Australia’s immigration system has seen several important updates recently. Below is a simple, easy-to-read summary of the key changes, listed with the most recent updates first.

The 2026–27 Permanent Migration Program has been announced

On 12 May 2026, the Australian Government announced that the 2026–27 permanent Migration Program will be set at 185,000 places. The Department has also confirmed that the overall planning level, and the split between the Skill and Family streams, is unchanged from 2025–26. The current settings also continue the focus on onshore applicants.

For applicants, this means the overall size of the permanent migration program has not increased, so competition is still likely to remain strong across many visa categories. Skilled and family pathways both remain important parts of the program.

Regulation of registered migration agents tightened from 1 April 2026

New legislation strengthening the regulation of registered migration agents took effect from 1 April 2026. The Government announced four new legislative instruments, including changes affecting approved education providers, English test providers for future agents, and professional development requirements for already registered agents.

For visa applicants, this is mainly a consumer protection update. It reflects stronger oversight of the migration advice industry and a greater focus on professional standards.

Temporary travel restrictions were introduced for some Visitor visa holders from 26 March 2026

From 26 March 2026, temporary travel restrictions were introduced for people outside Australia who hold a Visitor visa (subclass 600) linked to an Iranian passport, unless an exemption applies. The Department states that this determination remains in force for 6 months.

This is not a broad visitor visa change for all travellers, but it is an important 2026 update for affected visa holders and anyone making travel plans in that group.

Training visa subclass 407 application rules changed in March 2026

A major practical change took effect for the Training visa (subclass 407) in March 2026. The Department announced that applications submitted after 11 March 2026 will not be valid if the sponsor and training nomination have not been approved in the required way before the visa application is lodged.

This is especially important for applicants and sponsors because a badly timed lodgement can now be invalid, not just delayed.

A Temporary Graduate visa update started from 1 March 2026

For the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), the Department says that from 1 March 2026, a lower visa cost applies to eligible citizens of Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste who lodge a valid application.

This is not a general fee cut for all applicants, but it is a meaningful update for eligible graduates from those countries.

Student visa costs and complete applications still matter in 2026

The Student visa (subclass 500) page currently shows a base application charge of AUD 2,000, unless an exemption applies. The Department has also reminded students planning to study in Australia in 2026 to lodge early and make sure applications are complete.

In practical terms, incomplete or rushed student visa applications are more likely to face delays or issues, so preparation remains especially important this year.

Employer-sponsored salary thresholds remain important in 2026

For employer-sponsored nominations, salary thresholds continue to be a key rule. The Department’s salary requirements page states that the Core Skills Income Threshold is AUD 76,515 for nomination applications lodged between 1 July 2025 and 30 June 2026.

This affects whether an employer-sponsored nomination can meet the current requirements, so both employers and applicants need to check salary settings carefully before lodging.

The Skills in Demand visa remains the main temporary sponsored work visa

Australia’s Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) continues to be the main temporary employer-sponsored skilled visa in 2026. It replaced the old Temporary Skill Shortage visa in December 2024 and remains central to the current sponsored work visa system.

This means anyone looking at temporary employer sponsorship in 2026 should be working from the current Skills in Demand rules, not older TSS-based information.

Migrant worker protection remains a strong enforcement focus

Migrant worker protection continues to be a major focus in 2026. The Department’s guidance explains that reforms introduced from 1 July 2024 were designed to reduce migrant worker exploitation, improve employer compliance and strengthen workplace justice protections.

That enforcement focus has continued in 2026. In January, the Government announced a record $540,000 infringement notice after an investigation into unlawful labour-hire arrangements affecting migrant workers.

Skilled migration remains a major priority

Skilled migration continues to be one of the biggest priorities in Australia’s migration settings. The Department’s administration papers show the 2025–26 Skill stream planning level at 132,200 places, and the Government has stated that the 2026–27 Skill and Family split is unchanged from the previous year.

For many applicants, this means skilled and employer-sponsored pathways remain some of the most important options for long-term stay and permanent residence.