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Home Affairs announcements, processing-time changes, policy updates.
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- Home Affairs18618718919030 July 2026
New Processing Priorities for Skilled Visa Applications from July 2026
Home Affairs has introduced new processing priorities for skilled visa applications effective 25 July 2026. Applications are now ranked by occupation type and applicant location.
Read more - Home Affairs18919049118629 July 2026
Understanding Visa Processing Times
Home Affairs publishes median processing times for key visa categories. Skilled permanent visas take 9 months on average, while Partner visas take 20 months.
Read more - Home Affairs18919049148228 July 2026
Permanent Migration Program remains at 185,000 for 2025-2026
Australia's permanent migration intake stays unchanged at 185,000 places for 2025-2026, with continued focus on skilled migration following consultation with states and territories.
Read more - Home Affairs18919019149424 July 2026
2025-26 Migration Program Stays at 185,000 Permanent Visas
The Australian Government has confirmed the permanent migration program will remain at 185,000 visas for 2025-26. State and Territory nominated skilled visas will also stay at current planning levels.
Read more - Home Affairs48248518919023 July 2026
Visa processing times - Quarterly report
Home Affairs publishes quarterly reports showing how long it takes to process Migration and Temporary visas. These reports help applicants understand current processing trends and timeframes.
Read more - Home Affairs48248518919021 July 2026
Minister Responds to Opposition Immigration Policy Criticism
No new visa policy changes announced. Minister defends current government immigration settings focusing on skills and standards.
Read more - Home Affairs48248518919021 July 2026
Australia's Net Overseas Migration Falls to 301,000
Net Overseas Migration has dropped 45% from 2023 peaks, with temporary visa holder and international student numbers continuing to decline. This may affect future visa planning.
Read more - Home Affairs60050018919020 July 2026
Digital passenger cards replace paper forms at Australian airports
Australia is rolling out digital passenger cards to replace paper arrival forms. All travellers arriving at Australian airports and seaports will eventually use the new system.
Read more - Home Affairs48248518649420 July 2026
Heavy vehicle industry crackdown on visa breaches and worker exploitation
Australian Border Force launched a national operation targeting visa violations and migrant worker exploitation in the heavy vehicle transport industry across multiple states.
Read more - Home Affairs48248518919020 July 2026
Stronger rules for migration agents coming April 2026
New laws will require migration agents to complete more training and follow stricter ethical standards. This affects anyone using a registered migration agent for visa applications.
Read more - Home Affairs18919019118619 July 2026
NSW Skilled Visa Pathways for Qualified Professionals
NSW nominates skilled workers across various occupations to support state economic growth. Multiple visa options are available for qualified professionals seeking to work in NSW.
Read more - Home Affairs1891904914821 July 2026
Visa fees just rose about 25% (1 July 2026)
Home Affairs raised most Australian visa application charges on 1 July 2026, well above the usual annual CPI adjustment. Skilled, partner, student, and graduate visas are all affected. Salary thresholds for 482 nominations also increased.
Read more - Home Affairs48218919049113 June 2026
2026–27 Budget: What actually changed for skilled migration
The federal budget confirmed 132,240 skilled places, prioritised onshore applicants, and locked in a salary threshold increase on 1 July. Here's what's confirmed.
Read more