

Australia Bans Entry For Iranian Visitor Visa Holders For Six Months

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…

Leveraging DAMAs For Flexible Workforce Planning

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…

Protection Visa Subclass 866: Eligibility And Requirements Explained

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…

Bulgaria Golden Visa In 2026: Wealth Preservation With The Bonus Of Permanent EU Residency

The Bulgaria Golden Visa stands out in 2026 as a uniquely balanced residency-by-investment program, combining capital preservation with immediate permanent residency. Bulgaria is currently the only country in the European Union offering permanent residency in exchange for a regulated fund investment of EUR 512,000. The program imposes no physical stay requirements, no frequent residency card…

A Beginner’s Guide To Understanding The 820 Partner Visa

There are many people who would like to live with their partners in Australia. The 820 partner visa provides an opportunity for couples to begin their lives together. Understanding its requirements and the application process can help couples plan their future. What Is the 820 Partner Visa? The partner visa 820 Australia allows the spouse…

Portuguese Citizenship Law Change: What’s Next & What They May Mean

After several months of debate, the Portuguese Parliament has approved the new Citizenship Law on October 28, 2025. The reform extends the required period of residence to qualify for citizenship from five years to ten years (or seven for citizens of CPLP countries and EU nationals), among other new requirements. Republished with the approval of GetGoldenVisa While this is…

Employing Work And Holiday Makers Beyond Six Months In Australia | Staying Compliant

Does your business hire Working Holiday Makers (otherwise known as Subclasses 417 and 462 Visa holders) but find the six-month work condition limiting? While Condition 8547 generally limits a Working Holiday Maker’s work with the same employer to six months, many employers may not realise their options to allow for a longer period of work….

New English Requirements For Australian Visas

For most Australian visas, English proficiency matters. Unless exempt, applicants need to meet specific English language requirements that vary depending on whether they are the primary or secondary applicant and the type of visa they are applying for. The Department of Home Affairs has recently changed the English language criteria for several skilled visa categories….