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Home Affairs announcements, processing-time changes, policy updates.
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- 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 Affairs60018919049128 August 2026
New Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing Laws Coming in 2026
Australia is updating laws to combat money laundering and terrorism financing. AUSTRAC will gain new powers to restrict high-risk financial products and services.
Read more - Home Affairs60018919048228 August 2026
Australia and Indonesia strengthen security cooperation
Australia and Indonesia have agreed to expand partnerships on counter-terrorism, cyber security, and border control. This affects visa processing and security screening for all applicants.
Read more - Home Affairs48248518919015 August 2026
Annual Market Salary Rate Updated for 2026
Home Affairs updated the annual market salary rate used to assess certain visa applications. This affects skilled migration visa applicants whose eligibility depends on salary thresholds.
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 Affairs4821851891907 August 2026
NSW State Migration Plan 2024-28
NSW Government released its first State Migration Plan outlining priorities for migration to address skill shortages and support migrant success in the state.
Read more - Home Affairs4824851891904 August 2026
Check Your Visa Processing Times Online
Home Affairs has a tool to help you estimate how long your visa application may take. Processing times are based on recently decided applications.
Read more - Home Affairs6001891904823 August 2026
Australia Travel Declaration rolling out nationwide by end of 2027
Australia is replacing paper passenger cards with a digital Australia Travel Declaration (ATD) at all airports and seaports. Travellers can pre-fill their declaration up to 72 hours before arrival.
Read more - 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