New Migration Rules Australia 2026: Key Changes You Need to Know

The Australian Government's Migration Strategy, released in December 2023, continues to reshape the visa system in 2026. The key themes remain:

• - Reducing temporary migration and creating clearer pathways to permanence
• - Tightening [student visa](/visa/student-visa) requirements to address integrity concerns
• - Strengthening employer sponsorship compliance
• - Reforming the points test to better reflect Australia's economic needs
• - Reducing net overseas migration from the post-pandemic peaks

The government has set a target of reducing net overseas migration to approximately 250,000 in 2025–26, down from the record 528,000 in 2022–23.

International students face the most significant changes in 2026:

Genuine Student Requirement The old Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement has been replaced by the Genuine Student (GS) requirement. Applicants must demonstrate that they are genuine students — not just using a student visa as a pathway to work in Australia.

Higher English Requirements Minimum English requirements for student visas have increased: - Student visa (Subclass 500): IELTS 6.0 overall (up from 5.5) - Student visa for ELICOS: IELTS 5.0 (up from 4.5) - Post-study work visa (485): IELTS 6.5 (up from 6.0)

Reduced Post-Study Work Rights - Post-Study Work stream duration has reverted to pre-COVID levels (no more pandemic extensions) - Bachelor graduates: 2 years (down from 4) - Master graduates: 3 years (down from 5) - PhD graduates: 4 years (down from 6) - Extended duration still available for graduates living in regional Australia

Age Limit for Student Visas A new age limit of 35 years has been introduced for initial student visa applications (with some exceptions for PhD students and certain courses).

New Skills in Demand Visa (Replacing 482) The government has been developing a new Skills in Demand visa to replace the Subclass 482 TSS visa. Key features include: - Specialist Skills Pathway: For workers earning above $135,000 — no occupation list requirement - Core Skills Pathway: For occupations on a new consolidated occupation list, with a salary floor - Essential Skills Pathway: For lower-paid essential workers in care, hospitality, and agriculture

Points Test Changes The points test is being reviewed with potential changes including: - Greater weighting for in-demand occupations - Revised age points distribution - More points for regional living and working - Potential removal of some points categories that don't correlate with economic outcomes

Occupation Lists The government is moving toward a single, dynamically updated occupation list informed by Jobs and Skills Australia data, replacing the current system of multiple lists (MLTSSL, STSOL, ROL).

Increased Compliance The Department has significantly increased compliance activities against employers who exploit sponsored workers. New measures include: - Higher penalties for employers who breach sponsorship obligations - A new workplace justice visa allowing exploited workers to remain in Australia while pursuing claims - Expanded powers for the Fair Work Ombudsman to investigate sponsor employers

Portability Sponsored workers now have greater ability to change employers without losing their visa status, reducing the power imbalance that previously existed in sponsor-employee relationships.

Skilling Australians Fund The SAF levy rates have been updated. Employers should check the latest rates before sponsoring workers.

Visa application charges typically increase on 1 July each year. The 2025–26 increases brought many visa fees up:

• - Subclass 500 (Student): ~$720 (increased from $710)
• - Subclass 189 ([Skilled Independent](/visa/skilled-independent-visa)): ~$4,770 (increased from $4,640)
• - Subclass 820/801 (Partner): ~$9,095 (increased from $8,850)
• - Subclass 143 (Contributory Parent): ~$48,900+ (including second instalment)
• - Subclass 600 (Visitor): ~$195 (marginal increase)

*These are approximate figures. Check the Department of Home Affairs website for current charges.*

If you're a student: Apply and complete your studies before further tightening. Focus on genuinely studying a course that leads to employment. Higher English scores are non-negotiable.

If you're on a 482 visa: Transition to the new Skills in Demand visa framework. The Specialist Skills Pathway (earning $135k+) offers more flexibility without occupation list restrictions.

If you're planning employer sponsorship: Engage a migration agent to navigate the transition between 482 and the new visa framework. Compliance requirements have increased.

If you're applying for PR: The points test may change — submit your EOI sooner rather than later if you meet current thresholds. Consider state nomination as an alternative to the increasingly competitive 189.

For everyone: Stay informed. Migration rules in Australia can change rapidly. Subscribe to Department updates and consult a registered migration agent for personalised advice.