Updates

ROIs invited to apply for nomination on 08/10/2026: Subclass 190 - 37 invitations - 13 Gold invitations and 24 Green invitations Subclass 491 - 24 invitations - 2 Gold invitations and 22 further invitations The lowest scores invited: Subclass 190 - 323 points Subclass 491 - 89 points Number of ROIs on hand (ROIs with a status of Submitted after the invitation round has taken place): Subclass 190 - 897 ROIs Subclass 491 - 605 ROIs Nomination places available: Subclass 190 - 954 places Subclass 491 - 691 places Nomination applications lodged but not yet decided: Subclass 190 - 71 applications Subclass 491 - 51 applications Invitations issued but application not yet lodged: Subclass 190 - 80 invitations Subclass 491 - 69 invitations Oldest nomination application lodged and not yet allocated to a case officer - 24/09/2026 Lowest point score required to gain nomination (at assessment): Subclass 190 - 440 points Subclass 491 - 81 points This is a rolling three-month average of the lowest point score resulting in an invitation. Where an ROI is invited, all priority attributes claimed are examined and if the information provided in the ROI and nomination application is found to be true and correct, nomination will be approved. If one or more priority attributes are not verified, and the point score falls below the lowest score threshold, the application will be declined. Where candidates are found to have intentionally claimed priority attributes to artificially inflate their score, the application will be declined. Any Gold pass holder that does not meet the Gold priority attribute will be declined, regardless of their total point score.

What Student visa changes are being introduced and why? From 2 October 2026, new rules change: who can apply and be granted a Student visa (subclass 500) or Student Guardian visa (subclass 590) while in Australia whether family members can be included in a Student visa application. The Australian Government is changing the Student visa program to strengthen its integrity and uphold the quality of education. The changes will also better align the program with its main purpose: temporary stays in Australia for study. The reforms aim to reduce misuse of the Student visa program. They will not affect the ability of genuine students to study in Australia. Could these changes affect me or my visa? The changes may affect you if you: plan to apply for a Student visa while you are in Australia want to include family members in a Student visa application or add them later are considering changing education providers. The changes do not affect current Student visas. Applying for a Student visa in Australia From 2 October 2026, most temporary visa holders can no longer apply for a Student visa while in Australia. This includes Working Holiday Maker and Skills in Demand visa holders. If you are a student visa holder you generally cannot apply for another Student visa while in Australia unless an exemption applies. Exemptions apply to: students sponsored by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) or the Australian Department of Defence students applying to undertake a doctoral degree or primary or secondary school studies students whose education provider cannot deliver their course, known as a provider default students who need up to 12 additional months to complete their studies with the same education provider students who have completed the main course covered by their current visa and are progressing to a higher-level course. What you need to know If you cannot apply while you are in Australia, you can still apply for a Student visa from outside Australia. If you need to apply for a Student visa outside Australia, you must also be outside Australia when your visa is granted. If you already hold a Student visa, these changes do not affect your current visa. Applying for a Student Guardian visa in Australia If you are planning to apply for a Student Guardian visa (subclass 590) while in Australia, you should check whether the new application requirements affect you. Current Student Guardian visa holders can continue to apply for another Student Guardian visa while in Australia. Including family members in your visa application If you are applying for your first or a further Student visa, you can no longer include family members in your application unless an exemption applies. The changes aim to better align Student and Temporary Graduate visas with their main purposes: temporary stays in Australia for study and post-study work experience. Exemptions apply to: doctoral students nationals of Pacific countries and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries fully-funded foreign government scholarship recipients students sponsored by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) or the Australian Department of Defence. Existing families in Australia Some arrangements will help avoid separating families already in Australia. You may include the same family members in a new application if: they were included in your visa or visa application before 2 October 2026, and you are eligible to apply for a further Student visa in Australia. What you need to know You cannot add family members after your Student visa has been granted. There are no exemptions to this rule. Student visa applications lodged before 2 October 2026 will continue to be assessed under the rules in place when they were lodged. This includes applications that already included family members. If you cannot include family members in a new Student visa application, you should consider how this may affect your family arrangements before deciding whether to apply. Changing education providers If you are considering changing education providers, it is important to know that further changes to Student visa settings are being developed. A new Transfer stream within the Student visa subclass is intended to be introduced. Student visa holders who change education providers will be required to apply for a new Transfer stream within the Student visa subclass. The Australian Government is still developing details for the Transfer stream. Further information will be made public at the appropriate time. Temporary Graduate visa Restrictions on the ability of Temporary Graduate visa applicants to include family members in their application will be introduced. Further information will become available as this reform is progressed. Temporary Graduate visa holders continue to have access to unlimited work rights and can use their Australian qualifications to access graduate work opportunities and progress their careers in Australia or overseas. Students planning to apply for a Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa should be aware that the application charge increased to A$5,750 on 1 July 2026. Eligible applicants from Pacific Island countries, Timor-Leste and ASEAN member states were excluded from the charge increases. What you should do next If you think these changes may affect you, there are steps you can take now to better understand your options. Understand how the changes affect you before making visa, study, travel or relocation plans. Check whether the new requirements may affect any plans to apply for a Student visa while you are in Australia. Consider how the family member changes may affect your plans. Review official visa requirements before changing your education provider or course. Use the Department of Home Affairs Document Checklist Tool to check the financial capacity and English language evidence you may need for a Student visa application. If you need advice about your individual visa circumstances, contact a migration agent registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority. Learn more For the latest information, visit Study Australia – Your guide to visas or Department of Home Affairs official website: Department of Home Affairs – Student Visa Reforms Department of Home Affairs – Student visa (subclass 500) Department of Home Affairs – Student Guardian visa (subclass 590) Department of Home Affairs – Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) Department of Home Affairs – Document Checklist Tool

If you are an Australian visa applicant or visa holder, make sure you have adequate health insurance for Australia. Most temporary visa holders and visitors are not eligible for Australia’s Medicare system. This means you may be responsible for all healthcare costs during your stay. Having appropriate private health insurance can help protect you from unexpected healthcare expenses. It can also help you meet your visa conditions, depending on which visa you hold. We have updated our guidance on adequate health insurance requirements to help you better understand the requirements and your healthcare obligations while in Australia. For more information and practical guidance, download our new Adequate Health Insurance Factsheet. You can also visit Adequate health insurance for visa holders.

2 October 2026 The reforms introduce changes to who can apply for and be granted a Student visa (subclass 500) while in Australia, and whether family members can be included in Student visa applications. These changes may affect people wanting to: These changes may affect people wanting to: 1. Applying for a Student visa or Student Guardian visa while in Australia Applying for a Student visa or Student Guardian visa while in Australia Most temporary visa holders in Australia must now be outside Australia when they lodge a Student or Student Guardian visa application, and when a visa is granted. A list of affected visas can be found at Subclass 500 Student visa. Subclass 500 Student visa This rule also affects current Student visa holders applying for another Student visa unless an exemption applies (see below). The changes do not affect current Student visas. Current Student Guardian visa holders can continue to lodge a further Student Guardian visa application while in Australia. Exemptions – applying for another Student visa in Australia Exemptions – applying for another Student visa in Australia Limited exemptions for current Student visa holders applying for another Student visa are in place. These include requiring additional time to complete a course, course provider default, specific cohorts of students, and certain course progressions. Further information, a list of affected visas and full details of exemptions for current Student visa holders can be found at: Subclass 500 Student visa. Subclass 500 Student visa 2. Including or adding family members as secondary applicants Including or adding family members as secondary applicants Student visa applicants – whether they are applying for their first or a further Student visa – can no longer include family members in their Student visa application unless an exemption applies. Exemptions – including family members at the time of application Exemptions – including family members at the time of application Limited exemptions to this rule are in place. No Student visa holder or applicant can add family members after their Student visa has been granted. There are no exemptions to this rule. after Further information and full details of exemptions can be found at: Subclass 500 Student visa. Subclass 500 Student visa Further information and resources: Further information and resources: Student Visa Reforms Student Visa Reforms - 2 October 2026 Department of Home Affairs 1 - Video Player - Vbrick Subclass 500 Student visa

IMPORTANT NOTICE ACS Christmas Holiday Shutdown period The ACS office will be closed during the Holiday period from the 21st December 2026 and re-open on the 4th January 2027. If you have a visa that is due to expire within the closure period, please ensure you submit your decision ready application prior to the 16th December for a guaranteed outcome to be issued. Decision ready applications submitted up until the 2nd November 2026 will be guaranteed an outcome issued prior to the 18th December 2026. Please note decision ready applications are defined as “all required documentation have been provided in the application as stated in the chosen pathway's checklist and MSA Info hub”. If a request for further information is required and made by the Migration Skills Assessment team, the application will be delayed, and an outcome will not be issued prior to the closure period. In addition to the closure period, upon re-opening from the holiday period (4th January 2027) please expect delays and allow additional time of up to 4 weeks added to the current timeframe. The MSA team wish you all a happy holiday season

The Migration Amendment (Student Visa Reform) Regulations 2026 introduce significant changes to the application process for Student visas in Australia, effective from 2 October 2026. Under the new regulations, existing Subclass 500 visa holders seeking further Student visas must generally apply from outside Australia, unless they qualify for specific exemptions such as being Defence or Foreign Affairs students. Additionally, the amendments impose restrictions on family members applying as secondary applicants. These applicants must meet certain criteria, such as the primary applicant being a Defence or Foreign Affairs student or holding a passport from a Pacific regional or ASEAN member country. All eligible secondary applicants must apply concurrently with the primary applicant, and separate subsequent entrant applications are no longer permitted. The changes also eliminate the onshore application pathway for those whose Student visas expired within the previous 28 days, with limited exceptions following Administrative Review Tribunal decisions. These amendments aim to enhance the integrity of the Student visa program and curb the use of successive temporary visas to extend stays in Australia. Applications submitted before the commencement date are not affected by these changes.

The Migration (Student Visa Applications to Be Made from outside Australia) Instrument 2026 (LIN 26/102) mandates that certain visa holders must be outside Australia to apply for a Subclass 500 (Student) or Subclass 590 (Student Guardian) visa. Effective from 2 October 2026, this instrument replaces LIN 26/068 and affects holders of various temporary visas, including Subclass 400, 407, 408, 417, 457, 462, 482, 485, 600, 601, 602, 651, 771, and 988. Additionally, specific limitations apply to Subclass 403 holders in the Domestic Worker (Diplomatic or Consular) stream and primary Subclass 995 holders. The regulation aims to prevent temporary migrants who entered Australia for non-study purposes from extending their stay through student visa applications. Migration professionals should verify clients' current visa subclass and status before advising on application options. This instrument should be considered alongside the Migration Amendment (Student Visa Reform) Regulations 2026 and other relevant application requirements.

The Migration (LIN 20/158: Class of Persons for Student (Temporary) (Class TU) Visa Applications) Amendment Instrument 2026, effective from 2 October 2026, introduces significant changes to the Student visa framework. The instrument outlines four categories of primary Student visa holders eligible to apply for further onshore Subclass 500 visas, including doctoral students and those affected by provider default. It also specifies conditions for students needing additional time to complete their principal course and those demonstrating course progression. Additionally, the amendment provides exemptions for family members of certain students, such as those funded by foreign governments or undertaking doctoral degrees. These family members must apply concurrently with the primary applicant and meet all location and validity criteria. The instrument also repeals COVID-era nil visa application charge classes, aligning with the requirement for combined applications. Migration professionals should review these changes in conjunction with the Migration Amendment (Student Visa Reform) Regulations 2026 to ensure compliance with the updated requirements.

ROIs invited to apply for nomination on 01/10/2026: Subclass 190 - 38 invitations - 7 Gold invitations and 31 Green invitations Subclass 491 - 34 invitations - 0 Gold invitations and 34 further invitations The lowest scores invited: Subclass 190 - 331 points Subclass 491 - 71 points Number of ROIs on hand (ROIs with a status of Submitted after the invitation round has taken place): Subclass 190 - 900 ROIs Subclass 491 - 591 ROIs Nomination places available: Subclass 190 - 979 places Subclass 491 - 704 places Nomination applications lodged but not yet decided: Subclass 190 - 62 applications Subclass 491 - 51 applications Invitations issued but application not yet lodged: Subclass 190 - 79 invitations Subclass 491 - 67 invitations Oldest nomination application lodged and not yet allocated to a case officer - 21/09/2026 Lowest point score required to gain nomination (at assessment): Subclass 190 - 457 points Subclass 491 - 79 points This is a rolling three-month average of the lowest point score resulting in an invitation. Where an ROI is invited, all priority attributes claimed are examined and if the information provided in the ROI and nomination application is found to be true and correct, nomination will be approved. If one or more priority attributes are not verified, and the point score falls below the lowest score threshold, the application will be declined. Where candidates are found to have intentionally claimed priority attributes to artificially inflate their score, the application will be declined. Any Gold pass holder that does not meet the Gold priority attribute will be declined, regardless of their total point score.

Tentative Invitation Round Schedule 2026-27 Week starting 12 October 2026 (Subclass 190 only) Week starting 25 January 2027 Week starting 22 March 2027 Week starting 24 May 2027 Please note that invitation round dates are tentative and subject to change without notice, depending on final allocation of nomination places and operational requirements. Any changes will be published on this website. Canberra Matrix Invitation Round: 11 June 2026 The ACT has a fixed number of nomination places available each month (pro-rata against the annual allocation). The highest ranked Matrix in each occupation were invited to apply for ACT nomination. The cut‑off for selection depended on the remaining monthly allocation, the date and time of Matrix submission, occupation cap and demand. The greater the demand for an occupation, the higher the rank of the Matrix score invited. The minimum ranking score is an indication only and not a guarantee that an invitation was issued. Invitations will not be issued if you have an active application in the system; or if you have previously received ACT nomination. Canberra Matrix submissions in occupations in critical sectors may be prioritised. Requests for ranking information Invitations are not guaranteed. We will not respond to requests for information on ranking or the likelihood of receiving an invitation. Matrix will not be prioritised or issued invitations based on personal circumstances. This includes, but is not limited to, visa expiry dates or a change in circumstances including critical birthdays. Matrix nominating Doctorate Streamlined Pathway 190 nominations: 8 invitations 491 nominations: 5 invitations Canberra residents Matrix nominating Small Business Owners 190 nominations: 3 invitations 190 minimum matrix score: 110 491 nominations: 0 invitation 491 minimum matrix score: - Matrix nominating Critical Skill Occupations 190 nominations: 66 invitations 491 nominations: 0 invitation Overseas applicants Matrix nominating Critical Skill Occupations: 190 nominations: 0 invitation 491 nominations: 0 invitation Download a copy of the Matrix invitation ranking 2025-2026 Allocation of ACT Nomination Places: Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa: 800 places Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) visa: 800 places The allocation for the 2026-27 financial year has not yet been announced. The website will be updated when this information becomes available. Application Count @ 30 June 2026 Total approvals: 1600 approvals 190 Nominations: 800 approvals 491 Nominations: 800 approvals Total refusals: 229 applications 190 Nominations: 111 refusals (12.2%) 491 Nominations: 128 refusals (13.8%) Approvals by residency status since the last invitation round ACT Resident: 1417 approvals (89%) Overseas Resident: 183 approvals (11%) Remaining Allocation 2025-2026 Total allocation remaining: 0 nomination places 190 Nominations: 0 491 Nominations: 0

ROIs invited to apply for nomination on 01/10/2026: Subclass 190 - 38 invitations - 7 Gold invitations and 31 Green invitations Subclass 491 - 34 invitations - 0 Gold invitations and 34 further invitations The lowest scores invited: Subclass 190 - 331 points Subclass 491 - 71 points Number of ROIs on hand (ROIs with a status of Submitted after the invitation round has taken place): Subclass 190 - 900 ROIs Subclass 491 - 591 ROIs Nomination places available: Subclass 190 - 979 places Subclass 491 - 704 places Nomination applications lodged but not yet decided: Subclass 190 - 62 applications Subclass 491 - 51 applications Invitations issued but application not yet lodged: Subclass 190 - 79 invitations Subclass 491 - 67 invitations Oldest nomination application lodged and not yet allocated to a case officer - 21/09/2026 Lowest point score required to gain nomination (at assessment): Subclass 190 - 457 points Subclass 491 - 79 points This is a rolling three-month average of the lowest point score resulting in an invitation. Where an ROI is invited, all priority attributes claimed are verified and the information provided in the ROI and nomination application is considered to be true and correct, nomination will be approved. If one or more priority attributes are not verified, and the point score falls below the lowest score threshold, the application will be declined. Where candidates are found to have intentionally claimed priority attributes to artificially inflate their score, the application will be declined. Any Gold pass holder that does not meet the Gold priority attribute will be declined, regardless of their total point score.

We have made some changes to where you can access information on each of our program’s current processing times to make finding that information easier for you. You can now access this information under the ‘Current Processing Times’ accordion at the bottom of each program’s landing page: Processing times are a guide only and may change. Some applications may take longer to finalise. As always, the information is also available in each of the program guidelines: Policy and Forms | Trades Recognition Australia