SCA Connect

Australian Migration Agents advising employers, individuals & families
Excellence • Integrity • Results
Est.1989 • Principal MARN 0852535

[SCA Connect @SCAConnect]

🚨 ABF has launched a nationwide compliance operation targeting Subclass 407 Training visa sponsors. 100+ inspections done. 200+ expected. Fair Work Ombudsman involved. If your trainee's role has changed, your business could be at risk. 🔗 https://t.co/bjZPQLlgqS #Subclass407

[SCA Connect @SCAConnect]

Standard visa programs leaving gaps for WA employers and skilled workers? The WA DAMA unlocks occupations, concessions and pathways not available under standard sponsorship — covering both Metro Perth and Regional WA. Full breakdown here 👇 🔗 https://t.co/ileyAE9m81

[SCA Connect @SCAConnect]

The Subclass 491 visa lets skilled migrants live, work and study anywhere in regional Australia — no employer lock-in, family included, and a clear PR pathway via the Subclass 191. Is it right for you? Full guide here 🔗 https://t.co/wxYupnnb1I #Subclass491 #AustralianMigration

[SCA Connect @SCAConnect]

The 2026–27 Federal Budget is out. 185,000 migration places, points test reforms, $85.2M for skills assessments, new visa refusal grounds, and more. Big shifts ahead for migrants and employers. Full breakdown here 🔗 https://t.co/aHHvDwkcTO #AustralianMigration #FederalBudget2026

[SCA Connect @SCAConnect]

The 186 Labour Agreement stream unlocks occupations unavailable under standard sponsorship — plus concessions on age, English & skills. Expanding in 2026–27, but scrutiny is high. Know what's required. 🔗 https://t.co/zTbvEuV8ma #AustralianMigration #Subclass186

[SCA Connect @SCAConnect]

🚨 Regional Visa (491/494) Update:

Remote work is officially approved. 💻

If you live in a regional area, your boss can be in Sydney, Melbourne, or London. It only matters where YOU physically sit.

Read more: https://t.co/qxI5ujkfcc

#AusPol #Migration #491Visa

[SCA Connect @SCAConnect]

🚨 Partner Visa Warning:

Home Affairs is now issuing ONE Request for Information. Miss the deadline? They make a decision without your documents.

Your app must be "Decision-Ready" on Day 1.

Read more: https://t.co/NordrQiZd6

#AusMigration #PartnerVisa #VisaAdvice

[SCA Connect @SCAConnect]

🚨 PARENT VISA CHANGES START TOMORROW (22 April)

Home Affairs is moving some Parent Visas online:
✅ AX, BP, CA, DG classes.

Still Paper-Only (Requires Courier):
❌ UT, UU classes.

Don't use the wrong method or your app is invalid.

Read more: https://t.co/qNSZ4uuM7f

[SCA Connect @SCAConnect]

🚨 Citizenship Update

Good news for Academics (PhD) & Senior Religious Leaders.

If your work takes you overseas, you no longer have to sacrifice your Australian citizenship timeline. Your offshore work can now count toward residency.

Read more: https://t.co/LzsXTS34AT

[SCA Connect @SCAConnect]

🚨 Skills Assessment Shakeup (LIN 26/027)

The Geospatial Council (GCA) is liquidated. New assessing authorities are locked in:
📍 Surveyors: Now ISNSW.
💻 Data Scientists: Now ACS

Got a GCA assessment issued AFTER Aug 21, 2025? It’s invalid.

Read more: https://t.co/aTpV4Ua3hm

[SCA Connect @SCAConnect]

🚨 BREAKING: 407 Training Visa Change (Effective TODAY)

You can no longer lodge a 407 visa while waiting for your nomination to be approved.

Sponsorship AND Nomination must be APPROVED before you lodge.

Read More: https://t.co/1GAEo63wqS

#AusMigration #407Visa

[SCA Connect @SCAConnect]

Employer Warning: ⚠️

Checking a visa once at hiring isn't enough.

If an employee loses their work rights and you keep paying them, YOU face the fines.

VEVO check at start.
Schedule re-checks.
Keep records.

Read more: https://t.co/mxiy2A85W4

#HR #Business #AusLaw

[SCA Connect @SCAConnect]

Sponsoring a partner for an Aussie visa? 🇦🇺💍

The Rules:
1. You can only sponsor 2 people in your lifetime.
2. You usually must wait 5 years between sponsorships.
3. If YOU were sponsored recently, you can't sponsor someone else yet.

Read More: https://t.co/H4DxDCb76u

[SCA Connect @SCAConnect]

🚨 SA Migration Update: Jan 2026

Invitation Round Results:

🔹 190 Visa: 235 invites
🔹 491 Visa: 109 invites

Year-To-Date Totals:

📈 190: 610
📈 491: 321

Full ANZSCO breakdown in the article.

Details: https://t.co/qKOIBMY1x9

#Adelaide #SouthAustralia #Visa #Migration

[SCA Connect @SCAConnect]

🚨 NSW 491 Update

❌ Pathway 1: CLOSED (Reached capacity in 1 day).
✅ Pathway 3 (Graduates): Still a focus.

Grad Criteria:
🔹 Degree from Regional NSW Uni
🔹 Completed in last 2 yrs
🔹 On Regional Skills List

Details: https://t.co/AHze3KfNu1

#LiveInNSW #491Visa #Australia

[SCA Connect @SCAConnect]

Student visa ending? 🎓 Can your boss sponsor you?

The Reality Check: ✅ Is the job on the Occupation List? ✅ Do you have a Skills Assessment? ✅ Can the business afford to sponsor?

Don't guess. Check now: https://t.co/3DKxJ138i0

#StudentVisa #AusVisa #Migration

[SCA Connect @SCAConnect]

Overseas work experience counts for Aussie visas, BUT you need proof. 📄

✅ Payslips ✅ Tax records ✅ Bank statements

No degree? Use Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) to turn your skills into a qualification.

Read More: https://t.co/LpOpucIsEa

#AusVisa #RPL #Migration

[SCA Connect @SCAConnect]

Struggling to hire regionally? 🚜🏗️

The DAMA program gives regional employers special perks like age & salary concessions to sponsor skilled workers.

Check if you're eligible: https://t.co/XSoDDJSSgh

#RegionalAustralia #RegionalMigration #DAMA #RegisteredMigrationAgent

[SCA Connect @SCAConnect]

NSW 2025-26 Update
Allocations confirmed for the remainder of the year:
190 Visa: 2,100 places (25% used), 491 Visa: 1,500 places
Jan 19, 2026: Pathway 1 & 3 applications open. Processing is "first-come, first-served".
Details: https://t.co/ewbiWiqZA6
#NSWSkilledMigration

[SCA Connect @SCAConnect]

Can't find skilled staff? 📉 Scared that overseas sponsorship is too risky? 😨

The Solution: Hire International Students.

Test their skills part-time ➡️ Transition to a Graduate Visa ➡️ Sponsor them later.

Read More: https://t.co/2bgrhqZTgO
#StudentMigration #Recruitment