Migration updates, invitation rounds and policy changes.
Australia's latest visa processing data shows major differences between employer-sponsored visa streams, with Subclass 186 Direct Entry reaching approximately 20 months for most applicants.
Gold Migration Lawyers has informed clients that it will cease providing legal services from 1 June 2026, leaving many visa applicants seeking access to their applications and exploring their next steps.
The Department of Home Affairs has announced that the next Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) invitation round will be held on 4 June 2026.
Australia has significantly reduced the number of regional migration places available under the Subclass 491 and 494 visa programs for 2026–27.
South Australia has released the results of its latest skilled migration invitation round, issuing 238 invitations across the Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 visa streams.
Australia's 2026–27 migration program continues to prioritise skilled workers, employer-sponsored visas and onshore pathways to permanent residency.
Victoria has closed its Skilled Visa Nomination Program to new Registrations of Interest for the remainder of the 2025–26 program year.
IELTS will transition to a fully computer-based testing model by mid-2026, with paper-based tests gradually being phased out worldwide.
Australia has doubled the Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) visa application fee from $2,300 to $4,600, significantly increasing the cost of post-study migration pathways.
Australia has moved India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Bhutan to Evidence Level 3 under its student visa framework, resulting in increased scrutiny for future student visa applicants.
