Updates

The Australian Government has introduced the Migration (Designated Areas) Instrument 2026 (LIN 26/004), effective from 22 September 2026. This instrument replaces the previous Designated Areas 2016/044 (IMMI 16/044), which was set to expire on 1 October 2026. The new instrument specifies the designated areas in Australia by postcode or entire State or Territory, relevant for visa holders subject to condition 8549. This condition requires holders to live, work, and study in these designated areas. The instrument is particularly significant for holders of the Subclass 489 visa, as compliance with condition 8549 is crucial when applying for permanent residency through the Subclass 887 visa pathway. The provisions and designated-area table in the new instrument remain largely unchanged from the previous version, ensuring continuity in the designated-area framework. Migration professionals should consult LIN 26/004 to ensure accurate advice for clients regarding compliance with condition 8549. The update is considered minor and did not involve external consultation.

South Australia’s two Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs) have been extended for a further four months until 31 January 2027, while negotiations conclude for a new five-year statewide DAMA. The current terms and conditions of both DAMAs remain unchanged since the last variation in June 2026. Further announcements on the new five-year DAMA and the transition arrangement will be made once negotiations have concluded.

SUBJECTS: Immigration reform, Temporary visas, Student visas SUBJECTS Immigration reform, Temporary visas, Student visas TOM CONNELL, HOST: Minister, I’d like to go to how you want voters to view your speech today. There’s the title, “Who arrives, who stays, who leaves”, and there’s the deportations that will be happening. Would you be comfortable if voters cast their minds back to John Howard saying, “We will decide who comes here and under what terms”? Not the same policy area, and I’m not saying you agree with John Howard, but that element of “taking sovereignty back”, is that something you would be comfortable with voters thinking back to? TOM CONNELL, HOST: MINISTER BURKE: I’m never afraid of the word “sovereignty”. Never afraid of it. When I went through the acknowledgements at the start, I acknowledged Brett Sonter as the Commander of Operation Sovereign Borders. Sovereignty of Australia matters, and people want to know there is a system. The fact that, in the life of this Government, for more than a decade now, nobody who has arrived without a visa has been able to stay in Australia is part of the integrity that people expect. People do want Australia to be able to have a visa system. And what we need to make sure of now as we go to the next layer, where people do come on a visa but try to effectively work around for the visa system to deliver outcomes that Australia would never intend. And that's what I want us to be able to do. MINISTER BURKE: JOURNALIST: Hello, Minister. Thank you very much for your address today. I wanted to ask you about the part of your speech, the story that's - the bit that needs to be written, rather, about protection claims. It's obviously an issue that the Government is grappling with. There have been reports that the Government was considering removing the work rights of temporary visa holders whose claims had been rejected by Home Affairs. Are the reports about putting time frames on the application of a protection visa - are these measures still on the table? Are they being considered by the Government? If you were to pursue a legislative option down the track? JOURNALIST: MINISTER BURKE JOURNALIST: Hi, Minister. Thank you for outlining what sounds like a devilish equation you’re dealing with. I wanted to ask about something more immediate. The last few days, I have been to a number of media conferences from your political opponents talking about the immediate problem of shortage of workers to do things like getting the harvest in, catching seafood for our Christmas dinner, pouring beers in pubs across Northern Australia. So, I understand we're talking about a policy framework, but out in the real world, people are unable to bring the crops in. What are you doing about it? JOURNALIST: MINISTER BURKE: OK. As I said, working holiday maker processing is now being restored and we'll be moving through those again. Effectively - and this is why I refer to legislation - the more tools and levers that are available, the more sharply I can target the system to be able to slow down to get housing in front, and to minimise the impact on the Australian economy. And so the working holiday maker change goes to exactly what you described. Similarly, the new Ministerial Direction, replacing Ministerial Direction 119 with the elevation of agriculture and fisheries for processing priority, goes to exactly what you've said as well. MINISTER BURKE: JOURNALIST: Just quickly on the numbers on working holidays, so ballot systems, the number of visas goes down, but obviously you hope for oversupply of people doing the hours, hoping they win the ballot? What's the net impact? Is it hopefully we'll have the same number of workers but not staying as long? Would it be a net negative? JOURNALIST: MINISTER BURKE: Well ultimately, the section where you get the definite drop-off in significant numbers is actually year three. And year three is the year where there is no obligation to work in the regions at all. MINISTER BURKE: JOURNALIST: Thank you for your speech. I'd like to ask you about people who stay, so you talk about people who come, people who stay, and people who leave. Are one of the large groups of people who stay are people on 485 visas, otherwise post-study work rights visas. These are people who have completed a degree usually and get to stay in Australia for longer. Under that program, the largest - by far the largest group that uses the 485 visa are Indians. I think just under 40% of all people who were granted visas in 2025-26 were from India. Under the free trade agreement with India, they get an extra year. Is this special carve-out for people from India going to stay or is that under question as well? JOURNALIST MINISTER BURKE: We are working within all free trade agreements in everything that I've said. There are free trade agreements all over my portfolio. Almost the entirety of the working holiday maker system is dealt with through a series of free trade agreements. I referred to the UK, but it's not the only one. And, effectively, for these different parts of the system, these are always concessions that were offered by Australia, and in return for those concessions there are other benefits that have delivered Australian jobs. And so we're not about to undermine that. MINISTER BURKE: JOURNALIST: Thanks, Minister. You're at 292 now on the NOM, as released today. You mentioned some numbers about the third year of the working holiday visa. Do you know to get down to 245 and 225, how many- what the visa cuts will be in each individual class? And just on you doing this speech, the Prime Minister has a stubborn streak, as of last week he was telling cabinet colleagues that he didn't want you to do this speech in this forum, so how did you change his mind? JOURNALIST: MINISTER BURKE: At the... you must be one of the ones who wrote it! When it was published that I was not going to be giving this speech in this forum, the first time that I saw it having been published was a day after the Prime Minister and I had had a conversation confirming that I would be speaking here. So, it was a bit hard for me to go back and say, "I'm upset that you're not agreeing to something," that he had agreed to yesterday that journalists were saying he hadn't. The fact... Look, can I just say, I'm the Minister for Home Affairs. If I were to spend my whole life dealing with stories that were written that were untrue, that's all I'd spend my time doing. It's the nature of the portfolio. But when it was published, I can only say the Prime Minister and I had already had a conversation confirming that it would be here. MINISTER BURKE: JOURNALIST: Do you know how much each visa class comes down by to reach the targets, or just on working holiday visas, do you have a number? JOURNALIST: MINISTER BURKE: The numbers are in the materials that are being made available that go through it, but can I say all of it's a little bit deceptive. When you're dealing with something like [Transcript truncated for notification]

ROIs invited to apply for nomination on 17/09/2026: Subclass 190 - 37 invitations - 7 Gold invitations and 30 Green invitations Subclass 491 - 26 invitations - 0 Gold invitations and 26 further invitations The lowest scores invited: Subclass 190 - 375 points Subclass 491 - 72 points Number of ROIs on hand (ROIs with a status of Submitted after the invitation round has taken place): Subclass 190 - 880 ROIs Subclass 491 - 590 ROIs Nomination places available: Subclass 190 - 1,000 places Subclass 491 - 713 places Nomination applications lodged but not yet decided: Subclass 190 - 6 applications Subclass 491 - 24 applications Invitations issued but application not yet lodged: Subclass 190 - 81 invitations Subclass 491 - 56 invitations Oldest nomination application lodged and not yet allocated to a case officer - 15/09/2026 Lowest point score required to gain nomination (at assessment): Subclass 190 - 504 points Subclass 491 - 83 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.

A permanent visa does not allow you to enter Australia without a valid travel facility. A travel facility allows permanent visa holders to leave and re-enter Australia. A travel facility is typically valid for one or five years. Before departing Australia, permanent residents should: check Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) to confirm your travel facility is valid for the duration of your trip apply early for a Resident Return visa (RRV) where your travel facility will expire before your planned return to Australia check your passport is valid and linked to your visa in VEVO. If your travel facility has expired, or will expire while you are overseas, you must apply and be granted an RRV to return to Australia. This application process can take time and fees apply, so plan ahead. Applying early for an RRV helps avoid unnecessary costs, delays and disruption to your travels. Airlines cannot allow boarding without a valid travel facility on a permanent resident visa or an RRV that is linked to the passport you are travelling on. Do not return on a Visitor visa or Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) instead of an RRV. This can have serious long-term consequences affecting your: eligibility for Australian citizenship permanent residence status entitlements including Medicare, unrestricted work rights, and other government benefits. Learn more at Travelling overseas as a permanent resident. If eligible, consider applying for Australian citizenship and make an ongoing commitment to Australia and shared Australian values. As an Australian citizen, you will be able to travel freely using an Australian passport. Visit Become a citizen to learn more.

ROIs invited to apply for nomination on 10/09/2026: Subclass 190 - 40 invitations - 6 Gold invitations and 34 Green invitations Subclass 491 - 26 invitations - Three Gold invitations and 23 further invitations The lowest scores invited: Subclass 190 - 502 points Subclass 491 - 74 points Number of ROIs on hand (ROIs with a status of Submitted after the invitation round has taken place): Subclass 190 - 890 ROIs Subclass 491 - 603 ROIs Nomination places available: Subclass 190 - 1,018 places Subclass 491 - 732 places Nomination applications lodged but not yet decided: Subclass 190 - 8 applications Subclass 491 - 13 applications Invitations issued but application not yet lodged: Subclass 190 - 66 invitations Subclass 491 - 58 invitations Oldest nomination application lodged and not yet allocated to a case officer - 09/09/2026 Lowest point score required to gain nomination (at assessment): Subclass 190 - 536 points Subclass 491 - 86 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.

ROIs invited to apply for nomination on 10/09/2026: Subclass 190 - 40 invitations - 6 Gold invitations and 34 Green invitations Subclass 491 - 26 invitations - Three Gold invitations and 23 further invitations The lowest scores invited: Subclass 190 - 502 points Subclass 491 - 74 points Number of ROIs on hand (ROIs with a status of Submitted after the invitation round has taken place): Subclass 190 - 890 ROIs Subclass 491 - 603 ROIs Nomination places available: Subclass 190 - 1,018 places Subclass 491 - 732 places Nomination applications lodged but not yet decided: Subclass 190 - 8 applications Subclass 491 - 13 applications Invitations issued but application not yet lodged: Subclass 190 - 66 invitations Subclass 491 - 58 invitations Oldest nomination application lodged and not yet allocated to a case officer - 09/09/2026 Lowest point score required to gain nomination (at assessment): Subclass 190 - 536 points Subclass 491 - 86 points This is a rolling three-month average of the lowest point score resulting in an invitation. Where an ROI is invited and all priority attributes claimed are verified, 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.

ROIs invited to apply for nomination on 03/09/2026: Subclass 190 - 34 invitations - 21 Gold invitations and 13 Green invitations Subclass 491 - 25 invitations - Three Gold invitations and 23 further invitations Over the past three weeks, we have seen the number of Gold invitations decrease in subclass 190, as we expected. We were able to invite more subclass 190 ROIs this week and anticipate this to continue. The total number of new ROI submissions has reduced this week to the long-term average of around 160. We expect that this number will stabilise and allow us to issue more non-Gold invitations for subclass 190 ROIs in the coming weeks. The lowest scores invited: Subclass 190 - 519 points Subclass 491 - 82 points Number of ROIs on hand (ROIs with a status of Submitted after the invitation round has taken place): Subclass 190 - 908 ROIs Subclass 491 - 592 ROIs Nomination places available: Subclass 190 - 1,036 places Subclass 491 - 737 places Nomination applications lodged but not yet decided: Subclass 190 - 12 applications Subclass 491 - 9 applications Invitations issued but application not yet lodged: Subclass 190 - 45 invitations Subclass 491 - 47 invitations Oldest nomination application lodged and not yet allocated to a case officer - 02/09/2026 Lowest point score required to gain nomination (at assessment): Subclass 190 - 547 points Subclass 491 - 90 points This is a rolling three-month average of the lowest point score resulting in an invitation. Where an ROI is invited and all priority attributes claimed are verified, 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.

The Migration (Arrangements for Child Visa Applications) Instrument 2026 (LIN 26/081) has been introduced, replacing the previous 2016/051 instrument. Effective from 2 September 2026, this new legislation outlines the approved form, manner, and place for lodging applications for Child (Migrant) (Class AH), Child (Residence) (Class BT), and Extended Temporary (Class TK) visas. The instrument maintains existing restrictions on Child visa applications related to overseas adoptions, specifically concerning adoptions from Pakistan, where applications will not be valid if the adoption is claimed to have occurred there. Transitional arrangements are in place for applications submitted to addresses specified under the former instrument, ensuring they are considered compliant with the new requirements. Migration professionals should ensure adherence to the updated application procedures to avoid processing delays. The changes are described as minor and technical, with the core application processes largely unchanged.

ROIs invited to apply for nomination on 20/08/2026: Subclass 190 - 20 invitations - 17 Gold invitations and three Green invitations Subclass 491 - 25 invitations - One Gold invitation and 24 further invitations Due to the high number of Gold pass ROIs received for subclass 190, few additional ROIs have been invited. Due to being oversubscribed in total ROI invitations over the past two weeks, we invited only three non-Gold ROIs this week. We expect the number of Gold pass ROIs to decrease significantly over the coming weeks, which will allow us to issue a larger number of invitations. The lowest scores invited: Subclass 190 - 544 points Subclass 491 - 91 points Number of ROIs on hand (ROIs with a status of Submitted after the invitation round has taken place): Subclass 190 - 906 ROIs Subclass 491 - 572 ROIs Nomination places available: Subclass 190 - 1,050 places Subclass 491 - 748 places Nomination applications lodged but not yet decided: Subclass 190 - 10 applications Subclass 491 - 5 applications Invitations issued but application not yet lodged: Subclass 190 - 36 invitations Subclass 491 - 39 invitations Oldest nomination application lodged and not yet allocated to a case officer - 25/08/2026 Lowest point score required to gain nomination (at assessment): Subclass 190 - 562 points Subclass 491 - 94 points This is a rolling three-month average of the lowest point score resulting in an invitation. Where an ROI is invited and all priority attributes claimed are verified, 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.

Migration Tasmania has now opened for the 2026-27 program year. ROIs invited to apply for nomination on 20/08/2026: Subclass 190 - 67 invitations - 65 Gold invitations and two Green invitations Subclass 491 - 26 invitations - Three Gold invitations and 23 further invitations Due to the high number of Gold pass ROIs received for subclass 190, few additional ROIs have been invited. We expect the number of Gold pass ROIs to decrease significantly over the coming weeks, which will allow us to issue a larger number of invitations. The lowest scores invited: Subclass 190 - 580 points Subclass 491 - 97 points Number of ROIs on hand (ROIs with a status of Submitted after the invitation round has taken place): Subclass 190 - 539 ROIs Subclass 491 - 810 ROIs Nomination places available: Subclass 190 - 1,084 places Subclass 491 - 754 places Nomination applications lodged but not yet decided: Subclass 190 - 18 applications Subclass 491 - 2 applications Invitations issued but application not yet lodged: Subclass 190 - 43 invitations Subclass 491 - 25 invitations Oldest nomination application lodged and not yet allocated to a case officer - 19/08/2026 Lowest point score required to gain nomination (at assessment): Subclass 190 - 580 points Subclass 491 - 97 points This is a rolling three-month average of the lowest point score resulting in an invitation. Where an ROI is invited and all priority attributes claimed are verified, 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.

Migration Tasmania has now opened for the 2026-27 program year. As more information becomes available, this webpage will be updated on a weekly basis. ROIs invited to apply for nomination on XX/XX/2026: Subclass 190 - Invitations to commence Thurs 20/8/2026 Subclass 491 - Invitations to commence Thurs 20/8/2026 The lowest scores invited: Subclass 190 - Invitations to commence Thurs 20/8/2026 Subclass 491 - Invitations to commence Thurs 20/8/2026 Number of ROIs on hand (ROIs with a status of Submitted before the 2026-27 program year opened): Subclass 190 - 444 Subclass 491 - 538 Nomination places available: Subclass 190 - 1,086 places Subclass 491 - 757 places Nomination applications lodged but not yet decided (before the 2026-27 program year opened): Subclass 190 - 2 applications Subclass 491 - 5 applications Invitations issued but application not yet lodged: Subclass 190 - 0 invitations Subclass 491 - 0 invitations Oldest nomination application lodged and not yet allocated to a case officer - 17/08/2026