Australian immigration updates, explained clearly.
Travel and citizenship
Australia will introduce a ballot for first Work and Holiday visa applications from eligible Indonesian passport holders. Home Affairs says registrations are expected to open later in 2026.
Travel and citizenship
As at 25 August 2026, Home Affairs lists first Work and Holiday (subclass 462) application caps as temporarily paused for 24 partner countries. A pause is not a permanent closure, and applicants should check the live country-cap page before trying to lodge.
Skilled and employer migration
Tasmania's 2026–27 state nomination program opened to new Registrations of Interest on 17 August 2026, with 1,250 subclass 190 places and 800 subclass 491 places. Weekly invitations are scheduled to begin on 20 August under updated selection settings.
Visa and policy changes
Three new Ministerial Directions took effect on 25 July 2026 to give greater priority to onshore applicants across Australia's Skilled and Family programs. The change may affect processing order, but it does not guarantee a faster decision or a visa grant.
Visa and policy changes
Skilled visa income thresholds increased by 3.8% from 1 July 2026. Here is what employers and applicants should check before lodging.
Students and graduates
The key official checks students can make before lodging, from enrolment evidence and financial capacity to health cover and genuine-student information.
Skilled and employer migration
What businesses and migration professionals should confirm about the role, worker, salary and supporting records before a sponsored application moves ahead.