On 17 September 2026, the Australian Government announced a new package of migration changes. Not all changes are in force yet, so check the current rules before making a decision.
Here’s a summary.Â
Skilled visa processing priorities changed from 19 September 2026.
The Department will now give higher processing priority to applications linked to areas such as construction, healthcare, teaching, agriculture, resources, law enforcement and defence.
This affects several skilled visa subclasses, including the Skills in Demand (subclass 482), Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186), Skilled Independent (subclass 189), Skilled Nominated (subclass 190), Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) and Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (subclass 494) visas.
This does not change who is eligible for these visas. It only affects the order in which some applications are processed.
Source: Ministerial Directions 121 and 122Â
The Government has announced that all future visitor visas will carry a No Further Stay condition.
A No Further Stay condition can stop a person from applying for most other visas while they are in Australia, unless a waiver is available and approved.
This could be important for people who planned to enter Australia on a Visitor visa and later apply for another visa onshore, including a Partner visa.
The change is intended for future Visitor visa grants. It does not change visas already held by people currently in Australia. Until the new settings are formally implemented, check the conditions on your own visa grant letter or in VEVO
Student and Temporary Graduate visas
The Government has announced tighter rules around family members and repeated Student visa applications.
For most Student and Temporary Graduate visas, family members are expected to face new restrictions, although exceptions have been announced for some groups, including people from the Pacific and ASEAN and certain courses such as PhDs.
The Government has also said the changes are not intended to break up families who are already in Australia and already attached to a visa.
Student visa progression is also expected to tighten. Students may still be able to extend or change courses for genuine reasons, but moving to another course is expected to require clearer academic progression.
These changes are not yet fully reflected in the current Student visa rules, so applicants should check the rules in force at the time they apply.
Working Holiday Maker visas
The Government has announced a ballot system for some people seeking a second or third Working Holiday Maker visa where regional work requirements apply.
Under the announced model, completing the required regional work would make a person eligible to enter a ballot rather than automatically moving to the next visa application stage.
Current Home Affairs guidance still reflects the existing arrangements, so this should be treated as an announced future change until the new rules are implemented.
What else has been announced?
A new skilled migration points test is being developed. One announced change is better points treatment for people skilled in housing trades.
The Government has also announced changes to character settings, including stronger consideration of family violence, crimes against children and conduct involving hatred.
There are also new compliance measures aimed at people who remain in Australia without a valid visa and migration agents who knowingly support applications without merit.
What should you do now?
Before making a visa decision:
Need help understanding how the changes may affect you?
Migration changes can affect people differently depending on their current visa, visa conditions, location and future plans.
Book a consultation with AustMSS, contact us through our website, email [email protected] or call +61 3 9654 8611 for advice based on your circumstances.
General information only. This article is current as at 21 September 2026 and is not a substitute for advice based on your individual circumstances.
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Melbourne VIC 3004
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