Australian migration news

South Australia opens limited EOIs, the 2026 Occupation Shortage List shows 279 of 1,021 occupations short, and offshore student visas get priority.

The 189 round bypassed most IT and accounting occupations. Victoria launched a new points test, and NSW released its updated 190 skills list.

The Coalition announced a plan to cut net overseas migration to 100,000 in year one. AIA also reviews student visa changes affecting current students.

On 2 October the Government announced student visa reforms on onshore lodgement, dependants and transfers. A Subclass 189 round is postponed to 31 October.

MD 121 and MD 122 set priority groups for employer-sponsored and permanent residency visa processing, with expanded top-tier sectors.

Announced changes cover student visa family and visa hopping limits, a points test redesign, working holiday ballot caps and visitor visa condition 8503.

Home Affairs published subclass 191 visa guidelines, including a zero income threshold. Condition 8579 is also clarified.

AIA covers backlash to points test proposals and Ministerial Directions, the first ESOS Act Section 96D enrolment suspension, and rising visa fee revenue.

The government is reviewing the skilled migration points test using ANU research, with a start possible from March. AIA sets out two proposed models.

The Northern Territory opens 2026-27 nominations with 1,850 places, student visa fees triple, and a revised points test is expected from March 2027.

Subclass 462 visas are paused for San Marino and Turkey, with 213,000 people on working holiday visas. AIA also covers an aged care sponsorship sanction.

A ministerial address on migration reform was cancelled amid Cabinet disagreement. Backlogs exceed 400,000; the ART reports a 30,000-case deficit.