2025 Ministerial Intervention Reforms: New Instructions and PPDs Explained
Major changes to Australia’s ministerial intervention process have arrived. The new 2025 Ministerial Instructions and PPDs reshape how visa refusal cases, bar-lift requests, and post-appeal matters are assessed. Learn how the updated referral criteria work, who may still be considered by the Minister, and what these reforms mean for applicants seeking a second chance after a refusal.
Mei Guo Shares Insights on Australia’s 2025–26 Skilled Migration Policies in SBS Interview
Mei Guo, Head of Migration Law at Brightstone Migration, was recently invited for an exclusive interview with Australian mainstream media SBS. In the interview, she outlined expert insights into the 2025–26 skilled migration allocations, invitation trends, and strategic advice for applicants.
2025-26 Skilled Migration Allocations, Important Changes to the ART and Upcoming 189 Invitation Round
The Department of Home Affairs has announced key updates to the list of approved English language tests and score requirements for visa applications. These updates came into effect from 7 August 2025, and further updates relating to the Skills in Demand (SID) visa (subclass 482) came into effect from 13 September 2025.
English Language Test Requirements for Australian Visas Have Changed
The Department of Home Affairs has announced key updates to the list of approved English language tests and score requirements for visa applications. These updates came into effect from 7 August 2025, and further updates relating to the Skills in Demand (SID) visa (subclass 482) came into effect from 13 September 2025.
NSW Opens Nominations for the National Innovation Visa
New South Wales has officially reopened nominations for the National Innovation Visa, creating an exciting opportunity for exceptional talent, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders who wish to contribute to Australia’s innovation-driven economy.
NSW Family Law Reform Now in Effect (June 2025): Clearer Property Division and Stronger Recognition of Family Violence
As of 10 June 2025, significant amendments to the Family Law Act 1975 have officially come into effect across Australia. Introduced by the Family Law…
Detailed Guide to Australia’s 2025 Low and Midrise Housing Policy Stage 2: Opportunities for Sydney Developers
Background and Implementation Date From February 28, 2025, Australia officially implemented the second stage of the Low and Midrise Housing Policy, aiming to alleviate the…
Australia 2024/2025 Skilled Visa Allocation Update: 190 & 491 State Nomination Overview
The Australian Department of Home Affairs has released the latest skilled visa nomination allocations for the 2024–2025 financial year, covering both the Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated) and Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional – Provisional) visas.
Australian Government Announces New Policy Guidance: Foreign Persons Banned from Buying Established Homes from 1 April 2025
The Australian government has recently introduced a new property policy that will prohibit foreign persons from purchasing established homes (i.e., second-hand properties) in Australia from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2027.
Criminal Lawyer Alex Cao Invited to Participate in Australian Government and SBS Collaboration Project: Understanding Sexual Consent
Alex Cao , the partner of the criminal team at Brightstone Legal, was invited to join other community key-players to participate in the Australian government and SBS collaboration project: educating the community about “sexual consent.”