
Student Visa Changes October 2026: The New Rules Are Now Law
When the Government announced its migration reforms on 17 September 2026, we told our clients that nothing had changed yet. That is no longer the

Whether you are applying for permanent residency, seeking a partner visa, or appealing a visa refusal in Australia, expert legal guidance from Augustine & Co.’s trusted immigration lawyers can make all the difference.




Australian immigration lawyers specialising in visas for families, professionals, and businesses since 2019. Acting for clients across every Australian state and territory, as well as internationally.
Augustine & Co. is a specialist Australian immigration law firm trusted by thousands of individuals, families, and businesses across Australia and internationally. Our team provides expert legal representation across every visa category, including skilled migration (Subclasses 189, 190, 491), employer-sponsored visas (482, 186), partner visas (820, 801, 309, 100), and complex tribunal and Federal Court appeals. We represent clients in every Australian state and territory, from capital cities to regional communities.
Whether you’re navigating your first application or challenging a refusal, we deliver strategic, transparent, and results-driven representation at every stage. With 285+ five-star Google reviews, a proven track record of successful visa outcomes, and a strong record of overturning visa refusals at the Administrative Review Tribunal, we’re one of Australia’s most trusted and most reviewed immigration law firms.
Augustine & Co. immigration lawyers have a proven track record of success across every Australian visa category, even the most complex matters.
Our clients consistently rate us 5-stars for our professionalism, quality representation, value, and responsiveness.
Our team of immigration lawyers answer all of our clients’ questions transparently and make sure they are never left in the dark.
Whether you’re taking your first steps towards Australia or navigating complex immigration challenges, our Australian immigration lawyers provide expert guidance tailored to your unique situation.
Our immigration lawyers help foreign de facto partners or spouses, children, and immediate family members of Australian citizens, permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens reunite and live in Australia.
Our immigration lawyers guide skilled individuals or families through the points and invite-based visa pathway to migrate to Australia and fill skills gaps in the Australian economy.
Our immigration lawyers assist entrepreneurs and professional investors to own and manage a business in Australia, conduct business and investment activities, or undertake an entrepreneurial activity in Australia.
Our migration lawyers help businesses address labour shortages by sponsoring skilled workers where employers are unable to source an appropriately skilled Australian worker.
Had a visa refused or cancelled by the Department? Our immigration lawyers can help you seek a review at the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) or the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCOA).
Regional sponsored migration visas allow skilled workers and their families to move to Australia permanently and live and work in designated regional areas.
Augustine & Co. represents clients across every Australian state and territory. We regularly act for clients in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra, Hobart, Darwin, and the Gold Coast, as well as regional communities and Australians living overseas.
Consultations are available in person or virtually, and are scheduled in advance through our website. Once your matter is underway, it is managed through our secure client portal — so you can work with our team from anywhere in Australia or overseas.
Nothing speaks louder than results. Here are just a few powerful examples of how our immigration lawyers have helped clients achieve their Australian dreams, even in the most challenging and complex cases


Augustine & Co.’s latest insights on legal and migration news, case studies, and more

When the Government announced its migration reforms on 17 September 2026, we told our clients that nothing had changed yet. That is no longer the

Victoria’s 2026–27 Skilled Visa Nomination Program opened on 26 October 2026 for Registrations of Interest (ROIs) for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190). This year,

Australia’s migration settings are entering a period of significant uncertainty. A major speech in which Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke was expected to unveil a
Your consultation will include eligibility assessment, pathway evaluation, timeline discussion, cost estimation, and a clear next-steps plan. We’ll also identify any potential challenges and how to address them strategically.
Processing times vary significantly by visa type and individual circumstances. Our immigration lawyers provide realistic timeframes based on current Department of Home Affairs processing trends and your specific situation.
Absolutely. We specialise in visa refusal appeals and have a strong track record of successfully overturning decisions at the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART). We also handle Ministerial Intervention requests for cases where appeals are not available.
Yes. Consultations are available in person or virtually and are booked through our website. Once your matter is underway, everything is managed through our secure client portal — so clients across Australia and internationally can work with our team without ever visiting an office.
Costs vary by visa complexity and service level required. We provide transparent, fixed-fee quotes during your initial consultation with no hidden costs.
We have expertise in all visa categories but particularly excel in skilled migration (subclass 189 and 190), partner visas (subclass 820, 801, 309 and 100), and complex cases including refusals and appeals. Our team has specific expertise in state nomination pathways across all Australian states and territories, including Victoria, NSW, Queensland, South Australia, and Western Australia.
Our combination of proven results, technology-led service delivery, transparent communication, and specialised expertise in complex cases sets us apart. We’re not just processing applications – we’re strategically planning your long-term immigration success
We represent clients across every Australian state and territory — including Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, the ACT, and the Northern Territory — as well as Australians living overseas and foreign nationals applying from any country. Our secure client portal allows your matter to be managed from anywhere in the world.
Need expert legal guidance? We make it easy to get in touch. Reach out through any of the convenient options below.
View our Melbourne office details
(In-person consultations are by appointment only — Book a Consult)
(03) 7020 6514
Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM