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Australian visa and immigration news, explained in plain English by Auzworld Lawyers & Immigration. Tap any update to read the full article.
Newspaper stories are media reports, not official announcements.
No updates here yet.
2 Nov 2026 · ProtectionReferred Stay visa: clearer danger test for trafficking survivors who help investigators
Official release date: 2 November 2026 · Protection
From 3 November 2026, the danger test for the Referred Stay (Permanent) subclass 852 visa moves from a validity rule to a grant criterion tied directly to the applicant's cooperation with an investigation.
Picture this. Someone has survived human trafficking or slavery in Australia, and they have bravely helped police and prosecutors build a case. The Referred Stay (Permanent) visa, Class DH (subclass 852), exists for exactly that person. On 2 November 2026 new regulations were registered that reshape one key part of how this visa works, and they took effect the very next day, 3 November 2026.
What has changed
Here's the thing. Until now, a finding that the applicant would be in danger if they returned home sat in the rules as a validity requirement. In plain terms, it was one of the hurdles that had to be cleared just to lodge a valid application. It also was not limited to danger connected with the person's cooperation; danger arising for other reasons could fall within it.
That validity requirement has now been repealed. In its place is a new grant criterion. Before the visa can be granted, the Minister must be satisfied that the applicant would be in danger if returned to their home country as a direct result of having cooperated with the Australian investigation or prosecution.
So the danger test has moved from the front door of the application to the decision stage, and it now focuses squarely on the link between the danger and the person's cooperation.
Who is affected
- Suspected victim-survivors of human trafficking, slavery or slavery-like offences who have closely cooperated with an Australian investigation or prosecution
- Only applications made on or after 3 November 2026; applications made before then are not caught by the new rules
- Advocates, support services and legal representatives helping survivors prepare their cases
The Government consulted the office of the Anti-Slavery Commissioner, the Attorney-General's Department and the Australian Federal Police in developing the change.
How it compares with the earlier rule
Under the old approach, the danger question was dealt with up front and more broadly. Under the new approach, it is assessed at grant, and the evidence needs to show a clear connection between the risk the person faces and the help they gave to investigators. For many applicants, that means thinking carefully about how their story and supporting material explain that connection.
What you should do
If you are supporting someone who may be eligible, take the time to gather clear, consistent information about their cooperation with authorities and why that cooperation could place them at risk at home. Every visa decision depends on meeting the criteria at the right time, and an application that does not satisfy the grant criteria can be refused, which can leave a person without a lawful basis to remain. Getting the details right from the start is the calmest and safest path.
This is general information only and not personal advice. If you would like to talk through how this applies to you, our registered migration agents and lawyers at Auzworld are here to help.
Official source: Federal Register of Legislation - Migration Amendment (Referred Stay (Permanent) (Class DH) Visa) Regulations 2026
Please note: The information in this news post may be obsolete, inaccurate or may not fit your circumstances, so we recommend consulting with an immigration solicitor or registered MARA agent for advice for your case.
Open this article on its own page2 Nov 2026 · GeneralPM to raise British backpacker visa settings with UK counterpart
Reported on 2 November 2026 · General
Newspaper story: a media report, not an official government announcement.
Media report (not official): ABC reports the Prime Minister intends to seek changes to working holiday arrangements for UK nationals, who can currently stay up to three years without regional work under the free trade agreement. The report notes UK backpacker numbers have grown sharply and that farm groups want broader action on agricultural labour.
Media report (not official): ABC reports the Prime Minister intends to seek changes to working holiday arrangements for UK nationals, who can currently stay up to three years without regional work under the free trade agreement. The report notes UK backpacker numbers have grown sharply and that farm groups want broader action on agricultural labour.
This is a media report, not an official government announcement. Rules only change when the Department of Home Affairs, the Minister or new legislation says so. If this story could affect your visa, speak to our registered migration agents and lawyers before you act.
Reported by: ABC News
Please note: The information in this news post may be obsolete, inaccurate or may not fit your circumstances, so we recommend consulting with an immigration solicitor or registered MARA agent for advice for your case.
Open this article on its own page31 Oct 2026 · ProtectionProtection visa reviews now need an upfront fee, with new Bridging visa limits
Official release date: 31 October 2026 · Protection
Protection visa merits reviews now carry a fee at lodgement for decisions made from 1 November 2026, and people with pending Protection matters can no longer get a Bridging B travel visa.
Picture this. You have applied for a Protection visa, the decision has not gone your way, and you are thinking about asking the Administrative Review Tribunal to take another look. From 1 November 2026, the way you pay for that review has changed, along with a few related bridging visa rules.
What has changed
Here's the thing. Previously, the Tribunal fee for a Protection visa review was only payable if the review was unsuccessful, within 7 days of being notified of the outcome. Now the fee must be paid when the review application is lodged.
At commencement the fee is $1,863.50. That is half the standard fee for reviewing other migration decisions, and it will be indexed each year. The upfront fee applies to reviews of decisions made on or after 1 November 2026.
There are some sensible protections built in:
- People in immigration detention are exempt from the fee
- Combined applications where the fee has already been paid are exempt
- The fee is refunded in full if the Tribunal sets aside, varies or remits the decision
Bridging visa changes
Two other changes started at the same time. First, people with a pending Protection (Class XA) visa application, or a pending judicial review relating to one, can no longer make a valid application for, or be granted, a Bridging B visa. The Bridging B is the visa that allows travel outside Australia and return while an application is processed.
Second, the Minister can once again choose to impose condition 8564 (no criminal conduct) and condition 8566 (Code of Behaviour) on certain Bridging E visas. This restores a discretion that changes made in 2024 had unintentionally removed.
Who is affected
- Protection visa applicants who receive a refusal made on or after 1 November 2026 and want merits review
- People with a pending Protection visa application or related judicial review who were hoping to travel
- Some Bridging E visa holders, who may now be granted their visa with these extra conditions
What you should do
If you are considering a review, plan for the fee at the time of lodging and keep a close eye on the review deadline, because missing it can mean losing the chance of review altogether. If you hold a Bridging E visa, read your visa conditions carefully. Breaching a visa condition can lead to cancellation, possible detention and real difficulty with future applications. And if you have a pending Protection matter, it is wise not to make travel plans that assume a Bridging B will be available.
This is general information only and not personal advice. If you would like to talk through how this applies to you, our registered migration agents and lawyers at Auzworld are here to help.
Official source: Federal Register of Legislation - Migration Amendment (2026 Measures No. 1) Regulations 2026
Please note: The information in this news post may be obsolete, inaccurate or may not fit your circumstances, so we recommend consulting with an immigration solicitor or registered MARA agent for advice for your case.
Open this article on its own page30 Oct 2026 · Employer-sponsoredTraining visa (subclass 407) becomes offshore-only from 12 November 2026
Official release date: 30 October 2026 · Employer-sponsored
From 12 November 2026, Training visa (subclass 407) applicants must be outside Australia both when they apply and when the visa is granted. Onshore applications lodged from that date will be invalid.
Picture this. You are in Australia on another visa, you have found a great workplace training opportunity, and you were planning to apply for a Training visa (subclass 407) from here. From 12 November 2026, that plan needs a rethink.
What has changed
Here's the thing. From 12 November 2026, applicants for the subclass 407 must be outside Australia at two key moments: when they lodge the application, and when the visa is granted.
Previously, the visa could be granted whether the applicant was in or outside Australia, as long as they were not in immigration clearance. That flexibility is now gone for most people.
There is an important trap to be aware of. If an application is lodged in Australia on or after 12 November 2026, it will be invalid, even if ImmiAccount accepts the lodgement and takes payment. An invalidity decision cannot be taken to merits review, so there is no Tribunal pathway to fix it.
The Minister may specify certain classes of people who can still apply from inside Australia, and refusals of valid applications remain reviewable as before.
Why the change
The Government's stated aim is to stop the 407 being used for onshore "visa hopping", where people move from one temporary visa to another without a genuine training purpose.
Who is affected
- People currently in Australia who were planning to apply for a 407 from 12 November 2026 onwards
- Sponsors and training organisations planning onshore intakes
- Applicants who lodge before 12 November 2026, who will be assessed under the old rules
For those earlier applications, remember that the 11 March 2026 changes still apply. Those changes require an approved temporary activities sponsor and an approved training nomination.
How it compares
The shift is from an "in or outside Australia" visa to a firmly offshore one. In practice, onshore applicants who would previously have stayed put while their application was processed will now generally need to depart, lodge from overseas and remain offshore until the grant.
What you should do
If you are onshore and the 407 is your plan, check the timing now and think about your current visa's expiry date. Staying beyond your visa without another valid visa can lead to loss of lawful status, removal and exclusion periods that affect future applications. Sponsors should also review their training plans so start dates allow for offshore lodgement and grant.
This is general information only and not personal advice. If you would like to talk through how this applies to you, our registered migration agents and lawyers at Auzworld are here to help.
Official source: Federal Register of Legislation - Migration Amendment (Training Visas—Application Requirements) Regulations 2026
Please note: The information in this news post may be obsolete, inaccurate or may not fit your circumstances, so we recommend consulting with an immigration solicitor or registered MARA agent for advice for your case.
Open this article on its own page30 Oct 2026 · StudentGovernment signals rethink of student visa settings after refusal rates climb
Reported on 30 October 2026 · Student
Newspaper story: a media report, not an official government announcement.
Media report (not official): ABC reports the government is reviewing student visa financial requirements and preparing a replacement for the current ministerial direction, after high refusal rates appeared to deter genuine applicants. Consultation with universities and education agents is reportedly planned for November, amid forecasts of a sizeable drop in new university enrolments.
Media report (not official): ABC reports the government is reviewing student visa financial requirements and preparing a replacement for the current ministerial direction, after high refusal rates appeared to deter genuine applicants. Consultation with universities and education agents is reportedly planned for November, amid forecasts of a sizeable drop in new university enrolments.
This is a media report, not an official government announcement. Rules only change when the Department of Home Affairs, the Minister or new legislation says so. If this story could affect your visa, speak to our registered migration agents and lawyers before you act.
Reported by: ABC News
Please note: The information in this news post may be obsolete, inaccurate or may not fit your circumstances, so we recommend consulting with an immigration solicitor or registered MARA agent for advice for your case.
Open this article on its own page22 Oct 2026 · VisitorGoodbye paper card: the digital Australia Travel Declaration lands at Western Sydney
Official release date: 22 October 2026 · Visitor
Western Sydney International Airport is the first to offer the web-form Australia Travel Declaration for all airlines from 26 October 2026, with a national rollout planned over 12 to 18 months.
Picture this. You have just stepped off a long-haul flight, you are tired, and you are hunting for a pen to fill in that familiar paper incoming passenger card. That scene is slowly becoming a thing of the past.
What has changed
Here's the thing. On 13 July 2026 the Government announced $56.1 million over four years to roll out the digital Australia Travel Declaration in place of the paper incoming passenger card. Now we are seeing it in action.
Western Sydney International Airport is the first airport to offer the web-form version of the declaration, and it is available to passengers on any airline from the airport's first international flight on 26 October 2026.
Travellers can complete the form up to 72 hours before they travel. Once it is done, they receive a single QR code that covers their immigration, customs and biosecurity declarations in one go.
How it compares with the earlier approach
The paper card is not disappearing overnight. It remains available, and the rollout to all international airports and seaports is planned in phases over 12 to 18 months.
Before Western Sydney, the declaration was tested in a pilot on Qantas flights into Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. Between 1 January and 30 September 2026, more than 477,000 travellers used it on over 8,400 eligible flights. That is a solid track record to build on.
Who is affected
- Travellers arriving at Western Sydney International Airport, on any airline
- Visa holders, permanent residents and citizens arriving in Australia, as more airports and seaports join over time
- Family and friends helping relatives prepare for their first trip to Australia
It is worth being clear about one thing: this is a change to how border processing works, not a change to visa rules. You still need the right visa for your trip.
What you should do
If you are flying into Western Sydney, consider completing the declaration within the 72-hour window before you travel so your QR code is ready. Whichever format you use, answer every question honestly and accurately. Incorrect or misleading information on an incoming declaration can lead to penalties at the border and, in some cases, can put a visa at risk of cancellation. A few careful minutes before you fly can save a lot of stress on arrival.
This is general information only and not personal advice. If you would like to talk through how this applies to you, our registered migration agents and lawyers at Auzworld are here to help.
Official source: Minister for Home Affairs (Tony Burke) - media release
Please note: The information in this news post may be obsolete, inaccurate or may not fit your circumstances, so we recommend consulting with an immigration solicitor or registered MARA agent for advice for your case.
Open this article on its own page20 Oct 2026 · Employer-sponsoredAged care providers push for a dedicated care worker visa
Reported on 20 October 2026 · Employer-sponsored
Newspaper story: a media report, not an official government announcement.
Media report (not official): ABC reports aged care providers and CEDA want an essential skills visa pathway so that proposed migration cuts do not deepen workforce shortages. Home Affairs is reported as saying aged care workers already receive priority processing.
Media report (not official): ABC reports aged care providers and CEDA want an essential skills visa pathway so that proposed migration cuts do not deepen workforce shortages. Home Affairs is reported as saying aged care workers already receive priority processing.
This is a media report, not an official government announcement. Rules only change when the Department of Home Affairs, the Minister or new legislation says so. If this story could affect your visa, speak to our registered migration agents and lawyers before you act.
Reported by: ABC News
Please note: The information in this news post may be obsolete, inaccurate or may not fit your circumstances, so we recommend consulting with an immigration solicitor or registered MARA agent for advice for your case.
Open this article on its own page15 Oct 2026 · ComplianceOmbudsman finds citizen wrongly held in immigration detention for 945 days
Reported on 15 October 2026 · Compliance
Newspaper story: a media report, not an official government announcement.
Media report (not official): ABC reports on a Commonwealth Ombudsman finding that an Australian citizen was detained for 945 days due to repeated citizenship assessment errors. The report also said 30 people detained in 2024-25 were held unlawfully and recommended an apology and process improvements.
Media report (not official): ABC reports on a Commonwealth Ombudsman finding that an Australian citizen was detained for 945 days due to repeated citizenship assessment errors. The report also said 30 people detained in 2024-25 were held unlawfully and recommended an apology and process improvements.
This is a media report, not an official government announcement. Rules only change when the Department of Home Affairs, the Minister or new legislation says so. If this story could affect your visa, speak to our registered migration agents and lawyers before you act.
Reported by: ABC News
Please note: The information in this news post may be obsolete, inaccurate or may not fit your circumstances, so we recommend consulting with an immigration solicitor or registered MARA agent for advice for your case.
Open this article on its own page12 Oct 2026 · Family/partnerFamily violence advocates warn overstayer crackdown could be exploited by abusers
Reported on 12 October 2026 · Family/partner
Newspaper story: a media report, not an official government announcement.
Media report (not official): ABC reports advocates are concerned that tougher action on visa overstayers would give perpetrators more leverage over victims on temporary visas. They are calling for a dedicated temporary visa for victim-survivors, while government and opposition say the policies are not aimed at victims.
Media report (not official): ABC reports advocates are concerned that tougher action on visa overstayers would give perpetrators more leverage over victims on temporary visas. They are calling for a dedicated temporary visa for victim-survivors, while government and opposition say the policies are not aimed at victims.
This is a media report, not an official government announcement. Rules only change when the Department of Home Affairs, the Minister or new legislation says so. If this story could affect your visa, speak to our registered migration agents and lawyers before you act.
Reported by: ABC News
Please note: The information in this news post may be obsolete, inaccurate or may not fit your circumstances, so we recommend consulting with an immigration solicitor or registered MARA agent for advice for your case.
Open this article on its own page6 Oct 2026 · GeneralHome Affairs refreshes its guidance on health insurance for visa holders
Official release date: 6 October 2026 · General
Home Affairs has updated its guidance and released a new factsheet on adequate health insurance. Most temporary visa holders and visitors cannot use Medicare, so the right cover matters.
Picture this. You are in Australia on a temporary visa, life is busy, and health insurance is one of those things you set up once and never look at again. Then an unexpected trip to the emergency department arrives, along with a bill. That is exactly the kind of situation the Department of Home Affairs wants people to think about ahead of time.
What has changed
Here's the thing. In October 2026 the Department updated its guidance on adequate health insurance and published a new factsheet to go with it. This is updated guidance only. No change to the law was announced, so the underlying rules remain as they were.
What the guidance does is put a spotlight on a few key points that many visa holders overlook.
The key points
- Most temporary visa holders and visitors cannot use Medicare
- Without suitable cover, you may have to pay all of your healthcare costs yourself
- Depending on your visa, holding suitable private health insurance can be necessary to meet your visa conditions
Who is affected
This is relevant to a wide group of people, including visitors, students, temporary skilled workers, graduates and their families. The exact requirement depends on the specific visa you hold and the conditions attached to it, so two people on different visas may have quite different obligations.
How it compares
Because there is no change in the law, the obligations are the same as before. The difference is that the Department has refreshed its explanation, which is a good prompt to check that your own cover still lines up with your visa.
What you should do
Take a few minutes to check your visa grant notice or VEVO for any health insurance condition. Then look at your policy and ask some simple questions. Is it still active? Does it cover everyone on your visa, including family members? Has anything changed, such as a new baby or a partner joining you?
It is worth taking seriously. Where health insurance is a condition of your visa, letting cover lapse can amount to a breach of that condition, and breaching a visa condition can lead to visa cancellation and difficulties with future applications. Gaps in cover can also leave you facing large medical bills at a stressful time. The good news is that this is usually simple to fix by keeping your policy current and suitable for your visa.
This is general information only and not personal advice. If you would like to talk through how this applies to you, our registered migration agents and lawyers at Auzworld are here to help.
Official source: Department of Home Affairs
Please note: The information in this news post may be obsolete, inaccurate or may not fit your circumstances, so we recommend consulting with an immigration solicitor or registered MARA agent for advice for your case.
Open this article on its own page6 Oct 2026 · GeneralCoalition unveils plan to cut net overseas migration to 100,000
Reported on 6 October 2026 · General
Newspaper story: a media report, not an official government announcement.
Media report (not official): ABC reports the Opposition proposes reducing net overseas migration to 100,000 a year for two years, mainly through changes to graduate, refugee and bridging visas. No economic modelling was released, and One Nation and Labor criticised the proposal.
Media report (not official): ABC reports the Opposition proposes reducing net overseas migration to 100,000 a year for two years, mainly through changes to graduate, refugee and bridging visas. No economic modelling was released, and One Nation and Labor criticised the proposal.
This is a media report, not an official government announcement. Rules only change when the Department of Home Affairs, the Minister or new legislation says so. If this story could affect your visa, speak to our registered migration agents and lawyers before you act.
Reported by: ABC News
Please note: The information in this news post may be obsolete, inaccurate or may not fit your circumstances, so we recommend consulting with an immigration solicitor or registered MARA agent for advice for your case.
Open this article on its own page2 Oct 2026 · StudentStudent visa shake-up: new onshore limits, family rules and transfer lock-in
Official release date: 2 October 2026 · Student
From 2 October 2026, holders of 17 temporary visas must apply for Student visas offshore, most students can no longer bring family, and providers must be kept for 12 months before transferring.
Picture this. You are in Australia on a working holiday or a graduate visa, and you have decided your next step is further study. Until recently, you might simply have applied for a Student visa from here. From 2 October 2026, the path looks quite different.
What has changed
Here's the thing. The changes were first flagged in the Government's 17 September 2026 migration reform package and now apply from 2 October 2026. There are several moving parts, so let's take them one at a time.
First, holders of 17 temporary visas must now lodge Student (subclass 500) or Student Guardian (subclass 590) applications from outside Australia and be outside Australia when the visa is granted. These include the 417, 462, 482 (Skills in Demand and TSS), 485, 600, 601, 651, 400, 407, 408 and 988.
Second, current Student visa holders can apply onshore for another Student visa only under limited exemptions:
- Up to 12 extra months with the same provider
- PhD study
- School study
- DFAT or Defence sponsorship
- Progression to a higher AQF level (packaged courses generally do not qualify)
- Provider default
Families and transfers
Most Student visa applicants can no longer include a partner or children. Exemptions apply to PhD students, government-sponsored students, foreign government scholarship holders, and eligible Pacific and ASEAN nationals. No student can add family members after the visa is granted. Similar family restrictions apply to the Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa, although families already in Australia on Student or 485 secondary visas will not be separated.
Non-school students must now stay in their principal course for 12 months before transferring providers, up from 6 months. This applies from 2 October 2026 until 30 June 2027. From 1 July 2027, a new transfer stream will begin, allowing transfers only at the same or a higher AQF level, and onshore transfers from Higher Education to VET will end.
Who is affected
Prospective students already in Australia on other temporary visas, current students planning their next course, students hoping to bring family, and education providers. Existing Student visas are not affected by these changes.
What you should do
Before you enrol, change course or switch providers, check that your plans fit the new rules. Breaching your Student visa conditions, such as changing providers too early or not maintaining enrolment, can lead to visa cancellation, and an invalid or refused application can leave you without a lawful basis to stay. A little planning now protects your study journey.
This is general information only and not personal advice. If you would like to talk through how this applies to you, our registered migration agents and lawyers at Auzworld are here to help.
Official source: Assistant Minister Julian Hill - media release
Please note: The information in this news post may be obsolete, inaccurate or may not fit your circumstances, so we recommend consulting with an immigration solicitor or registered MARA agent for advice for your case.
Open this article on its own page1 Oct 2026 · ComplianceGovernment to target lawyers and agents running hopeless visa cases
Reported on 1 October 2026 · Compliance
Newspaper story: a media report, not an official government announcement.
Media report (not official): ABC reports the government plans to close a regulatory gap for lawyers and tighten the migration agents code of conduct to stop assistance with applications lacking a factual or legal basis. The proposal is part of a wider push to bring net overseas migration down.
Media report (not official): ABC reports the government plans to close a regulatory gap for lawyers and tighten the migration agents code of conduct to stop assistance with applications lacking a factual or legal basis. The proposal is part of a wider push to bring net overseas migration down.
This is a media report, not an official government announcement. Rules only change when the Department of Home Affairs, the Minister or new legislation says so. If this story could affect your visa, speak to our registered migration agents and lawyers before you act.
Reported by: ABC News
Please note: The information in this news post may be obsolete, inaccurate or may not fit your circumstances, so we recommend consulting with an immigration solicitor or registered MARA agent for advice for your case.
Open this article on its own page26 Sep 2026 · Family/partnerCouples protest slower processing for offshore partner visas
Reported on 26 September 2026 · Family/partner
Newspaper story: a media report, not an official government announcement.
Media report (not official): ABC reports applicants and sponsors have written to the Minister about the July decision to give offshore partner visas lower priority than onshore ones. The report cites processing times of up to about 39 months for subclass 309, compared with about 29 months onshore.
Media report (not official): ABC reports applicants and sponsors have written to the Minister about the July decision to give offshore partner visas lower priority than onshore ones. The report cites processing times of up to about 39 months for subclass 309, compared with about 29 months onshore.
This is a media report, not an official government announcement. Rules only change when the Department of Home Affairs, the Minister or new legislation says so. If this story could affect your visa, speak to our registered migration agents and lawyers before you act.
Reported by: ABC News
Please note: The information in this news post may be obsolete, inaccurate or may not fit your circumstances, so we recommend consulting with an immigration solicitor or registered MARA agent for advice for your case.
Open this article on its own page19 Sep 2026 · Skilled migrationNew skilled visa processing priorities under Ministerial Directions 121 and 122
Official release date: 19 September 2026 · Skilled migration
Since 19 September 2026, Directions 121 and 122 set the processing order for temporary and permanent skilled visas, replacing Direction 119 and putting key sectors such as healthcare and construction first.
Picture this. Two skilled visa applications are lodged on the same day. One moves quickly, the other seems to sit in the queue. Often the explanation is not the quality of the application, but where it sits in the Government's processing priorities. Those priorities changed on 19 September 2026.
What has changed
Here's the thing. The Minister announced the update on 17 September 2026, and from 19 September 2026 two new Ministerial Directions replaced all of the priorities set by Direction 119.
Direction 121 covers temporary skilled visas, meaning the subclass 482 Skills in Demand visa and the legacy TSS. Applications are prioritised in this order:
- First: occupations in construction, healthcare, teaching, agriculture, aquaculture, fishing, resources, law enforcement and defence
- Second: the Specialist Skills stream
- Third: applicants who were in Australia when they lodged
- Fourth: offshore primary applicants with no combined application
- Fifth: all other applications
Direction 122 covers subclasses 186, 187, 189, 190, 191, 489, 491, 494, 887 and 888. It follows the same order, but without the Specialist Skills tier.
What stays the same
Direction 114, which covers business visas (subclasses 188 and 132), remains in force. So does Direction 120, which covers the subclass 858 National Innovation, Distinguished Talent and Global Talent visas and took effect on 25 July 2026.
Who is affected
- Applicants for temporary and permanent employer-sponsored, skilled independent, state-nominated and regional visas
- Employers waiting on workers in priority and non-priority sectors
- Onshore applicants, who now sit in a defined tier ahead of many offshore applications
How it compares
The new Directions put a clear emphasis on sectors the Government considers essential, and they recognise applicants already in Australia as a separate priority group. If your occupation sits outside the first tier, your application is still processed, just in a different order.
What you should do
Processing priority does not change the criteria you must meet, so the basics still matter most. Lodge a complete, accurate application with genuine supporting evidence. While you wait, make sure you continue to hold a valid visa and comply with its conditions. Losing lawful status or breaching a condition during processing can lead to refusal or cancellation, so keep track of your expiry dates and plan ahead.
This is general information only and not personal advice. If you would like to talk through how this applies to you, our registered migration agents and lawyers at Auzworld are here to help.
Official source: Department of Home Affairs
Please note: The information in this news post may be obsolete, inaccurate or may not fit your circumstances, so we recommend consulting with an immigration solicitor or registered MARA agent for advice for your case.
Open this article on its own page17 Sep 2026 · GeneralGovernment unveils migration reform package: what is announced and what is next
Official release date: 17 September 2026 · General
The 17 September 2026 reform package flags a No Further Stay condition on visitor visas, a ballot for second- and third-year Working Holiday visas and an updated character Direction. Several measures are not yet law.
Picture this. A big Government announcement hits the news, headlines fly around, and suddenly everyone has a theory about what it means for them. On 17 September 2026 the Minister for Home Affairs released a migration reform package, and it is worth separating what has actually changed from what has only been announced.
The bigger picture
Here's the thing. The package was released alongside Australian Bureau of Statistics data showing Net Overseas Migration at 292,000, down 47 per cent from its 2023 peak. The Government has set targets of 245,000 for 2026-27 and 225,000 for 2027-28.
What was announced
- A No Further Stay condition is to be applied to all visitor visas, so they cannot be used to extend a stay in Australia
- Second- and third-year Working Holiday Maker visas will move to a ballot, with a regional work requirement, and Working Holiday processing will be set at around three months
- Ministerial Direction 110, which guides visa refusal and cancellation on character grounds, will be updated with more weight on protecting child victims of crime and victims of domestic and family violence, and on combating hate
- Compliance will be strengthened so people without valid visas leave, along with a crackdown on migration agents who knowingly lodge unmeritorious applications
What is in force and what is not
Some parts of the package have already been implemented, including the Student visa reforms and the new skilled visa processing priorities, which we cover separately.
As at 6 November 2026, however, we have not seen a registered legal instrument for the visitor No Further Stay condition, the Working Holiday ballot or a new Direction 110. These measures are announced only, with no commencement dates yet. Until the detail is published, it is too early to say exactly how they will work or who will be caught.
Who may be affected
- Visitors who hope to stay longer or change visas onshore
- Working Holiday Makers planning a second or third year
- Anyone whose visa may be considered on character grounds
What you should do
Keep calm and keep informed. If you are relying on a pathway that may change, it can be sensible to plan early rather than wait. In the meantime, the existing rules still apply. Overstaying, breaching visa conditions or lodging applications without a genuine basis can lead to refusal, cancellation and exclusion periods, and the Government has signalled stronger compliance in this area.
This is general information only and not personal advice. If you would like to talk through how this applies to you, our registered migration agents and lawyers at Auzworld are here to help.
Official source: Minister for Home Affairs (Tony Burke) - media release
Please note: The information in this news post may be obsolete, inaccurate or may not fit your circumstances, so we recommend consulting with an immigration solicitor or registered MARA agent for advice for your case.
Open this article on its own page17 Sep 2026 · GeneralMinister outlines tighter rules for students, backpackers and overstayers
Reported on 17 September 2026 · General
Newspaper story: a media report, not an official government announcement.
Media report (not official): ABC reports the Home Affairs Minister used a Press Club address to announce limits on student dependants, a ballot to cap second- and third-year working holiday stays, and extra compliance officers and detention beds. Net overseas migration forecasts are now being treated as targets, with some measures still needing legislation.
Media report (not official): ABC reports the Home Affairs Minister used a Press Club address to announce limits on student dependants, a ballot to cap second- and third-year working holiday stays, and extra compliance officers and detention beds. Net overseas migration forecasts are now being treated as targets, with some measures still needing legislation.
This is a media report, not an official government announcement. Rules only change when the Department of Home Affairs, the Minister or new legislation says so. If this story could affect your visa, speak to our registered migration agents and lawyers before you act.
Reported by: ABC News
Please note: The information in this news post may be obsolete, inaccurate or may not fit your circumstances, so we recommend consulting with an immigration solicitor or registered MARA agent for advice for your case.
Open this article on its own page17 Sep 2026 · GeneralNet overseas migration falls to lowest level since 2022
Reported on 17 September 2026 · General
Newspaper story: a media report, not an official government announcement.
Media report (not official): The Nightly reports ABS data showing net overseas migration of about 292,100 in the year to March 2026, with population growth slowing to a four-year low. Overseas migration still accounted for most population growth, and Western Australia grew fastest.
Media report (not official): The Nightly reports ABS data showing net overseas migration of about 292,100 in the year to March 2026, with population growth slowing to a four-year low. Overseas migration still accounted for most population growth, and Western Australia grew fastest.
This is a media report, not an official government announcement. Rules only change when the Department of Home Affairs, the Minister or new legislation says so. If this story could affect your visa, speak to our registered migration agents and lawyers before you act.
Reported by: The Nightly
Please note: The information in this news post may be obsolete, inaccurate or may not fit your circumstances, so we recommend consulting with an immigration solicitor or registered MARA agent for advice for your case.
Open this article on its own page15 Sep 2026 · GeneralPermanent residents: check your travel facility before you leave Australia
Official release date: 15 September 2026 · General
Home Affairs reminds permanent residents that their visa's travel facility can expire. Anyone travelling past that date may need a Resident Return visa to come back as a permanent resident.
Picture this. You have been a permanent resident for years. You book a trip overseas to see family, pack your bags and head to the airport, only to be told at check-in that you cannot board your flight home. It sounds unlikely, but it happens, and the Department of Home Affairs has issued a timely reminder about why.
What you need to know
Here's the thing. A permanent visa lets you stay in Australia indefinitely, but the right to travel in and out of the country is a separate feature called the travel facility. It usually lasts for 1 or 5 years. Once it expires, your permanent visa does not allow you to re-enter Australia.
This is not a new rule. It is an advisory, and it is a helpful one.
The key points
- Check your travel facility on VEVO before you depart
- If it will expire while you are overseas, apply early for a Resident Return visa (RRV)
- Airlines cannot board permanent residents who do not have a valid travel facility or RRV linked to their passport
- Returning on a Visitor visa or ETA instead of an RRV can affect your permanent residence status, your eligibility for citizenship, Medicare and your work rights
Who is affected
Any permanent resident planning international travel, especially people whose visa was granted several years ago, people planning long stays overseas, and families where different members hold visas granted at different times. It is also worth checking for elderly parents or relatives who may not realise their travel facility has a limited life.
How it compares
Many people assume that "permanent" means the travel rights last forever. In practice, the stay and the travel are separate. Citizens travel on an Australian passport, but permanent residents rely on their travel facility or an RRV to come home with their status intact.
What you should do
Before booking, check VEVO and note your travel facility expiry date. If there is any chance it will run out before you return, apply for an RRV in good time and confirm it is linked to your current passport. Taking a shortcut by coming back on a visitor visa can put your permanent residence and future citizenship plans at real risk. A five-minute check now can avoid a very stressful moment at the airport.
This is general information only and not personal advice. If you would like to talk through how this applies to you, our registered migration agents and lawyers at Auzworld are here to help.
Official source: Department of Home Affairs
Please note: The information in this news post may be obsolete, inaccurate or may not fit your circumstances, so we recommend consulting with an immigration solicitor or registered MARA agent for advice for your case.
Open this article on its own page15 Sep 2026 · Family/partnerOne Nation open to cutting visas for citizens’ partners and children
Reported on 15 September 2026 · Family/partner
Newspaper story: a media report, not an official government announcement.
Media report (not official): ABC reports a One Nation MP said the party may consider reducing family visas for Australian citizens, alongside its plan to cut temporary migration by 750,000 over three years. A former senior immigration official argued that capping such visas would be unlawful.
Media report (not official): ABC reports a One Nation MP said the party may consider reducing family visas for Australian citizens, alongside its plan to cut temporary migration by 750,000 over three years. A former senior immigration official argued that capping such visas would be unlawful.
This is a media report, not an official government announcement. Rules only change when the Department of Home Affairs, the Minister or new legislation says so. If this story could affect your visa, speak to our registered migration agents and lawyers before you act.
Reported by: ABC News
Please note: The information in this news post may be obsolete, inaccurate or may not fit your circumstances, so we recommend consulting with an immigration solicitor or registered MARA agent for advice for your case.
Open this article on its own page3 Sep 2026 · GeneralTOEFL iBT testing unavailable in Iran: options for visa applicants
Official release date: 3 September 2026 · General
Home Affairs advises that TOEFL iBT testing is currently unavailable in Iran. Applicants there who need an approved English test may need to sit one in another country.
Picture this. You are in Iran, preparing an Australian visa application, and you have been studying hard for your TOEFL iBT so you can show your English ability. Then you discover that you cannot sit the test locally. That is the situation the Department of Home Affairs has now flagged.
What has changed
Here's the thing. ETS, the organisation that runs the TOEFL iBT, has told the Department that testing is currently unavailable in Iran. As a result, applicants in Iran who need an approved English language test for their visa may need to sit an approved test in another country.
This is an operational notice. It does not change the English language requirements for any visa. What it changes is where and how some applicants can meet those requirements.
Who is affected
- Applicants located in Iran who planned to use the TOEFL iBT to meet an English requirement
- Their family members and sponsors, who may need to adjust timelines
- Students, skilled migrants and others whose visa requires an approved English test result
How it compares
Before this notice, applicants in Iran could plan to sit the TOEFL iBT locally. Now they will need to think about sitting the test elsewhere, or considering whether another approved English test is suitable for their visa. Each visa has its own rules about which tests and scores are accepted, so it is important to check before booking anything.
What you should do
Start by confirming exactly what English evidence your visa needs, including the accepted tests, the minimum scores and how recent the result must be. Then build extra time into your plans for travel, test booking and results.
Timing really matters here. For many visas, the English test result must meet the requirement by a specific point, often the time of application or invitation. If that evidence is missing or does not meet the requirement, the application can be refused, and in some programs you may lose an invitation or a place in the process. A refusal can also affect future applications. Planning early helps you avoid these outcomes.
It is also worth keeping copies of all test bookings and results, and making sure your personal details match your passport exactly.
This is general information only and not personal advice. If you would like to talk through how this applies to you, our registered migration agents and lawyers at Auzworld are here to help.
Official source: Department of Home Affairs
Please note: The information in this news post may be obsolete, inaccurate or may not fit your circumstances, so we recommend consulting with an immigration solicitor or registered MARA agent for advice for your case.
Open this article on its own page3 Sep 2026 · StudentNew international enrolments blocked in course linked to visa misuse
Reported on 3 September 2026 · Student
Newspaper story: a media report, not an official government announcement.
Media report (not official): ABC reports the government has stopped new international enrolments in a graduate diploma of management course it believes was used by non-genuine students to extend their stay. Current students can complete the course, but providers and agents cannot recruit new overseas students into it.
Media report (not official): ABC reports the government has stopped new international enrolments in a graduate diploma of management course it believes was used by non-genuine students to extend their stay. Current students can complete the course, but providers and agents cannot recruit new overseas students into it.
This is a media report, not an official government announcement. Rules only change when the Department of Home Affairs, the Minister or new legislation says so. If this story could affect your visa, speak to our registered migration agents and lawyers before you act.
Reported by: ABC News
Please note: The information in this news post may be obsolete, inaccurate or may not fit your circumstances, so we recommend consulting with an immigration solicitor or registered MARA agent for advice for your case.
Open this article on its own page19 Aug 2026 · ComplianceMigration agents sanctioned over front agent arrangements: protecting yourself
Official release date: 19 August 2026 · Compliance
OMARA has cancelled or suspended three registered migration agents for letting unregistered people give immigration assistance under their registration numbers. Applicants should check who is really advising them.
Picture this. You find someone who promises to sort out your visa quickly. They seem confident, they quote a registration number, and they ask you to hand over your documents. But the person actually giving you advice is not registered at all. That is the kind of arrangement regulators call a "front agent", and it has been in the spotlight.
What happened
Here's the thing. The Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA) has sanctioned three registered migration agents. One had their registration cancelled and two were suspended. The reason was that they allowed unregistered people to give immigration assistance using their Migration Agents Registration Numbers (MARNs).
One case involved hundreds of applications lodged through three business ImmiAccounts. Another involved alleged falsified departmental correspondence given to clients.
The bigger picture
OMARA set up a dedicated Monitoring team in October 2025. In 2025-26 it monitored 85 agents and found 43 instances of non-compliance. Over that year OMARA sanctioned 28 agents in total. The message is clear: the regulator is actively watching how immigration assistance is provided.
Who can give immigration assistance
The rule itself is simple. Only these people may give immigration assistance:
- Registered migration agents
- Australian legal practitioners
- Exempt persons
Who is affected
Anyone applying for an Australian visa, sponsoring a worker or family member, or seeking review of a decision. Clients of sanctioned agents may also need to check the status of applications lodged on their behalf, and confirm that letters or emails they received genuinely came from the Department.
What you should do
Ask the person advising you for their name and registration details, and check that the person you are actually dealing with is the one who is registered or legally qualified. Ask to see copies of everything lodged in your name, and be cautious if someone discourages you from contacting the Department directly.
This matters for your visa, not just your wallet. You are responsible for the information in your application. If an application contains false or misleading information or documents, it can be refused, an existing visa can be cancelled, and in some cases you may face a period during which further visas cannot be granted. Choosing a properly qualified adviser is one of the simplest ways to protect your future.
This is general information only and not personal advice. If you would like to talk through how this applies to you, our registered migration agents and lawyers at Auzworld are here to help.
Official source: Assistant Minister Julian Hill - media release
Please note: The information in this news post may be obsolete, inaccurate or may not fit your circumstances, so we recommend consulting with an immigration solicitor or registered MARA agent for advice for your case.
Open this article on its own page19 Aug 2026 · ProtectionRefugees from offshore detention remain on rolling bridging visas
Reported on 19 August 2026 · Protection
Newspaper story: a media report, not an official government announcement.
Media report (not official): ABC profiles a refugee who has lived in Australia for eight years on short bridging visas with no permanent pathway, despite her family now being citizens. Advocates say around 700 people are in a similar position and are asking the Minister to intervene.
Media report (not official): ABC profiles a refugee who has lived in Australia for eight years on short bridging visas with no permanent pathway, despite her family now being citizens. Advocates say around 700 people are in a similar position and are asking the Minister to intervene.
This is a media report, not an official government announcement. Rules only change when the Department of Home Affairs, the Minister or new legislation says so. If this story could affect your visa, speak to our registered migration agents and lawyers before you act.
Reported by: ABC News
Please note: The information in this news post may be obsolete, inaccurate or may not fit your circumstances, so we recommend consulting with an immigration solicitor or registered MARA agent for advice for your case.
Open this article on its own page17 Aug 2026 · Skilled migrationTasmania opens its 2026-27 nomination program with 2,050 places
Official release date: 17 August 2026 · Skilled migration
Tasmania has opened registrations of interest for 2026-27 with 1,250 subclass 190 and 800 subclass 491 places, plus refreshed priority attributes and a new application portal.
Picture this: you have been living and working in Tasmania, you love the lifestyle, and you have been waiting to hear when the state would open its doors for the new program year. Good news. Tasmania's 2026-27 state nomination program is now open, and there is plenty in it worth knowing.
What has changed
Tasmania has 2,050 nomination places for 2026-27. Of these, 1,250 are for the Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa and 800 are for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) (subclass 491) visa. Registrations of interest (ROIs) opened on 17 August 2026, and weekly invitations began from 20 August 2026.
Here's the thing: the priority attributes have been refreshed. A few highlights:
- TSE Gold now requires at least 30 hours of work a week in at least one job.
- Income attributes are now aligned to median and average earnings and to the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT).
- The Priority Income Level stays the same at $57,000 a year.
- Lodging an ROI is still free.
- The nomination service fee is now $387 ($425.70 including GST).
- Applications are now made through the new portal at the Migration Tasmania application site.
Who is affected
This mainly affects skilled workers, graduates and others who are already in Tasmania and hoping for a 190 or 491 nomination. One important point for people offshore: no invitations are planned this year for the 491 Overseas Skilled Occupation Profiles pathway. That reflects the Commonwealth's focus on applicants who are already in Australia.
How it compares
Compared with earlier years, the message is clear: Tasmania is rewarding steady, substantial work in the state and income that keeps pace with local earnings. The tightened TSE Gold hours requirement means casual or very part-time arrangements may no longer meet that attribute, so it is worth checking your current hours and payslips carefully.
What you should do
Start by checking which priority attributes you genuinely meet, and gather evidence such as payslips, employment contracts and proof of residence. Make sure every detail in your ROI is accurate and can be supported with documents. A nomination based on incorrect or overstated claims can be withdrawn, and providing misleading information can lead to a visa refusal and, in some cases, longer-term consequences for future applications. It is also important to keep your current visa valid and to comply with its conditions while you wait, so you do not risk losing your lawful status.
The good news is that a well-prepared, honest ROI gives you the best chance of being invited in one of the weekly rounds.
If you would like to talk through how this applies to you, our registered migration agents and lawyers at Auzworld Lawyers & Immigration are here to help.
Official source: Migration Tasmania
Please note: The information in this news post may be obsolete, inaccurate or may not fit your circumstances, so we recommend consulting with an immigration solicitor or registered MARA agent for advice for your case.
Open this article on its own page5 Aug 2026 · Skilled migrationNew direction moves onshore skilled applicants ahead of offshore
Reported on 5 August 2026 · Skilled migration
Newspaper story: a media report, not an official government announcement.
Media report (not official): ABC reports a late-July ministerial direction reorders skilled visa processing, putting defence-related roles first and onshore temporary visa holders ahead of new offshore applicants. Commentators quoted said the effect on net migration would be modest, and the Opposition criticised the lack of consultation.
Media report (not official): ABC reports a late-July ministerial direction reorders skilled visa processing, putting defence-related roles first and onshore temporary visa holders ahead of new offshore applicants. Commentators quoted said the effect on net migration would be modest, and the Opposition criticised the lack of consultation.
This is a media report, not an official government announcement. Rules only change when the Department of Home Affairs, the Minister or new legislation says so. If this story could affect your visa, speak to our registered migration agents and lawyers before you act.
Reported by: ABC News
Please note: The information in this news post may be obsolete, inaccurate or may not fit your circumstances, so we recommend consulting with an immigration solicitor or registered MARA agent for advice for your case.
Open this article on its own page29 Jul 2026 · Family/partnerNew Ministerial Directions put onshore Family and Skilled applicants first
Official release date: 29 July 2026 · Family/partner
From 25 July 2026, new Ministerial Directions changed processing priorities, with Direction 117 giving top priority to Family visa applicants who apply onshore for onshore-grant visas.
Picture this: you and your partner lodged a partner visa application from within Australia, and you have been wondering where your file sits in the queue. A set of new Ministerial Directions that took effect on 25 July 2026 may help answer that question.
What has changed
Three new Ministerial Directions commenced on 25 July 2026. Their stated aim is to prioritise applicants who are already in Australia across the Skilled and Family programs, and to help reduce Net Overseas Migration.
For Family visas, Direction 117 replaced Direction 102. Here's the thing: it creates two broad tiers. Applications made onshore, for visas that can be granted onshore, receive the highest priority. Applications where the applicant was offshore, or must be offshore at the time of grant, receive lower priority.
Within each tier, the processing order is:
- Ministerial intervention cases
- Partner and dependent child visas
- Orphan relative visas
- Contributory parent visas
- Carer visas
- Parent and other family visas
Direction 120 covers Class BX subclass 858 applications, which include the National Innovation visa as well as the closed Distinguished Talent and Global Talent streams.
Who is affected
If you have a family visa application on foot, particularly a partner or child visa, these Directions affect the order in which your application is considered. Onshore applicants for onshore-grant visas are likely to feel the benefit most. Offshore applicants are still processed, but in a lower priority tier.
For skilled applicants, it is worth knowing that the skilled priorities introduced on 25 July 2026 were later replaced by Directions 121 and 122 on 19 September 2026, so the current skilled settings come from those later Directions.
How it compares
Under the earlier Direction 102, family processing priorities did not draw the same sharp line between onshore and offshore applicants. The new approach puts much more weight on where you are when you apply and where you will be when the visa is granted.
What you should do
Priority processing is helpful, but it never replaces meeting the visa requirements. If you are onshore, make sure your current visa or bridging visa remains valid and that you follow its conditions, such as any travel or work limits. Leaving Australia at the wrong time, or breaching a condition, can affect your eligibility, your priority, or even your lawful status, and may lead to refusal. Keep your contact details, circumstances and relationship evidence up to date with the Department.
If you would like to talk through how this applies to you, our registered migration agents and lawyers at Auzworld Lawyers & Immigration are here to help.
Official source: Department of Home Affairs
Please note: The information in this news post may be obsolete, inaccurate or may not fit your circumstances, so we recommend consulting with an immigration solicitor or registered MARA agent for advice for your case.
Open this article on its own page27 Jul 2026 · VisitorRugby League World Cup 2026: visa tips for fans and free 408 visas for participants
Official release date: 27 July 2026 · Visitor
Fans heading to the Rugby League World Cup need a valid visa, while players, officials, media and other accredited participants can apply for a subclass 408 event visa with no application charge.
Picture this: the stands are packed, the crowd is roaring, and you have flown in to watch your team in the Rugby League World Cup 2026. Before the first whistle, though, there is one thing every visitor needs to have sorted: the right visa.
What has changed
The tournament runs from 15 October to 15 November 2026. To support it, a new legislative instrument (LIN 26/082) sets a nil visa application charge for Temporary Activity (subclass 408) visas in the Australian Government endorsed event stream. The instrument was registered on 10 July 2026 and commenced on 15 July 2026.
Here's the thing: the nil charge is not for everyone. It covers people accredited by the Australian Rugby League Commission, including:
- Players and coaches
- Officials and support staff
- Broadcasters and media
- VIPs
The nil-charge provision is repealed on 16 November 2026, the day after the tournament ends.
Who is affected
For fans, the message is simple. You need a valid Australian visa to enter Australia. If your plans include travelling on to watch matches in New Zealand or Papua New Guinea, you may also need to consider transit arrangements, so check your full itinerary before you book.
For accredited participants, the subclass 408 event stream offers a cost-free pathway to come to Australia for the tournament, as long as you hold the relevant accreditation.
How it compares
Normally a subclass 408 application attracts a visa application charge. For this event, accredited participants pay nothing, which is a welcome saving for teams, broadcasters and support crews bringing larger groups to Australia.
What you should do
Fans should apply for a visa that matches the purpose of their trip, which will generally be tourism, and allow enough time for processing. Accredited participants should confirm their accreditation is in place before applying under the event stream.
Whichever visa you hold, remember to follow its conditions. A visitor visa generally does not allow you to work, and staying beyond your authorised period can lead to visa cancellation, difficulty getting future visas, and in some cases an exclusion period. Being honest on your application and leaving on time keeps your travel record clean for future visits.
Enjoy the footy, and plan ahead so the only thing you are worried about is the scoreline.
If you would like to talk through how this applies to you, our registered migration agents and lawyers at Auzworld Lawyers & Immigration are here to help.
Official source: Department of Home Affairs
Please note: The information in this news post may be obsolete, inaccurate or may not fit your circumstances, so we recommend consulting with an immigration solicitor or registered MARA agent for advice for your case.
Open this article on its own page6 Jul 2026 · Fees and chargesSharp visa fee rises take effect, resident return visa nearly triples
Reported on 6 July 2026 · Fees and charges
Newspaper story: a media report, not an official government announcement.
Media report (not official): SBS reports that from 1 July 2026 several visa charges rose substantially, including the resident return visa, student and graduate visas, and Bridging Visa B. Migration agents criticised the lack of notice, while Home Affairs said the revenue will support system reforms.
Media report (not official): SBS reports that from 1 July 2026 several visa charges rose substantially, including the resident return visa, student and graduate visas, and Bridging Visa B. Migration agents criticised the lack of notice, while Home Affairs said the revenue will support system reforms.
This is a media report, not an official government announcement. Rules only change when the Department of Home Affairs, the Minister or new legislation says so. If this story could affect your visa, speak to our registered migration agents and lawyers before you act.
Reported by: SBS News
Please note: The information in this news post may be obsolete, inaccurate or may not fit your circumstances, so we recommend consulting with an immigration solicitor or registered MARA agent for advice for your case.
Open this article on its own page3 Jul 2026 · VisitorFaster repeat visitor visas for eligible Papua New Guinea citizens
Official release date: 3 July 2026 · Visitor
Since 1 July 2026, eligible PNG citizens with a good compliance history can use a streamlined 'Apply again' option in ImmiAccount for Visitor (600) Tourist or Business Visitor applications.
Picture this: you are a citizen of Papua New Guinea who visits family in Australia every year, or travels here regularly for business meetings. Each trip has meant filling in the full visitor visa application from scratch. From 1 July 2026, that process has become easier for many people.
What has changed
Eligible PNG citizens can now use a streamlined "Apply again" option in ImmiAccount when applying for a Visitor (subclass 600) visa in either the Tourist stream or the Business Visitor stream.
Here's the thing: this is about rewarding a good track record. Rather than starting a fresh application every time, eligible travellers can build on their previous visitor visa history.
Who is affected
To use the "Apply again" option, you need to:
- Be a citizen of Papua New Guinea
- Have a good immigration compliance history
- Have had a Tourist or Business Visitor subclass 600 visa finalised in the previous five years
If you meet these criteria, the streamlined option should be available in your ImmiAccount when you apply.
How it compares
Before this change, repeat visitors generally followed the standard application process each time, with no dedicated shortcut for people who had already held a visitor visa and complied with it. The new option recognises the strong people-to-people and business ties between Australia and PNG, and makes it simpler for regular, compliant travellers to keep visiting.
What you should do
If you are planning your next trip, log in to ImmiAccount and check whether the "Apply again" option is available to you. Even with a streamlined form, make sure every answer is accurate and up to date, including any changes to your passport, family details, health or character circumstances since your last visa. Providing incorrect information can lead to refusal and may affect future applications.
It is also worth remembering why this option exists: a good compliance history. Following your visa conditions, such as not working on a visitor visa and departing Australia before your visa ends, is what keeps you eligible. Overstaying or breaching conditions can lead to visa cancellation and can make it much harder to get a visa in the future, so protecting that clean record is well worth it.
For many families and business travellers, this is a practical, positive step that saves time and effort.
If you would like to talk through how this applies to you, our registered migration agents and lawyers at Auzworld Lawyers & Immigration are here to help.
Official source: Department of Home Affairs
Please note: The information in this news post may be obsolete, inaccurate or may not fit your circumstances, so we recommend consulting with an immigration solicitor or registered MARA agent for advice for your case.
Open this article on its own page1 Jul 2026 · Employer-sponsoredSkilled visa income thresholds rise 3.8% from 1 July 2026
Official release date: 1 July 2026 · Employer-sponsored
From 1 July 2026, CSIT and TSMIT rose to $79,423 and SSIT to $146,576 for new nominations under subclasses 482, 186, 494 and 187. Existing visa holders are not affected.
Picture this: you are an employer about to sponsor a talented worker, and you have the salary figure all worked out. Then 1 July arrives and the minimum salary moves. That is exactly what happened this year, so let's walk through it.
What has changed
The main skilled visa income thresholds have been indexed by 3.8%, in line with Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE). From 1 July 2026:
- The Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) rose from $76,515 to $79,423. It applies to Core Skills stream subclass 482 nominations and subclass 186 nominations.
- The Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT) rose from $141,210 to $146,576. It applies to Specialist Skills stream subclass 482 nominations.
- The Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) rose from $76,515 to $79,423. It applies to subclass 494 and subclass 187 nominations.
Here's the thing: there is also a structural change. TSMIT is now set directly in the Migration Regulations, rather than by a ministerial instrument, and automatic indexation is scheduled to begin on 1 July 2027.
Who is affected
The new thresholds apply to nominations lodged on or after 1 July 2026. They do not apply to existing visa holders or to nominations lodged before that date. So if your worker already holds their visa, or their nomination was lodged earlier, these new figures do not change that existing nomination.
Employers lodging new nominations, and workers hoping to be nominated, are the people who need to pay close attention.
How it compares
Last year, CSIT and TSMIT were both $76,515 and SSIT was $141,210. The increase is modest but meaningful, and it means salary offers prepared before 1 July may now fall short for a new nomination.
What you should do
If you are an employer, check that the salary in any new nomination meets the relevant threshold and is also at least the market rate for the role. If you are a worker, make sure the salary on your contract matches what you are actually paid.
Getting this wrong matters. A nomination with a salary below the threshold can be refused, which in turn affects the visa application. For sponsors, paying less than the nominated salary can breach sponsorship obligations, and for visa holders, not working in line with your nomination can put your visa at risk. Planning ahead keeps everyone on the right side of the rules.
If you would like to talk through how this applies to you, our registered migration agents and lawyers at Auzworld Lawyers & Immigration are here to help.
Official source: Department of Home Affairs
Please note: The information in this news post may be obsolete, inaccurate or may not fit your circumstances, so we recommend consulting with an immigration solicitor or registered MARA agent for advice for your case.
Open this article on its own page30 Jun 2026 · Fees and chargesNew visa and citizenship charges from 1 July 2026, with savings for Pacific passport holders
Official release date: 30 June 2026 · Fees and charges
New visa application charges and citizenship fees apply to applications made on or after 1 July 2026, with lower charges for holders of passports from 13 Pacific-regional countries.
Picture this: you have been saving for a partner visa or a skilled visa application, and you want to know exactly what the government charge will be. From 1 July 2026, a new schedule of visa application charges and citizenship fees applies, so it is worth checking the numbers before you lodge.
What has changed
New regulations were registered on 30 June 2026 and commenced on 1 July 2026. The new amounts apply to applications made on or after that date. Some of the base charges for non-concessional applicants are:
- Visitor (subclass 600): $250 offshore and $630 onshore
- Skills in Demand (subclass 482): $4,015
- Skilled Independent (subclass 189): $6,135
- Subclasses 190, 491 and 494: $6,140
- Partner (onshore and offshore): $11,710
- Parent (Migrant): $6,600
- Bridging B: $575
- Training (subclass 407): $535
- Working Holiday (subclasses 417 and 462): $1,000
- Student (subclass 500): $2,500 for most applicants, with a lower $2,050 for specified groups
Citizenship application fees also rose by roughly $10 to $20 per item. For example, some fees moved from $370 to $380 and from $575 to $595.
Who is affected
Here's the thing: there is good news for people from the Pacific. Holders of passports from 13 Pacific-regional countries (Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, the Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu) pay lower charges. For example, a subclass 482 application is $3,290, a subclass 189 is $5,030, a Partner visa is $9,600 and an offshore Visitor visa is $205.
The Department has also indicated that lower charges may apply to some citizens of ASEAN member countries, so it is worth checking whether that applies to you.
How it compares
These figures are the base charges only. Additional charges can apply for family members included in an application, and other costs such as health checks, police certificates and skills assessments are separate.
What you should do
Check the current charge before you lodge, using the Department's official pricing information, and make sure you pay the correct amount for every applicant. An application lodged without the correct charge may not be valid, which can cost you valuable time and, if you are onshore, could affect your bridging visa and lawful status. Budget early, keep receipts, and allow a little extra for associated costs.
If you would like to talk through how this applies to you, our registered migration agents and lawyers at Auzworld Lawyers & Immigration are here to help.
Official source: Federal Register of Legislation - Home Affairs Legislation Amendment (2026 Measures No. 1) Regulations 2026
Please note: The information in this news post may be obsolete, inaccurate or may not fit your circumstances, so we recommend consulting with an immigration solicitor or registered MARA agent for advice for your case.
Open this article on its own page30 Jun 2026 · VisitorWorking Holiday changes: age 35 for four more countries and a bigger Uruguay cap
Official release date: 30 June 2026 · Visitor
From 1 July 2026, the 417 age limit rose to 35 for Cyprus, Finland, Germany and Korea, age is checked at lodgement for 417 and 462 visas, and Uruguay's 462 cap grew to 1,500.
Picture this: you are 32, you live in Germany, and you thought your chance for a working holiday in Australia had passed. From 1 July 2026, that door may be open again. There have been several changes to the Working Holiday Maker program, so let's walk through them.
What has changed
From 1 July 2026, the maximum age for a Working Holiday (subclass 417) visa rose from 30 to 35 for passport holders of:
- Cyprus
- Finland
- Germany
- The Republic of Korea
Here's the thing: there is also a change to how age is checked. Under new regulations, age is now tested at the time of lodgement for both subclass 417 and subclass 462 visas. If you are outside the eligible age range when you lodge, your application is invalid. No charge is payable, but there is also no merits review. Previously, an applicant outside the age range would have been refused.
According to the Department's Working Holiday Maker news, there are some other updates too:
- The subclass 462 cap for Uruguay rose to 1,500 places a year from 1 July 2026.
- Luxembourg applicants have not needed a Letter of Support for 462 visas since 3 June 2026.
- Registrations for the 2026-27 China, India and Vietnam 462 ballot closed on 25 June 2026.
- A first-year 462 ballot for Indonesian applicants is planned, with registrations expected to open later in 2026. A firm opening date has not yet been confirmed.
- The Department says Working Holiday processing is being brought back to around three months.
Who is affected
Young travellers from Cyprus, Finland, Germany and Korea aged 31 to 35 now have a new opportunity. Applicants from Uruguay have more places available, and Luxembourg applicants have one less document to arrange.
What you should do
Check your age carefully against the rules that apply to your passport, and lodge while you are within the eligible range. Because age is now tested at lodgement, timing really matters.
Once you arrive, make sure you follow your visa conditions, including any limits on how long you work for one employer. Breaching conditions can lead to visa cancellation and may affect your eligibility for a second or third Working Holiday visa or other visas later. If you are aiming for a further visa through specified work, keep accurate records of your work and payslips from the start.
A working holiday can be a wonderful experience, and these changes make it available to more people.
If you would like to talk through how this applies to you, our registered migration agents and lawyers at Auzworld Lawyers & Immigration are here to help.
Official source: Federal Register of Legislation - Migration (Arrangements for Subclass 417 (Working Holiday) Visa) Instrument 2026 (LIN 26/048)
Please note: The information in this news post may be obsolete, inaccurate or may not fit your circumstances, so we recommend consulting with an immigration solicitor or registered MARA agent for advice for your case.
Open this article on its own page19 Jun 2026 · GeneralHow the major parties differ on cutting migration
Reported on 19 June 2026 · General
Newspaper story: a media report, not an official government announcement.
Media report (not official): SBS compares party positions after ABS data showed net overseas migration of about 301,000 in 2025. It outlines Labor's 225,000 target, the Coalition's housing-linked approach, One Nation's hard cap and the Greens' opposition to overall cuts.
Media report (not official): SBS compares party positions after ABS data showed net overseas migration of about 301,000 in 2025. It outlines Labor's 225,000 target, the Coalition's housing-linked approach, One Nation's hard cap and the Greens' opposition to overall cuts.
This is a media report, not an official government announcement. Rules only change when the Department of Home Affairs, the Minister or new legislation says so. If this story could affect your visa, speak to our registered migration agents and lawyers before you act.
Reported by: SBS News
Please note: The information in this news post may be obsolete, inaccurate or may not fit your circumstances, so we recommend consulting with an immigration solicitor or registered MARA agent for advice for your case.
Open this article on its own page18 Jun 2026 · GeneralNet Overseas Migration continues to fall, now at 301,000
Official release date: 18 June 2026 · General
Data released in June 2026 showed annual Net Overseas Migration to December 2025 at 301,000, down 9% on the previous year, with temporary visa holder and student numbers both lower.
Picture this: you are an international student or temporary visa holder, and you keep hearing in the news that migration numbers are changing. What does that actually mean for you? Let's unpack the latest figures and why they matter.
What has changed
This is not a new rule. It is important context. In June 2026, the Minister for Home Affairs released data based on Australian Bureau of Statistics figures showing that annual Net Overseas Migration (NOM) to December 2025 was 301,000. Here's the thing: that is:
- Down 9% on the previous year
- More than 45% below the peak recorded in 2023
NOM for the first half of 2025-26 was 145,000, compared with a full-year Budget forecast of 295,000.
NOM from temporary visa holders and from international students each fell by 10% over the year, and student NOM is now back to levels seen before COVID. A later release in September reported NOM at 292,000, showing the downward trend has continued.
Who is affected
NOM measures the difference between people arriving in and leaving Australia for the longer term. It is not a cap on individual visas, and it does not change your existing visa. However, it does shape government policy. Many of the recent changes to processing priorities, program planning and student settings are linked to the government's aim of managing NOM.
That is why we are seeing more focus on applicants who are already in Australia, and on pathways that support genuine skills needs.
How it compares
The figures show a clear shift from the high levels of 2023. For students and temporary visa holders, the policy environment is now more measured, and applications are being assessed with close attention to genuineness and compliance.
What you should do
For most people, the best response is to focus on what you can control. Keep your visa valid, follow your visa conditions, and plan your next step early rather than waiting until your visa is about to expire. If you are a student, maintain your enrolment, attendance and course progress. If you are a worker, make sure your employment matches your visa.
Breaching conditions or letting your visa lapse can lead to cancellation, loss of lawful status and difficulty obtaining future visas. In a tighter environment, a clean compliance record and a well-prepared application matter more than ever.
If you would like to talk through how this applies to you, our registered migration agents and lawyers at Auzworld Lawyers & Immigration are here to help.
Official source: Minister for Home Affairs (Tony Burke) - media release
Please note: The information in this news post may be obsolete, inaccurate or may not fit your circumstances, so we recommend consulting with an immigration solicitor or registered MARA agent for advice for your case.
Open this article on its own page17 Jun 2026 · ProtectionCommunity Support Program realigned with annual caps and clearer priorities
Official release date: 17 June 2026 · Protection
From 1 July 2026, subclass 202 Community Support Program applications are subject to annual caps for each Approved Proposing Organisation, and applicants can now switch organisation before a decision.
Picture this: a family in your community has been waiting years to bring a loved one to safety in Australia through the Community Support Program. Changes that started on 1 July 2026 are designed to make the program more workable, so let's look at what they mean.
What has changed
The Community Support Program allows Approved Proposing Organisations (APOs) to propose people for a Global Special Humanitarian (subclass 202) visa. From 1 July 2026:
- An application is invalid if it would take an APO over its annual cap. Family members included in the application count toward that cap.
- Applicants can now switch to a different APO before a decision is made.
- Commonwealth settlement priorities, such as employment experience and English language ability, are now set by legislative instrument rather than by procedural instruction.
The instruments setting the applicant limits and the Commonwealth priorities were registered on 17 July 2026.
Why the change
Here's the thing: the program had become heavily oversubscribed, and processing for new applicants had stretched to around eight years. The government is refocusing the program on working-age people who can become self-sufficient within 12 months of arrival.
Who is affected
The caps and priorities apply to applications made on or after 1 July 2026. The ability to switch APO also applies to earlier applications that have not yet been decided. That is a meaningful protection. Before, an application could be refused if the original APO's deed came to an end.
APOs, proposers and applicants all need to understand how the caps work, because an application that exceeds the cap will not be valid.
How it compares
Previously, there was no hard annual cap per APO, which contributed to the long waiting times. The new approach trades open-ended intake for more predictable numbers and clearer criteria.
What you should do
If you are involved in a proposal, check with your APO about its remaining capacity before lodging, and make sure every family member included is properly counted. Gather evidence of employment experience and English ability where relevant, as these now carry formal weight.
Accuracy matters. Incomplete or incorrect information can lead to refusal, and providing false information can have serious consequences for current and future applications. Once in Australia, complying with visa conditions protects the person's status and future options.
If you would like to talk through how this applies to you, our registered migration agents and lawyers at Auzworld Lawyers & Immigration are here to help.
Official source: Federal Register of Legislation - Migration Amendment (Realigning the Community Support Program) Regulations 2026
Please note: The information in this news post may be obsolete, inaccurate or may not fit your circumstances, so we recommend consulting with an immigration solicitor or registered MARA agent for advice for your case.
Open this article on its own page10 Jun 2026 · ComplianceHigh Court opens door to compensation claims by former detainees
Reported on 10 June 2026 · Compliance
Newspaper story: a media report, not an official government announcement.
Media report (not official): ABC reports the High Court allowed a former detainee to pursue a false imprisonment claim over detention before the NZYQ decision, rejecting the Commonwealth's immunity argument. Experts quoted suggest hundreds of former detainees could bring similar claims.
Media report (not official): ABC reports the High Court allowed a former detainee to pursue a false imprisonment claim over detention before the NZYQ decision, rejecting the Commonwealth's immunity argument. Experts quoted suggest hundreds of former detainees could bring similar claims.
This is a media report, not an official government announcement. Rules only change when the Department of Home Affairs, the Minister or new legislation says so. If this story could affect your visa, speak to our registered migration agents and lawyers before you act.
Reported by: ABC News
Please note: The information in this news post may be obsolete, inaccurate or may not fit your circumstances, so we recommend consulting with an immigration solicitor or registered MARA agent for advice for your case.
Open this article on its own page29 May 2026 · StudentMost student visa refusal reviews now decided on the papers
Official release date: 29 May 2026 · Student
From 1 June 2026, the Administrative Review Tribunal decides most student visa refusal reviews on written material without a hearing, with strict timeframes for submissions and responses.
Picture this: your student visa has been refused, you have applied to the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART), and you are preparing to tell your story at a hearing. From 1 June 2026, for most student refusal reviews, there will be no hearing. Your written material will need to do the talking.
What has changed
From 1 June 2026, the ART decides most reviews of student visa refusals on the papers, meaning on written submissions and evidence alone, without an oral hearing. Before this change, an oral hearing was required.
Here's the thing: there are some exceptions. A hearing is still available where the refusal was based on certain public interest criteria (4001, 4003B, 4007, 4010, 4013, 4014, 4017, 4018 or 4020) or a special return criterion.
There are also firm timeframes:
- You have 28 days to respond to the Tribunal's invitation to provide submissions or evidence. If you do not respond, your review can be dismissed.
- The Tribunal will ask whether you are currently enrolled in a course.
- You have 14 days to comment on any adverse information the Tribunal puts to you.
Reviews lodged before 1 June 2026 that had not yet been assigned to a Tribunal member are also handled on the papers.
Who is affected
This affects anyone seeking review of a student visa refusal. The volume is significant: the ART received 31,361 student refusal review applications in 2024-25, and this change is designed to help manage that workload.
How it compares
Under the earlier approach, applicants could explain their circumstances in person. Now, the quality of your written submission and supporting documents is central to the outcome.
What you should do
Read every letter from the Tribunal carefully and diarise the deadlines straight away. Prepare a clear, well-organised written submission with evidence such as enrolment confirmation, financial documents, academic records and an explanation addressing each reason for refusal.
Missing a deadline can lead to your review being dismissed, which may leave you without a valid visa and without lawful status in Australia. If that happens, you may need to make arrangements to depart and could face difficulties with future visa applications. Keep your enrolment current, keep your contact details up to date with the Tribunal, and act early.
If you would like to talk through how this applies to you, our registered migration agents and lawyers at Auzworld Lawyers & Immigration are here to help.
Official source: Federal Register of Legislation - Migration Amendment (Administrative Review of Student Visa Refusal Decisions) Regulations 2026
Please note: The information in this news post may be obsolete, inaccurate or may not fit your circumstances, so we recommend consulting with an immigration solicitor or registered MARA agent for advice for your case.
Open this article on its own page18 May 2026 · Student12-month pause on new private providers teaching international students
Reported on 18 May 2026 · Student
Newspaper story: a media report, not an official government announcement.
Media report (not official): ABC reports the government has paused new applications from private VET and English-language colleges seeking to enrol international students for 12 months. Universities and TAFEs are not affected, and existing approved providers can still expand.
Media report (not official): ABC reports the government has paused new applications from private VET and English-language colleges seeking to enrol international students for 12 months. Universities and TAFEs are not affected, and existing approved providers can still expand.
This is a media report, not an official government announcement. Rules only change when the Department of Home Affairs, the Minister or new legislation says so. If this story could affect your visa, speak to our registered migration agents and lawyers before you act.
Reported by: ABC News
Please note: The information in this news post may be obsolete, inaccurate or may not fit your circumstances, so we recommend consulting with an immigration solicitor or registered MARA agent for advice for your case.
Open this article on its own page12 May 2026 · Skilled migration2026-27 Migration Program set at 185,000 places, with more for onshore applicants
Official release date: 12 May 2026 · Skilled migration
The 2026-27 Permanent Migration Program stays at 185,000 places, with 129,590 for people already in Australia and more Employer-Sponsored and Skilled Independent places.
Picture this: you are already living and working in Australia on a temporary visa, and you are planning your path to permanent residence. The 2026-27 Permanent Migration Program, announced on 12 May 2026, has a lot to say about where the opportunities are.
What has changed
The overall program stays at 185,000 places, split roughly 70:30 between the Skilled and Family streams, the same as in 2025-26. Here's the thing: 129,590 places are allocated to migrants who are already in Australia, which shows a strong onshore focus.
In the Skilled stream (132,240 places):
- Employer-Sponsored rises from 44,000 to 58,040
- Skilled Independent rises from 16,900 to 21,090
- State/Territory Nominated rises from 33,000 to 35,500
- Regional (subclasses 491 and 494) falls from 33,000 to 14,110
- Talent and Innovation falls from 5,300 to 3,500, including 20 Business Innovation and Investment places
In the Family stream (52,460 places):
- Partner rises from 40,500 to 41,500
- Child rises from 3,000 to 3,500
- Parent falls from 8,500 to 7,060
- Other Family falls from 500 to 400
Special Eligibility stays at 300 places.
Who is affected
Workers with employer sponsorship and people eligible for Skilled Independent visas have more places available. Partner and child visa applicants also benefit from a small increase. On the other hand, there are fewer places for regional provisional visas, Talent and Innovation, and parent visas, so competition and waiting times in those categories may increase.
At the time of writing, the 2026-27 state and territory nomination allocations had not yet been published by the Department, so we expect more detail on state numbers to follow.
How it compares
The biggest shift is the move away from regional provisional places and towards employer-sponsored and onshore pathways. This is consistent with the broader focus on people already in Australia.
What you should do
Review your pathway in light of the new numbers. If you were planning a regional provisional visa, it may be worth considering whether an employer-sponsored or state-nominated pathway suits you better.
Whatever your plan, keep your current visa valid and follow its conditions. Letting your visa expire or breaching conditions can lead to cancellation or loss of lawful status, and that can close off the very pathways these planning levels are designed to support. Planning early is the best way to make the most of the opportunities.
If you would like to talk through how this applies to you, our registered migration agents and lawyers at Auzworld Lawyers & Immigration are here to help.
Official source: Department of Home Affairs
Please note: The information in this news post may be obsolete, inaccurate or may not fit your circumstances, so we recommend consulting with an immigration solicitor or registered MARA agent for advice for your case.
Open this article on its own page12 May 2026 · GeneralBudget keeps 185,000 permanent places and favours onshore applicants
Reported on 12 May 2026 · General
Newspaper story: a media report, not an official government announcement.
Media report (not official): SBS reports the 2026-27 Budget holds the permanent program at 185,000 places with a skilled majority and gives priority to applicants already in Australia. Other reported measures include faster skills recognition for trades, expanded working holiday ballots and extra funding for student visa scrutiny.
Media report (not official): SBS reports the 2026-27 Budget holds the permanent program at 185,000 places with a skilled majority and gives priority to applicants already in Australia. Other reported measures include faster skills recognition for trades, expanded working holiday ballots and extra funding for student visa scrutiny.
This is a media report, not an official government announcement. Rules only change when the Department of Home Affairs, the Minister or new legislation says so. If this story could affect your visa, speak to our registered migration agents and lawyers before you act.
Reported by: SBS News
Please note: The information in this news post may be obsolete, inaccurate or may not fit your circumstances, so we recommend consulting with an immigration solicitor or registered MARA agent for advice for your case.
Open this article on its own page6 May 2026 · ProtectionHigh Court upholds removal of former detainee to Nauru
Reported on 6 May 2026 · Protection
Newspaper story: a media report, not an official government announcement.
Media report (not official): ABC reports a man released after the NZYQ ruling lost his High Court challenge to removal to Nauru. The court rejected his procedural fairness and health-based arguments, leaving the government's Nauru arrangement in place.
Media report (not official): ABC reports a man released after the NZYQ ruling lost his High Court challenge to removal to Nauru. The court rejected his procedural fairness and health-based arguments, leaving the government's Nauru arrangement in place.
This is a media report, not an official government announcement. Rules only change when the Department of Home Affairs, the Minister or new legislation says so. If this story could affect your visa, speak to our registered migration agents and lawyers before you act.
Reported by: ABC News
Please note: The information in this news post may be obsolete, inaccurate or may not fit your circumstances, so we recommend consulting with an immigration solicitor or registered MARA agent for advice for your case.
Open this article on its own page