Following consultation with the Design Institute of Australia (DIA), the peak industry body for design occupations, VETASSESS has received endorsements of its assessment criteria for both the Interior Designer and Interior Decorator occupations. Based on DIA’s advice, reflecting current industry practice and supported by the current OSCA requirements, the minimum education requirement for the Interior Designer occupation has been updated to an AQF Bachelor degree. The educational requirements for the Interior Decorator occupation remain unchanged (Diploma level). Any applications received on or after 15/06/2026 will be assessed under the revised criteria. Agents are encouraged to carefully consider the applicant’s qualification level and scope of work when selecting between the Interior Designer and Interior Decorator occupations. If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact us on migrate@vetassess.com.au

Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) will temporarily pause all registrations for the Offshore Skills Assessment Program (OSAP) and Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) program from 14 March 2026 to support essential systems changes. Registrations will recommence on 30 March 2026. During this period, TRA will continue to accept payments for OSAP and TSS applications already in progress until 29 March 2026, ensuring applicants can progress existing applications while systems updates are underway. The system changes relate to a refreshed panel of Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) that will undertake assessment services on TRA’s behalf. While this system update is taking place, TRA has removed the RTO Finder function to update it with the details of the new RTO providers.

Reduced invitation numbers As we approach the final quarter of the 2025–26 program year, we have continued to see strong interest in the State Visa Nomination program. The number of invitations to nominate we have now issued to candidates will use most of this year’s allocation. This said, there are some remaining places and we will continue to process applications and receive ROIs however the number of new invitations to apply for nomination will be limited over the coming weeks while we focus on processing the applications currently on hand. Once we have more information on the size of our allocations for the 2026–27 nomination program from the Australian Government we will provide further updates. Subclass 190 We are temporarily pausing invitations for any ROIs that do not attract a Gold pass. ROIs can continue to be submitted and we will review the situation in the coming weeks. ROIs with a Green pass will continue to be invited to apply for nomination within six months of submission however, if approved, we may not be able to nominate them this program year if all places are filled. Subclass 491 Invitations will continue for all pass colours although the number issued will be reduced. More information will be shared as soon as it becomes available.

Due to changes introduced by Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) to the OSAP and TSS assessment programs, effective 30 March 2026 , VETASSESS will implement the following changes: VETASSESS will be unable to accept new applications for Stage 1 Documentary Evidence Assessment from 9.00 am (AEDT) on 13 March 2026 until 9.00 am (AEDT) on 30 March 2026 . VETASSESS will be unable to accept new applications for Stage 1 Documentary Evidence Assessment from 9.00 am (AEDT) on 13 March 2026 until 9.00 am (AEDT) on 30 March 2026 . The online portal will be closed to new Stage 1 Documentary Evidence Assessment applications from 9.00 am (AEDT) on 13 March 2026 until 9.00 am (AEDT) on 23 March 2026 . The online portal will be closed to new Stage 1 Documentary Evidence Assessment applications from 9.00 am (AEDT) on 13 March 2026 until 9.00 am (AEDT) on 23 March 2026 . From 30 March 2026 , VETASSESS will no longer accept new applications for the following occupations: Fitter‑Welder (ANZSCO Code: 323213) Pastrycook (ANZSCO Code: 351112) From 30 March 2026 , VETASSESS will no longer accept new applications for the following occupations: Fitter‑Welder (ANZSCO Code: 323213) Fitter‑Welder (ANZSCO Code: 323213) Pastrycook (ANZSCO Code: 351112) Pastrycook (ANZSCO Code: 351112) New assessment fees will apply to all new applications submitted from 30 March 2026 . These fees will be published by Trades Recognition Australia and made available on the Trades Occupations Fees and Payment page of our website from 23 March 2026 . New assessment fees will apply to all new applications submitted from 30 March 2026 . These fees will be published by Trades Recognition Australia and made available on the Trades Occupations Fees and Payment page of our website from 23 March 2026 . Applications submitted and paid for on or before 13 March 2026 will not be affected and will continue to be processed as normal. If you have any questions, please contact us at tradeassess@vetassess.com.au.

ROIs invited to apply for nomination on 11/03/2026: Subclass 190 - 14 ROIs invited Subclass 491 - 19 ROIs invited The lowest scores invited: Subclass 190 - Gold pass only Subclass 491 - 40 points (Orange pass) Number of ROIs on hand (ROIs with a status of Submitted after the invitation round has taken place): Subclass 190 - 471 ROIs Subclass 491 - 196 ROIs Nomination places available: Subclass 190 - 558 places Subclass 491 - 424 places Nomination applications lodged but not yet decided: Subclass 190 - 394 applications Subclass 491 - 214 applications Invitations issued but application not yet lodged: Subclass 190 - 68 invitations Subclass 491 - 59 invitations Oldest nomination application lodged and not yet allocated to a case officer - 12/12/2025

Invitations for priority trade occupations were issued on 3 March 2026 for the State Nominated Migration program. Invitations for priority non-trade occupations were issued on 5 March 2026 for the State Nominated Migration program. Intending visa subclass General stream WASMOL schedule 1 General stream WASMOL schedule 2 Graduate stream Higher education Graduate stream Vocational education and training ​Visa subclass 190 325 689 350 65 Visa subclass 491 139 456 150 26 TOTAL 464 1145 500 91

The Australian Government is updating Training (subclass 407) visa application requirements to ensure the program supports genuine skills development as intended. From 11 March 2026, in addition to other validity requirements, all new applicants for a Training visa will need to wait for the following before they can make a valid Training visa application: their sponsor must be approved as a temporary activities sponsor, and their sponsor must have an approved Training visa nomination for them, unless the sponsor is a Commonwealth agency. Previously it was possible to validly lodge the visa application at the same time as the sponsorship and Training visa nomination application. You just needed approval before the Training visa could be granted. Sponsors should lodge the sponsorship and nomination applications well before the proposed training start date. Applicants in Australia must ensure that they hold a valid visa while they wait for the department to process the sponsorship and Training visa nomination. Applicants will only be able to get a Bridging visa for their Training visa application once they lodge a valid Training visa application. Important: Training visa applications submitted through departmental systems after 11 March 2026 will not be valid if the sponsor and Training visa nomination have not yet been approved. The department will notify the applicant that the application is not valid and refund the visa application charge. Applicants may need to leave Australia or apply for a different visa while they wait for the sponsorship and/or Training visa nomination to be approved. For more information see: Training visa (subclass 407) Become a sponsor - Temporary activities sponsor Visa processing times Commonwealth agency sponsors Separate arrangements apply for Australian Commonwealth agency sponsors. Commonwealth agencies must get approval as temporary activities sponsors before the applicant lodges a Training visa application. Commonwealth agencies don’t need a nomination. Why the change is happening The Training visa is for people who want to improve their skills through structured, workplace based training in Australia. The changes support the Government’s commitment to reduce 'permanent temporariness’, where individuals who may not meet the eligibility criteria for permanent residence extend their stay through multiple temporary visa applications. This situation can make them vulnerable to exploitation.

South Australia Skilled and Business Migration has conducted a new invitation round with the following results: Subclass 190: 242 invitations issued Subclass 491: 164 invitations issued For the full list of invited occupations, please check the link here

ROIs invited to apply for nomination on 05/03/2026: Subclass 190 - 35 ROIs invited Subclass 491 - 26 ROIs invited The lowest scores invited: Subclass 190 - 49 points (Orange pass) Subclass 491 - 41 points (Orange pass) Number of ROIs on hand (ROIs with a status of Submitted after the invitation round has taken place): Subclass 190 - 425 ROIs Subclass 491 - 182 ROIs Nomination places available: Subclass 190 - 595 places Subclass 491 - 435 places Nomination applications lodged but not yet decided: Subclass 190 - 379 applications Subclass 491 - 207 applications Invitations issued but application not yet lodged: Subclass 190 - 107 invitations Subclass 491 - 63 invitations Oldest nomination application lodged and not yet allocated to a case officer - 12/12/2025

VETASSESS has established processes to assess applications from a wide range of global locations, including regions affected by conflict or instability, and we remain focused on supporting applicants with fairness, flexibility and care. We are closely monitoring the situation in the Middle East and understand the concerns this may raise for applicants and stakeholders. If you are in Iran and are unable to provide requested additional documentation or attend a scheduled technical interview or practical assessment, we will put your application on hold until you are able to contact us. If you have questions or wish to discuss your individual circumstances, please email us at info@vetassess.com.au or call +61 3 9655 4801 . If you are currently unable to reach us, please be assured that once contact is re‑established, our team will act promptly to assist you.

Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) Visa - Increase to Visa Application Charges from 1 March 2026 The Migration Amendment (Temporary Graduate Visa Application Charge) Regulations 2026 introduce increases to the first instalment of the Visa Application Charge (VAC) for Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate) visa applications lodged on or after 1 March 2026. The amendments implement a revised four-tier VAC structure and align with broader fiscal measures announced in the 2025–26 Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO). Revised Visa Application Charges (effective 1 March 2026) For most applicants (non-Pacific / non-Timor-Leste passport holders): Primary applicant: AUD 4,600 Additional applicant (18 years and over): AUD 2,300 Additional applicant (under 18): AUD 1,160 For subsequent Subclass 485 applicants (Post-Higher Education Work stream): Primary applicant: AUD 1,810 Additional applicant (18 years and over): AUD 910 Additional applicant (under 18): AUD 460 The second instalment of the VAC remains nil. Pacific and Timor-Leste Passport Holders Applicants who hold passports from specified Pacific countries and Timor-Leste will continue to pay the lower VAC amounts. This reflects the Government’s regional engagement objectives and maintains consistency with existing visa charge settings in other programs. Practical Implications The amended charges apply to applications lodged on or after 1 March 2026. Accordingly, prospective applicants should carefully consider the timing of lodgement, as applications submitted prior to that date will be assessed under the current (lower) VAC framework. Registered migration agents and legal practitioners should ensure clients are informed of the increased financial commitment associated with Subclass 485 applications from March 2026 onward. Source: Migration-Amendment-Temp-Graduate-VAC-Regs-2026.pdf and Migration-Amendment-Temp-Graduate-VAC-Regs-2026-Explanatory-Statement.pdf

ROIs invited to apply for nomination on 26/02/2026: Subclass 190 - 40 ROIs invited Subclass 491 - 24 ROIs invited The lowest scores invited: Subclass 190 - 47 points (Orange pass) Subclass 491 - 41 points (Orange pass) Number of ROIs on hand (ROIs with a status of Submitted after the invitation round has taken place): Subclass 190 - 476 ROIs Subclass 491 - 231 ROIs Nomination places available: Subclass 190 - 629 places Subclass 491 - 454 places Nomination applications lodged but not yet decided: Subclass 190 - 350 applications Subclass 491 - 206 applications Invitations issued but application not yet lodged: Subclass 190 - 121 invitations Subclass 491 - 64 invitations Oldest nomination application lodged and not yet allocated to a case officer - 12/12/2025