Why Visa Fees Matter for Holiday Planning   Visa fees are just one part of the holiday travel budget, but they influence the timeline and preparation for the whole trip. When fees change, families often need time to adjust their plans, gather funds, and make sure their loved ones apply before the holiday rush begins.  Since many families apply around the same time each year, starting early helps you secure a smoother and more predictable process.    Understanding the Fee Incr

Clarity and Consistency Matter More Than Ever   Immigration does not rely on a single document to understand a relationship. They look at patterns, timelines, shared responsibilities, and how both partners communicate their story. Even genuine couples experience delays when their documents tell different versions of events or leave unanswered questions.  Taking time to make sure your documents match your relationship timeline can make a noticeable difference in how smoothly y

Understanding the Purpose of the Assurance of Support   The Assurance of Support exists to ensure that parents migrating to Australia have stable financial backing when they arrive. It protects both the parent and the Australian community by confirming that sponsors can assist with living costs and settlement needs.  This commitment is not just a formality. It reflects the sponsor’s readiness to provide support during the early stages of their parent’s migration journey.    K

The Holiday Rush Is Real   Every year, immigration offices receive a surge of visitor visa applications from October to December. Families around the world hope to spend Christmas or New Year together in Australia, which leads to higher demand and longer queues. Even the most straightforward applications can slow down simply because more people are applying at the same time.  Starting early means your application enters the system before the seasonal bottleneck. It gives immi

What State and Territory Nomination Allocations Do   Australia provides each state and territory with a set number of nominations each year. These nominations allow jurisdictions to invite skilled migrants who meet their unique criteria and can contribute to local economic and demographic needs.  Nomination allocations support two key program streams:  Skilled Nominated Visa Subclass 190  Skilled Work Regional Visa Subclass 491  States and territories use their own assessment

If you’re an international student planning to study in Australia, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)  is not optional. The latest OSHC Deed (effective 1 July 2025–30 June 2028)  outlines exactly what insurers must cover, your entitlements, and your rights as a student.  Here’s a quick, easy-to-read summary of what the Deed means for you.    What OSHC Must Cover  Under the Deed, OSHC insurers are required to provide nationwide cover for students and their dependants. Base O

The Australian Department of Home Affairs has released a Student Visa Integrity Alert for education providers, highlighting emerging risks in the international student visa space. These issues affect both students and institutions, and the Department is urging providers to take stronger steps to protect the integrity of the Student Visa Program.  Need help understanding how these updates may affect your plans? Reach out to the Legacy Migration team and we’ll guide you through

The Australian Department of Home Affairs has updated the processing priorities for Student Visa (Subclass 500) applications. Understanding these priorities can help students plan their applications and know what to expect.  Need help checking your visa priority or understanding your processing time? Reach out to Legacy and our team will guide you.  Applications Lodged by Students Inside Australia   Student visa applications lodged inside Australia are generally assessed in t

What are the health and character requirements for an Australian tourist visa?   Tourist visa applicants must meet Australia’s health and character standards to ensure they do not pose public health or security risks. This may involve a medical check, police clearance, and proof of good conduct. Each case is reviewed individually based on travel history and personal circumstances.  Tourist Visa Health and Character Rules: Tips for Filipino Applicants   Why These Requirements

What are the 2025 changes to Australia’s visitor visa?   In 2025, Australia introduced updated visitor visa rules that strengthen identity checks, tighten sponsorship requirements, and improve processing for low-risk travellers. The goal is to make travel more secure and efficient while ensuring sponsors meet clear financial and character standards.  What the 2025 Visitor Visa Changes Mean for Filipino Tourists and Their Sponsors   1. A Year of Travel Adjustments   Visitor vi

What is the Frequent Traveller Visa in Australia?   The Frequent Traveller stream of the Visitor Visa allows regular visitors to travel to Australia multiple times over several years for short stays. It suits people who visit often for holidays, family, or business and have a strong history of lawful travel.  How You Can Visit Australia More Often   1. The Visa for People Who Keep Coming Back   For many travellers, one trip to Australia is never enough. Maybe it’s the beaches

How do I apply for an Australian tourist visa in 2025?   To apply for an Australian tourist visa, you need to create an ImmiAccount, complete the online application form, provide documents that show your identity, financial capacity, and travel plans, then pay the visa fee and submit your application. Approval depends on your evidence of genuine travel intent and readiness to meet visitor requirements.  How to Secure an Australian Tourist Visa in 2025   1. Why More Travellers

When you start planning to migrate to Australia, you might notice that many migration agencies with Registered Migration Agents (RMAs) charge professional fees for their services. Some people wonder why these fees exist, what they actually cover, and whether they’re truly worth paying. The short answer is: yes, they are. A professional fee is not just a payment for paperwork it’s an investment in expert guidance, legal accuracy, and peace of mind throughout a complex immigrat

Planning Your Trip the Right Way   A travel itinerary is one of the most important documents in your tourist visa application. In 2025, the Australian Department of Home Affairs updated its guidelines to place greater emphasis on realistic, well-organized travel plans.  Your itinerary shows that you have carefully planned your visit, have the means to support your stay, and intend to return home as stated. A strong and truthful itinerary helps demonstrate that your trip is ge

The Changing Landscape of Travel   In early 2025, Australia introduced new regulations for its Tourist Visa (Subclass 600). These updates were designed to make international travel safer, more transparent, and more efficient for genuine visitors. As global travel increased after years of disruption, Australia tightened its systems to ensure fair access and improved border protection.  According to the Department of Home Affairs, visitor visa applications have grown by more th

Understanding the 2025 Visitor Visa Changes   Planning a trip to Australia to spend time with family or close friends? Starting in 2025, the visitor visa process has been refined to make each application more secure and verifiable. These changes focus on stronger connections between visitors and their hosts, ensuring that every stay is genuine and well-documented.  If you’re applying this year, it’s important to prepare the right documents before submitting your application o

Planning a Trip to Australia in 2025   Australia remains one of the most exciting destinations for travel, short study, and family visits. If you’re preparing to apply for a Tourist Visa (Subclass 600) this year, it’s important to know what has changed and what to prepare before you begin your application.  In 2025, the Department of Home Affairs introduced new screening measures and updated requirements to make applications more secure and transparent. While the process sti

Planning a Trip to Australia? Start with the Right Visa   Australia remains one of the world’s top destinations for leisure, study breaks, and family reunions.  In 2025, the application process for the Visitor Visa Subclass 600  has become more structured, focusing on accurate documentation, verified biometrics, and timely submissions.  This guide walks you through every stage of the process from preparing your documents to receiving your visa grant.    Who Needs an Australia

Why Small Errors Can Cost You Big   Applying for an Australian tourist visa might seem straightforward, but even small oversights can lead to long delays or outright refusals.  In 2025, visa assessments have become stricter, with automated systems checking every document for accuracy and consistency.  Understanding what causes rejections can help you avoid them and get your visa approved faster.    Most Common Mistakes in Tourist Visa Applications   1. Submitting Incomplete o

A Safer Way to Travel   In 2025, Australia made travel and medical insurance  a mandatory requirement for all visitor visa applicants. This new rule ensures travellers are protected against emergencies, medical expenses, and unexpected disruptions while visiting the country.  The change applies to applicants under the Visitor Visa Subclass 600  and aims to promote responsible, well-prepared tourism.    Why Travel Insurance Is Now Required   Australia’s visa authorities now re