Australia Immigration News 2026: Policy Changes and Updates

Migration Program Planning Levels The Australian Government has announced its migration program for 2025-26, with approximately 185,000 places allocated. The skilled stream continues to receive the largest share, with emphasis on healthcare, technology, and trades occupations.

Processing Time Improvements The Department of Home Affairs has committed to reducing visa processing backlogs. Skilled visa processing times have improved, with most Subclass 190 applications now processed within 6-9 months. However, partner visa and parent visa queues remain long.

Student Visa Reforms Tighter rules on student visa applications continue from 2025, including stricter genuine temporary entrant (GTE) requirements, increased financial capacity evidence, and limits on work hours during study periods. These changes aim to ensure student visas are used for genuine study purposes.

The skilled occupation lists are reviewed periodically. Key changes to watch for in 2026 include:

• - Healthcare occupations remain prioritised, with fast-tracked processing continuing for nurses, doctors, and allied health professionals
• - Technology roles have been expanded, particularly in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and data engineering
• - Construction trades are seeing increased allocations in response to the national housing shortage
• - Some business and management roles have had their visa pathway options narrowed

Read our full skilled occupation list guide for detailed information about which occupations are on each list.

Invitation scores for points-tested visas in early 2026:

• - Non-pro-rata occupations: 65-80 points
• - Accounting: 90-100 points
• - IT (software, programming): 85-95 points
• - Engineering: 80-90 points
• - Nursing: 75-85 points

The trend is towards higher scores for popular occupations, while healthcare and trades occupations continue to receive invitations at lower thresholds. State nomination (190) and regional (491) pathways offer alternatives for those who cannot reach the 189 threshold.

Calculate your score with our points calculator.

Employer-sponsored migration continues to evolve:

• - The Subclass 482 visa has been streamlined, with faster processing for occupations in critical shortage
• - Industry Labour Agreements have been expanded to cover more sectors facing workforce shortages
• - The pathway from Subclass 482 to permanent residency (Subclass 186) has been simplified for medium-term stream holders
• - Employer compliance requirements have been strengthened to protect sponsored workers

If you are considering employer sponsorship, read our employer sponsored visa guide.

Based on government announcements and industry signals, expect:

• - Continued focus on healthcare and trades — These sectors will remain prioritised in invitation rounds and processing
• - Further student visa tightening — Additional measures to ensure genuine students and reduce post-study visa exploitation
• - Regional migration incentives — More benefits for migrants willing to live and work outside capital cities
• - Technology sector growth — Expanded pathways for tech workers, particularly in AI, cybersecurity, and renewable energy
• - Possible occupation list consolidation — The government has flagged simplifying the three-list system

Follow our blog and news page for regular updates as policy changes are announced.