Student-Visa Appeals Backlog Surges Past 50,000, Tribunal Admits It Lacks Resources
Jetstar Restores Operations After Airbus-Ordered Software Fix Grounds 90 Flights
VETASSESS Slashes Skills-Assessment Times, Tightens Evidence Rules From 1 December
Latest News
Sydney Airport Blasts Border Force Over 32 Idle Smart-Arrival Kiosks
Sydney Airport says most of its new biometric kiosks remain in storage because Border Force has not signed off on their use. Airport chiefs warn that without rapid automation Australia will face longer queues or expensive infrastructure builds, impacting airlines and business travellers alike.
VETASSESS cuts skills-assessment timelines as December rule changes take effect
From 1 December, VETASSESS introduced faster seven-week processing, stricter documentation windows and clearer outcome letters for all skills assessments. The move removes a key bottleneck for the new Skills-in-Demand visa, but requires employers and applicants to prepare evidence up-front.
National Migration Conference 2025 opens with Department of Home Affairs live briefing
Australia’s National Migration Conference opened today with government briefings on visa processing speeds, 2026 program settings and upcoming digital-compliance tools. Employers can expect faster skilled-visa decisions but tighter oversight of onboarding and adviser conduct.
Deadline looms for Work and Holiday (Subclass 462) applicants as pre-lodgement window closes 16 December
Australia will stop accepting new Work and Holiday (Subclass 462) pre-applications for several capped countries on 16 December, creating an employment gap for sectors that depend on backpacker labour. Businesses should verify worker status and explore alternative visa streams.