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The Migration Legislation Amendment (Annual Market Salary Rate) Instrument 2026 introduces updated methods for determining the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR). These changes provide greater scope for employers when assessing market salary rates. The amendments provide flexibility in determining the AMSR in circumstances where there is a relevant Fair Work instrument, state industrial instrument, or transitional instrument. The amendments allow for the use of an alternative methodology for determining the AMSR, based on either relevant employment documents where there is an equivalent Australian worker, or on relevant information where there is no equivalent Australian worker. If a Fair Work, state, or transitional industrial instrument applies, AMSR will generally follow that instrument. Alternatively, employers may use employment documents of an equivalent Australian worker, as long as the salary is not lower than the instrument rate. If no equivalent worker exists, relevant market information can be used, provided it meets the minimum set by the instrument. If no industrial instrument applies, AMSR will be based on employment documents where an equivalent Australian worker exists, or on relevant market information where no equivalent worker is available. The instrument applies to nominations under Subclass 482, 494, 186, and 187 visas. It commenced on 25 March 2026 and applies to all pending and new nomination applications from that date. Click here: Migration Legislation Amendment (Annual Market Salary Rate) Instrument 2026

OMARA issued a communication this week to all Registered Migration Agents (RMAs) outlining four new legislative instruments that introduce minor amendments to the RMA regulatory framework. The full details of the communication are provided below: “Dear Registered Migration Agent As you are aware, four new legislative instruments and some consequential changes to the Migration Agents Code of Conduct Regulations 2021 (Cth) will commence on 1 April 2026. These instruments are: The new instruments have been amended to include contemporary language and updated references. These changes will impact both existing RMAs and people seeking registration as an RMA. Changes for existing RMAs There are changes to the regulatory framework for RMAs. These includes the following important updates to CPD requirements: Transitional provisions will apply in relation to these legislative changes. Changes for people seeking registration as an RMA There are changes to the regulatory framework for people wanting to become an RMA. This includes changes to the approved list of education providers. These providers deliver courses and exams to register as a migration agent. There are also changes to the English language requirements and the publishing of a Notice of Intention to register as a migration agent. For further details please see Legislative updates.”

The Department of Home Affairs has announced a temporary pause on the Australia–Czech Republic Work and Holiday Visa Arrangement, impacting applicants from both countries. The pause came into effect on 1 March 2026 and applies to both Australian and Czech applicants under the pilot Work and Holiday program. This temporary suspension has been implemented to allow the Department to progress extension arrangements and review the future of the program. During this period, new applications will not be processed, as the arrangement remains on hold pending further developments. Click here: Working Holiday Maker (WHM)

The Tasmanian Government has provided an update on its 2025–26 state nomination program, indicating that a significant portion of its allocation has already been utilised. At the same time, Tasmania has also released its policy for the National Innovation Visa (NIV), with nominations now commencing. For the state nomination program, Tasmania will continue to accept Registrations of Interest (ROIs); however, invitation rounds will be significantly reduced as priority is given to processing existing applications. For the Subclass 190 visa, invitations for ROIs that do not meet Gold pass criteria are temporarily paused, although submissions remain open and will be reviewed in the coming weeks. Green pass ROIs are expected to receive invitations within six months, but approved applicants may not receive nomination this program year if places are exhausted. For the Subclass 491 visa, invitations will continue across all pass categories, though at a reduced volume. Tasmania NIV policy The Tasmanian Government has introduced its National Innovation Visa (NIV) policy, with nominations now open for highly skilled candidates. To be considered, applicants must: This update reflects Tasmania’s focus on managing limited nomination allocations while prioritising high-value candidates through targeted visa pathways. For more information click here.

The legislative instruments have been introduced, bringing updates across Registered Migration Agent (RMA) registration requirements, United Nations Security Council (UNSC) compliance, and citizenship eligibility provisions. These changes aim to enhance regulatory clarity, align with international obligations, and expand eligibility pathways within Australia’s migration framework. RMA Registration Requirements The Migration (Specified Courses and Exams for Registration as a Migration Agent) Instrument 2026 replaces previous arrangements and will commence on 1 April 2026. Key changes include: Transitional provisions and application The instrument allows applicants who commenced or completed the Griffith University course before 1 April 2026, or within 12 months of commencement, to continue using that qualification. Similarly, earlier TOEFL requirements will continue to apply to certain applicants who meet specific timing and evidence conditions. United Nations Security Council Resolutions Instrument 2026 The Migration (United Nations Security Council Resolutions) Instrument 2026 (LIN 26/008) has been registered and comes into effect, replacing the earlier IMMI 14/034 specification under the Migration (United Nations Security Council Resolutions) Regulations 2007. This legislative update sets out the current list of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions that Australia is bound to enforce in its migration system. Under these resolutions, Australia must refuse entry to or transit through its territory by persons subject to international sanctions for threats to peace and security, as required by international law and its domestic regulations. The revised instrument reflects changes in the global security landscape since the prior specification, ensuring that Australia’s sanctions obligations align with the latest UNSC decisions. It includes recent resolutions addressing threats from extremist organisations such as ISIL (Da’esh) and Al‑Qaida, and conflicts in regions such as South Sudan and Haiti, broadening the scope of measures Australia implements under its migration regulations. At the same time, it removes older entries related to Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, and Eritrea where the UNSC has lifted associated travel sanctions, meaning those resolutions are no longer relevant for Australian enforcement. Australian Citizenship Special Residence Requirements The Australian Citizenship (Special Residence Requirement) Instrument 2026 (LIN 26/024), has expanded the types of work that can count towards meeting the special residence requirement under section 22B(1)(a) of the Citizenship Act. Previously, only scientists doing research and development were included, but the update now recognises academics performing similar work. The amendment also adds a new category for senior religious leaders, allowing ministers in leadership roles within religious organisations to qualify. Alongside these changes, minor technical and drafting updates have been made. The new rules take effect from 21 March 2026 and apply to citizenship applications lodged on or after that date. Click here: Migration (Specified Courses and Exams for Registration as a Migration Agent) Instrument 2026 Migration (United Nations Security Council Resolutions) Instrument 2026Australian Citizenship (special residence requirement) Amendment (Measures No. 1) Instrument 2026

Trades Recognition Australia has announced a temporary pause on registrations for the Offshore Skills Assessment Program (OSAP) and the Subclass 482 Skills Assessment Program to facilitate system upgrades. Registrations for both programs will be temporarily suspended from 14 March to 29 March 2026, with services expected to resume on 30 March 2026. The pause will allow TRA to implement technical improvements and introduce an updated panel of Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) that will deliver skills assessment services under these programs. Applicants with existing OSAP or Subclass 482 skills assessment applications already in progress will still be able to continue with their applications, as payments will remain available until 29 March 2026. As part of the upgrade process, the RTO Finder feature has been temporarily removed while the new panel of assessment providers is being incorporated into the system. An updated list of approved RTOs will be made available once the system updates are completed and registrations reopen. Click here: Temporary Pause for OSAP and TSS Registrations

The Department of Home Affairs has updated policy guidance relating to how applicants may meet the study requirement for the Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) when relying on more than one course of study. The revised policy, effective 6 February 2026, clarifies the requirements for applicants who combine multiple courses to satisfy the study requirement under regulations 485.221 and 485.231(b) of the Migration Regulations 1994. According to the updated guidance, where more than one course is used to meet the study requirement, the commencement of each subsequent course should generally occur in the same or the following academic year. Any break between courses must be approved by the education provider delivering the course or courses. For more information, click here

A Migration stack update on LEGENDcom reflects amendments made to the Migration Regulations 1994 relating to the Training Visa (Subclass 407). The update incorporates changes introduced by the Migration Amendment (Training Visa—Sponsorship Requirements) Regulations 2026, which commenced on 11 March 2026. These amendments modify the validity requirements for the Subclass 407 (Training) visa, updating the relevant provisions in the Migration Regulations 1994. The changes have now been reflected in the LEGENDcom Migration stack to ensure the platform aligns with the current legislation.

Parliament has passed the Migration Amendment (2026 Measures No. 1) Act 2026, introducing new measures that allow the Government to respond to international travel risks affecting Australia’s migration system. The legislation was approved by both Houses of Parliament on 12 March 2026 and received Royal Assent on 13 March 2026. Under the new law, the Minister for Immigration is granted the power to temporarily restrict travel to Australia by certain offshore temporary visa holders during periods of international risk, disruption, or other circumstances affecting border operations. These provisions are designed to give the Government greater flexibility in managing situations that may impact international travel and border integrity. The Act commences on 14 March 2026, which is the day following Royal Assent. Click here: Parliament of Australia

The Australian Government has introduced a new legislative instrument updating the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) framework for registered migration agents (RMAs) and CPD providers. The Migration Agents (CPD Activities, Approval of CPD Providers and CPD Provider Standards) Instrument 2026 (LIN 26/001) replaces the previous instrument IMMI 17/047 and introduces several changes to CPD activities, standards, and administration. The new instrument modernises the CPD framework and introduces a number of changes, including: Most other provisions relating to the approval and regulation of CPD providers remain consistent with the previous instrument. Special transitional arrangements apply to repeat registration applicants who apply between 1 April 2026 and 31 March 2027. CPD activities completed on or before 30 June 2026 under the previous framework will still be recognised for re-registration purposes, including activities relating to ethical standards, the Code of Conduct, private study assessments, and certain online learning activities. Click here: Migration Agents (CPD Activities, Approval of CPD Providers and CPD Provider Standards) Instrument 2026