The Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa is Australia’s most competitive skilled migration pathway — and the most rewarding. It grants permanent residency from day one, with no employer needed, no state government required, and no regional living conditions attached. You score points, submit an Expression of Interest, and wait for an invitation. If your score…
The Australian financial year closes on 30 June 2026. From 1 July, you can lodge your 2025–26 tax return — and if your employer withheld too much tax during the year, lodging is how you get that money back. For most migrants lodging for the first time, the process is simpler than it looks and…
Three things you need to sort out before or immediately after starting work in Australia — your Tax File Number (TFN), your superannuation fund, and if you are self-employed or freelancing, your Australian Business Number (ABN). None of these cost anything to set up. All three are free through official government channels. And getting them…
If you are in Australia on a Subclass 417 Working Holiday or Subclass 462 Work and Holiday visa, a specific set of tax rules applies to every dollar you earn — regardless of how long you stay or which state you work in. The rate is lower than what most non-residents pay, but there is…
Australia’s General Skilled Migration program selects workers through a points-based system. You score points across categories including your age, English level, work experience, qualifications and a set of bonus categories — then submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the SkillSelect portal. The minimum score to submit an EOI is 65 points. But 65 is…
If you are already in Australia and your partner is an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen, the Subclass 820/801 is the onshore route to permanent residency together. You lodge one combined application, pay one fee, receive a Bridging Visa A immediately after lodgement, and then wait for the temporary 820 to…
One of the most common tax questions among migrants and temporary visa holders in Australia is whether they pay the Medicare levy — and if so, how much. The short answer is: it depends entirely on your visa type and whether you have access to Medicare. This guide explains the 2025–26 Medicare levy rate, who…
This article is general information only and does not constitute financial advice. SMSFs involve complex legal, tax and compliance obligations. Before making any decision about contributions to a self-managed super fund, consult a licensed financial adviser holding an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL) and an ASIC-registered SMSF auditor. With 30 June 2026 approaching, understanding the…
Australia’s main employer-sponsored work visa has a new name and a new structure. The Subclass 482 Skills in Demand (SID) visa replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa on 7 December 2024 — keeping the same subclass number but redesigning everything inside it. Three salary-based streams replaced the old short-term and medium-term occupation lists, a…