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

The September 2026 Evidence Level (EL) update for countries and education providers (based on student visa outcome data from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026) has taken place, effective for applications lodged on or after 30 September 2026. Departmental systems have been updated to reflect September 2026 ELs. The Document Checklist Tool on the Department of Home Affairs' website (homeaffairs.gov.au) also reflects ELs as per the September 2026 update. Document Checklist Tool For more information see: Evidence Levels for Education Program (homeaffairs.gov.au) Evidence Levels for Education Program

Tentative Invitation Round Schedule 2026-27 Week starting 12 October 2026 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

The Australian Government has introduced the Migration (Arrangements for eVisitor Visa Applications) Instrument 2026 (LIN 26/061), which will take effect on 29 September 2026. This legislative update specifies that all Subclass 651 (eVisitor) visa applications must be submitted online using Form 1362 (Internet). The instrument, made under subregulation 2.07(5) of the Migration Regulations 1994, replaces the previous 2016/111 arrangements, which were set to expire on 1 April 2027. The new instrument maintains the existing electronic application process without introducing new pathways or altering current requirements. It underscores the importance of using the correct online form and submission method to ensure applications meet validity criteria. The Department of Home Affairs highlights the benefits of online lodgement, including reduced costs and avoidance of delivery delays. Migration professionals should ensure compliance with these updated requirements when assisting clients with Subclass 651 applications.