The MATES program helps eligible Indian nationals to live and work in Australia for up to two years. It supports the Australia–India Migration and Mobility Partnership Arrangement, which strengthens ties between both countries and supports professional exchange. About the MATES program MATES is part of the Temporary Work (International Relations) visa (subclass 403). It allows skilled Indian graduates and early-career professionals to gain valuable work experience in Australia without employer sponsorship. If successful, applicants can: • live and work in Australia for up to two years • bring eligible family members (family members are not included in the annual cap) • gain international work experience in key growth sectors. Each year, up to 3,000 primary applicants are selected through a ballot process. Ballot registration now open To apply for this visa, eligible applicants must first register in the ballot. The ballot for the 2025–26 program year opens on 1 November 2025 and closes on 14 December 2025. Those selected through the ballot will be notified by the Department and invited to lodge a visa application. The ballot registration fee is AUD 25. More information For more details, including who can apply, registration dates and how to apply, visit Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-Professionals Scheme (MATES).

2025-26 State Nomination Migration Program – additional interim allocation Wed, 05/11/2025 - 12:27 An additional interim allocation has been issued for the 2025–26 State Nominated Migration Program (SNMP). This allocation will be used to conduct a November invitation round. Invitations to apply for State nomination will commence when Western Australia’s 2025–26 allocation is confirmed by the Commonwealth Government. To be considered for WA State nomination, please ensure your Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect is current and includes accurate details such as residency status, nominated occupation, qualifications and relevant work experience. News Category SNMP

The Australian Government has provided South Australia with an additional number of interim allocations for the 2025-26 program year. Our Skilled and Business Migration team continue to invite strong applicants contributing to the state’s workforce requirements, including the ROIs submitted in the 2024-25 program year. We will publish our policy settings for the upcoming 2025-26 program year and ROIs will open soon. Please keep an eye out on the News & Events section of our website to keep up to date with all the announcements. Thank you for your patience, and continued interest in South Australia’s migration programs. POSTED MORE NEWS

The Migration (2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup – Class of Persons for Nil VAC) Instrument 2025 (LIN 25/116) establishes special visa arrangements for the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup to be held in Australia from 1–21 March 2026. This instrument: Specifies the Women's Asian Cup as an Australian Government endorsed event (AGEE) under the Subclass 408 Temporary Activity visa framework; and Prescribes a Nil Visa Application Charge (VAC) for eligible applicants associated with the event. The eligible class of persons includes: AFC delegation members Participating team delegation members AFC commercial rights partners Commercial affiliates Other accredited individuals attending or participating in an official capacity The instrument commences on 5 November 2025 and self-repeals on 22 March 2026, aligning with the conclusion of the event. This measure facilitates Australia’s international sporting commitments by supporting streamlined visa arrangements for accredited participants and officials. Source: Migration-2026-AFC-Womens-Asian-Cup---Class-of-Persons-for-Nil-VAC-Instrument-2025.pdf and Migration-2026-AFC-Womens-Asian-Cup---Class-of-Persons-for-Nil-VAC-Instrument-2025--Explanatory-Statement.pdf

2025-26 WA State Nominated Migration program Wed, 29/10/2025 - 10:58 The 2025–26 State Nominated Migration Program criteria is available on the WA State Nomination Migration Program page (opens in a new tab) . A limited invitation round will be conducted in October for the interim 2025-26 SNMP allocation. Invitations to apply for State nomination will commence when Western Australia’s 2025-26 allocation is confirmed by the Commonwealth Government. To be considered for WA State nomination, please ensure your Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect is current and includes accurate details such as residency status, nominated occupation, qualifications and relevant work experience. News Category SNMP

As announced by Austroads on 21 October 2024, changes are being introduced to the Recognised Country Scheme for Experienced Driver Recognition status for car and motorcycle licences. The 31 October 2025 deadline for Experienced Driver Recognition status to cease has now been extended to 31 January 2026 for the recognised countries and jurisdictions in List B in NSW. Other states and territories will end the EDR category prior to this. The extension of this date will allow drivers from these currently recognised countries and jurisdictions additional time to transfer their overseas licence to a NSW driving licence. From 1 February 2026, drivers aged 25 or over, from recognised countries and jurisdictions in List B will need to pass the Driver/Rider Knowledge Test and the Rider/Driving Test to obtain a NSW driver licence. Penalties will apply to a temporary visa holder who has resided in NSW for a continuous period of six months or more, and who continues to drive in NSW on their overseas licence. They will be considered to be driving a vehicle unlicenced. Some regions are experiencing increased wait times for booking the Driving Test. Appointment availability is published and updated weekly for the next eight weeks. Bookings are open online, can be made via the contact centre or a service centre. For more information, please refer to the attached factsheet. Details on these changes and others under the Recognition Status Scheme can also be accessed via the Austroads website.

The 24-year-old, originally from Yemen, is one of just 20 refugees due to come to Australia as part of this pilot program.

A new online support service has been launched to make it quicker and easier for individuals in Australia with expired visas to have their immigration status resolved. A Status Resolution Officer can help provide the correct information so people can make the right decision about their future. Our team are here to provide a safe, voluntary way for people to resolve their immigration status and regain peace of mind. If your visa has expired or you have a Bridging visa E, you can now request a confidential appointment for a time that suits you through a new online booking form. Status Resolution Officers are separate from the Australian Border Force, and all meetings through the online support service are voluntary. Request an appointment. Don’t delay — your future in Australia could depend on it.

This Department’s latest Admin Paper provides a detailed snapshot of how Australia’s migration and citizenship system performed in 2024–25, a year of strong policy reform and stabilisation after pandemic-era disruption. Highlights - 9.48 million visa applications were lodged, up 1.7 % from 2023-24, with 9.45 million finalised and a 7.3 % refusal rate - Temporary visas in effect rose 3.5 % to 2.78 million, driven by strong demand for skilled and working-holiday programs - Net Overseas Migration (NOM) eased to 316,000 to March 2025, down from the post-COVID peak of 556,000, with forecasts trending to 225,000 by 2028–29 - Student-visa reforms (genuine-student test, higher English and financial thresholds, and the end of COVID concessions) led to a 26 % drop in lodgements - Skills in Demand (SID) and National Innovation visas launched 7 Dec 2024, replacing the TSS program and targeting critical workforce needs - Working-Holiday Maker visas surged 37 %, while bridging visa holders rose 24 %, reflecting ongoing program churn - The Migration Program (2024–25) delivered its full quota of 185,000 places, 71 % Skilled and 28 % Family - Top source countries: India, China, Philippines, UK, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka Policy Themes - Downward pressure on NOM through closure of pandemic visas and “permanent temporariness” pathways. - Emphasis on integrity and quality in international education. - Targeted, faster processing for skilled migration tied to genuine labour shortages. - Expansion of regional and labour-agreement pathways (Aged Care ILA, PALM, MATES scheme). - Continued focus on protecting migrant workers and community safety under the Character and Integrity programs. Looking Ahead 2025-26 planning levels remain at 185,000 places (132,200 Skilled / 52,500 Family). Longer-term reforms include regional migration settings, essential-skills pathways, and integration of Jobs & Skills Australia advice into visa planning Australia’s migration system is entering a new phase of balance, attracting global talent, protecting integrity, and supporting national prosperity. Source: The-Administration-of-the-Immigration-and-Citizenship-Programs---15th-edition-Oct-2025.pdf

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, 28 October 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

As the academic year ends, thousands of international students are signing on for holiday work. But if things go wrong, experts warn that few understand their legal entitlements or how to recover unpaid wages.

Are you a skilled migrant who has recently arrived in South Australia? You are invited to attend the Welcome to South Australia event for skilled migrants, hosted by the Skilled and Business Migration team from the Department of State Development. This is your opportunity to gather valuable insights to support your smooth settlement in South Australia, connect with your new community, and network with individuals who can assist you in establishing your life here in SA. The first part of the event will include a panel discussion with expert recruiters providing advice on accessing the local job market. You will also gain key information on securing rental accommodation and hear from a previous attendee sharing their personal experience of navigating a similar journey. A key focus of the event is meeting with guests during an informal morning tea. It’s an excellent networking opportunity to connect with a wide range of organisations, like-minded professionals and support services such as: Professional associations Recruitment agencies Cultural and community organisations Service providers Event details: Date: Tuesday, 18 November 2025 Time: 9:00am – 12:30pm Location: Adelaide CBD Cost: Free Register now Places are limited so we encourage you to register your attendance early. Spouses and partners are welcome to attend. Unfortunately, children under 10 years of age are not permitted to attend the event. POSTED MORE NEWS