The Migration Brief · Issue 5

2026-11-02

Free employer webinar on 9 November, 186 waits reach 25 months, and the first 189 round of 2026-27

Four things this fortnight, and the first one is ours: a free hour for employers who can’t fill a role.

01 · Employers: sponsor overseas staff without the costly mistakes. Free webinar, Mon 9 Nov

Struggling to fill a skilled role? On Monday 9 November, 5:00–6:00 pm Sydney time, registered migration agent Moran Shultz walks Australian employers through sponsoring overseas staff on the Skills in Demand (482) visa: who can sponsor, what it really costs (the A$79,423 Core Skills salary threshold and the Skilling Australians Fund levy), and the 482 to 186 path to permanent residence. Live Q&A, online, free.

Why it matters: sponsorship goes smoothly or stalls on the order of the steps. An hour now can save a refused nomination later.

02 · Employer visas: the 186 now takes up to 25 months

Home Affairs’ figures as at 29 September put the Employer Nomination Scheme (186) at up to 25 months for 9 in 10 Direct Entry and Transition applications. The Labour Agreement stream is about 12 months. On the 482, the Core Skills stream takes up to 9 months and Specialist Skills up to 78 days. Source: Home Affairs

Why it matters: if you plan to keep a sponsored worker for good, the clock on permanent residence is long. Getting the 482 right first, with the correct occupation and salary, is what keeps the 186 option open later.

03 · Skilled Independent (189): the first round of 2026-27 ran on 15 October

The first 189 round of 2026-27 ran on 15 October. Home Affairs hasn’t published the official numbers yet. Agents report trades invited from about 65 points and nurses at about 75, but these are unofficial. Source: Home Affairs

Why it matters: if you were invited, you have 60 days to lodge, which means by 14 December, and that can’t be extended. If you weren’t, update your Expression of Interest before the next round. A new English score or skills assessment can change your rank.

04 · Character: tougher rules for visa decisions from 31 October

Ministerial Direction 123 replaced Direction 110 on 31 October. It applies to character decisions made from that date. Protecting the community, family violence, community expectations and the best interests of children now come first. Ties to Australia, such as years here, family and work, now carry less weight. Source: Business Standard

Why it matters: anyone with a conviction or a family violence matter, even an old one, now faces a higher risk of refusal or cancellation.

The visitor “No Further Stay” condition and the working holiday extension ballot are still not law, and no start date has been published. We’ll tell you the day they are.

P.S. Know a business owner who can’t fill a role? Forward them this. Our free employer webinar is on Monday 9 November at 5 pm AEDT: register here.

Sources

• LifeinAus — Sponsoring Overseas Staff in 2026 (free webinar, 9 November 2026)
• Home Affairs — Global visa processing times
• KPMG GMS Flash Alert 2026-267 — Australia: Immigration Update Q3 2026 (26 October 2026)
• Home Affairs — SkillSelect invitation rounds
• KPMG GMS Flash Alert 2026-181 — CSIT and SSIT from 1 July 2026
• Business Standard — Ministerial Direction 123 applies from 31 October 2026 (26 October 2026)