We are currently aware of an issue affecting some users (approx. 0.5%) when attempting to make their Job Ready Employment payment and submit their application. When this issue occurs, selecting the payment option does not redirect users to the payment portal. Instead, the system may incorrectly indicate that a Job Ready Employment payment has already been made. Our team is actively investigating and working to resolve this issue as quickly as possible. The team will be identifying the affected applications daily and remedying them one by one each weekday, so if the payment does not process at the first attempt, please try again the following day until the underlying cause has been remedied. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your patience while we work towards a resolution.

The Australian Government has announced its annual ‘National Planning Level’ (NPL) for new international student commencements (NOSCs). In 2027, the NPL will remain at 295,000, the same as in 2026. No active international education provider in Australia will receive a lower allocation in 2027 than it did in 2026. What does the National Planning Level do? Australia’s National Planning Level (NPL) is not a cap or a limit on student numbers. It is a planning level to manage the size of the international education program. This helps maintain the highest quality student experience and best possible learning outcomes. The NPL is supported by a prioritisation system for Student visa applications. Student visa applications are processed as Priority 1 (high priority) until the chosen provider reaches 80% of their commencements allocation. After this, further visa applications are still accepted for that provider but are processed more slowly. Any genuine international student who meets the Student visa requirements can still apply and be granted a visa. What does this mean for you? You can still apply for a visa as usual. Fair and transparent processing continues for all eligible providers and students. Arrangements for 2027 are designed to maintain a positive and high-quality experience for all students.

The Migration (Nil VAC Arrangements and Other Matters) Amendment (Rugby League World Cup 2026) Instrument 2026 (LIN 26/082) amends the existing Migration (Nil VAC Arrangements and Other Matters) Instrument 2026 (LIN 26/074) to facilitate Australia's hosting of the Rugby League World Cup 2026. It establishes a nil first instalment visa application charge (VAC) for eligible applicants seeking a Subclass 408 (Temporary Activity) visa under the Australian Government Endorsed Event (AGEE) stream. The instrument specifies the Rugby League World Cup 2026 as an Australian Government Endorsed Event and identifies the classes of persons eligible for the nil VAC. These include members of competing teams, official coaching and support staff, match officials, broadcast rights holders, non-rights holder media personnel, VIPs and other persons participating in the tournament in an official capacity, provided they have been accredited by the Australian Rugby League Commission. The measure gives effect to the Australian Government's immigration support commitment for the Rugby League World Cup 2026 by removing the first instalment visa application charge for eligible participants. The instrument commences on 15 July 2026, applies to visa applications lodged on or after that date, and is repealed on 16 November 2026, following the conclusion of the tournament. Source: Migration-NIL-Vac-Amendment-RLWC-2026-instrument.pdf and Migration-NIL-Vac-Amendment-RLWC-2026-instrument----explanatory-statement.pdf

Tentative Invitation Round Schedule 2026-27 This information will be updated after the allocation for the 2026-27 financial year is announced. Canberra Matrix Invitation Round: 11 June 2026 The ACT has a fixed number of nomination places available each month (pro-rata against the annual allocation). The highest ranked Matrix in each occupation were invited to apply for ACT nomination. The cut‑off for selection depended on the remaining monthly allocation, the date and time of Matrix submission, occupation cap and demand. The greater the demand for an occupation, the higher the rank of the Matrix score invited. The minimum ranking score is an indication only and not a guarantee that an invitation was issued. Invitations will not be issued if you have an active application in the system; or if you have previously received ACT nomination. Canberra Matrix submissions in occupations in critical sectors may be prioritised. Requests for ranking information Invitations are not guaranteed. We will not respond to requests for information on ranking or the likelihood of receiving an invitation. Matrix will not be prioritised or issued invitations based on personal circumstances. This includes, but is not limited to, visa expiry dates or a change in circumstances including critical birthdays. Matrix nominating Doctorate Streamlined Pathway 190 nominations: 8 invitations 491 nominations: 5 invitations Canberra residents Matrix nominating Small Business Owners 190 nominations: 3 invitations 190 minimum matrix score: 110 491 nominations: 0 invitation 491 minimum matrix score: - Matrix nominating Critical Skill Occupations 190 nominations: 66 invitations 491 nominations: 0 invitation Overseas applicants Matrix nominating Critical Skill Occupations: 190 nominations: 0 invitation 491 nominations: 0 invitation Download a copy of the Matrix invitation ranking 2025-2026 Allocation of ACT Nomination Places: Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa: 800 places Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) visa: 800 places The allocation for the 2026-27 financial year has not yet been announced. The website will be updated when this information becomes available. Application Count @ 30 June 2026 Total approvals: 1600 approvals 190 Nominations: 800 approvals 491 Nominations: 800 approvals Total refusals: 229 applications 190 Nominations: 111 refusals (12.2%) 491 Nominations: 128 refusals (13.8%) Approvals by residency status since the last invitation round ACT Resident: 1417 approvals (89%) Overseas Resident: 183 approvals (11%) Remaining Allocation 2025-2026 Total allocation remaining: 0 nomination places 190 Nominations: 0 491 Nominations: 0

Migration Tasmania has now fully delivered the 2025-26 program. We have nominated our full allocation of 1,200 places for subclass 190 and 650 places for subclass 491. We have no more nomination places in which to nominate applicants. We will reopen the program as soon as we can once we receive our new nomination allocation from the Department of Home Affairs. Migration Tasmania will continue to assess applications for nomination. Any applications approved will be nominated after Tasmania receives its nomination allocation for the 2026-27 program year. Migration Tasmania will continue to use the HA EOI Not Confirmed status internally as a placeholder for applications that have been processed, but the outcome has not yet been provided. These outcomes will be communicated in the new program year. ROIs that are not invited to apply for nomination before the end of the program will continue to be held in the Application Gateway for six months and considered for an invitation to apply for nomination when the 2026-27 program opens. To be informed of the opening date of the program, you can sign up for our newsletter HERE . We will continue to update the program statistics in the 2026-27 program year after we open again. Migration Tasmania is currently undertaking maintenance to both the ROI Gateway system and the nomination application portal. Therefore, we have closed both areas to allow this work to progress. We aim to open these websites as soon as we can, but we do not have a projected timeframe as yet.

Goldfields employers continue to access the Goldfields DAMA until 31 December 2026 Fri, 03/07/2026 - 10:40 The Commonwealth Government has confirmed an extension of the Goldfields Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) to 31 December 2026, providing Goldfields employers with continued access to an important workforce solution where local recruitment efforts have been unsuccessful. Through the Goldfields DAMA, eligible employers may be able to: sponsor overseas workers to fill genuine workforce shortages where suitably qualified Australian workers are not available; access a broader range of occupations than those available through standard skilled migration programs; access concessions available under the Goldfields DAMA, subject to eligibility requirements; and support workforce attraction and retention in key industries across the Goldfields region. Employers seeking to access the Goldfields DAMA must first obtain endorsement from the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, the region's Designated Area Representative (DAR). Once endorsed, businesses can apply to the Australian Government for a DAMA labour agreement and sponsor eligible overseas workers. How to access the Goldfields DAMA Businesses operating in the Goldfields region can contact the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder for information about eligibility requirements and the endorsement process. Website: ckb.wa.gov.au/business-development/designated-area-migration-agreement (opens in a new tab) Phone: (08) 9021 9600 Email: DAMA@ckb.wa.gov.au (opens in a new tab) News Category WA DAMA

On 1 July 2026, the Department of Home Affairs increased the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) and the Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) to $79,423. Some occupations under the South Australian Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs) offer a 10 percent salary concession; this currently equates to $71,480.70. For more information, please visit the Department of Home Affairs website. From 1 July 2026, and any DAMA applications still in the pipeline submitted to Skilled and Business Migration before this date, must meet the relevant income threshold.

Goldfields DAMA extended Thu, 02/07/2026 - 11:26 The Commonwealth Government has confirmed the extension of the Goldfields DAMA through to 31 December 2026, ensuring continued support for employers in the region to access skilled and semi-skilled migrant workers. The agreement remains an important mechanism for addressing workforce shortages across the Goldfields, delivered in partnership with local governments, with the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder acting as the Designated Area Representative. This extension provides ongoing certainty for employers while broader statewide migration settings continue to support regional workforce needs. More information about the Goldfields, Kimberley, Pilbara, South West, and the WA DAMA can be found here (opens in a new tab) . News Category WA DAMA

The Australian Government has revised the Visa Application Charges (VACs) effective from 1 July 2026. The table below shows the updated visa application charges for selected Australian visa subclasses from 1 July 2026. Visa subclass: 820/801 Visa name: Partner Visa New Fee From 1 July 2026: AUD 11,710 Visa subclass: 500 Visa name: Student Visa (All Other Students) New Fee From 1 July 2026: AUD 2,500 Visa subclass: 485 Visa name: Temporary Graduate Visa – Post-Higher Education Work Stream New Fee From 1 July 2026: AUD 5,750 Visa subclass: 485 Visa name: Temporary Graduate Visa – Post-Vocational Education Work Stream New Fee From 1 July 2026: AUD 5,750 Visa subclass: 143 Visa name: Contributory Parent Visa New Fee From 1 July 2026: AUD 4,040 Visa subclass: 804 Visa name: Aged Parent Visa New Fee From 1 July 2026: AUD 6,600 Visa subclass: 864 Visa name: Contributory Aged Parent Visa New Fee From 1 July 2026: AUD 6,300 Visa subclass: 838 Visa name: Aged Dependent Relative Visa New Fee From 1 July 2026: AUD 6,600 Visa subclass: 600 Visa name: Visitor Visa New Fee From 1 July 2026: AUD 250 Visa subclass: BVB Visa name: Bridging Visa B New Fee From 1 July 2026: AUD 575 Visa subclass: 189, 190, 491 Visa name: Skilled Migration Visa New Fee From 1 July 2026: AUD 6,135 These changes apply only to visa applications lodged on or after 1 July 2026. Applicants, migration professionals, employers, and education providers should review the latest fee schedule before lodging an application.

There has been an important operational change to the way Registered Migration Agents can complete their annual CPD requirements online. From 1 July 2026, there is now a maximum of 6 online CPD points that can be completed within any continuous 24-hour period. 1 July 2026 maximum of 6 online CPD points that can be completed within any continuous 24-hour period This applies to all online CPD combined, including: all online CPD combined In practical terms, this means that completing your entire annual online CPD requirement (for example, a combination of webinars and online private study totalling 10 points in one continuous day) is no longer compliant. RMAs may not yet be aware of this change. ✔ How many CPD points you have already completed. ✔ Whether your mandatory Ethics and Code of Conduct requirements have been met. ✔ Whether you still require Category A points. ✔ Whether your proposed online learning schedule complies with the new 6-point maximum in any continuous 24-hour period. 6-point maximum in any continuous 24-hour period A little planning now may save unnecessary inconvenience later. - Category A online interactive workshop-based learning (webinars); and - Category B online private study (distance learning).

The Australian Government has introduced the Home Affairs Legislation Amendment (2026 Measures No. 1) Regulations 2026, implementing a range of changes to citizenship fees, visa application charges and skilled migration income thresholds, effective 1 July 2026. Home Affairs Legislation Amendment (2026 Measures No. 1) Regulations 2026 1 July 2026 The amendments include: Citizenship application fees Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) $79,423 Visa Application Charges (VACs) 25% increase Student (Subclass 500) Student Guardian (Subclass 590) $2,000 to $2,500 These amendments give effect to the Government's 2026–27 Budget measures and are intended to support the sustainability of Australia's migration and citizenship programs while maintaining existing policy settings in key areas. Source: Home-Affairs-Legislation-Amendment-2026-Measures-No-1-Regulations-2026.pdf and Home-Affairs-Legislation-Amendment-2026-Measures-No-1-Regulations-2026-Explanatory-Statement.pdf - Citizenship application fees have been adjusted in line with CPI to reflect the cost of administering the Australian citizenship program, while concessional and nil-fee categories remain unchanged. - The Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) has increased to $79,423 and will now be automatically indexed annually through the Migration Regulations, ensuring ongoing alignment with the Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT). - Visa Application Charges (VACs)have increased across most visa subclasses, including: a 25% increase to the first instalment of the VAC for most visas; an increase in the base application charge for Student (Subclass 500) and Student Guardian (Subclass 590) visas from $2,000 to $2,500; continued concessional arrangements for eligible applicants from Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste; and ongoing CPI indexation for other visa application charges. - a 25% increase to the first instalment of the VAC for most visas; - an increase in the base application charge for Student (Subclass 500) and Student Guardian (Subclass 590) visas from $2,000 to $2,500; - continued concessional arrangements for eligible applicants from Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste; and - ongoing CPI indexation for other visa application charges. - a 25% increase to the first instalment of the VAC for most visas; - an increase in the base application charge for Student (Subclass 500) and Student Guardian (Subclass 590) visas from $2,000 to $2,500; - continued concessional arrangements for eligible applicants from Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste; and - ongoing CPI indexation for other visa application charges.

The Australian Government has introduced the Migration Amendment (Working Holiday Maker Age Criteria) Regulations 2026, which commence on 1 July 2026 and make technical amendments to the administration of the Working Holiday Maker (WHM) program. Migration Amendment (Working Holiday Maker Age Criteria) Regulations 2026 1 July 2026 The amendments do not alter the existing age eligibility requirements for the Subclass 417 (Working Holiday) or Subclass 462 (Work and Holiday) visas. Rather, they relocate the age criteria from the visa grant provisions to the visa application provisions of the Migration Regulations. Subclass 417 (Working Holiday) Subclass 462 (Work and Holiday) As a result, applicants must satisfy the relevant age requirements at the time of lodging a valid visa application. Applicants who do not meet the prescribed age criteria will no longer be able to lodge a valid application, rather than having their application refused after lodgement. This change provides greater certainty for applicants and avoids the payment of a visa application charge where the age requirements are not met. at the time of lodging a valid visa application The Explanatory Statement confirms that these amendments are technical in nature and do not introduce any substantive changes to the eligibility requirements of the Working Holiday Maker program. technical in nature Source: Migration-Amendment-Working-Holiday-Maker-Age-Criteria-Regulations-2026---The-Regs.pdf and Migration-Amendment-Working-Holiday-Maker-Age-Criteria-Regulations-2026 Explanatory.pdf