PICS - Panjab Immigration Consulting Services

Many applicants become discouraged when they miss out on a Subclass 189 invitation. However, focusing only on 189 can mean overlooking valuable opportunities through state nomination.
State governments regularly adjust their migration priorities based on workforce shortages and economic needs. An occupation that receives strong support one year may receive less attention the next, while other occupations move into priority areas.
For example, some states have previously focused heavily on construction-related occupations. However, future program years could see greater demand for nurses, teachers, early childhood educators, community workers, and other skilled professionals.
This is why migration planning should never rely on a single pathway. Keeping your options open through 190 and 491 state nomination programs can significantly improve your chances of receiving an invitation.
The migration landscape changes every year. The applicants who succeed are often those who stay flexible and adapt their strategy to match changing state priorities.

Have you ever wondered why someone with the same points as you received an invitation while you missed out?
The answer may be the tie-break date, also known as the date of effect.
In invitation rounds, applicants are first ranked by their points score. However, when multiple candidates have the same number of points, the system looks at the date they reached that score and updated their EOI.
For example, if the invitation cutoff is 80 points and both you and another applicant have 80 points, the applicant who achieved and recorded those 80 points earlier may receive priority for an invitation.
This is why lodging and updating your EOI promptly is so important. Waiting to submit or update your EOI could affect your position in the queue, even if your points score is competitive.
Understanding how the tie-break system works can help you make better migration decisions and avoid missing opportunities.

We are seeing an increase in visitor visa refusals, particularly for parents visiting Australia for the first time.
Many applicants assume that the same documents used successfully a few years ago will still be sufficient today. However, visitor visa assessments have become more detailed, especially when it comes to financial capacity and the genuine purpose of the visit.
Applicants should ensure they provide strong evidence of available funds, including clear documentation showing how the trip will be funded. Where family members in Australia are providing support, invitation letters and supporting financial documents should be carefully prepared.
A weak financial profile or incomplete documentation can lead to delays, requests for further information, or even visa refusal.
If you're planning to invite your parents to Australia, it is important to prepare the application properly from the start rather than relying on outdated documentation or previous visa grants.

Many graduates ask whether they can still apply for a Temporary Graduate (485) Visa after completing their studies.
The answer depends on timing.
Generally, you must lodge your 485 visa application within the required period after completing your eligible qualification. It is also important to ensure your student visa status and application timing meet the relevant requirements.
Another key requirement is your English test. Your PTE or other accepted English test must be valid at the time you lodge your application. Many applicants mistakenly assume older test results will still be accepted, so checking validity dates is essential.
You should also obtain your police clearance before lodging your application, as this is an important part of the application process.
Most importantly, completing a course does not automatically lead to permanent residency. The 485 visa is a valuable opportunity, but achieving PR requires a clear migration strategy based on your occupation, points, sponsorship opportunities, and long-term goals.
If you want a personalised pathway from graduation to PR, contact us to discuss your options.

We Are Hiring: Immigration Officer!

PICS is growing and we are looking for a skilled Immigration Officer to join our professional team.

Key Requirements:

Strong knowledge of Australian Immigration Laws & Documentation.
Excellent English writing and speaking skills.
Ability to manage multiple cases simultaneously.
Experience in writing submissions.

How to Apply: Contact us at +61 468 444 000 or email your application to [email protected].

The Australian Government has announced a 4.75% increase to the national minimum wage, taking it to $26.44 per hour from 1 July 2026.
This is an important update for international students, temporary visa holders, and all employees covered by the national minimum wage system.
If you are working in Australia, make sure your employer is aware of the new rate and that your pay reflects the updated minimum wage from the commencement date. Being paid correctly is not only your workplace right but can also be important for maintaining accurate employment records for future visa and migration purposes.
Take the time to review your payslips and employment arrangements to ensure you are receiving the correct pay from 1 July 2026 onwards.

Many migrants were surprised to see regional visa allocations reduced from 33,000 to 14,110 places for the 2026–27 migration program.
At first glance, this looks like a major reduction and has led some applicants to question whether regional migration pathways are still worth pursuing.
However, there is important context behind the numbers.
While the 2025–26 migration program initially allocated 33,000 places to regional visas, the final allocation outcome was approximately 7,500 places. This means the actual number of places used was far lower than the headline allocation.
If the full 14,110 regional places are utilised in the 2026–27 program year, regional migration could still offer significantly more opportunities than were available in the previous year.
The key takeaway is that regional migration remains an important pathway for many applicants. Rather than focusing solely on headline figures, it is important to understand how the allocations are actually being used and where opportunities may still exist.
Have questions about your regional migration options? Get in touch to discuss your eligibility and pathway.

The Subclass 189 invitation round for 4 June 2026 opened at 9:15 AM AEST and the data is coming in. Carpenter remains one of the most accessible occupations with a cutoff of just 65 points onshore. Nursing occupations are consistently inviting at 80 points across multiple specialisations including Aged Care, Community Health, Critical Care, Disability and Rehabilitation and RN NEC. Social Workers are being invited both onshore at 85 points and offshore at 90 points. Solicitor and Environmental Consultant are active onshore at 85 and 90 points respectively. Telecommunications Engineer and Food Technologist sit at the higher end at 95 points. If your occupation appeared in this round and your points meet the cutoff, make sure your EOI is accurate and your documents are ready. Official cutoffs will be updated once the Department of Home Affairs releases the formal data.

Work and Holiday Visa (462) Ballot NOW OPEN for 2026-27!

Great news! The Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa ballot for the 2026-2027 program year is officially open for nationals of India, China, and Vietnam. The registration window is open from 4 June 2026 to 25 June 2026. Don't miss your chance to apply! Reach out to PICS today for professional guidance. 📞 +61 468 444 000 | 🌐 www.picsaustralia.com

Following the recent suspension of a Bachelor of Community Services program by the relevant assessing authority, many students have been asking whether their enrolment will be affected.
The key factor is the date of your enrolment.
If your enrolment was completed before 2026, the suspension may not affect your studies or future plans in the same way. However, students who enrolled after the relevant 2026 cutoff date may face additional challenges and should carefully review their situation.
Every student's circumstances are different, and the impact can depend on factors such as enrolment dates, course progress, and future skills assessment requirements.
If you are currently studying Community Services and are unsure how this development affects you, it is important to seek advice early and explore alternative options before it impacts your migration or career plans.