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Home Affairs announcements, processing-time changes, policy updates.
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- Home Affairs48248518919016 October 2026
Card payment surcharges removed from October 2026
From 1 October 2026, the Department of Home Affairs stopped charging surcharges on all card, PayPal and UnionPay visa payments, following a Reserve Bank review.
Read more - Home Affairs4821861891905 October 2026
Two things are law. The rest were announcements.
A lot of immigration news since mid September, and a lot of worry about changes that have not actually started. Here is what is in force and what is not.
Read more - Home Affairs48248518919030 September 2026
Understanding Australia's Skilled Migration Program
Home Affairs provides an overview of visa options for skilled workers wanting to live and work in Australia, ranging from short-term to permanent residency pathways.
Read more - Home Affairs48248518919029 September 2026
Biometric checks at Australian borders explained
Non-citizens may be asked to provide fingerprint scans when arriving or departing Australia. The scans are deleted immediately after checking and take only a few minutes.
Read more - Home Affairs48248518919029 September 2026
Migration (Designated Areas) Instrument 2026
Home Affairs has updated the list of designated areas under Australia's migration regulations, effective 21 September 2026. This affects visa applicants and holders in specified regions.
Read more - Home Affairs48248518919028 September 2026
Home Affairs Updates Visa Fees and Skilled Migration Rules
Home Affairs has amended regulations affecting citizenship application fees, temporary skilled migration income thresholds, and visa application fees effective 30 June 2026.
Read more - Home Affairs48248518919023 September 2026
Designated Areas Instrument 2026 Updated
Home Affairs has updated the list of designated areas under migration law. This may affect sponsorship and visa requirements for certain regional visa subclasses.
Read more - Home Affairs50060048218919 September 2026
Australia tightens migration rules to reduce numbers and stop visa misuse
The government is introducing stricter visa conditions and compliance measures to reduce Net Overseas Migration to 245,000 this year. Changes affect student visas, visitor visas, skilled migration, and working holiday makers.
Read more - Home Affairs18919049148218 September 2026
Australian Government Announces Major Migration Policy Changes
The Australian Government is implementing changes to skilled migration, student visas, visitor visas, and the Working Holiday Maker Program over the next 12 months to manage migration levels and improve system integrity.
Read more - Home Affairs4824851891906 September 2026
Immigration Program Administration Guidelines Updated
Home Affairs has released the 16th edition of immigration program administration guidelines. This document outlines how visa programs are managed and processed.
Read more - Home Affairsgeneral4824851893 September 2026
Coalition proposes stricter immigration policy with values-based requirements
The Opposition has announced a migration plan to reduce immigration numbers and introduce stricter visa conditions, including an Australian Values Statement requirement and additional social media scrutiny.
Read more - Home Affairs4824851891902 September 2026
Home Affairs Updates Visa Fees and Skilled Migration Rules
Home Affairs has amended regulations affecting citizenship application fees, temporary skilled migration income thresholds, and visa application fees, effective 30 June 2026.
Read more - Home Affairs1904914824941 September 2026
NSW shifts to priority sector focus for skilled migration
NSW has stopped using occupation lists and now focuses on five priority sectors for skilled migration nominations. Applicants in other fields may still be considered if they rank highly.
Read more - Home Affairs48248518919019 August 2026
Government cracks down on unlicensed migration agents
Australian authorities have suspended or cancelled three migration agents who illegally allowed unregistered people to handle visa applications. The crackdown aims to protect visa applicants from fraud and unqualified advice.
Read more - Home AffairsPALM48248560015 August 2026
ABF cracks down on migrant worker exploitation in Far North Queensland
Australian Border Force has detained multiple people involved in exploiting migrant workers and abusing Australia's visa system. The operation targeted scam agents, illegal labour schemes, and trafficking networks.
Read more - Home Affairs48248518649410 August 2026
ABF Cracks Down on Migrant Worker Exploitation in Far North Queensland
Australian Border Force conducted enforcement operations in Far North Queensland identifying unlawful non-citizens and disrupting worker exploitation. The operation resulted in detentions and visa cancellations.
Read more - Home Affairs4824851891908 August 2026
Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) to be reformed from 2029
The Australian Government is changing how the Adult Migrant English Program works from January 2029. The new model will focus on migrants with the greatest need for English language support.
Read more - Home Affairs6001891904828 August 2026
Migration Amendment (2026 Measures No. 1) Act 2026
New legislation has been passed that amends Australia's migration laws, focusing on arrival control powers. The changes affect how Department of Home Affairs manages border arrivals.
Read more - Home Affairs4911891904947 August 2026
Queensland State Nomination Fee Increase from 1 July 2026
Queensland's state nomination application fee is increasing to $573 from 1 July 2026. This affects skilled visa applicants who receive an invitation to apply for Queensland nomination.
Read more