The March 2026 Evidence Level (EL) update for countries and education providers (based on student visa outcome data from 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2025) has taken place, effective for applications lodged on or after 27 March 2026. Department of Home Affairs systems have been updated to reflect March 2026 ELs. The Document Checklist Tool on the Department of Home Affairs’ website (homeaffairs.gov.au) also reflects ELs as per the March 2026 update. Document Checklist Tool For more information see: Evidence Levels for Education Program (homeaffairs.gov.au) Evidence Levels for Education Program

The Migration Legislation Amendment (Assessing Authorities) Instrument 2026 introduces updates to the specified assessing authority for the occupation of Surveyor (ANZSCO 232212), following the liquidation of the Geospatial Council of Australia (GCA). The Institution of Surveyors New South Wales Ltd (ISNSW) has been appointed as the new assessing authority, and the relevant legislative instruments have been amended to reflect this change. The amendments: The instrument also clarifies the relevant assessing authorities for the occupation “Information and Organisation Professionals NEC” (ANZSCO 224999), confirming the roles of ACS and VETASSESS in specified circumstances. This is a technical amendment designed to ensure continuity of skills assessment processes and fairness for affected applicants. - Apply to visa applications made on or after 8 October 2025, including those not yet finalised - Ensure that applicants are not disadvantaged by delays in updating the legislative instruments - Confirm that skills assessments issued by GCA prior to its liquidation remain valid and do not require reassessment

ROIs invited to apply for nomination on 26/03/2026: Subclass 190 - 19 ROIs invited Subclass 491 - 20 ROIs invited The lowest scores invited: Subclass 190 - Gold pass only Subclass 491 - 502 points (Green pass) Number of ROIs on hand (ROIs with a status of Submitted after the invitation round has taken place): Subclass 190 - 462 ROIs Subclass 491 - 374 ROIs Nomination places available: Subclass 190 - 450 places Subclass 491 - 396 places Nomination applications lodged but not yet decided: Subclass 190 - 332 applications Subclass 491 - 223 applications Invitations issued but application not yet lodged: Subclass 190 - 46 invitations Subclass 491 - 35 invitations Oldest nomination application lodged and not yet allocated to a case officer - 18/12/2025

Temporary travel restrictions are now in place for most people outside Australia who have a Subclass 600 Visitor visa linked to their Iranian passport. The Arrival Control Determination (the Determination) began on 26 March 2026 and is in force for 6 months. The Australian Government has made the Determination to protect the integrity and sustainability of the migration system. For more information go to Arrival Control Determination - Temporary travel restrictions for Visitor visa holders with Iranian passports.

The Migration Legislation Amendment (Annual Market Salary Rate) Instrument 2026 introduces amendments to the existing framework for determining the Australian Market Salary Rate (AMSR) for employer-sponsored visa nominations. The instrument provides greater flexibility in how AMSR is determined, particularly where a Fair Work instrument, state industrial instrument, or transitional instrument applies. In such cases, nominators may now use an alternative methodology based on relevant employment documents (where an equivalent Australian worker exists) or relevant information (where one does not), provided the resulting salary is not less than the amount specified under the applicable industrial instrument. The amendments apply to nominations under Subclass 482, 494, 186 and 187 visas and operate alongside existing income thresholds, ensuring that migrant workers are paid at least market rates and do not undercut Australian workers. The changes are intended to improve accuracy in reflecting real labour market conditions, accommodate diverse employment arrangements, and enhance protections against underpayment and exploitation. The instrument commences the day after registration and applies to both new and undecided nomination applications. It is beneficial in nature, as it expands, rather than restricts, available methods for determining AMSR. Overall, the amendments promote fair wages, support an adequate standard of living for migrant workers, and align the skilled migration program more closely with Australian labour market conditions. Source: Migration-Legislation-Amendment-AMSR-Instrument-2026.pdf and Migration-Legislation-Amendment-AMSR-Instrument-2026-Explanatory-Statement.pdf

The Migration (United Nations Security Council Resolutions) Instrument 2026 (LIN 26/008) commenced on 21 March 2026, updating the UNSC sanctions framework within Australian migration law. Made under the Migration (UNSC Resolutions) Regulations 2007, the Instrument specifies the current UNSC resolutions that identify individuals subject to international travel bans. It replaces IMMI 14/034 and ensures Australia remains aligned with its obligations under the UN Charter. Scope of the Instrument The Instrument applies to individuals designated under UNSC sanctions regimes, including: Lebanon, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Yemen, South Sudan, Haiti and North Korea. Al-Qaida, ISIL (Da’esh), Taliban and Al-Shabaab. It also removes outdated regimes, including Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia and Eritrea. Migration Law Impact Where a person is designated under a relevant UNSC resolution, Australia must prevent their entry or transit. This is implemented through visa refusal or cancellation under section 116(1)(g) of the Migration Act 1958. Importantly, the regime is designation-based, not nationality-based. Exceptions Exemptions may apply where: a UNSC committee approves travel; or there are humanitarian, medical, legal or compelling circumstances. Conclusion LIN 26/008 updates Australia’s migration framework to reflect current UNSC sanctions. Practitioners must focus on whether a person is UNSC-designated, rather than their nationality, when assessing visa risks. Source: Migration-United-Nations-Security-Council-Resolutions-Instrument-2026.pdf and Migration-United-Nations-Security-Council-Resolutions-Instrument-2026-explanatory-statement.pdf - a UNSC committee approves travel; or - there are humanitarian, medical, legal or compelling circumstances.

The Australian Citizenship (Special Residence Requirement) Amendment (Measures No. 1) Instrument 2026 introduces targeted amendments to the Special Residence Requirement (SRR) framework under the Australian Citizenship Act 2007. The primary purpose of the instrument is to expand the categories of work that may be recognised for the purposes of satisfying the SRR, which applies in limited circumstances where applicants are unable to meet the general residence requirements due to extended or frequent absences from Australia. The amendments include: Extending recognised research and development work to include PhD-qualified academics employed by Australian universities, where the work is of benefit to Australia; and PhD-qualified academics employed by Australian universities Introducing a new category covering the work of ministers of religion in senior leadership positions within religious organisations. work of ministers of religion in senior leadership positions within religious organisations These changes acknowledge that certain professions require regular international travel and are intended to ensure that eligible applicants are not disadvantaged in meeting citizenship residence requirements where they maintain a strong and ongoing connection to Australia. The instrument also makes minor technical and drafting updates to the existing framework. Overall, the amendments broaden access to the SRR pathway while maintaining its application to specific and exceptional circumstances. Source: Australian-Citizenship-Special-Residence-Requirement-Amendment-Measures-No-1-Instrument-2026.pdf and Australian-Citizenship-Special-Residence-Requirement-Amendment-Measures-No-1-Instrument-2026----Explanatory-Statement.pdf - Extending recognised research and development work to include PhD-qualified academics employed by Australian universities, where the work is of benefit to Australia; and - Introducing a new category covering the work of ministers of religion in senior leadership positions within religious organisations.

ROIs invited to apply for nomination on 19/03/2026: Subclass 190 - 23 ROIs invited Subclass 491 - 18 ROIs invited The lowest scores invited: Subclass 190 - Gold pass only Subclass 491 - 301 points (Green pass) Number of ROIs on hand (ROIs with a status of Submitted after the invitation round has taken place): Subclass 190 - 464 ROIs Subclass 491 - 307 ROIs Nomination places available: Subclass 190 - 516 places Subclass 491 - 410 places Nomination applications lodged but not yet decided: Subclass 190 - 380 applications Subclass 491 - 228 applications Invitations issued but application not yet lodged: Subclass 190 - 41 invitations Subclass 491 - 46 invitations Oldest nomination application lodged and not yet allocated to a case officer - 17/12/2025

Tentative Invitation Round Schedule 2025-26 3rd round - In the week of 26 January 2026 4th round - in the week of 9 March 2026 5th round - In the week of 13 April 2026 Final round - In the week of 18 May 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: 12 March 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: 23 invitations 491 nominations: 2 invitations Canberra residents Matrix nominating Small Business Owners 190 nominations: 12 invitations 190 minimum matrix score: 105 491 nominations: 11 invitations 491 minimum matrix score: 95 Matrix nominating 457 / 482 visa holders 190 nominations: 21 invitations 491 nominations: 9 invitations Matrix nominating Critical Skill Occupations 190 nominations: 123 invitations 491 nominations: 149 invitations Overseas applicants Matrix nominating Critical Skill Occupations: 190 nominations: 44 invitations 491 nominations: 101 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 @13 March 2026 Total approvals: 961 approvals 190 Nominations: 474 approvals 491 Nominations: 487 approvals Total refusals: 140 applications 190 Nominations: 68 refusals (12.5%) 491 Nominations: 72 refusals (12.9%) Approvals by residency status since the last invitation round ACT Resident: 860 approvals (89.6%) Overseas Resident: 101 approvals (10.5%) Remaining Allocation 2025-2026 Total allocation remaining: 639 nomination places 190 Nominations: 326 491 Nominations: 313

Following consultation with the Design Institute of Australia (DIA), the peak industry body for design occupations, VETASSESS has received endorsements of its assessment criteria for both the Interior Designer and Interior Decorator occupations. Based on DIA’s advice, reflecting current industry practice and supported by the current OSCA requirements, the minimum education requirement for the Interior Designer occupation has been updated to an AQF Bachelor degree. The educational requirements for the Interior Decorator occupation remain unchanged (Diploma level). Any applications received on or after 15/06/2026 will be assessed under the revised criteria. Agents are encouraged to carefully consider the applicant’s qualification level and scope of work when selecting between the Interior Designer and Interior Decorator occupations. If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact us on migrate@vetassess.com.au

Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) will temporarily pause all registrations for the Offshore Skills Assessment Program (OSAP) and Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) program from 14 March 2026 to support essential systems changes. Registrations will recommence on 30 March 2026. During this period, TRA will continue to accept payments for OSAP and TSS applications already in progress until 29 March 2026, ensuring applicants can progress existing applications while systems updates are underway. The system changes relate to a refreshed panel of Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) that will undertake assessment services on TRA’s behalf. While this system update is taking place, TRA has removed the RTO Finder function to update it with the details of the new RTO providers.

Reduced invitation numbers As we approach the final quarter of the 2025–26 program year, we have continued to see strong interest in the State Visa Nomination program. The number of invitations to nominate we have now issued to candidates will use most of this year’s allocation. This said, there are some remaining places and we will continue to process applications and receive ROIs however the number of new invitations to apply for nomination will be limited over the coming weeks while we focus on processing the applications currently on hand. Once we have more information on the size of our allocations for the 2026–27 nomination program from the Australian Government we will provide further updates. Subclass 190 We are temporarily pausing invitations for any ROIs that do not attract a Gold pass. ROIs can continue to be submitted and we will review the situation in the coming weeks. ROIs with a Green pass will continue to be invited to apply for nomination within six months of submission however, if approved, we may not be able to nominate them this program year if all places are filled. Subclass 491 Invitations will continue for all pass colours although the number issued will be reduced. More information will be shared as soon as it becomes available.