Migration (IMMI 18/003 - Specified courses and exams for registration as a migration agent) Instrument 2018 (LI 18/003) is due to sunset on 1 April 2026. The Department of Home Affairs is remaking LI 18/003 to ensure it reflects updated requirements of the regulator, the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA). The department invited all higher education providers who would like to be included in the new instrument to submit an expression of interest for inclusion in the re-made LI 18/003. The Request for Expressions of Interest (REOI) closed on 4 August 2025. The outcome has now been finalised. The department is preparing a new instrument to replace the current IMMI 18/003 in 2026. The following courses were assessed and approved in-principle for inclusion in the new instrument. Results for REOI for remake of Legislative Instrument 18/003 - Proposed courses Course provider Course Name Australian Catholic University Graduate Diploma in Australian Migration Law and Practice Australian Catholic University Master of Australian Migration Law and Practice Griffith University Graduate Diploma of Australian Migration Law and Practice Murdoch University Graduate Diploma in Australian Migration Law and Practice University of Technology Sydney Graduate Diploma in Migration Law and Practice Victoria University Graduate Diploma in Migration Law and Practice (formerly known as the Graduate Diploma in Migration Law) Western Sydney University Graduate Diploma in Australian Migration Law For more information see Request for Expressions of Interest for remake of Legislative Instrument 18/003 Specified courses and exams for registration as a migration agent.

ROIs invited to apply for nomination on 15/1/2026: Subclass 190 - 47 ROIs invited Subclass 491 - 27 ROIs invited The lowest scores invited: Subclass 190 - 61 points (Orange pass) Subclass 491 - 37 points (Orange pass) Number of ROIs on hand (ROIs with a status of Submitted after the invitation round has taken place): Subclass 190 - 437 ROIs Subclass 491 - 210 ROIs Nomination places available: Subclass 190 - 773 places Subclass 491 - 519 places Nomination applications lodged but not yet decided: Subclass 190 - 208 applications Subclass 491 - 131 applications Invitations issued but application not yet lodged: Subclass 190 - 80 invitations Subclass 491 - 57 invitations Oldest nomination application lodged and not yet allocated to a case officer - 26/11/2025

ROIs invited to apply for nomination on 8/1/2026: Subclass 190 - 36 ROIs invited Subclass 491 - 26 ROIs invited The lowest scores invited: Subclass 190 - 71 points (Orange pass) Subclass 491 - 42 points (Orange pass) Number of ROIs on hand (ROIs with a status of Submitted after the invitation round has taken place): Subclass 190 - 423 ROIs Subclass 491 - 217 ROIs Nomination places available: Subclass 190 - 813 places Subclass 491 - 535 places Nomination applications lodged but not yet decided: Subclass 190 - 218 applications Subclass 491 - 139 applications Invitations issued but application not yet lodged: Subclass 190 - 61 invitations Subclass 491 - 44 invitations Oldest nomination application lodged and not yet allocated to a case officer - 24/11/2025

Skilled and Business Migration continues to invite clients across the four streams of the 2025-26 General Skilled Migration program. Below you will find the relevant data for the invitations issued in January 2026: Invitations in January 2026 2025-26 invitations issued (to date) ANZSCO Sub-major Group Subclass 190 Subclass 491 Total Subclass 190 Subclass 491 Total 13 Specialist Managers 17 4 21 32 16 48 14 Hospitality, Retail and Service Managers 0 1 1 0 9 9 22 Business, Human Resource and Marketing Professionals 4 12 16 23 33 56 23 Design, Engineering, Science and Transport Professionals 51 12 63 116 46 162 24 Education Professionals 18 4 22 42 10 52 25 Health Professionals 68 1 69 168 6 174 26 ICT Professionals 1 32 33 7 84 91 27 Legal, Social and Welfare Professionals 7 2 9 23 4 27 31 Engineering, ICT and Science Technicians 7 18 25 19 35 54 32 Automotive and Engineering Trades Workers 10 3 13 24 13 37 33 Construction Trades Workers 27 3 30 76 13 89 34 Electrotechnology and Telecommunications Trades Workers 20 1 21 59 3 62 35 Food Trades Workers 0 3 3 0 9 9 36 Skilled Animal, Agricultural and Horticultural Workers 0 1 1 0 1 1 41 Health and Welfare Support Workers 5 9 14 12 33 45 51 Office Managers and Program Administrators 0 3 3 9 6 15 Total 235 109 344 610 321 931 Skilled and Business Migration will continue to issue invitations monthly. The next invitation round will occur in early February 2026. POSTED MORE NEWS

Migration Tasmania has received our full allocation from the Australian Government and has commenced inviting ROIs on a weekly basis. Tasmania has now received its full nomination allocation for the 2025-26 program year. In total, including interim allocations, this comprises: · 1200 nomination places for subclass 190 · 650 nomination places for subclass 491. Migration Tasmania has now commenced weekly invitations to apply for nomination. Information will be posted on the Migration Tasmania website every week detailing: · the number of Registrations of Interest (ROIs) invited to apply for nomination · the lowest scores invited · nomination places available · number of ROIs on hand Selected Questions and Answers Q: I meet multiple priority attributes that relate to my work experience. Can I claim them all? Yes, you can claim all the priority attributes that accurately describe your situation. It is important to read the attribute wording carefully to ensure it fits your situation For example, if the priority attribute states that your eligible employment is for more than six months but less than 12 months, you cannot claim the attribute if you have been employed for 15 months. If you are invited to apply for nomination and you have claimed priority attributes that do not fit your situation, your nomination application may be declined. Q: I have been living in Tasmania for four years. Which priority attribute can I claim? You can only claim the one priority attribute that fits your particular situation. For example, if you have lived in Tasmania for four years, but not quite five years, you could only claim the priority attribute “ You have lived in Tasmania continuously for at least four but less than five years” You also could not claim a priority attribute that refers to a shorter time period, such as living in Tasmania for three but less than four years). Q: I meet the nomination requirements for multiple pathways but score different points for each. Which pathway should I submit an ROI for? You should choose the pathway that gives you the highest priority attribute score. The highest scoring ROIs are invited to apply for nomination. Migration Tasmania does not prioritise a particular pathway over others. Please visit the Migration Tasmania website for more information related to key questions. Website updates The following updates and clarifications have been made to nomination requirements, priority attributes and guidance on the Migration Tasmania website: Tasmanian Skilled Graduate pathway – subclass 190 minimum requirements Applicants must have lived in Tasmania for at least two years while studying to be eligible for nomination Tasmanian Established Resident pathways – priority attribute Candidates who have been employed for at least six months in a role directly related to their skills assessment or Tasmanian study (with a minimum qualification of Certificate III), and who earn less than $57,000 per year or $28.85 per hour, are eligible to claim the related priority attribute. However, the website previously incorrectly stated a 12-month limit, suggesting that the attribute could not be claimed if the candidate had worked in the role for more than 12 months. Tasmanian Skilled Graduate and Tasmanian Established Resident - priority attribute: “ You have been employed in Tasmania for the past three to nine months in a role that is not related to your skills assessment , currently earning a base salary of at least $57,000 per year (or $28.85 per hour ). This attribute has been updated to specify that it can only be claimed by candidates who have worked in the relevant role for a period of at least three months but less than nine months. Candidates who have been employed for longer than nine months may instead claim the higher-scoring attribute: “employed for longer than the last nine months, but less than two years.”

Tentative Invitation Round Schedule 2025-26 3rd round – In the week of 26 January 2026 4th round – in the week of 23 February 2026 5th round – In the week of 23 March 2026 Final round - In the week of 27 April 2026 Please note: The tentative invitation round schedule is subject to change based on operational requirements. Any updates or changes will be published on this page. Canberra Matrix Invitation Round: 10 December 2025 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: 53 invitations 491 nominations: 6 invitations Canberra residents Matrix nominating Small Business Owners 190 nominations: 19 invitations 190 minimum matrix score: 105 491 nominations: 28 invitations 491 minimum matrix score: 95 Matrix nominating 457 / 482 visa holders 190 nominations: 52 invitations 491 nominations: 19 invitations Matrix nominating Critical Skill Occupations 190 nominations: 172 invitations 491 nominations: 177 invitations Overseas applicants Matrix nominating Critical Skill Occupations: 190 nominations: 79 invitations 491 nominations: 109 invitations 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 Application Count @24 November 2025 Total approvals: 427 approvals 190 Nominations: 207 approvals 491 Nominations: 220 approvals Total refusals: 67 applications 190 Nominations: 29 refusals (14%) 491 Nominations: 38 refusals (17%) Approvals by residency status since the last invitation round ACT Resident: 387 approvals (91%) Overseas Resident: 40 approvals (9%) Remaining Allocation 2025-2026 Total allocation remaining: 1,173 nomination places 190 Nominations: 593 491 Nominations: 580

Migration Tasmania will close from 12:00 noon, Wednesday 24 December 2025 for the Christmas / New Year holiday period and reopen Friday 2 January 2026. Registrations of interest (ROIs) and applications for state nomination can continue to be submitted during this period, however we will not be processing applications or answering any enquiries during this time. No invitations to apply for nomination will be issued during this period We wish everyone a very happy festive season. ROIs invited to apply for nomination on 18/12/2025: Subclass 190 - 20 ROIs invited Subclass 491 - 27 ROIs invited The lowest scores invited: Subclass 190 - 61 points (Orange pass) Subclass 491 - 30 points (Orange pass) Number of ROIs on hand (ROIs with a status of Submitted after the invitation round has taken place): Subclass 190 - 366 ROIs Subclass 491 - 198 ROIs Nomination places available: Subclass 190 - 858 places Subclass 491 - 553 places Nomination applications lodged but not yet decided: Subclass 190 - 205 applications Subclass 491 - 108 applications Invitations issued but application not yet lodged: Subclass 190 - 77 invitations Subclass 491 - 78 invitations Oldest nomination application lodged and not yet allocated to a case officer - 18/11/2025

The Skilled and Business Migration office will be closed from 12pm Wednesday 24 December 2025 for the holiday period. We will reopen at 9am Friday 2 January 2026. Applications for state nomination can continue to be submitted during the closure, however any online enquires will need to be lodged by 12pm Monday 22 December 2025, to ensure a response prior to the office closing. POSTED MORE NEWS

A Thai woman's harrowing story shows how migrant women are vulnerable to particular forms of family violence.

This information is provided as general guidance and is not a substitute for legal advice. The Education Legislation Amendment (Integrity and Other measures) Act 2025 (the ELA Act) received Royal Assent on 4 December 2025 and became law on 5 December 2025. The ELA Act makes changes to the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000 to strengthen Australia’s international education to prevent exploitation of international students and safeguard Australia’s education and visa systems. These changes will support you to have a good student experience and receive a quality education. What is the “ESOS Act”? Australia’s ESOS legislation sets out the rules for Australian education providers who deliver education to overseas students on a student visa. The ESOS Act is designed to: Protect Australia’s reputation for quality education Protect your tuition fees if something goes wrong Support the integrity of the student visa program. Under the ESOS Act, every university, college, school or other education provider that teaches overseas students must meet requirements to: Be officially registered under the ESOS Act. Offer courses that meet quality standards. Provide support services to help students succeed. Make sure students are protected. For more information on the ESOS legislative framework please click the link here. What is changing? Changes to the ESOS Act include: Education agents and commissions A new definition of ‘education agent’ A clear definition of ‘education agent commission’ (these are payments made by education providers to education agents) and provisions to enable the Government to collect commission information and better access for education providers to information about education agents. ‘Fit and proper provider’ requirements When deciding if a provider is “fit and proper,” ESOS Agencies must now also consider: if the provider (or related people) is under investigation for certain offences’, and ownership and control arrangements between education providers and education agents in their evaluation Provider registration requirements and processing Requiring providers, excluding those listed in the Act, to teach domestic students for two years before they can apply to teach overseas students Allows the Minister for Education to pause applications for education provider and course registration If a provider does not teach a registered course to an overseas student in Australia for 12 months, their registration to teach overseas students will be automatically cancelled for all courses at all locations. New course cancellation powers Gives the Minister for Education the ability to cancel courses or classes of courses if one or more of the following apply: There are systemic issues in the standard of delivery of the courses the courses have limited value to Australia’s skills and training needs it is in the public interest. Changes to ESOS agencies internal review process ESOS agencies are government bodies that regulate international education in Australia. The changes give ESOS agencies: More time to review decisions (up to 120 days) and allow an education provider to request to pause enforcement of the original decision while review is happening (which means the provider can keep operating during the review). These changes have been designed to help maintain the highest quality and regulatory standards in Australian international education programs and protect international students. The Department of Education have published fact sheets on each of the new changes to the Bill which have been linked to the relevant headings above and can be found here.

Australia's states and territories have honoured the incredible achievements of international students during 2025 at local award ceremonies. These events recognise the talent and dedication of international students, the support of employers, and the services and opportunities offered by each state and territory. Study NSW Study NSW recently hosted its International Student Awards for 2025, celebrating the positive impact of international students and education sector leaders this year. In particular, the Awards highlighted the way students and leaders fostered a sense of community, drove positive social change, and championed the voices of international students.

50 years of Australia’s Working Holiday Maker Program For five decades, Australia’s Working Holiday Marker program has helped make a backpacking trip so much more. It turns a holiday into a cultural exchange adventure and builds lifelong global connections. Established in January 1975 as the Work and Holiday scheme, originally available to young people from Australia, Canada, Ireland and the United Kingdom, its purpose was to promote cultural exchange and international understanding among young people, helping strengthen Australia’s global friendships through real, people-to-people connections. Over the past five decades, the reciprocal program has expanded considerably and now includes arrangements with 50 countries, across two visa subclasses. Today, eligible young travellers can enjoy an extended holiday in Australia while also having the option to undertake short-term work to support their stay. Assistant Secretary Immigration Engagement, Pacific and Major Events Brett White said the anniversary highlights the program’s enduring role in connecting Australia with the world. ‘The Working Holiday Maker program was created to help young people from different countries learn from and about each other. Its success over 50 years shows the lasting value and benefits of cultural exchange,’ he said. ‘This model has allowed millions of visitors to experience Australia’s history, unique landscapes, communities and culture firsthand.’ ‘Working holiday makers bring fresh perspectives, energy and enthusiasm. They support local industries, especially in regional areas, and return home with a deeper understanding of Australia—often becoming lifelong friends of our country.’ As Australia celebrates this milestone, the WHM program still fosters stronger links between young people from Australia and the rest of the world. The next 50 years promises to build on a strong foundation. We are welcoming new generations of travellers, supporting local communities, and showcasing Australia to the world. If you are interested in a 12 month working holiday adventure, learn more about the Working Holiday Maker (WHM) program.