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The Migration Amendment (2026 Measures No. 1) Bill 2026 has been introduced to Parliament and proposes to give the Minister for Immigration new powers to temporarily restrict travel to Australia for certain offshore temporary visa holders during periods of international risk or disruption. The Bill introduces an arrival control determination, which would allow the Minister to suspend travel to Australia for specified classes of temporary visa holders who are outside Australia. Before making such a determination, the Minister must obtain written agreement from the Prime Minister and the Minister for Foreign Affairs. A determination may operate for up to six months, cannot be varied or extended, and does not cancel visas or affect their expiry dates. The measures would not apply to permanent visa holders, temporary visa holders already in the migration zone, or certain family members of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or protection visa holders. The Minister may also grant individual exemptions for compelling, compassionate, or public-interest reasons. Any determination must be tabled in Parliament within two sitting days, together with a statement explaining the reasons for the determination. The Bill was introduced and read for the first time on 10 March 2026. For more information click here

The Migration Amendment (Training Visas—Sponsorship Requirements) Regulations 2026 introduce amendments affecting the validity requirements for Subclass 407 (Training) visa applications. The amendments update Schedule 1 of the Migration Regulations 1994, specifically repealing and replacing table items 4 and 5 in subclause 1238(3). Under the revised requirements, a valid Subclass 407 visa application must now include: The legislative instrument was registered on the Federal Register of Legislation and the amendments commenced on 11 March 2026. The new requirements apply to all Subclass 407 visa applications lodged on or after that date. Click here: Migration Amendment (Training Visas—Sponsorship Requirements) Regulations 2026

The Migration Amendment (Temporary Graduate Visa Application Charge) Regulations 2026 introduce a significant increase to the Visa Application Charge (VAC) for the Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485). The instrument was registered on the Federal Register of Legislation on 28 February 2026. The updated VAC amounts therefore apply only to new Subclass 485 applications submitted from 1 March 2026 onwards. Eligible passport holders The VAC increase does not apply to primary Subclass 485 applicants who hold a valid passport from the following countries like Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu. Applicants from these countries continue to pay the previous VAC amounts. New Visa Application Charges from 1 March 2026: Applicant Category Primary Applicant Additional Applicant (18+) Additional Applicant (Under 18) Subsequent Subclass 485 – Eligible Passport Holders $905 $455 $230 Subsequent Subclass 485 – Non-Eligible Passport Holders $1,810 (previously $905) $910 (previously $455) $460 (previously $230) Any Other Applicant – Eligible Passport Holders $2,300 $1,150 $580 Any Other Applicant – Non-Eligible Passport Holders $4,600 (previously $2,300) $2,300 (previously $1,150) $1,160 (previously $580) Click here: Migration Amendment (Temporary Graduate Visa Application Charge) Regulations 2026

The Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA) has published guidance on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the provision of immigration assistance. The guidance clarifies that while AI tools may be used by registered migration agents (RMAs), professional and regulatory obligations continue to apply. Under section 280 of the Migration Act 1958, immigration assistance in Australia may only be provided by authorised persons, including registered migration agents, Australian legal practitioners, and certain exempt individuals. Immigration assistance, defined in section 276 of the Act, includes activities such as preparing or assisting with visa applications. OMARA emphasises that AI-generated information does not create an exemption from these requirements. Individuals who provide immigration assistance using AI without authorisation may still commit an offence. RMAs may choose to use AI tools; however, they remain fully responsible for the accuracy and quality of the advice provided, and all obligations under the Code of Conduct, including professional competence and confidentiality, continue to apply. RMAs should exercise caution when entering client information into AI systems, as this may risk breaching confidentiality obligations. Clients should also be informed if AI tools are used, and written consent should be obtained before personal information is entered into such platforms. Concerns about the conduct of an RMA may be reported to OMARA, which may investigate and take disciplinary action if a breach of the Code of Conduct is identified. For more information click here

The Department of Home Affairs WA Community Engagement Team has shared an update outlining available support and key information for people impacted by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The update includes travel guidance from Smartraveller, information on consular assistance, visa-related guidance, and links to mental health and wellbeing services. Travel Advisories (Smartraveller) Current Smartraveller guidance advises Australians not to travel to a number of destinations in the Middle East, including Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Kuwait, Lebanon, Palestine, Qatar, Syria, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen. Travellers are also advised to reconsider travel plans to Jordan, Oman and Saudi Arabia. Australians who are currently located in affected areas are encouraged to remain in a safe location where possible, follow instructions issued by local authorities, and regularly check Smartraveller for updated travel advice. Security conditions may also affect the operating hours of Australian embassies and consulates in the region, and staff may be working from alternate locations. Updates will continue to be issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). Consular Emergency Support Australians requiring urgent assistance can contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre: Registration and Departure Updates (DFAT) Australian citizens, permanent residents and their immediate family members who are currently in Israel, Iran, Qatar or the United Arab Emirates, and who have the right to enter Australia, may register with DFAT to receive important updates. The Australian Government is coordinating with airlines and travel operators to support departures when airports reopen and commercial flights resume. Any assistance provided will depend on security conditions and operational feasibility. For the most up-to-date information, individuals should monitor Visa Information and Applications Guidance has also been provided regarding visa options for individuals affected by the situation. Extending a Stay in Australia Individuals already in Australia who are affected by the crisis and wish to remain longer must apply for another visa before their current visa expires. If a person’s visa includes a ‘No Further Stay’ condition (such as conditions 8503, 8534, 8535 or 8540), they may request a waiver using the No Further Stay waiver request form. Mental Health and Wellbeing Support Services A number of organisations provide support for individuals affected by international conflict:

LEGENDcom has published Migration stack updates on 1 March 2026 and 6 March 2026, reflecting recent amendments to the Migration Regulations 1994 and updates to several migration policy and procedural instructions. 1 March 2026 A Migration stack update was published on LEGENDcom on 1 March 2026 reflecting recent amendments to the Migration Regulations 1994, as well as updates to several migration policy and procedural instructions. These amendments were introduced by the Migration Amendment (Temporary Graduate Visa Application Charge) Regulations 2026. The update reflects the increase in the visa application charge (VAC) for the Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485). The new charges apply to Subclass 485 visa applications lodged on or after 1 March 2026. Click here: Migration Amendment (Temporary Graduate Visa Application Charge) Regulations 2026 6 March 2026 A further Migration stack update was released on 6 March 2026, which included updates to several migration policy and procedural instructions, including:

A new legislative instrument, the Immigration (Education) (Classes of Temporary Visas Eligible for English Courses) Determination 2026, has been introduced to update the list of temporary visas that make a person eligible for the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP). The instrument repeals and replaces LIN 21/013 and specifies the classes of temporary visas that a person must hold, or have applied for, to access the Adult Migrant English Program. The Determination introduces a technical amendment by combining two separate tables that were previously set out in sections 5 and 6 of LIN 21/013. These tables previously distinguished between active and repealed visa subclasses. The new instrument consolidates these lists into a single table, reducing confusion in situations where: This amendment ensures that individuals in these situations continue to have access to and remain eligible for the AMEP. Click here: Immigration (Education) (Classes of Temporary Visas Eligible for English Courses) Determination 2026

VETASSESS has announced the important update regarding the security of its Agent Portal. This update aims to enhance security protocols, ensuring a more secure and streamlined experience for agents. VETASSESS is implementing multifactor authentication (MFA) for the Agent Login Portal, effective from 2 March 2026. Users will be prompted to enter a one-time verification code sent to their registered email address after submitting their login credentials. Access will only be granted once this second authentication step is successfully completed. This security update will provide an added layer of protection and safeguard against unauthorized access. Agents are encouraged to prepare for this change by familiarising themselves with the MFA setup and login process. Click here: Agent Portal Security Update

Stakeholders are invited to provide feedback on the upcoming update to the Occupation Standard Classification for Australia (OSCA). The consultation will run from 11 March to 24 April 2026, focusing on potential occupation classification changes. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) is conducting a public consultation as part of the update to the Occupation Standard Classification for Australia (OSCA), with the revised classification set to be released in March 2027. This process aims to ensure the classification system’s accuracy and relevance. Key areas of focus include: Consultation materials will be made available on the official website starting 11 March 2026, and stakeholders are encouraged to review and provide input during the consultation period. Click here: Australian Bureau of Statistics

New state updates have been announced regarding the Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190) invitation round in NSW and an upcoming FNQ DAMA information session hosted by the Cairns Chamber of Commerce. Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190) NSW Government will conduct an invitation round for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190). It is essential for applicants and migration professionals to ensure that their Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect is up to date and accurate. The deadline for updates is by the close of business on Sunday, 1 March 2026. FNQ DAMA Information Session The Cairns Chamber of Commerce will be hosting an online information session on the FNQ Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) targeted at Registered Migration Agents (RMAs) and immigration lawyers on Thursday, 12 March 2026. The session will provide a general overview of the FNQ DAMA, especially for new agents and lawyers, and offer updates on the latest developments regarding the agreement. Additionally, a Q&A session will be held to address any questions or concerns related to the FNQ DAMA. Click here: NSW Government and Cairns Chamber of Commerce Website.