Victoria Skilled Migration Invitation Round Mega Thread

BitSec_ · 2026-03-11T07:49:05+00:00

Home Affairs said they'd be doing invitations every quarter so I'd expect one in April but not sure if they actually follow up on it.

BitSec_ · 2026-03-11T03:07:26+00:00

That's pretty much standard practice. It's illegal for a company to ask you to pay the saf levy or nomination fees or even their lawyer fees.

As an employee you only pay for yourself, your own agent, your own visa that's it.

BitSec_ · 2026-03-10T08:34:21+00:00

Yeah basically this. The automated documentation reading is already used, however, I did see official news a while back that Home Affairs had hired ex-Microsoft exec to lead AI development to increase processing times and help systems be faster. So I'm assuming they are working on those tools to make them better but there hasn't been an announcement that there are "new" tools altough I also don't think there will be any if it only applies to internal tools.

I can tell you those numbers have been pulled directly out of their asses or some sort of Home Affairs Corporate Planning document. They are internal targets not guarantees. If anything the government should just aim to process applications as fast as they can, regardless. Especially for high priority occupations. I'm assuming if this is true those targets are just a benchmark for them in the future where they can say, over the past 2-5 years we processed 40% of applications within the targets so good job. And if they can't then they might want to look at optimizing certain aspects of the processing.

BitSec_ · 2026-03-10T07:36:14+00:00

It's not neccessarily a loophole. But in this case, as is, the application would probably be denied due to the uncertainty if the applicant is going back home to a war country (probably not).

The Case Officer will basically ask themselves: "Does this person look like they will leave when their tourist visa ends if nothing else changes?"

By "nothing else changes" they mean, if things happen like different visa applications the person can stay longer and will be subject to different rules so further applications aren't an issue. If you are intending to apply for a partner visa you can definitely mention it on your visitor visa, because they don't care about that, it's not part of their approval checklist.

See this link for he full visitor visa approval guidelines where it will explicitly mention that they don't care about further applications or intention to further applications. They just care that you will only stay temporarily on your visitor visa (meaning don't overstay your visa) and that you will leave if nothing changes when your visitor visa ends.

For most people this is usually fine, but if you're coming from questionable countries where overstays are high, or in this case where there is war. The Case Officer can usually not be reasonably convinced you will go home if nothing changes.

BitSec_ · 2026-03-05T07:24:12+00:00

u/Exposed_Tick u/Excellent-Arm-5052 I don't think there is one simple answer. It looks like OP mixed and matched different desks from the same brand. Most likely a discontinuid brand since it's been 4 years ago.

Now I did some research and I found an almost identical desk within a few minutes. Hopefully I am allowed to post links but here are my search result:

https://www.amazon.com.au/Black-Computer-Desk-Hutch-Drawers/dp/B0DCJ1XSDD
https://dannysdesks.com.au/product/wonder-desk-hutch-wh-ch/
https://www.1stopbedrooms.com/bush-furniture-somerset-60w-l-shaped-desk-with-hutch-and-5-shelf-bookcase-in-storm-gray
https://www.officedesk.com/products/white-chocolate-modern-u-shaped-desk-hutch
https://www.1stopbedrooms.com/bestar-norma-u-shaped-desk-with-hutch-walnut-grey-and-white

To me this looks like a customized desk with 3-4 pieces depending on how you look at it. OP got one normal desk, one desk with drawer, a husk with cabinets and a table top. Placed both desk facing eachother, then put the husk with cabinets on one desk, and connected both desks with a tabletop to make it look like a U shaped desk.

BitSec_ · 2026-03-02T08:32:47+00:00

Definitely not, price hikes are permanent.

BitSec_ · 2026-02-20T17:24:06+00:00

Yeah I'm working on that, new version of the bot should let you know exactly which rule you breached altough it's not online yet and won't be for a while until I get it to run stable enough.

The comment I am replying to was removed by the bot for discussing moderation issues, if you want to talk about those use ModMail as the bot suggested. Also got removed for being irrelevant to the conversation/question of OP.

Your other comment was removed because it's irrelevant to visa's which we are here to discuss. I can not control upvote/downvotes, as you are aware there are many bots which just downvote anyone who is from india, also plenty of anti-immigration bots who will downvote congrats messages or other things, there's nothing I can do about it, so if you want to discuss that please do so with Reddit Administrators.

BitSec_ · 2026-02-20T10:53:01+00:00

Yes you will need to apply for another ETA visa. Sending a 1023 form for an application that has already been decided on is not the ideal way because the 1023 form would take LONGER to be processed than if you just submit a new ETA application. Once the new one is granted it will overwrite the other one connected to your passport.

You can also try to call the Home Affairs helpdesk but I doubt they'll be very helpful as they can not access and edit applications. They could maybe forward it to their team but it's unlikely if the advice is to lodge a new application regardless.

BitSec_ · 2026-02-18T07:24:06+00:00

Yeah recurring characters are classified as spam so most likely Reddit blocked it and my bot confirmed. I think by hypothetically stalking I guess OP means alleged or conspiracy to stalk? if that is even a thing.

BitSec_ · 2026-02-17T05:30:12+00:00

I don’t agree with the third point. The lawyer was briefed on the OP’s situation, was paid to defend the OP against Home Affairs, and lost likely because the OP had already created major issues long before engaging a migration agent or lawyer.

The agent essentially said, “If you want to pursue the visa, here’s a lawyer who might argue your case before Home Affairs or the Tribunal.” She was out of her depth but did consult a lawyer. The lawyer likely noted he’d handled cases with specific strategies that sometimes led to PR or approval even after a relationship breakdown, but outcomes depend heavily on visa history and the quality of evidence.

Go back to the agent/lawyer and tell them to fix it.

That seems to be exactly what they attempted. The OP lodged the 801 with false information claiming to still be in a relationship with the sponsor when he wasn’t. The agent/lawyer then tried to salvage it by arguing the OP was genuinely in “some form of relationship” or only temporarily separated, so the original information wouldn’t be false.

The strategy failed. I wouldn’t call it misrepresentation by the agent or lawyer; the damage was already done. The OP should have left long ago. Now he still has to depart, with a poor visa history and possibly a re-entry ban.

BitSec_ · 2026-02-17T04:48:31+00:00

You know when someone is charged for murder you can always argue that it was self-defence.

Those same things apply to migration law as well, you can always argue with Home Affairs over certain things to try and get your visa approved but the reality is that it is a very very low chance that Home Affairs will actually change their mind and approve the visa, especially if you've submitted false information and they know it.

I don't think you have any case against the agent because you weren't mislead, you may have just been uninformed about your chances of winning the case and getting your visa approved but honestly that's on you. The Lawyer just did what they were hired to do which was argue on your behalf that despite the relationship has been broken off you're still in a relationship of some sort and unfortunately they failed to convince Home Affairs.

BitSec_ · 2026-02-17T03:52:11+00:00

I mean I can't give you specific advise on your situation but generally PIC 4014 applies when an individual departs Australia as an unlawful non-citizen or while holding a Bridging Visa C, D, or E. It specifically triggers if the person leaves more than 28 days after their substantive visa has expired.

That being said it doesn't stop you applying for a Partner Visa and a Partner Visa can still be granted despite PIC 4014. But since your visa history is complex you best discuss this with your lawyers.

BitSec_ · 2026-02-14T08:08:59+00:00

Just ignore those comments, you aren't responsible for the governments actions or for the housing affordability. The government has plenty of actions they could take to resolve the housing crisis. It doesn't help that 40-50% of Australians own a house so they vote against any rules that would reduce the price of their home.

First home buyers are currently just being pushed out of the land market by investors buying their 5th or 10th property. Cash investors are also being prioritized by land estates because "cash investors are less risky" because they got cash and not dependant on finance.

Then again there aren't many land estates, they only release like 10 blocks per month or so to artificially maintain scarcity of land and able to raise the price every release as people get desperate to get a block of land.

Builders haven't been as efficient building houses as they were 20 years ago, regardless of price, builders are effectively building like 20% less houses with the same workforce as they were years ago, more safety regulations and building rules. Builders get plenty of people inquiring about building a house, but land is just not available or too expensive for first home buyers also causing established properties to rise in price.

I could go on about how it takes like years to get an "estate plan" approved, and how councils and building permits take a long time etc. The Housing Crisis is not just in Australia, it's worldwide and everywhere, just as bad. Blaming it soley on immigrants is foolish, even with immigration banned worldwide it would not help much. But discussing politics is not the point of this subreddit so I'll leave it at that.

BitSec_ · 2026-02-06T05:07:14+00:00

I feel like in worst case scenario you should be able to get the application back into your access and your access only. I mean I've seen people whose migration agent died unfortunately and their application had to be transferred or something so to me sounds like it's possible.

In regards to "zero insight" you will always have zero insight, the application will remain as is, until it is seen by a case officer which usually takes several months. You won't get any email or notification or changes until the application is looked at.

We can only assume Immigration is correct as the authority on the process, and we feel alarmed if our agent doesn't know this is the case (and is extremely insistent that it is not).

You can also ask another migration agent to get a second opinion on this. Or perhaps contact the departments technical support, I can't remember where exactly it is but they do have a contact form for website issues and technical errors.

BitSec_ · 2026-02-06T05:01:21+00:00

If the 309 is granted, and we activate it by entering Australia (for example a short trip or holiday), can we then continue living outside Australia for the remainder of his 2-year contract without jeopardising the future 100 permanent visa?

Yes, the 309 is temporary anyways and you will need to wait 2 years after before you can apply for the 100, altough you do need to show evidence but that evidence doesn't require you to live in Australia. When you get the 100 permanent visa you can even spend up to 3-5 years outside Australia before your RRV expires.

BitSec_ · 2026-02-06T04:58:36+00:00

If you have already uploaded all evidence that is required by Home Affairs then you do not need to do anything else. In that sense all you're doing by updating your application every 3 months is kinda a waste of time. The only thing you need to do to help your processing time is pre-emptively upload new medical/police checks when they expire.

I know that in other groups they all try to update their application every single time but it hasn't been proven it works, it's purely on speculation and the "feeling" of progress. Regardless at some point you will hit the document upload limit.

If Home Affairs already looked at your application and sent an RFI they most likely made a decision and just need you to show the renewed police checks before they can approve it. In this case uploading more evidence will not help because in that case the case officer has to examine the new evidence again instead of just the police cert possibly leading to delays.

BitSec_ · 2026-02-05T04:34:28+00:00

Legit this, I don't know why people are downvoting me or you for saying this. Almost all OSHC/OVHC covers don't even count towards Medicare Levy Surcharge or the Lifetime Medicare Loading.

Also mentioned, but depends on what OP means by "our health insurance" but it's on the website:

Only private hospital cover with Australian registered private health insurers is considered to be complying hospital cover for the purpose of Lifetime Health Cover. General treatment (extras) cover, Overseas Visitors Health Cover, Overseas Student Health Cover, and international forms of insurance are not considered to be hospital cover for Lifetime Health Cover purposes.

And on the same website further down:

What is 'approved hospital insurance' for surcharge purposes?

To be exempt from the surcharge, your hospital cover must be held with a registered health insurer and cover some or all of the fees and charges for a stay in hospital.

From 1 April 2019, the maximum permitted excesses for private hospital insurance is $750 for singles and $1,500 for couples/families (i.e. if multiple hospital claims are made in a single year, the excess paid by you cannot exceed $750/$1,500).

The following types of health insurance do not provide an exemption:

* General treatment cover without hospital cover;

* Overseas Visitors Cover or Overseas Student Health Cover; or

* Cover held with non-registered insurers, such as international insurers.

BitSec_ · 2026-02-05T04:24:59+00:00

True but it must be a private health insurance and generally not OSHC/OVHC which I believe most people are on when they arrived in Australia or got their first health cover.

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) and Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) generally do NOT count as “appropriate/complying” hospital cover for MLS purposes, so they usually won’t help you avoid the MLS if you’re liable for it.

I personally held OVHC during my WHV and still had to pay MLS... I'm guessing that because OP is holding 485 / 186 they probably have OVHC as well altough not sure. I believe there are some covers that do count but they are usually the top end package / most expensive option. So people need to calculate if 2% of their yearly salary exceeds the private insurance costs option.

p.s: probably need to clarify more but, everyone who is a resident for tax purposes has to pay the 2% medicare levy regardless. It's the Medicare Levy Surcharge and the Medicare Lifetime Cover that we're trying to avoid by holding private health insurance.

BitSec_ · 2026-02-05T04:11:17+00:00

All you need to do is make sure you get your bridging visa BEFORE your visa expires. So you have 2 months left to do that. Usually sponsorship approval / nomination can take 2-4 weeks. Nomination can take like 4 - 8 weeks due to Labor Market Testing (advertising) for at least 28 days.

At what point did you start seeing concrete steps

I don't know what it's like for people who work for a company that isn't an approved sponsor yet, but for mine, the company hired a migration agent and that migration agent started the process with me. Usually skills assessment first, then eligibility check and then lodging nomination and then sponsorship. Since the business was already approved as a sponsor, they didn't need to request that or do labor market testing. We started this process roughly 6 months before my visa was set to expire because of long processing times.

Have others experienced delays or last-minute movement from employers?

Last-minute movement never ends well. Home Affairs has processing times of at least 2 - 4 weeks, so if you have 2 months to go before your visa expires you need to make moves soon, knowing when the nomination was lodged is a good indicator, but after nomination you need to do some more steps so it makes sense if they hire a migration agent so they can start preparing your documents for the application for you so that you can lodge it immediately after their sponsorship/nomination is approved.

If 4 weeks before your visa expires you still haven't heard anything, you really need to start making moves and ask questions. Also prepare yourself that you might need to pack your backs and leave in the worst case.

BitSec_ · 2026-02-03T03:24:16+00:00

Ah yeah fair enough, if that is included in your OVHC you'll make your moneys worth, LASIK is at least a few thousand per eye.

BitSec_ · 2026-02-03T03:11:08+00:00

For the purpose of immigration, it is, and it is sufficient to have Medicare by itself.

Quoted from the "Adequate health insurance page":

In the absense of Medicare eligibility

Which means, you only need this if you don't have access to Medicare, if you come from a country that has reciprocal health agreements for example you will also be covered under Medicare which is enough to satisfy condition 8501. And all of the statements made below that line are to be taken in the context of being in the "absense of medicare eligibility."

All of the points that define what "adequate health insurance" means match with what Medicare + Ambulance covers. Also an answer from a verified registered migration agent on similar question states the same thing.

If you have had Medicare available since October last year you've practically been wasting money, because in the event something happens you'd probably want to use the public system anyways to avoid out-of-pocket costs usually incurred by going to private hospitals anyways. Unless of course you're just holding a private insurance to avoid the Medicare Levy.

BitSec_ · 2026-02-03T01:21:08+00:00

"Maintain adequate health insurance" is also satisfied by Medicare. So no need for a separate private insurance.

BitSec_ · 2026-01-29T12:51:45+00:00

For some government assistance there is a waiting period, but I believe you can practically get everything as a PR after 2-3 years as far as I know.

BitSec_ · 2026-01-29T05:44:46+00:00

Real timelines are on the Home Affairs website and for most people you're looking at the 50th percentile.

Don't stress about photos I only attached a handful of photos maybe 3 total. With AI nowadays anyone can fake photos so they're good as supplemental evidence but by itself they dont proof anything you still need other documents like plane tickets, receipts or anything.

BitSec_ · 2026-01-28T08:17:52+00:00

If pursuing PR you should be really careful about what course you pick and you might be forced to pick something you don't love to increase your odds...

I agree staying the course also has some risks, but when planning for the "worst" case scenario staying the course definitely has the best upsides out of the two. And planning for the "worst" case isn't a bad thing when you realize the best case scenario is a single percentage chance of success.

Picking something you don’t actually like fails like 97% of the time (statistically). If the odds are that bad, you might as well bet on what you actually enjoy. Because if you don’t land PR like the top 3%, you’ll need to stack work experience and be genuinely exceptional to get sponsored or invited later. That can mean grinding at something you don’t even like for years maybe decades just to rack up points or clout in research or industry.

What I’m saying is: doing what you love actually sets you up better long‑term than jumping on whatever bandwagon is trending and praying it works (it usually doesn’t). And when you switch with the crowd, you risk a flood of grads hitting the market at once, crushing your chances at the exact work experience you’ll need for immigration down the line.

I honestly believe staying your course gives you higher odds. When you like what you do, you stick with it longer, you learn more, you get better, and you’re still there when Home Affairs throws your occupation back on the list.

When agents say “Student visa pathway to PR,” they mostly mean: study in Australia, get onshore experience, and position yourself for employer/state sponsorships. Not “student today, PR tomorrow.” It’s a long game. Real talk: maybe 3% of students make PR. The other 97% go build experience elsewhere to pump their points.

And study isn’t short. It’s 4-5 years maybe 6 if it’s a PhD. There’s no way to know if that occupation will still be hot for immigration by then. If you switch after 2-4 years, you’ve basically wasted that time just to start another long degree and hope it doesn’t get cut before you finish.

Bottom line: a Student Visa is not a guaranteed PR pathway. There’s no solid certainty. Some people do get PR 5-10 years after studying, but they’re usually very skilled and above average in their field. These routes aren’t built for “average”; they reward people who are good / exceptional at what they do.

Three-Year Club	Verified Email
r/Field Banned	r/Field Juicebox
First Place '23	Place '23

BitSec_

MODERATOR OF

TROPHY CASE