Notice: New Skilled Migrant applications are unavailable from 17 December 2025 to 7 January 2026. During this time, applicants with an existing account can continue to log in, but no new applications can be started or submitted.

One of the many employers using WorkerConnect is the Nightcliff Sports Club in Darwin’s northern suburbs. Manager Paul McGuire, who moved to Darwin from the Gold Coast with his wife Angela earlier this year and immediately bought a house, heard about the digital platform through discussions with the Northern Territory Government and through DAMA, the Designated Area Migration Agreements, a regional immigration framework. “ WorkerConnect was so easy to use,” he says. “It’s tailored for Top End employers looking to fill skill shortages, especially in regional areas. It’s great to see candidates who are genuinely interested in living and working in the Northern Territory. The Nightcliff Sports Club has hired three overseas team members, Parakorn Kunarak from Thailand, Jane Rinelke from Indonesia and Huizhong ‘Jo’ Ku from China. “It was a smooth process,” says Paul. “They have settled in well and become valuable members of our team.”

Lena Bornhoeft moved to Darwin seven years ago for a work-life sea change and hasn’t looked back. “A friend of mine lived in Darwin for a short period of time and said I would like the place,” Lena said. “My original plan was to just visit Darwin and then I picked up a 6-month job as a live-in nanny, the family I stayed with showed me the best of the Northern Territory lifestyle and it felt like home.” Lena then moved into traffic management picking up work as a traffic controller around greater Darwin. By 2021 Lena had commenced at Trafficwerx NT, a Darwin-based company who are leaders in traffic management solutions in the Northern Territory. For more information about the company, go to the Trafficwerx NT website. Beginning as a traffic controller Lena quickly moved up the ranks to become a Project Administrator for Trafficwerx NT. “My job is busy but incredibly rewarding,” Lena said. “I am in charge of designating traffic management plans and oversee our traffic management projects. “Each day is different, I can be meeting with clients and key stakeholders and then coordinating logistics including travel and training.” Lena pictured in the centre, collaborating with the Trafficwerx team Lena is happy that she made the move to Darwin and has found the right mix between a rewarding job and laid-back lifestyle. She came here on a working holiday visa and has shifted to a skilled visa sponsored by Trafficwerx NT, demonstrating a successful transition from working holiday to full-time employment with a pathway to permanent residency. “Darwin is a beautiful city and has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere,' she said. “It’s warm all year round and the dry season is a highlight with its festivals, markets and activities. “There is so much on offer, we have so many national parks and waterfalls to explore, no traffic jams and plenty of job opportunities.” Planning your next career move? Sign up to WorkerConnect – the Northern Territory Government’s digital jobs board – and search for jobs today.

2025-26 State Nomination Migration Program – December invitation round Mon, 08/12/2025 - 14:52 The Department of Home Affairs has issued remaining places for the 2025–26 State Nominated Migration Program (SNMP). Ordinary invitation rounds for the WA SNMP have commenced, with an invitation round issued on 5 December. Invitation data was published in the 2025-26 Invitation round section (opens in a new tab) of the SNMP page. Please continue to monitor the State Nominated Migration Program page (opens in a new tab) for further updates. News Category SNMP

Western Australia police said an off-duty officer located two men 12km north of Kalumburu on Monday.

Skilled and Business Migration have commenced inviting clients across the four streams of the 2025-26 General Skilled Migration program. Below you will find the relevant data for both interim invitations, and the invitations issued this week. Interim invitations to 1 November 2025 Invitations in December 2025 ANZSCO Sub-major Group Subclass 190 Subclass 491 Total Subclass 190 Subclass 491 Total 13 Specialist Managers 0 1 1 15 11 26 14 Hospitality, Retail and Service Managers 0 5 5 0 3 3 22 Business, Human Resource and Marketing Professionals 15 9 24 4 12 16 23 Design, Engineering, Science and Transport Professionals 18 5 23 47 29 76 24 Education Professionals 0 1 1 24 5 29 25 Health Professionals 9 1 10 91 4 95 26 ICT Professionals 5 11 16 1 41 42 27 Legal, Social and Welfare Professionals 1 1 2 15 1 16 31 Engineering, ICT and Science Technicians 5 1 6 7 16 23 32 Automotive and Engineering Trades Workers 6 3 9 8 7 15 33 Construction Trades Workers 22 6 28 27 4 31 34 Electrotechnology and Telecommunications Trades Workers 25 2 27 14 0 14 35 Food Trades Workers 0 5 5 0 1 1 41 Health and Welfare Support Workers 6 14 20 1 10 11 51 Office Managers and Program Administrators 6 2 8 3 1 4 Total 118 67 185 257 145 402 Skilled and Business Migration will continue to issue invitations monthly. The next invitation round will occur in early January 2026. POSTED MORE NEWS

Visa applicants from around the world can now apply for an Australian visa more easily, thanks to the latest expansion of the Australian Immi App. Eligible applicants can now use the Australian Immi App to submit their facial biometrics and passport information from their smartphones, removing the need for in-person visits to biometric collection centres. The Australian Immi App also reduces the costs associated with a visa application as there is no charge to use the app. To be eligible to use the app, clients must have previously provided their biometrics (facial image and fingerprints) to the Department and hold a valid passport. From 24 November 2025, the Department of Home Affairs introduced the app in a further 19 countries, bringing the total number of supported countries to 34. Available countries From 24 November, eligible applicants in the following countries will be able to use the Australian Immi App: Algeria Bahrain Colombia Egypt Fiji France Greece Hong Kong (Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China) Iran Iraq Jordan Kuwait Lebanon Malaysia Mexico New Zealand (third-country nationals) Oman Pakistan Papua New Guinea Peru Philippines Qatar Samoa Saudi Arabia Singapore Solomon Islands South Africa South Korea Thailand Tonga Türkiye Tuvalu United Arab Emirates Vanuatu With the app now available in 34 countries, the Australian Government is delivering on its promise to make the visa process faster, simpler and more convenient. A final expansion to all remaining countries in Australia’s biometric collection program is scheduled for early 2026. The Department of Home Affairs thanks all applicants for embracing this shift to digital service and looks forward to continuing to expand the app’s reach in 2026. It aims to give easier access to Australia’s visa system for more people, in more places. For full eligibility details, supported visa subclasses, step-by-step guidance and technical requirements, visit Australian Immi App.

The National Migration Conference 2025 will be held today, providing migration professionals with essential updates ahead of the 2026 program year. The event offers comprehensive coverage of key legislative and policy developments relevant to Registered Migration Agents, migration lawyers, and industry stakeholders. Session 1: 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM Presenter: Marsha Bassily, Immigration Lawyer CPD Allocation: 1 Category B CPD Point (CN199) This session will deliver structured analysis and practical insights across the following visa programs: Student visas Skilled visas Family visas Employer sponsored visas (temporary and permanent pathways) Additional legislative amendments and policy updates relevant to 2026 Marsha Bassily will focus on recent changes, emerging trends, and strategic considerations for practitioners advising on complex visa matters. Session 2: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Department of Home Affairs – Live Briefing The Department of Home Affairs will provide a high-level overview of the Migration Program with specific emphasis on the skilled independent, employer sponsored, and student visa programs. Key topics include: 2025–26 Migration Program planning levels Nomination allocations and regional migration settings Skills in Demand (SID) visa statistics and trends Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) updates Processing times and the “Check Twice, Submit Once” initiative Compliance developments under strengthened employer legislation Subclass 407 Training visa Student Program Management Current global visa processing times The Department’s briefing will be delivered by: Steve Lanyi, Assistant Director, Business, Industry and Regional Outreach (BIRO) Kimberly Turner, Director, Program Management and Registration, OMARA The session will conclude with a dedicated question-and-answer segment, providing attendees the opportunity to engage directly with departmental representatives. Event Details Date: Today Time: 12:30 PM – 3:00 PM AEDT Format: Online This conference serves as an important opportunity for practitioners to remain informed, enhance professional competence, and prepare effectively for the upcoming migration program year. Attendance is strongly encouraged for those seeking authoritative and practical guidance ahead of 2026. Book here: https://legaltrainingaustralia.com/conference-cpd/

In an exclusive interview, El Jannah CEO Brett Houldin tells SBS News of the Lebanese chicken chain's global ambitions after a major US buyout.

Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal is accused of shooting two national guard members, one of them fatally, in Washington DC on Wednesday.

Are you a skilled migrant looking to make your mark in the South Australian job market? Whether you're in engineering, construction, ICT, healthcare, or any other field, this comprehensive training program is designed to help you confidently navigate the local job scene and land your next role. Join us for a half day of practical workshops led by experienced career coaches, where you’ll gain essential skills to boost your job search. Learn how to tailor your resume to Australian standards, master the art of behavioural interviews, and understand the key cultural differences that will help you thrive in your new workplace. Event details: Date: Wednesday, 3 December 2025 Time: 9:00am – 12:30pm with morning tea provided Location: SABC, Level 1, 136 Greenhill Road, Unley Cost: Free Register now POSTED MORE NEWS

State Nomination Migration Program – 2025-26 invitations Mon, 24/11/2025 - 11:47 Invitation rounds for Western Australian State nomination will begin in December 2025. To be considered, please make sure your Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect is up to date with: Residency status Nominated occupation Qualifications Relevant work experience For details, visit the State Nominated Migration Program page (opens in a new tab) . News Category SNMP