· Draft: seed content, figures not yet confirmed against the rulebook.
Australia immigration updates
What changed in Australian visa rules, with the official sources behind each post.
Each post is built from official sources, such as Home Affairs, the Federal Register of Legislation and the Budget papers, and shows the date we last checked them. Rules change, so confirm with Home Affairs or a registered migration agent (MARA) before you act.
October 2026
September 2026
Visitor visas: new eVisitor rules and No Further Stay condition
A new instrument replaced the eVisitor application arrangements on 29 September 2026, and the Government has announced a No Further Stay condition for all visitor visas. ETA and Visitor (600) costs are listed.
Points test reform announced; 65-point pass mark and invitation steps
The Government says the permanent points test will be reformed, with an uplift for particular skills. Our rulebook records no new point values or start date. For now the pass mark is 65 points and an invitation is required.
Temporary Graduate (485) visa: AUD 5,750 charge, family rules announced
The Temporary Graduate (485) first instalment is AUD 5,750 for most main applicants from 1 July 2026. The Home Affairs Minister has said family members will no longer be attached to graduate visas.
Working Holiday changes: year two and three ballot, age 35 for Korea
Announced changes add a ballot for second and third Working Holiday visas, limited to 45,000 and 5,000 places. From 1 July 2026 Korean, German, Finnish and Cypriot passport holders can apply for the 417 up to age 35.
July 2026
National Innovation visa (858): processing order from 25 July 2026
Ministerial Direction 120 has set the order for considering Subclass 858 applications since 25 July 2026, and the Talent and Innovation level for 2026-27 is 3,500 places, down from 5,300.
Partner visas: AUD 11,710 charge, two stages, new processing order
From 1 July 2026 the Partner visa first instalment is AUD 11,710 for a main applicant with a standard passport. Since 25 July 2026 Ministerial Direction 117 ranks onshore family applications highest.
Skills in Demand (482) income thresholds rise on 1 July 2026
For nominations lodged from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027 the Core Skills threshold is AUD 79,423 and the Specialist Skills threshold is AUD 146,576. The 494 and 187 threshold is AUD 79,423 too.
Visa application charges: 25 per cent rise on 1 July 2026
The first instalment of the visa application charge rose by 25 per cent on 1 July 2026 for most visas. Working Holiday, Resident Return and Bridging B were treated differently. Main applicant amounts are below.