What changed, and how to check anything you're told.
Migration rules move constantly and misinformation spreads faster than policy. This page lists the changes that matter most right now and links straight to the official sources, so you never have to take our word for it.
- Every item below is published by an Australian government body
- General information only — not advice about your circumstances
- Register record last checked 19 August 2026
Six changes still catching people out.
Dates and figures are as published by the Department of Home Affairs and the Administrative Review Tribunal. Always confirm the position that applies on the day you lodge.
Skills in Demand replaced the TSS visa
The subclass 482 visa was restructured into three streams — Core Skills, Specialist Skills and Labour Agreement. The Core Skills Income Threshold also began applying to subclass 186 nominations lodged from this date.
Income thresholds indexed again
For nominations lodged between 1 July 2026 and 30 June 2027, the Core Skills Income Threshold is AUD 79,423, the Specialist Skills Income Threshold is AUD 146,576, and the TSMIT for subclass 494 is AUD 79,423.
Labour market testing simplified
Advertising on Workforce Australia is no longer required, so two valid advertisements are needed instead of three. The four-week advertising period and the four-month lodgement window still apply.
Genuine Student replaced the GTE test
Student visa applications are now assessed against the Genuine Student requirement, which asks applicants to explain their circumstances and study intentions in their own words.
The AAT became the ART
The Administrative Appeals Tribunal was replaced by the Administrative Review Tribunal. Migration and protection matters are now reviewed by the ART under the Administrative Review Tribunal Act 2024.
Direct citizenship pathway for New Zealanders
New Zealand citizens holding a non-protected Special Category visa can apply for Australian citizenship by conferral without first obtaining a permanent visa, subject to the other eligibility requirements.
This is an indicative guide only. It is not immigration assistance and does not constitute advice about your individual circumstances.
Six habits that prevent most migration disasters.
- 01
Check the agent, not the advertisement
Search the OMARA public register by name or MARN. If a person giving you immigration advice is not on the register and is not an Australian legal practitioner, they are not permitted to advise you.
- 02
Read your decision notice the day it arrives
Refusal and cancellation notices state the review body and the deadline. The time limit is fixed by law and cannot be extended, so the date on that letter matters more than anything else in it.
- 03
Verify fees against the official estimator
Visa Application Charges are published by the Department and indexed. Anyone quoting a government charge should be quoting the same number the estimator gives you.
- 04
Never sign a blank form
Do not sign incomplete forms, and keep a copy of everything lodged on your behalf. You are responsible for the content of your application.
- 05
Keep your details current
The Department communicates by email through ImmiAccount. A missed request for information can end an application, so update contact details as soon as they change.
- 06
Treat 'guaranteed visa' as a red flag
No agent, lawyer or consultant can guarantee an outcome. Guarantees, job-for-visa arrangements and requests to misstate facts are grounds to walk away and report.
Go straight to the source.
These are the sites we check ourselves. If information on any migration website conflicts with them, believe the source.
- Department of Home Affairs — visa listingCriteria for every visa subclass.
- Current visa pricing estimatorThe Visa Application Charge for your subclass and family.
- Global visa processing timesUpdated by the Department; no agent can improve on it.
- SkillSelectExpressions of Interest for subclasses 189, 190 and 491.
- Salary requirements for nominationsCSIT, SSIT and TSMIT, with indexation dates.
- Administrative Review TribunalReview of visa refusals and cancellations.
- Office of the MARAThe public register of registered migration agents.
- Australian citizenshipEligibility, residence requirements and the test.
Read something you're not sure about?
Send it to us with your pre-assessment. We'll tell you whether it applies to your situation — and what the official position actually says.