Immigration English Language Test Changes

by Joshua Stevens | Aug 27, 2025 | Immigration Law

Significant changes to English language test providers and required scores for Australian visa applications have been introduced, effective for tests conducted on or after 7 August 2025.

Two Sets of Requirements:

• If your English test was conducted before 7 August 2025, previous test scores and providers still apply, even if you lodge your application after this date.

• If your English test is conducted on or after 7 August 2025, new test scores and an expanded list of nine approved providers now apply.

Visa Subclasses Affected:

• Student (Sc 500)

• Temporary Graduate (Sc 485)

• Other subclasses requiring vocational, competent, proficient, superior, or functional English

Validity Periods:

• Student visas: Test must be no more than 24 months old at application or decision date

• Graduate visas: Test must be no more than 12 months old at application

• Other subclasses: Check specific requirements

Skills in Demand (Sc 482) visa:

• No change to English test requirements until 13 September 2025

For further details or tailored advice, contact Shakenovsky & Associates. Our experienced team is ready to guide you through these changes and ensure your application meets the latest requirements.

Stay informed. Stay compliant. Trust Shakenovsky & Associates for your immigration needs.

Subclass 858 National Innovation Visa

by Joshua Stevens | Aug 25, 2025 | Immigration Law

On 6 December 2024, the Subclass 858 Global Talent Visa made way for the Subclass 858 National Innovation Visa. Key changes include updated eligibility criteria and a renewed focus on Australia’s priority innovation sectors.

The Subclass 858 National Innovation Visa may be a viable option for highly talented individuals who have an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement, as well as continued prominence and the ability to establish themselves as a valuable asset to the Australian community, in one of the following areas:

• Profession
• Academia and research
• Sports
• Arts

Applying for the Subclass 858 National Innovation Visa first requires submission of an Expression of Interest (EOI). Visa Applications can be made, with the support of an eligible nominator with a high standing in the same sector as the visa applicant, once an invitation is received from Immigration to apply.

At Shakenovsky & Associates, our experienced immigration team can guide you through every stage of the new process, ensuring your application meets the latest requirements.

Contact us today to maximise your chances of success with the new Subclass 858 National Innovation Visa.

Important Notice: South African Dual Citizens

by Joshua Stevens | Jul 29, 2025 | Immigration Law

The recent South African Constitutional Court decision in Democratic Alliance v Minister of Home Affairs (6 May 2025) has amended the law around dual citizenship for South Africans. Your automatic loss of South African citizenship under section 6(1)(a) of the South African Citizenship Act 1995 by acquiring another nationality and failing to first obtain dual citizenship, has been declared invalid.

However, this judgment does not apply to or affect those who lost South African citizenship under earlier laws (pre-1995) or by formally and officially renouncing South African citizenship. If you fall into the pre-1995 category and wish to renounce or recover your South African citizenship, the process can be complex.

Under section 26B of the South African Citizenship Act 88 of 1995, South African major citizens who enter or depart South Africa making use of a passport of another country are guilty of a criminal offence and may be liable for significant fines and/or a custodial sentence not exceeding 12 months. As such, South African diaspora with dual citizenship post-1995 are now left with 2 options enter and leave South Africa:

1. Formally renounce your South African citizenship; or

2. Keep your South African citizenship and maintain a valid South African passport.

South African minors are also affected by the Constitutional change. They, too, will have to formally renounce their South African citizenship or maintain valid South African passports for travel to and from South Africa.

With new procedures and potential backlogs at Home Affairs, expert legal guidance is more important than ever. Shakenovsky & Associates can help you draft and lodge your application to renounce South African citizenship and advise you generally on the changes and your options.

Contact us today for advice and to ensure your application is handled efficiently and correctly.

Subclass 482 and 494: Maintaining Work Rights when Transferring Sponsors

by Joshua Stevens | Jul 25, 2025 | Immigration Law

Existing Subclass 482 and 494 visa holders whose employment is terminated with their sponsor can now work elsewhere and have 180 days to find a new sponsor.

For more information and for any advice on employer-sponsored visas and nominations, contact Shakenovsky & Associates.