Stepping Stones Career Solutions - Education and Immigration Consultants

⚠️ Professional Year & Job Ready Program – Don't Claim Points Incorrectly!

Many applicants from an IT background complete a Professional Year and later switch to a trade occupation pathway. A common mistake is claiming Professional Year points for a trade occupation EOI.

✅ Professional Year points can only be claimed for the relevant IT occupation.
❌ You cannot use IT Professional Year points for trade occupations.

Similarly:

✅ Job Ready Program points can only be claimed for the relevant trade occupation.
❌ You cannot use Job Ready Program benefits or experience to claim points for an IT occupation.

Before lodging your EOI, make sure your claimed points align with your nominated occupation. Incorrect claims can lead to serious issues with your visa application.

*This information is general in nature and does not constitute migration advice. Please consult a registered migration agent for advice tailored to your circumstances.*

189 Invitations Are Back — What It Means for Your PR Pathway
In this episode of Migration Matters, Registered Migration Agents Gaurav Gaur (MARN: 1680615) and Manveer Singh Sidhu (MARN: 2418580) break down the latest Subclass 189 invitation round and what it means for anyone pursuing General Skilled Migration (GSM) to Australia. From the points system to partner points, occupation lists, and state nomination strategy — this episode covers everything you need to plan your PR pathway with confidence.
✅ Why the Subclass 189 invitation round matters

✅ GSM pathways explained: 189, 190, and 491

✅ The Tier 1/2/3 occupation priority system

✅ Why you should withdraw unused EOIs

✅ Points system breakdown — and changes expected in March 2027

✅ NAATI points: act now before they're potentially removed

✅ PTE/IELTS scoring changes and what they mean for your points

✅ Partner points: how to claim up to 10 extra points

✅ MLTSSL, STSOL, and ROL occupation lists explained

✅ Professional Year vs Job Ready Program points

✅ Experience points: onshore vs offshore rules

✅ State nomination strategy: Tasmania, Victoria, and NSW

✅ Building & Construction sector invitation trends
⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

0:00 – Introduction

2:33 – SSCS Blog & Resources

3:08 – Why we're talking about GSM today

4:15 – Overview of PR pathways

4:25 – Subclass 189, 190, and 491 explained

5:37 – Subclass 190 process

6:58 – Subclass 491 process

8:23 – History of 189 invitations

9:03 – 189 quota outlook for FY2026–27

9:11 – Tier 1/2/3 occupation system

11:01 – EOI duplication and withdrawing unused EOIs

12:59 – Points system overview

13:18 – Points system changes expected March 2027

13:40 – NAATI points

14:27 – PTE & IELTS scoring changes

15:06 – Partner points explained

17:10 – MLTSSL, STSOL, and ROL occupation lists

18:34 – Professional Year vs Job Ready Program points

19:17 – Experience points (onshore vs offshore)

19:40 – Multiple skill assessments strategy

21:46 – State nomination strategy (Tasmania, VIC, NSW)

23:04 – Building & Construction sector trends

24:44 – Closing & contact details
📌 DISCLAIMER

This video is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute migration advice. Visa and migration outcomes depend on individual circumstances. Please contact a Registered Migration Agent for advice specific to your situation.
📞 Contact Stepping Stones Career Solutions: 1300 288 472

🌐 sscs.com.au

THE TRADE COURSE WINDOW IS CLOSING!

If you're planning your Australian PR pathway through a trade qualification, timing matters more than ever.

✅ Complete your course on time
✅ Get your Skills Assessment done early
✅ Finish your Job Ready Program without delays
✅ Don't wait until your Temporary Graduate Visa (TR) is about to expire

As competition increases, invitation rounds can become more challenging, and opportunities may become limited.

The best chance is to stay ahead, maximise your points, and complete every stage of your pathway on time.

📞 Need guidance on your trade pathway? Contact our team today.

☎️ 1300 288 472



⚠️ Disclaimer: This information is general in nature and should not be considered migration advice. Individual circumstances may vary. Consult a registered migration professional for advice specific to your situation.

💑 Want to bring your partner to Australia?

If you're an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident, there are 3 major partner visa pathways available:

✅ Subclass 300 – Prospective Marriage Visa
✅ Subclass 309/100 – Offshore Partner Visa
✅ Subclass 820/801 – Onshore Partner Visa

Each pathway has different eligibility requirements and processing considerations. Choosing the right visa can make all the difference.

Need guidance with your partner visa application? Our experienced migration team is here to help.

📞 1300 288 472

⚠️ ART Update for Student Visa Refusals

The Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) has started issuing letters inviting applicants to provide written submissions and supporting evidence for student visa refusal reviews.

📌 If your case is under ART review, don't assume a decision will be made without your input. You may be given an opportunity to respond to the refusal reasons and provide additional evidence before a decision is made.

✅ Keep your documents updated
✅ Continue attending your university or college
✅ Maintain evidence of your studies and genuine student intentions
✅ Work closely with your migration agent or representative on your submissions

Strong and timely submissions can make a significant difference in the outcome of your review.



Disclaimer: This content is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute migration or legal advice. Every case is different, and outcomes depend on individual circumstances. Please seek advice from a Registered MARA Migration Agent or qualified professional before making any migration-related decisions.

⚠️ Important Update for Job Ready Program Participants

From 1 July, the minimum wage rate is increasing to $26.44 per hour.

If you're working under a Job Ready Program, make sure your employment conditions meet the required standards:

✅ Check that your hourly wage is above the new minimum rate
✅ If you're on TFN, ensure your superannuation is being paid correctly
✅ If you're on ABN, keep your invoices and bank statements accurate and up to date

The Department is paying closer attention to employment records and wage compliance. Taking the right steps now can help you avoid issues later.

Stay informed and speak with your employer if you have any concerns.



Disclaimer: This disclaimer applies to all social media content published by Stepping Stones Career Solutions. The information provided in these posts is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute immigration or legal advice. It is not intended to replace professional advice and should not be relied upon as such. While the content is accurate at the time of publication, it may be subject to change. We strongly recommend consulting a Registered MARA Migration Agent or a qualified Australian lawyer before making any application or decision.

Residency clarification: There is no fixed number of days you can be outside the country. The key test is whether you remain ordinarily resident.

Check out recent Podcast on Facebook/Youtube

If you're overseas temporarily but still maintain strong ties—such as owning or leasing property, paying bills, and showing an intention to return—you may still meet the residency requirement. However, if you've effectively relocated abroad with no evidence of ongoing ties, your residency status could be questioned.

Always focus on the overall circumstances, not just the number of days spent overseas.


Disclaimer: This disclaimer applies to all social media content published by Stepping Stones Career Solutions. The information provided in these posts is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute immigration or legal advice. It is not intended to replace professional advice and should not be relied upon as such. While the content is accurate at the time of publication, it may be subject to change. We strongly recommend consulting a Registered MARA Migration Agent or a qualified Australian lawyer before making any application or decision.