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Home Affairs announcements, processing-time changes, policy updates.
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- Home Affairs50026 October 2026
Student Visa (Subclass 500) Application Guide
Home Affairs has released an infographic summarising the key requirements and steps for applying for an Australian Student visa (subclass 500). This resource is designed to help prospective international students understand the application process.
Read more - 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 - UrgentHome Affairs5005904855 October 2026
Students: what actually changed on 2 October
Three legislative instruments commenced on 2 October 2026. Most existing student visa holders must now be outside Australia to apply for a new student visa, and the bridging visa workaround is closed.
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 Affairs1864828201895 October 2026
Processing times moved a lot since June. Here are the real numbers.
We re-checked every subclass against the Home Affairs processing times tool and compared it to what they published in June. Points-tested PR got much faster. Employer-sponsored PR got much slower.
Read more - Home Affairs5002 October 2026
Student Visa Applications Must Now Be Made from Outside Australia
From 1 October 2026, student visa applications can only be submitted from outside Australia. This affects anyone planning to study in Australia.
Read more - Home Affairs5002 October 2026
Student Visa Reform Regulations Come Into Effect
New regulations amending student visa rules came into force on 1 October 2026. Changes affect how student visas are processed and managed.
Read more - Home Affairs5005902 October 2026
Changes to Student Visa Application Rules
Home Affairs has updated requirements for Student visa subclasses 500 and 590. The fact sheet details these changes to help applicants understand new application processes.
Read more - Home Affairs5005902 October 2026
New rules for Student visa applications in Australia
Most temporary visa holders must now be outside Australia to apply for a Student or Student Guardian visa. Student visa holders have limited exemptions to apply while in Australia.
Read more - Home Affairs5005902 October 2026
New Student Visa Rules Starting 2 October 2026
Student visa (subclass 500) and Student Guardian visa (subclass 590) rules are changing from 2 October 2026, affecting who can apply while in Australia and family member eligibility.
Read more - Home Affairs5002 October 2026
New Student Visa Rules Take Effect Today
Student visa rules have been tightened to stop visa hopping and limit family members. Most temporary visa holders can no longer apply for a Student visa onshore from today.
Read more - Home Affairs4824851891902 October 2026
Government Reaffirms Migration is Good for Australia's Future
The Home Affairs Minister outlined the government's commitment to migration as essential for Australia's economy and aging population. No specific visa policy changes were announced.
Read more - Home Affairs5001 October 2026
New Genuine Student requirement for student visas from March 2024
Student visa applications lodged from 23 March 2024 are assessed under a new 'Genuine Student' requirement instead of the previous 'Genuine Temporary Entrant' test.
Read more - Home Affairs5001 October 2026
Student Visa Reform Regulations 2026
New regulations for student visas come into effect. Changes affect how student visa applications are processed and conditions may be updated.
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
Australia reducing net migration to 225,000 annually
The government is implementing changes to reduce net overseas migration to 225,000 per year to allow housing supply to catch up with demand. This affects skilled migration and temporary visa programs.
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 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 Affairs48248518919018 September 2026
Minister Burke Outlines Immigration Reform Plans
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke delivered a speech on Citizenship Day 2026 outlining the government's approach to immigration reform, including temporary visas and student visas.
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 Affairs6005001891909 September 2026
Digital arrival card now available for Melbourne airport travellers
The Australian Travel Declaration (ATD) pilot program has expanded to Melbourne Airport. Eligible passengers on selected Qantas flights can now complete their arrival declaration digitally through the Qantas app instead of paper forms.
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 Affairs5003 September 2026
Student Visa Application Charge Increasing
The Australian Government has announced an increase to the Visa Application Charge (VAC) for student visas. This affects international students applying for or renewing student visas.
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 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 Affairs18919049148210 August 2026
Understanding visa processing times and what affects them
Home Affairs publishes median processing times for key visa categories to help applicants understand delays. Processing times vary significantly based on application completeness and other factors.
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