This update is very important for visa applicants, especially international students, workers, and families who may need to challenge a Department of Home Affairs decision.

1. ART Fees Have Increased From Today

Starting today, all ART application fees are higher. These increases happen every year because fees are adjusted based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

New Fees From 1 July 2026

• Standard application fee: $1,195
• Review of a migration decision: $3,727
• Review of a protection visa decision: $2,293
• Small business taxation review: $641
• Tax disputes under $5,000: $119
• Guidance and Appeals Panel review: $1,195

The concessional fee of $100 remains the same.

Fee Reduction for Financial Hardship

If you are applying for a migration review and you are experiencing financial difficulties, you may still be able to request a 50% fee reduction.

NDIS Review Fees Now Apply

From today, people who want the ART to review a decision made by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commissioner must also pay the standard fee.

2. New Rules for How Some Visa Reviews Are Decided

Another change began earlier this year, on 18 May 2026. The ART now has more power to decide some cases without holding a hearing. This is called deciding a matter “on the papers.”

What This Means

If your case is decided on the papers:

• You will not attend a hearing
• You will not speak directly to a Tribunal member
• The decision will be based only on written documents

Temporary Visas May Soon Be Affected

The Migration Act now allows certain temporary visa reviews to be decided only on the papers. No temporary visa types have been listed yet, but the government can add them at any time.

Permanent and protection visa reviews are not affected.

3. How You Can Prepare

A. Start Early

If you think you will need a review, begin preparing your documents now.

B. Write Clear Submissions

Your written explanation is extremely important, especially if your case is decided on the papers.

C. Watch Your Deadlines

Missing an ART deadline can result in your review being dismissed.

D. Ask About Fee Reductions

If you are struggling financially, check whether you qualify for the 50% reduction.

Need Help? We Can Guide You Through the ART Process

At MigrateWise Solutions, we help clients prepare strong review applications, clear written submissions, and complete all ART requirements correctly.

If you are unsure about your next step, or if you want to understand how these changes affect your case, book a consultation with us today. We will guide you through the process with clear, simple advice.

Use the code BLOG2026 at checkout for a $50 consultation discount.

by Tommaso Castelli (MARN: 2117652)

The post Partner Visa Processing Times: What to Expect in 2026 appeared first on Migratewise Solutions.

If you are planning to apply for a skilled visa, or if you already have an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect, this update is important for you.

1. Summary of the June 2026 Invitation Round

On 4 June 2026, the Department invited 10,000 EOIs for the Subclass 189 visa.

Tie-break date:

24 April 2026 This means that among applicants with the same points score, the Department invited those who reached their score earlier.

What is a tie-break date?

When two EOIs have the same points score, the Department looks at the date the applicant achieved that score. The EOI with the earlier date is invited first.

2. Points-Based Invitation System (Simple Explanation)

The Subclass 189 visa is points-tested. This means:

• Applicants with higher points are invited first.
• If two applicants have the same points, the one who reached that score earlier gets priority.

This is why keeping your EOI updated,  and reaching your points score as early as possible,  is important.

3.Minimum Scores by Occupation (June 2026 Round)

The Department has published the minimum points invited for each occupation. Here is a simple overview:

High-demand occupations with very high scores (90–100 points)

• Actuary – 90
• Biotechnologist – 95
• Electronics Engineer – 95
• Life Scientist (General) – 95
• Microbiologist – 95
• Statistician – 90
• Telecommunications Engineer – 95
• Urologist – 100

Most professional occupations (75–85 points)

Many occupations were invited at 80–85 points, including:

• Architects
• Environmental Scientists
• Medical Practitioners
• Psychologists
• Social Workers
• Teachers
• Engineers
• Management Consultants
• Veterinarians

Trades occupations (65–80 points)

Many trade occupations were invited at 65 points, including:

• Carpenter
• Electrician (General)
• Plumber
• Bricklayer
• Roof Plumber
• Stonemason
• Welder
• Fibrous Plasterer

This shows that trade occupations continue to be in demand, with lower points thresholds compared to professional occupations.

4. Total Invitations for the 2025–26 Program Year

Across the entire program year, the Department issued:

• 6,887 invitations in August 2025
• 10,000 invitations in November 2025
• 10,000 invitations in June 2026

No invitations were issued in other months.

This means the Department invited 26,887 applicants for the Subclass 189 visa during the 2025–26 year.

5. When Is the Next Invitation Round?

The Department has confirmed that the next Subclass 189 invitation round for the 2026–27 program year is expected by 30 September 2026.

If you want to be considered in the next round, now is the time to:

• Update your EOI
• Improve your points score
• Check your occupation’s demand
• Ensure your documents are ready

6.What This Means for You

If your occupation requires high points

You may need to improve your score through:

• English test upgrades
• Additional work experience
• Professional year
• NAATI CCL
• Partner points

If you work in a trade occupation

You may already be competitive at 65–70 points, but your EOI must be accurate and up to date.

If your EOI is close to the tie-break date

Updating your EOI today may help you reach your score earlier for the next round.

Need Help With Your EOI or Skilled Visa Strategy?

At MigrateWise Solutions, we help skilled workers:

• Improve their points score
• Prepare strong EOIs
• Understand occupation demand
• Plan for upcoming invitation rounds
• Avoid mistakes that delay or damage their visa chances

If you want personalised guidance for your Subclass 189 strategy, book a consultation with us today. We explain everything in simple English and help you build the strongest possible application.

Use the code BLOG2026 at checkout for a $50 consultation discount.

by Tommaso Castelli (MARN: 2117652)

The post Subclass 189 Visa: June Invitation Round Results appeared first on Migratewise Solutions.

The good news is that nothing has changed in the actual assessment process. The update is simply about making the guidelines easier to read and understand.

Here is a simple explanation of what has changed and what it means for you.

1. TRA Has Updated Its Program Guidelines

TRA has redesigned its guidelines to make them clearer and more user-friendly. Many applicants come from different countries and may not have strong English skills, so TRA has tried to make the information easier to follow.

What has changed?

TRA has focused on:

• • Simpler language
  • Step-by-step instructions
  • Better alignment across all TRA programs
  • Clearer explanations of what applicants need to do and when

This means the guidelines should now be easier to read, especially for people who are not familiar with Australian migration processes.

What has NOT changed?

TRA has confirmed that:

• • The assessment process is the same
  • The eligibility criteria are the same
  • The assessment outcomes are the same

So, if you are already preparing your skills assessment, you do not need to worry about new rules or new requirements. Only the presentation of the information has changed, not the actual process.

2. Why TRA Updated the Guidelines

TRA assessments are used by many skilled workers, including electricians, plumbers, carpenters, mechanics, chefs, and many other trades. Because these assessments are important for visa applications, TRA wants to make sure applicants clearly understand:

• • What documents they need
  • How to submit their evidence
  • What steps come next
  • How long the process may take

By using simpler language and clearer instructions, TRA aims to reduce confusion and help applicants avoid mistakes that can delay their assessment.

3. How This Helps Visa Applicants

Even though the assessment process has not changed, the new guidelines can make your experience easier. Here’s how:

A. Easier to understand

If English is not your first language, the new guidelines should be more accessible.

B. Clear steps to follow

The new step-by-step format helps you understand exactly what to do.

C. Less chance of errors

Clearer instructions means fewer mistakes and fewer delays.

D. Better support for migration agents

Registered Migration Agents can now explain the process more easily to their clients.

4.Where to Find the New Guidelines

You can access them here:

Policy and Forms | Trades Recognition Australia https://www.tradesrecognitionaustralia.gov.au/policy-and-forms

This page includes guidelines for all TRA programs, including:

• Migration Skills Assessment (MSA)
• Offshore Skills Assessment Program (OSAP)
• Trades Recognition Service (TRS)
• Job Ready Program (JRP)

Need Help With Your TRA Skills Assessment?

At MigrateWise Solutions, we help skilled workers understand TRA requirements, prepare documents correctly, and avoid common mistakes that cause delays.

If you want personalised guidance or support with your skills assessment, book a consultation with us today. We will explain everything in simple English and help you move forward confidently.

Use the code BLOG2026 at checkout for a $50 consultation discount.

by Tommaso Castelli (MARN: 2117652)

The post TRA Updates Its Program Guidelines: What Applicants Should Know appeared first on Migratewise Solutions.