News & Updates
Stay up to date with the latest Australian migration policy changes and announcements.
Skilled Visa Income Thresholds Increased from 1 July 2026
From 1 July 2026, skilled visa income thresholds have been increased by 3.8% in line with changes to the annual Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE). This affects the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) and related income requirements for subclass 482, 186, and 494 visa holders and their sponsors. Employers sponsoring overseas workers should review their salary arrangements to ensure ongoing compliance.
New Ministerial Directions for Family and Skilled Visa Processing
Three new Ministerial Directions came into effect on 25 July 2026, changing the order in which Family and Skilled visa applications are processed. These directions affect processing priorities across partner visas, parent visas, and points-tested skilled visas. Applicants with pending applications may notice changes to their queue position as a result.
Enhanced Visitor Visa Option for Papua New Guinea Citizens from 1 July 2026
From 1 July 2026, eligible Papua New Guinea citizens who have held a Visitor visa (subclass 600) granted within the last five years may use a new streamlined application process when lodging a new Visitor Visa application. This change is designed to reduce processing times for repeat visitors with a strong compliance history.
Health Insurance Requirements Reminder for Australian Visa Holders
The Department of Home Affairs has reminded visa applicants and current visa holders to ensure they hold adequate health insurance for the duration of their stay in Australia. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) remains mandatory for student visa holders. Temporary visa holders in other streams should confirm their health cover obligations before travelling.
Permanent Residents Warned to Check Travel Facility Before Departing
The Department of Home Affairs has issued a warning to permanent residents: a permanent visa alone does not allow you to re-enter Australia without a valid travel facility. Permanent residents who have not obtained a Resident Return Visa (RRV) or who hold an expired travel facility risk being refused boarding or entry. Check your travel entitlements in VEVO before booking international travel.
Changes to Training Visa (Subclass 407) Application Requirements
The Department of Home Affairs has updated the application requirements for the Training visa (subclass 407) to ensure the programme supports genuine skills development as intended. Sponsors and applicants should review the updated requirements carefully before lodging new applications or renewals.
TSMIT Increased to $70,000 and Expanded Pathways to Permanent Residency
The Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) was raised to $70,000, and new pathways to permanent residency were announced for eligible temporary visa holders. This change affects subclass 482 TSS visa holders and their sponsors, who must ensure nominated positions meet the updated salary floor.
Unlocking Pathways to Permanent Residency: Updates for TSS and 457 Visa Holders
Recent changes expanded the pathways available to Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) and legacy 457 visa holders seeking permanent residency in Australia. Eligible holders may now access the subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme or subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled – Regional) visa under updated criteria.
New Labour Agreement — Aged Care Industry
A new labour agreement was established for the aged care industry, opening additional pathways for overseas workers to fill critical roles in Australia's care sector. Workers engaged under this agreement may access streamlined visa processing and, in some cases, a pathway to permanent residency.