https://migratio.com.au/blog Plain-English articles on Australian visas, migration program data and the agent profession. en-AU Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:11:15 GMT Migratio (https://migratio.com.au) https://migratio.com.au/blog/restricted-and-banned-pets-australia https://migratio.com.au/blog/restricted-and-banned-pets-australia Some dog breeds, Bengal cats, and wild-cat hybrids can't be imported. Learn which animals are banned and what types of pets cannot come to Australia. Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:11:15 GMT Migration https://migratio.com.au/blog/pet-quarantine-australia-mickleham https://migratio.com.au/blog/pet-quarantine-australia-mickleham Australia's only post-entry quarantine facility for imported dogs and cats is Mickleham in Melbourne. Minimum 10 days. Who must do it, what to expect, how to book. June 2026. Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:11:15 GMT Migration https://migratio.com.au/blog/cost-of-bringing-a-pet-to-australia https://migratio.com.au/blog/cost-of-bringing-a-pet-to-australia Quarantine from $1,877, import permit $480–$1,200, plus vet/flights/crate. Bringing a pet often costs several thousand and can exceed $10,000. June 2026 verified costs. Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:11:15 GMT Migration https://migratio.com.au/blog/bringing-pets-from-new-zealand-to-australia https://migratio.com.au/blog/bringing-pets-from-new-zealand-to-australia Cats and dogs from New Zealand skip quarantine and rabies testing. Learn the simpler Group 1 import process and what you still need before moving. Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:11:15 GMT Migration https://migratio.com.au/blog/bringing-a-pet-from-a-non-approved-country-australia https://migratio.com.au/blog/bringing-a-pet-from-a-non-approved-country-australia If your country isn't on DAFF's approved list, you can't import a pet directly. Learn the 6-month transit rule and how to check your country's status. Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:11:15 GMT Migration https://migratio.com.au/blog/bringing-a-dog-to-australia-step-by-step https://migratio.com.au/blog/bringing-a-dog-to-australia-step-by-step Complete process for dogs from approved countries: microchip, rabies vaccination, RNATT test (180-day wait), BICON permit, vet treatments, health certificate, quarantine at Mickleham. Allow 6–7 months. Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:11:15 GMT Migration https://migratio.com.au/blog/tap-credit-card-vs-transport-card-australia https://migratio.com.au/blog/tap-credit-card-vs-transport-card-australia Compare contactless Visa/Mastercard payments with state smartcards for Australian public transport. Learn when to tap your own card and when a smartcard makes sense. Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:11:15 GMT Migration https://migratio.com.au/blog/smartrider-perth-transperth https://migratio.com.au/blog/smartrider-perth-transperth How SmartRider works on Transperth in Perth, WA. Flat fares, trains, buses, ferries, free CBD transit zone, and auto top-up explained for people moving to Western Australia. Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:11:15 GMT Migration https://migratio.com.au/blog/public-transport-smaller-cities-australia https://migratio.com.au/blog/public-transport-smaller-cities-australia Smart cards and ticketing systems for Adelaide's metroCARD, Hobart's Greencard, Canberra's MyWay, and Darwin—how new arrivals can navigate transport outside the major capitals. Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:11:15 GMT Migration https://migratio.com.au/blog/public-transport-in-australia-for-new-arrivals https://migratio.com.au/blog/public-transport-in-australia-for-new-arrivals Guide to Australia's public transport systems. Each state has its own smartcard: Opal (NSW), Myki (VIC), go card (QLD), and more. Learn how to get a card, top up, and use contactless payments. Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:11:15 GMT Migration https://migratio.com.au/blog/opal-card-explained-sydney https://migratio.com.au/blog/opal-card-explained-sydney Learn how Sydney's Opal card works. Trains, buses, ferries, light rail and metro all use Opal. Get daily/weekly caps, touch on/off, contactless payments, and concession rules for international students. Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:11:15 GMT Migration https://migratio.com.au/blog/myki-explained-melbourne https://migratio.com.au/blog/myki-explained-melbourne Learn how Melbourne's Myki card works. Trains, trams, buses and V/Line use Myki. Free tram zone in the CBD, contactless rollout (7 June 2026), and iUSEpass for eligible international students. Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:11:15 GMT Migration https://migratio.com.au/blog/go-card-translink-brisbane https://migratio.com.au/blog/go-card-translink-brisbane How the go card works on TransLink in Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Sunshine Coast. Flat 50-cent fares, trains, buses, ferries, and the G:link tram explained for new arrivals. Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:11:15 GMT Migration https://migratio.com.au/blog/pte-score-for-australian-migration-points https://migratio.com.au/blog/pte-score-for-australian-migration-points What PTE Academic scores do you need for Competent, Proficient, and Superior English on Australian skilled visas? Component breakdown and points explained. Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:11:15 GMT Migration https://migratio.com.au/blog/oet-for-australian-visas https://migratio.com.au/blog/oet-for-australian-visas OET (Occupational English Test) for nurses, doctors, and healthcare professionals. Grades A–E, B is competent-equivalent. Requirements for migration + AHPRA. Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:11:15 GMT Migration https://migratio.com.au/blog/ielts-vs-pte-which-is-easier-australia https://migratio.com.au/blog/ielts-vs-pte-which-is-easier-australia Compare IELTS and PTE Academic for Australian skilled visas. Neutral trade-offs: format, marking, results timing, and retake options explained. Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:11:15 GMT Migration https://migratio.com.au/blog/ielts-score-for-australian-pr https://migratio.com.au/blog/ielts-score-for-australian-pr What IELTS score you need for Australian PR via skilled migration. Competent English (6.0 each), Proficient (7.0, +10 points), Superior (8.0, +20 points) explained. Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:11:15 GMT Migration https://migratio.com.au/blog/english-tests-for-australian-visas https://migratio.com.au/blog/english-tests-for-australian-visas Which English tests are accepted for Australian visas, what scores you need, and how the 2025 rule changes affect your application. Updated for August 2025. Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:11:15 GMT Migration https://migratio.com.au/blog/english-test-exemptions-australian-visas https://migratio.com.au/blog/english-test-exemptions-australian-visas UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, Ireland passport holders may be exempt from English tests for some visas. But exemption ≠ points. Get the facts. Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:11:15 GMT Migration https://migratio.com.au/blog/english-test-attempts-validity-australia https://migratio.com.au/blog/english-test-attempts-validity-australia How many times can you sit an English test? Result validity periods, retake options, and when to resit for visa applications explained. Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:11:15 GMT Migration https://migratio.com.au/blog/english-requirements-by-visa-subclass https://migratio.com.au/blog/english-requirements-by-visa-subclass Skilled visa English requirements by subclass: 189/190/491 competent, 482 by stream, 485 student, 500. Points for Proficient/Superior. Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:11:15 GMT Migration https://migratio.com.au/blog/competent-proficient-superior-english-explained https://migratio.com.au/blog/competent-proficient-superior-english-explained Exact score thresholds for competent, proficient, and superior English — IELTS, PTE Academic, and TOEFL iBT component scores, and skilled-visa points. Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:11:15 GMT Migration https://migratio.com.au/blog/are-online-english-tests-accepted-australian-visas https://migratio.com.au/blog/are-online-english-tests-accepted-australian-visas From August 2025, online and at-home English tests are NOT accepted for Australian visas. Only in-person test centre results count. Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:11:15 GMT Migration https://migratio.com.au/blog/approved-english-tests-2025-changes https://migratio.com.au/blog/approved-english-tests-2025-changes What changed on 7 August 2025: new accepted test list, in-person-only rule, which at-home tests are excluded, and the transition period to 6 August 2028. Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:11:15 GMT Migration https://migratio.com.au/blog/what-does-oshc-cover https://migratio.com.au/blog/what-does-oshc-cover OSHC covers GP visits, public hospital treatment, ambulance, and limited prescriptions. It does not cover dental, optical, or physiotherapy — those need OSHC Extras. Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:11:15 GMT Migration https://migratio.com.au/blog/reciprocal-health-care-agreement-australia https://migratio.com.au/blog/reciprocal-health-care-agreement-australia Australia has RHCAs with 11 countries. What they cover (medically necessary public care), what they don't (dental/optical), and whether you still need OSHC or travel insurance. Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:11:15 GMT Migration https://migratio.com.au/blog/ovhc-for-485-graduate-visa https://migratio.com.au/blog/ovhc-for-485-graduate-visa Do you need OVHC for the subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa? When health insurance is required, the RHCA exception, costs, and covering the full visa length. Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:11:15 GMT Migration https://migratio.com.au/blog/ovhc-explained-overseas-visitor-health-cover https://migratio.com.au/blog/ovhc-explained-overseas-visitor-health-cover OVHC is private cover for temporary visa holders not eligible for Medicare. Which visas need it (482, 485, 494, visitor, WHM, 870) and what 'adequate' means. Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:11:15 GMT Migration https://migratio.com.au/blog/oshc-refund-visa-refused-or-leaving-australia https://migratio.com.au/blog/oshc-refund-visa-refused-or-leaving-australia You can claim a pro-rata OSHC refund if your visa is refused, you leave early, or finish your course early. Here's what evidence you'll need and how to request it. Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:11:15 GMT Migration https://migratio.com.au/blog/oshc-for-student-visa-500 https://migratio.com.au/blog/oshc-for-student-visa-500 OSHC is mandatory for the subclass 500 student visa under condition 8501. The 5 providers, what it covers, the cost, exemptions and when to buy — explained. Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:11:15 GMT Migration https://migratio.com.au/blog/oshc-for-couples-and-families https://migratio.com.au/blog/oshc-for-couples-and-families Single OSHC is for one person; couple cover includes a spouse or partner. Family cover includes children and dependents. Costs differ, and newborns are usually covered free for 12 weeks. Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:11:15 GMT Migration https://migratio.com.au/blog/medicare-eligibility-by-visa-australia https://migratio.com.au/blog/medicare-eligibility-by-visa-australia Who can enrol in Medicare in Australia? Permanent residents and certain visa applicants can. Most temporary residents cannot — they need OVHC instead. Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:11:15 GMT Migration https://migratio.com.au/blog/health-insurance-for-visitor-visa-600 https://migratio.com.au/blog/health-insurance-for-visitor-visa-600 Health cover for the subclass 600 visitor visa, including the parent stream and longer stays. When insurance is expected, what to look for, and covering the full visit. Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:11:15 GMT Migration https://migratio.com.au/blog/health-insurance-for-an-australian-visa https://migratio.com.au/blog/health-insurance-for-an-australian-visa Which health cover does your Australian visa need? OSHC for students, OVHC for temporary visas, Medicare and RHCA explained by visa type, in plain English. Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:11:15 GMT Migration https://migratio.com.au/blog/health-insurance-for-870-sponsored-parent-visa https://migratio.com.au/blog/health-insurance-for-870-sponsored-parent-visa Health insurance is a strict requirement for the subclass 870 Sponsored Parent visa. What 'adequate' cover means, why long stays need higher limits, and age factors. Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:11:15 GMT Migration https://migratio.com.au/blog/does-oshc-cover-pregnancy-maternity https://migratio.com.au/blog/does-oshc-cover-pregnancy-maternity OSHC covers inpatient maternity on mid/higher tiers only. All providers apply a 12-month waiting period for pregnancy/obstetrics — you must complete it before giving birth. Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:11:15 GMT Migration https://migratio.com.au/blog/do-i-need-oshc-before-my-visa-is-granted https://migratio.com.au/blog/do-i-need-oshc-before-my-visa-is-granted Buy OSHC before lodging your 500 visa — you need the policy number for your application. Start date must cover your visa start and arrival date. Full course duration coverage required. Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:11:15 GMT Migration https://migratio.com.au/blog/xe-australia-review-fees-limits https://migratio.com.au/blog/xe-australia-review-fees-limits Factual review of XE money transfers in Australia. AFSL status (via Euronet), fee structure, exchange rates, and how it compares to competitors. Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:11:15 GMT Migration https://migratio.com.au/blog/worldremit-australia-review-fees-limits https://migratio.com.au/blog/worldremit-australia-review-fees-limits Factual review of WorldRemit in Australia. AUSTRAC status, corridor coverage, delivery options, and fee structure for sending from Australia. Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:11:15 GMT Migration https://migratio.com.au/blog/wise-australia-review-fees-limits https://migratio.com.au/blog/wise-australia-review-fees-limits Factual review of Wise in Australia. AFSL status, fee structure, exchange rates, transfer limits, multi-currency account, and how it compares. Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:11:15 GMT Migration https://migratio.com.au/blog/westpac-international-transfer-fees-how-it-works https://migratio.com.au/blog/westpac-international-transfer-fees-how-it-works Westpac international money transfer fees, exchange rates, online process, and comparison with specialist providers. Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:11:15 GMT Migration https://migratio.com.au/blog/western-union-australia-review-fees-limits https://migratio.com.au/blog/western-union-australia-review-fees-limits Factual review of Western Union in Australia. AFSL status, fee structure, agent network, online vs cash transfers, and corridor coverage. Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:11:15 GMT Migration https://migratio.com.au/blog/travelex-australia-review-fees-limits https://migratio.com.au/blog/travelex-australia-review-fees-limits Factual review of Travelex in Australia. Currency exchange services, prepaid travel card, airport locations, and how pricing compares. Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:11:15 GMT Migration https://migratio.com.au/blog/transfer-uk-pension-to-australia-qrops https://migratio.com.au/blog/transfer-uk-pension-to-australia-qrops How to transfer a UK pension to Australia. ROPS rules, HMRC 25% overseas transfer charge, SMSF pathway, and when transferring makes sense. Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:11:15 GMT Migration https://migratio.com.au/blog/transfer-money-to-australia-from-thailand https://migratio.com.au/blog/transfer-money-to-australia-from-thailand How to send money from Thailand to Australia. BOT regulations, THB declaration rules, provider options, and fees for THB to AUD transfers. Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:11:15 GMT Migration https://migratio.com.au/blog/transfer-money-to-australia-from-south-korea https://migratio.com.au/blog/transfer-money-to-australia-from-south-korea How to send money from South Korea to Australia. BOK reporting, KRW transfer rules, provider options, and fees for KRW to AUD transfers. Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:11:15 GMT Migration https://migratio.com.au/blog/transfer-money-to-australia-from-japan https://migratio.com.au/blog/transfer-money-to-australia-from-japan How to send money from Japan to Australia. BOJ reporting, JPY declaration requirements, provider options, and fees for JPY to AUD transfers. Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:11:15 GMT Migration https://migratio.com.au/blog/transfer-money-to-australia-from-brazil https://migratio.com.au/blog/transfer-money-to-australia-from-brazil How to send money from Brazil to Australia. BCB regulations, CPF requirements, provider options, and fees for BRL to AUD transfers. Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:11:15 GMT Migration https://migratio.com.au/blog/tax-residency-when-you-move-to-australia https://migratio.com.au/blog/tax-residency-when-you-move-to-australia How the ATO determines your tax residency status. The four tests, what changes when you become a resident, and why it matters for new migrants. Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:11:15 GMT Migration https://migratio.com.au/blog/superannuation-for-new-migrants-australia https://migratio.com.au/blog/superannuation-for-new-migrants-australia How super works for new migrants. Employer contributions, SG rate, choosing a fund, insurance, and what happens if you leave Australia. Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:11:15 GMT Migration