Updates

The webinar is open to migration agents, lawyers and potential applicants and our subject matter experts will cover the skills assessment process and criteria for professional occupations. Date: Thursday, 30 April 2026 Time: 1:00pm - 2:15pm Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) Cost: AUD$80+gst Find out more and register here

From 22 April 2026, the Migration (Arrangements for Parent Visa Applications) Instrument 2026 introduces changes to the way Parent visa applications are lodged in Australia. The key development is the expansion of online lodgement options for several Parent visa subclasses. Applications for the following visas can now be made online (or, in limited circumstances, by paper): This reflects a broader administrative shift toward digital processing, aimed at improving efficiency, reducing reliance on postal or courier services, and streamlining application pathways. However, not all Parent visa subclasses are included in this change. Applications for the following visas must still be lodged in paper form: Importantly, transitional provisions apply. Where an application was posted or couriered prior to 22 April 2026 but received after commencement, the previous instrument continues to apply. Timing of lodgement therefore remains a critical consideration. While these amendments do not alter substantive visa criteria, they represent a practical improvement in how applications are made and processed. They also highlight the ongoing transition toward a more fully digitised migration system, albeit one that remains partially reliant on paper-based processes. Source: Migration-Arrangements-for-Parent-Visa-Application-Instrument-2026.pdf and Migration-Arrangements-for-Parent-Visa-Applications-Instrument-2026 EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM.pdf - Parent (Migrant) (Class AX) - Aged Parent (Residence) (Class BP) - Contributory Parent (Migrant) (Class CA) - Contributory Aged Parent (Residence) (Class DG) - Contributory Parent (Temporary) (Class UT) - Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) (Class UU)

ROIs invited to apply for nomination on 16/04/2026: Subclass 190 - 27 ROIs invited Subclass 491 - 27 ROIs invited The lowest scores invited: Subclass 190 - 1000 (Gold pass) Subclass 491 - 60 points (Orange-plus pass) Number of ROIs on hand (ROIs with a status of Submitted after the invitation round has taken place): Subclass 190 - 484 ROIs Subclass 491 - 399 ROIs Nomination places available: Subclass 190 - 308 places Subclass 491 - 349 places Nomination applications lodged but not yet decided: Subclass 190 - 258 applications Subclass 491 - 218 applications Invitations issued but application not yet lodged: Subclass 190 - 57 invitations Subclass 491 - 63 invitations Oldest nomination application lodged and not yet allocated to a case officer - 22/01/2026

Victoria’s 2025-26 state nominated skilled visa program will close to new Registrations of Interest (ROIs) at 4pm AEST on Tuesday 28 April 2026 . In 2025-26 the Australian Government allocated Victoria 3,400 skilled visa places, including 2,700 for the subclass 190 visa and 700 for the subclass 491 visa. The program has attracted significant interest this year and has received many more ROIs than available places. We will continue to consider all submitted ROIs for remaining nomination places in the 2025-26 program year.

Dear Members Please find attached a newsletter from the Department of Home Affairs regarding Partner visa processing. This newsletter provides key processing updates, reminders and clarifications relevant to Partner visa applicants and their representatives. For more information, please contact the Department via the Registered migration agent and legal practitioner enquiries and feedback form. Registered migration agent and legal practitioner enquiries and feedback Your attention and assistance will assist with reducing processing delays and ensure Partner visa applications are processed in a timely manner. Thank you for your assistance. Source: Partner-Processing-Newsletter---April-2026.docx.-.pdf

The Migration Amendment (Combatting Migrant Exploitation) Act 2026 has now been enacted, introducing targeted amendments to the Migration Act 1958 aimed at strengthening transparency and accountability in the employer sponsorship framework. A key development is the introduction of a new provision enabling the Department to publish information about approved work sponsors on its website. This may include: This represents a significant shift toward public transparency of sponsor activity, with potential reputational and compliance implications for businesses engaging in the migration program. public transparency of sponsor activity The Act is scheduled to commence on a date to be fixed by Proclamation, or automatically within six months of Royal Assent if not proclaimed earlier. Practical implications: Practical implications: This amendment reflects a broader policy direction toward enhanced oversight and deterrence of migrant exploitation within the migration framework. Source: Migration-Amendment-Combatting-Migrant-Exploitation-Act-2026.pdf - the name of the approved sponsor - ABN and associated details - the type of sponsorship approval - the number of nominations lodged - the occupations nominated - Increased scrutiny of sponsor behaviour and nomination patterns - Greater emphasis on compliance and record-keeping - Heightened importance of accurate and defensible sponsorship practices - Advisers should ensure clients are aware of the potential for public disclosure

ROIs invited to apply for nomination on 9/04/2026: Subclass 190 - 52 ROIs invited Subclass 491 - 26 ROIs invited The lowest scores invited: Subclass 190 - 251 (Green pass) Subclass 491 - 66 points (Orange-plus pass) Number of ROIs on hand (ROIs with a status of Submitted after the invitation round has taken place): Subclass 190 - 475 ROIs Subclass 491 - 404 ROIs Nomination places available: Subclass 190 - 383 places Subclass 491 - 327 places Nomination applications lodged but not yet decided: Subclass 190 - 305 applications Subclass 491 - 232 applications Invitations issued but application not yet lodged: Subclass 190 - 68 invitations Subclass 491 - 53 invitations Oldest nomination application lodged and not yet allocated to a case officer - 22/12/2025

ROIs invited to apply for nomination on 2/04/2026: Subclass 190 - 25 ROIs invited Subclass 491 - 25 ROIs invited The lowest scores invited: Subclass 190 - Gold pass only Subclass 491 - 108 points (Green pass) Number of ROIs on hand (ROIs with a status of Submitted after the invitation round has taken place): Subclass 190 - 479 ROIs Subclass 491 - 391 ROIs Nomination places available: Subclass 190 - 403 places Subclass 491 - 382 places Nomination applications lodged but not yet decided: Subclass 190 - 308 applications Subclass 491 - 228 applications Invitations issued but application not yet lodged: Subclass 190 - 38 invitations Subclass 491 - 41 invitations Oldest nomination application lodged and not yet allocated to a case officer - 21/12/2025

The Job Ready Program requires a minimum of 12 months participation in suitable full-time (or part time equivalent) employment. The program must be completed within 3 years. The Job Ready Program experiences variable levels of demand. This may impact how quickly we process different activities within the program. As at April 2026, our average processing times are as follows: Invitation for a Workplace Assessment Once you have applied for a Workplace Assessment, we will contact you within 6 weeks to confirm that you have been referred to a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). An RTO will contact you to schedule a Workplace Assessment within 2 weeks of our referral. If you are unable to attend your Workplace Assessment you must contact the RTO directly to cancel or reschedule before your appointment. The RTO will provide us with the outcome following your Workplace Assessment. We will contact you about your Workplace Assessment 11 weeks after the date of your Workplace Assessment. Once you have met your participation requirement in the program, we will invite you to the Job Ready Final Assessment. We may ask you to provide additional or missing information throughout your participation in the program. It can take up to 14 days to process this information from the date it is received. This information is a general guide only. Individual circumstances may vary. If you have any concerns about your visa, please contact the Department of Home Affairs at http://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/ For further information about the Job Ready Program, please continue to check the TRA website, the FAQs and Guidelines.

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 April 2026: Invitations in April 2026 2025-26 invitations issued (to date) ANZSCO Sub-major Group Subclass 190 Subclass 491 Total Subclass 190 Subclass 491 Total 13 Specialist Managers 27 8 35 89 32 121 14 Hospitality, Retail and Service Managers 0 8 8 0 26 26 22 Business, Human Resource and Marketing Professionals 3 20 23 30 88 118 23 Design, Engineering, Science and Transport Professionals 55 17 72 277 78 355 24 Education Professionals 25 3 28 105 19 124 25 Health Professionals 70 9 79 422 23 445 26 ICT Professionals 0 38 38 7 202 209 27 Legal, Social and Welfare Professionals 9 3 12 51 12 63 31 Engineering, ICT and Science Technicians 4 25 29 36 107 143 32 Automotive and Engineering Trades Workers 9 11 20 49 31 80 33 Construction Trades Workers 22 14 36 127 56 183 34 Electrotechnology and Telecommunications Trades Workers 20 6 26 96 14 110 35 Food Trades Workers 0 2 2 0 19 19 36 Skilled Animal, Agricultural and Horticultural Workers 0 0 0 0 2 2 41 Health and Welfare Support Workers 1 21 22 14 79 93 51 Office Managers and Program Administrators 0 15 15 9 31 40 Total 245 200 445 1312 819 2131 Skilled and Business Migration will continue to issue invitations monthly. The next invitation round will occur in early May 2026.

Travelling to Australia is simpler with the continued expansion of the Australian Immi App. Visa applicants from around the world now have greater access and convenience when applying for an Australian visa, thanks to the latest expansion of the Australian Immi App. From 24 March 2026, the Department of Home Affairs introduced the app in a further 13 countries, bringing the total to 47 countries under the Offshore Biometric Collection Program. New rollout countries: From 24 March, eligible applicants in the following countries will be able to use the Australian Immi App: Albania Bhutan Bosnia and Herzegovina Cambodia Eswatini Ethiopia Ghana Lesotho Nepal Somalia (third-country nationals) Sri Lanka Uganda Zimbabwe With the app now available in 47 countries, the Australian Government is delivering on its promise to make the visa process faster, simpler and more convenient. Using the Australian Immi App, eligible applicants can submit their facial biometrics and passport information directly from their smartphones. This removes the need to attend a biometric collection centre in many cases. To be eligible to use the app, clients must have previously provided their biometrics (facial image and fingerprints) to the Department and hold a valid passport. Since its launch on 26 September 2024 in the Pacific region, the Australian Immi App has progressively expanded and is now available in 47 countries. The implementation to date has shown high uptake and strong user satisfaction. Now, the program is entering its next expansion phase with rollout planned across new countries in Europe, Sub-Saharan Africa, Mekong and South Asia regions. The Department of Home Affairs looks forward to further expanding the app’s reach throughout 2026, ensuring easier access to Australia’s visa system for more people, in more places. For full eligibility details, step-by-step guidance and technical requirements, visit Australian Immi App.

Tentative Invitation Round Schedule 2025-26 3rd round - In the week of 26 January 2026 4th round - in the week of 9 March 2026 Final round - In the week of 4 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