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

This also includes the Priority Processing fee (PP), Skills Assessment Support (SAS), Chinese Qualification Verification (CQV), all Non-migration Skills Assessments, and Administration fees. The increase does not apply to assessments for trade occupations. Fees will rise in line with the Consumer Price Index and have been reviews in accordance with Australian Government guidance. Please note that any application received before September 9 2026 will be charged at the current rates. You can review the new fees here .

2026-27 Program Opening - 17 August 2026 The Tasmanian Skilled Migration State Nomination Program will open to new ROIs on 17 August 2026. Some changes to priority attributes for selection will apply. Full details of nomination requirements and priority attributes are on our website . A detailed summary of the key changes can be found here HERE . Tasmania has now received a total 2,050 nomination allocations for the 2026-27 program year. This comprises: 1,250 nomination places for subclass 190 800 nomination places for subclass 491. Invitations to apply for nomination - 2026-27 Program Migration Tasmania will commence weekly invitations to apply for nomination from Thursday 20 August 2026. Invitations will be issued progressively throughout the year to ensure places remain available across the program year. Information will be posted on the Migration Tasmania website every week detailing: the number of Registrations of Interest (ROIs) invited to apply for nomination the lowest scores invited nomination places available number of ROIs on hand. It will also show the lowest ROI score you would need to get a nomination at time of processing. This number is based on the average of the lowest scores invited over the past three months. If, during assessment, any of the selected priority attributes are not met and the applicant’s score falls below this published three‑month average, the nomination will not be approved. Program Changes and New Features After reviewing program results and listening to stakeholder feedback, we’ve made some updates to the priority attributes, selection policy and program guidance. These changes are designed to better match our nomination priorities, make it easier for applicants to choose the right attributes, and reduce program risks. What we found Some people found it difficult to choose the right attribute for their situation, especially when the attribute involved a salary range or a required length of employment. Some priority attributes didn’t clearly distinguish between candidates who had worked in Tasmania for different lengths of time. The Gold Pass requirement didn’t always reflect genuine commitment, job security, or the likelihood of long‑term settlement. At times, it rewarded short‑term or insecure work arrangements over applicants who had demonstrated a much stronger and more sustained contribution. The policy guidance in the “Additional information, exclusions and definitions” section of the website needed more detail. Key changes we have made: Clearer, easier to understand priority attribute wording. Revised scoring of priority attributes to better recognise longer contribution to Tasmania. Greater differentiation in points available according to duration of employment. Updated policy guidance for leave periods and breaks between jobs. The TSE Gold priority attribute updated to require at least 30 hours per week in at least one job to qualify. Income attributes updated to Australian median and average earnings and the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (the Priority Income Level of $57,000/year or $28.85/hour has not been changed). Additional caveats on recognising employment matching skills assessments or study for massage therapist and motor mechanics / service technicians. The service fee to apply for nomination has increased to $387 ($425.70 including GST). There remains no charge to submit a Registration of Interest. Candidates who have submitted an ROI in the last six months may wish to withdraw it and submit a new one, as the changes to priority attribute ranking criteria may significantly improve chances of selection for many people. If you'd like to compare scores under the old and new settings, the 2025-26 priority attributes and scores can be found HERE . Important note: The domain name to access the Migration Tasmania Application Gateway portal to submit ROIs and lodge nomination applications has changed. If you have bookmarked the site, please update your bookmark to https://apply.migration.tas.gov.au . Note that the Application Gateway will not be available until 17 August 2026. Subclass 491 Overseas Skilled Occupation Profiles - Invitation Only Pathway - No invitations planned for 2026-27 This pathway allows overseas individuals to be nominated by Tasmania where they do not have a job in Tasmania but have skills and experience that would make them readily employable in key areas of need. As the Australian Government has announced that it will be prioritising visa processing for applicants in Australia. Therefore, Migration Tasmania will not be issuing invitations in this pathway this program year. Overseas health and teaching professionals who gain employment with a Tasmanian health provider or school will still be eligible for nomination for a subclass 190 Skilled Nominated visa in the Overseas Applicant - Health or Education Sector Job Offer Pathway . Online Webinar – 2026-27 program settings An online webinar will cover all the main changes to the program for 2026-27. Thursday 13th August 2026 11:00am – 12:00pm AEST. Click HERE to join the event (you do not need to pre-register). Topics will include Nomination allocations Program purpose and selection priorities Changes to the priority attributes and ranking system Selected policy clarification updates Overseas candidate requirements Audience questions

The Department of Home Affairs provides dedicated information and support for people experiencing domestic and family violence through its website. These pages are regularly reviewed and updated and translated into different languages: Domestic and Family Violence Information The website includes a downloadable information sheet that RMAs may provide to clients, where appropriate. This resource was developed in consultation with the International Organization for Migration and is attached below. The website also hosts the Temporary visa holder domestic and family violence contact form, which is the Department's preferred point of contact for clients and RMAs seeking information or support regarding visa status or other DFV-related immigration matters. Source: Department-of-Home-Affairs-information-sheet-for-visa-holders-experiencing-DFV-in-Australia.pdf

VETASSESS is strengthening its engagement with migration professionals across Australia, with Perth taking centre stage to commence its upcoming series of Migration Agent Masterclasses. The initiative will bring senior VETASSESS leaders and experienced assessors directly to the Western Australian migration community, creating opportunities to share insights, discuss emerging industry trends and strengthen connections with migration agents working across Australia's skilled migration system. Perth sits at the heart of this year's Masterclass program, with VETASSESS looking forward to spending time with migration professionals in Western Australia and strengthening connections with a market that continues to play an important role in Australia's skilled migration landscape. By bringing senior leaders and experienced assessors directly to Perth, VETASSESS is creating opportunities for meaningful face-to-face engagement, knowledge sharing and discussion on the issues most relevant to migration agents and their clients. The Perth event forms part of a broader national program that will also visit Sydney and Melbourne, reinforcing VETASSESS' commitment to supporting migration professionals through collaboration, accessibility and direct access to assessment expertise. Designed to foster greater industry engagement, the Masterclasses will provide attendees with deeper insight into the skills assessment process, including key evidence considerations, common application challenges and factors that can influence assessment outcomes. Participants will hear directly from the experts behind the assessment process and gain practical insights drawn from real-world examples and industry experience. The sessions will also provide a forum for discussion on issues shaping the current migration environment, enabling migration professionals to engage directly with VETASSESS subject matter experts and exchange perspectives with peers from across the industry. Attendees will gain: Deeper insight into how applications are assessed and the evidence considerations that influence outcomes. Direct access to senior leaders and experienced assessors across a broad range of occupations and assessment pathways. Practical learnings drawn from real-world examples and common assessment scenarios. Opportunities to discuss challenges, trends and emerging issues affecting migration professionals and their clients. Stronger professional connections with industry peers and the VETASSESS team. Beyond technical insights, the Masterclasses reflect VETASSESS' ongoing commitment to building strong relationships with migration professionals. The events provide opportunities for collaboration, knowledge sharing and direct engagement, helping ensure migration agents have access to the expertise and information needed to support their clients. Through ongoing engagement with migration professionals, VETASSESS continues to demonstrate its commitment to supporting a well-informed, connected and capable migration sector. The Migration Agent Masterclass series is one of the many ways VETASSESS is investing in industry relationships, sharing expertise and contributing to a stronger understanding of skills assessment across Australia's migration profession. The 2026 Masterclass series will be delivered across Perth, Sydney and Melbourne, with Perth serving as a key focus of the national program as VETASSESS brings its expertise directly to migration professionals in Western Australia.

On 25 July 2026, three new Ministerial Directions came into effect to support the Government’s policy to prioritise applications from onshore migrants across the Skilled and Family programs and reduce Net Overseas Migration. For further information about visa processing priorities, please refer to Visa processing priorities.

Fans and supporters who want to come to Australia to watch the Rugby League World Cup 2026 must have a valid Australian visa. There are a range of visas that are suitable for fans and supporters, and the type of visa you need will depend on: how long you would like to stay in Australia if you are planning to enter Australia more than once the nationality of your passport what you would like to do while you are here. You can find out more information about Australian visas by using the visa finder. We are currently processing a high number of visa applications. To help us process your visa application faster always remember to check twice, and submit once. Travelling to New Zealand and/or Papua New Guinea Fans and supporters who want to travel to New Zealand and/or Papua New Guinea to watch matches will need an appropriate visa for the country they are visiting. Information on New Zealand visas and NZeTAs is available on the Immigration New Zealand website: Visitor Visa: Visa details | Immigration New Zealand. Information on visa requirements for Papua New Guinea are available on Papua New Guinea's Immigration & Citizenship Service Authority website: Visit - ICA. Transit visa requirement Fans and supporters transiting through Australia on their way to or from another country, including New Zealand and/or Papua New Guinea, may need a transit visa. You can find out more about transit visas at transiting through Australia. Fans and supporters should also check the transit visa requirements for other countries they are transiting through when travelling to and from Australia.

Allocation received and program opening details to be announced soon 2026-27 Program Allocations A total of 2050 nomination places have been issued to Tasmania this year, comprising: Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa: 1250 places Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) visa: 800 places Tasmania’s Skilled Migration State Nomination Program will reopen to new Registrations of Interest in the coming weeks, with details to be announced soon. You can monitor the Migration Tasmania site for the latest information regarding the 2026-27 program. You can also sign up for our newsletter . Once the program reopens, please carefully read the 2026-27 program settings and guidelines for any changes. Nomination applications lodged but not yet decided If you have lodged an application for nomination but have not received an outcome, Migration Tasmania will continue to process your application against the requirements in place at the time you lodged your application. If approved, applicants will be nominated in SkillSelect. Subclass 491 applicants seeking subclass 190 nomination Applications for subclass 491 nomination that have been lodged but not yet decided will not be considered for subclass 190 nomination. If you wish to be considered for subclass 190 nomination you will need to withdraw your current application and register for subclass 190 when the 2026-27 program opens. A new invitation to apply for subclass 190 nomination will depend upon the level of interest and the number of pro-rata places available at the time. If you have any questions about the program, your ROI or your application for nomination, please contact Migration Tasmania at skilled@migration.tas.gov.au

The Australian Government has introduced the Migration (Annual Applicant Limits for Subclass 202 (Global Special Humanitarian) Visas) Instrument 2026 (LIN 26/035), establishing annual limits on the number of applicants that each Approved Proposing Organisation (APO) may propose under the Community Support Program (CSP). The instrument specifies that: The explanatory statement notes that the reforms are intended to provide a more transparent and predictable framework for managing Community Support Program places while requiring Approved Proposing Organisations to carefully plan and administer their annual allocations. Approved Proposing Organisations and migration practitioners involved in humanitarian migration should review the new instrument to ensure future Subclass 202 applications comply with the revised validity requirements. Source: Migration-Annual-Applicant-Limits-for-Sc202-Global-Special-Humanitarian-visas-Instrument-2026.pdf and Migration-Annual-Applicant-Limits-for-Sc202-Global-Special-Humanitarian-visas-Instrument-2026----explanatory-statement.pdf - Each APO will be subject to an annual applicant allocation for the financial year commencing 1 July 2026. - Both primary and secondary applicants are counted towards an APO's allocation. - Where the applicable limit would be exceeded, the Subclass 202 visa application will be invalid and cannot be considered. - The instrument also clarifies the methodology for counting applicants, including circumstances where responsibility for a proposal is transferred between APOs, ensuring applicants are not counted twice.