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.

The Australian Government has implemented changes to the Migration (Arrangements for Visitor (Class FA) Visa Applications) Amendment Instrument 2026 (LIN 26/060), effective from 29 September 2026. This update revises the list of approved travel agents for the Subclass 600 (Visitor) visa under the Approved Destination Status (ADS) stream, which facilitates organised group travel from the People’s Republic of China to Australia. The amendment involves the removal of unverified travel agents, the addition of newly verified agents, and the retention of agents who passed the audit. It also updates the business names, codes, and locations of approved agents in China. These changes are the result of an annual audit and recruitment process conducted by the Australian Consulate-General in Guangzhou, with input from Austrade and Tourism Australia. Migration professionals and applicants should ensure that tours are organised by agents listed in the updated instrument to meet the ADS stream requirements. Using an unapproved agent could result in application issues. The update aims to maintain the integrity and accuracy of the ADS scheme.

The Australian Government has announced the Migration (Arrangements for Maritime Crew Visa Applications) Instrument 2026, set to commence on 1 November 2026. This new instrument, identified as LIN 26/025, will replace the previous IMMI 16/115 and outlines the approved form, place, and manner for submitting a valid application for the Maritime Crew (Temporary) (Class ZM) visa. Applicants will continue to lodge their applications online using Form 1273, adhering to the Department of Home Affairs' electronic application procedures. Additionally, the instrument introduces an alternative application pathway for cases where the Department provides written authorisation, allowing for greater flexibility in urgent situations. While the changes are primarily administrative and do not affect the eligibility criteria for the visa, applicants and migration professionals must ensure compliance with the new application procedures. Strict adherence to the Department's directions and deadlines is crucial, especially when alternative lodgement methods are authorised. These updates aim to streamline the application process and reduce associated costs and delays.

The Migration (Complying Entrepreneur Activity - Excluded Activities) Instrument 2026 (LIN 26/056) took effect on 25 September 2026, replacing the previous Specification of Activities 2016/075. This legislative update maintains existing policy settings without substantive changes, focusing on the exclusion of certain activities from being considered as 'complying entrepreneur activities' under the Entrepreneur streams of the subclass 188 and subclass 888 Business Innovation and Investment visas. Excluded activities include investments in labour hire businesses, residential property, and existing businesses or franchises. These exclusions aim to steer entrepreneurial efforts towards emerging Australian enterprises, local employment creation, and the commercialisation of innovative research and development. While the subclass 188 visa closed to new applications on 31 July 2024, the instrument remains pertinent for current subclass 188 Entrepreneur stream visa holders who wish to transition to the subclass 888 permanent visa. Applicants must ensure their entrepreneurial activities align with the criteria set out in the new instrument to qualify for the subclass 888 visa.

The Migration (Fields of Education) Instrument 2026 (LIN 26/057) officially commenced on 25 September 2026, replacing the previous Specification of Fields of Education 2016/076 (IMMI 16/076) which was set to sunset on 1 October 2026. This new instrument ensures the continuation of existing policy settings with minor updates to modernise the drafting. The instrument is crucial for applicants seeking points under the General Skilled Migration points test, applicable to several visa subclasses including the 189 Skilled Independent visa, 190 Skilled Nominated visa, 489 Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa, and 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa. To qualify for specialist educational qualification points, applicants must hold a master's degree by research or a doctoral degree from an Australian institution, involving at least two academic years of study in a specified field. The approved fields of education remain unchanged and include categories such as natural and physical sciences, information technology, and engineering. Migration professionals and applicants should ensure that qualifications meet the specified requirements at the time of invitation to apply for the visa.

The Migration (Complying Entrepreneur Activity - Funding Entities) Instrument 2026 (LIN 26/055) took effect on 25 September 2026, replacing the previous Specification of Entities 2016/074 (IMMI 16/074) which was set to expire on 1 October 2026. This new instrument maintains the existing policy framework with minor drafting updates, ensuring continuity for the Entrepreneur streams of the subclass 188 and subclass 888 Business Innovation and Investment visas. The instrument specifies approved funding entities, including Commonwealth, state, or territory agencies, publicly funded research bodies, registered venture capital partnerships, and higher education providers. These entities are crucial for applicants who must demonstrate funding through legally enforceable agreements. Although the subclass 188 visa closed to new applications on 31 July 2024, the instrument remains pertinent for current Entrepreneur stream visa holders. Migration professionals and applicants should ensure compliance by retaining evidence of funding agreements with prescribed entities, as outlined in the updated regulation 5.19E of the Migration Regulations 1994.

The Australian Government has enacted the Migration (Visas that Preclude a Person from Lodging a Student Visa Application in Australia) Instrument 2026, effective from 25 September 2026. This instrument replaces the previous IMMI 2016/016, which was set to expire on 1 October 2026. It specifies that holders of certain temporary visas, including subclasses 403, 485, 600, 601, 602, 651, 771, 988, and 995, cannot apply for subclass 500 Student visas or subclass 590 Student Guardian visas while in Australia. The purpose of this regulation is to prevent temporary migrants from extending their stay in Australia by applying for a Student visa onshore. Applicants must generally lodge their applications from outside Australia to ensure validity. Failure to comply with these requirements will result in an invalid application, which the Minister cannot consider under subsection 47(3) of the Migration Act 1958. Migration professionals and applicants are advised to carefully assess visa conditions and application requirements to avoid invalid submissions and potential disruptions to their stay in Australia.

ROIs invited to apply for nomination on 24/09/2026: Subclass 190 - 38 invitations - 20 Gold invitations and 18 Green invitations Subclass 491 - 24 invitations - 0 Gold invitations and 24 further invitations The lowest scores invited: Subclass 190 - 352 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 - 905 ROIs Subclass 491 - 593 ROIs Nomination places available: Subclass 190 - 992 places Subclass 491 - 712 places Nomination applications lodged but not yet decided: Subclass 190 - 41 applications Subclass 491 - 37 applications Invitations issued but application not yet lodged: Subclass 190 - 76 invitations Subclass 491 - 63 invitations Oldest nomination application lodged and not yet allocated to a case officer - 17/09/2026 Lowest point score required to gain nomination (at assessment): Subclass 190 - 478 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 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.

The Migration Legislation Amendment (Arrangements for Child Visa Applications) Instrument 2026 (LIN 26/100) has been registered, amending the postal address for certain Child and Extended Temporary visa applications. Effective from 22 September 2026, the correct address for these applications is GPO Box 241, Melbourne VIC 3001, Australia. This amendment affects the Child (Migrant) (Class AH), Child (Residence) (Class BT), and Extended Temporary (Class TK) visa classes. While the amendment is technical and does not alter eligibility criteria or substantive requirements, migration practitioners should update their records and application processes to ensure compliance. The instrument continues to specify the approved form, manner, and place for making applications under Schedule 1 to the Migration Regulations 1994. It is crucial for those involved in the application process to note this change to avoid any processing delays.