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Streamlining Migration Compliance for Cruise Operations The Migration Instrument 2025 (LIN 25/060) establishes updated rules for reporting systems used by international passenger cruise ships. This instrument replaces three previous instruments—IMMI 15/022, 15/023, and 15/024—that were scheduled to sunset on 1 October 2025. This update provides cruise operators with a clear, legally compliant framework for reporting, helping maintain accuracy and consistency in migration obligations for all onboard personnel and passengers. Click here: LIN 25/060-Migration (Approval of Primary and Fall-back Reporting Systems—International Passenger Cruise Ships) Instrument 2025

The Department of Home Affairs has released updated Ministerial Instructions that significantly update the handling of Ministerial Intervention requests for sections 351, 501J, 46A, and 48B of the Migration Act 1958. Sections 351 and 501J (Updated 17 September 2025) New instructions amend those issued on 4 September 2025, for applicants seeking MI on s351 and s501J grounds. Key changes include: Personal Procedural Decisions (PPD) for these sections: Sections 46A and 48B (Updated 4 September 2025) For more information on this click here:   Positive personal procedural decision (section 351 and 501J) Negative personal procedural decision (section 351 and 501J) PPD for Historic and Active MI Requests (section 351 and 501J) Ministerial Intervention – sections 351 and 501J​​ of the Act 1958

The new Access to Movement Records Instrument 2025, effective 23 September 2025, modernises access provisions and replaces the 2024 version. This update ensures the continued clarity and compliance around authorised access to movement records across Commonwealth, State, and Territory jurisdictions. Key Provisions:   Click here:-LIN (25/001) – The Migration (Access to Movement Records) Instrument 2025

A new Migration (Specification of Class of Persons) Instrument 2025 is coming into effect on 1 October 2025, replacing the previous provisions while keeping the content largely unchanged.   Click here:  LIN (25/091)- Migration (Specification of Class of Persons) Instrument 2025

The Social Security (Special Benefit – Class of Visas) Determination 2025 has been released, outlining which visa holders are eligible to access the Special Benefit and other Australian Government support payments. Key details of the Determination: Access to PaymentsCertain visa holders may qualify for Family Tax Benefit, Child Care Subsidy, Parental Leave Pay, Disaster Recovery Allowance, and the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment. Waiting Period (NARWP)The Determination clarifies how the Newly Arrived Resident’s Waiting Period applies before payments can begin. Mutual Obligation RequirementsSome visa subclasses may be required to meet conditions such as job seeking to receive the Special Benefit. ExemptionsSpecific visa subclasses are exempt from the 208-week NARWP, giving eligible applicants immediate access to Special Benefit and related payments. References to the Social Security Act 1991 within the Determination include: Click here: Social Security (Special Benefit – Class of Visas) Determination 2025

A new legislative instrument, LIN 25/086, has replaced LIN 20/166 for the Australian Values Statement under PIC 4019. This legislative instrument formally approves the Australian Values Statement applicable to certain visa subclasses specified within the instrument. While it continues to cover the visas listed under the previous instrument, it now also explicitly includes the Subclass 851 (Resolution of Status) visa. Importantly, there have been no alterations to the substance or content of the Australian Values Statement itself; rather, LIN 25/086 incorporates drafting refinements aimed at improving clarity and readability. The new instrument took effect from 18 September 2025. Click here: LIN 25/086 – The Migration (Australian Values Statement for Public Interest Criterion 4019) Instrument 2025

The Department has issued a revised version of the Ministerial Instructions relating to the exercise of the Minister’s intervention powers under sections 351 and 501J of the Migration Act 1958. This new version was published on 17 September 2025. The update removes Clause 12.1.14 from the list of inappropriate requests to refer. The update is minimal, with the sole change being the removal of Clause 12.1.14 from Section 12, which addresses requests deemed unsuitable for referral (Requests that are inappropriate to refer). Previously, Clause 12.1.14 provided that: the individual can make a valid application for a visa listed in regulation 2.12 of the Migration Regulations 1994 while in Australia. This clause was accompanied by the explanatory note: Section 48 of the Act imposes a bar on a non-citizen making an application for a visa, other than for a prescribed class of visa, if the non-citizen is in the migration zone, does not hold a substantive visa and, after last entering Australia, was refused a visa or held a visa that was cancelled. Regulation 2.12 of the Migration Regulations 1994 prescribes the visas that may be applied for while in Australia.

The Queensland Skilled Migration Program for 2025-26 is now open for Registration of Interest (ROI). A limited interim allocation of 250 places is available, with the remainder expected by the end of September. The Queensland Skilled Migration Program for 2025-26 is now accepting new Registrations of Interest (ROI). Candidates seeking Queensland nomination must submit a new ROI, and only one ROI can be active at a time. If multiple ROIs are submitted, only the most recent will be considered; any earlier ROIs will be disregarded. It is advised to print or save a copy of the ROI at submission, as Migration Queensland cannot provide duplicates or copies later. Key Updates: Revised Occupation Lists Now Available Important Changes to Nomination Pathways Expression of Interest (EOI) Submission Guidelines Adjustments to Program Eligibility Criteria Selection Considerations for Nomination Invitation Rounds and Ongoing Updates Click here – Queensland Skilled Occupation Lists

Applicants chosen through the pre-application ballot for certain visa categories can use their Ballot Registration ID only once to submit a visa application via ImmiAccount; any additional attempts with the same ID will be blocked. If you’ve been selected for a Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462) from China, India, or Vietnam, or a Pacific Engagement visa (subclass 192), it’s important to note that your Ballot Registration ID is valid for only one application through ImmiAccount. Attempting to start a second application with the same ID will trigger this error: “A visa application has already been submitted for payment related to this Registration ID. Only one visa application can be submitted against each Registration ID.” Key Points: What to Do if You Encounter This Error: If you receive this error message or face any issues with your Registration ID, please:

The Australian Government has introduced updated guidelines for submitting requests for Ministerial Intervention under the Migration Act 1958. The reforms aim to provide a more structured and legally robust framework and improve transparency. On 4 September 2025, Minister Tony Burke signed three new Ministerial Instructions covering: These updates follow the Davis v Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs [2023] HCA 10 case, which invalidated the use of subjective criteria for referring requests to the Minister. The new guidelines aim to establish clear and objective referral criteria, strengthen discouragement of unmeritorious requests, and ensure transparency in decision-making. Key Changes and Processes: These measures aim to create a more consistent, legally sound, and transparent process for Ministerial Intervention requests.