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The Department of Home Affairs has advised that some information relating to English language testing — specifically One Skill Retake (OSR) and Single Section Retake (SSR) — is currently unavailable on its website and is being reinstated. In the interim, the following clarification has been provided. From 7 August 2025, the Department accepts IELTS and Michigan English Test (MET) results that include OSR or SSR for most Australian visa applications. The exception is the Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) visa, which remains subject to a legislative instrument requiring test results to be obtained in a single sitting. Prior to this date (on or before 6 August 2025), IELTS OSR was accepted for visa purposes except for Subclass 476, 482 and 485 visas, as these subclasses were subject to legislative instruments mandating test scores from a single attempt. For clarity: The current legislative instruments — LIN 25/014 and LIN 25/016 — outline the applicable English language score requirements for tests taken both on or before 6 August 2025 and on or after 7 August 2025. The IELTS proficiency score thresholds themselves have not changed under the new instruments, and continuity has been maintained in this regard.

South Australia South Australia has released the results of its February 2026 General Skilled Migration invitation round under the 2025–26 Skilled and Business Migration program. Skilled and Business Migration continues to invite clients across the four streams of the program. In February 2026, the state issued a total of 364 nomination invitations, including: These invitations were distributed across a range of ANZSCO sub-major groups, reflecting current workforce demand across occupations, including health professionals, design and engineering professionals, ICT professionals, and more. Total invitations issued in the 2025–26 program year (to date): South Australia will continue to issue monthly invitation rounds, with the next round scheduled for early March 2026. Find more information on the South Australian government website. ACT – Canberra Matrix Invitation Round Update The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) has released the results of the Canberra Matrix invitation round held on 29 January 2026, under the 2025–26 skilled migration program. The Canberra Matrix is a points-based ranking system used by the ACT Government to select eligible candidates for state nomination for the Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) and Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) visas. During this round, invitations were issued across a range of nomination pathways: Matrix nominations – Canberra residents: Matrix nominations – Overseas applicants (Critical Skill Occupations): The invitation process considers Matrix score ranking, occupation demand, and monthly allocation, with higher-ranked Matrix submissions receiving invitations. Invitations are not guaranteed solely by score and will not be issued if the applicant already has an active nomination application or has previously received ACT nomination. Submissions in critical sectors may be prioritised. As of this round, the 2025–26 nominal allocation for ACT nomination places remains: Click here: Canberra Matrix – Invitation Round Tasmania The Tasmanian Government has released its latest nomination invitation and allocation information as part of the 2025–26 skilled migration program. In the update published on 5 February 2026, Migration Tasmania invited a number of Registrations of Interest (ROIs) to apply for state nomination in the most recent draw: The update also shows that Tasmania currently has available places remaining under the 2025–26 nomination allocation: This weekly update helps applicants understand current invitation activity and allocation status. Click here: Tasmania – Processing Times and Invitations Issued

Parliament has passed legislation introducing changes to how the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) conducts reviews, with the Administrative Review Tribunal and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 approved by both Houses on 5 February 2026. The changes will take effect following Royal Assent, either on a proclaimed date or after six months. The amendments allow the ART to resolve certain matters without an oral hearing, where it is appropriate to do so. Decisions may be made based on written material alone when the issues can be adequately assessed on the documents, it is reasonable in the circumstances, and the parties have been given an opportunity to provide submissions for consideration. The legislation also introduces specific changes to the Migration Act, requiring some migration review matters to be determined on the papers. This includes reviews of student visa refusals and reviews relating to specified temporary visa categories, with scope for additional temporary visa types to be prescribed in the future. The new arrangements do not apply to reviews involving permanent visas or protection visas, which will continue under existing review processes. Click here: Administrative Review Tribunal and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025

OMARA has been asked by Transport NSW to share information regarding recent changes to the Experienced Driver Recognition (EDR) policy, which may affect clients seeking to transition overseas car or motorcycle licences to Australian licences. Austroads has updated the Recognised Country Scheme, introducing revised arrangements for the assessment and conversion of overseas licences. These changes may impact eligibility and testing requirements for some licence holders. The full communication is provided below. “As announced by Austroads on 21 October 2024, changes have been introduced to the Recognised Country Scheme for Experienced Driver Recognition status for car and motorcycle licences.   NSW was granted an extension and from 1 February 2026, Experienced Driver Recognition status has now ceased for individuals who were previously captured on List B in NSW (below):  From 1 February 2026, drivers from these countries will now need to pass the Driver/Rider Knowledge Test and the Rider/Driving Test to obtain a NSW driver licence.   Penalties will continue to apply for a temporary visa holder who has resided in NSW for a continuous period of six months or more, and who continues to drive in NSW on their overseas licence. They will be considered to be driving a vehicle unlicenced.  Please note that some regions will experience increased wait times for booking the Driving Test. Appointment availability is published and updated weekly for the next eight weeks. Bookings are open online, can be made via the contact centre or a service centre.  For more information, please refer to the attached factsheet. Details on these changes and others under the Recognition Status Scheme can also be accessed via the Austroads Website.   

VETASSESS has introduced Migration Digital Badges for applicants who receive a suitable outcome for their nominated professional occupation skills assessment. These digital badges are issued in addition to the traditional outcome letter and are supported by My eQuals, a trusted digital credential provider. The badges are instantly verifiable and can be easily shared on professional platforms such as LinkedIn or with employers, providing skilled migrants with a powerful tool to showcase their qualifications and support professional networking. Selected occupations will receive co-branded badges developed with leading industry peak bodies, offering greater transparency and consistency in recognising a skilled workforce. Each digital badge includes: If you have received a positive skills assessment, watch for an email from VETASSESS and My eQuals with details about your digital badge and how to use it to enhance your professional profile. Click here: VETASSESS

OMARA has issued a reminder to all Registered Migration Agents RMAs to ensure that their National Police Check (NPC) is current at the time of lodging an application for registration. Agents are encouraged to review the full email below for detailed guidance and to ensure compliance with registration requirements. “Dear Registered Migration Agent, This is a friendly reminder to ensure that your National Police Check (NPC) is current when you are lodging your application. In assessing an application for registration, the Authority must consider whether applicants have met the fit and proper and person of integrity requirements as per section 290 of the Act. An NPC must be provided every five years; the date of issue of the certificate must be in the 12 months before we receive your application. Decision ready applications with current police checks will ensure timely application processing. Details about this requirement are available on our website before you apply (mara.gov.au) You can apply for an NPC from the AFP website   Australian Federal Police website Please note when you apply for a national police check: Thank you for your close attention to this matter. Regards Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA)”

The Australian Government has introduced new laws to strengthen Australia’s response to antisemitism, hate-motivated behaviour, and extremist activity. These reforms are aimed at better protecting the community by giving authorities stronger powers to identify and respond to individuals or groups involved in promoting hate or extremist conduct. These reforms aim to better protect the Australian community by giving authorities stronger powers to identify and respond to individuals or groups involved in promoting hate or extremist conduct. Key Changes to Migration and Citizenship Laws The new law updates several major migration and citizenship rules to ensure Australia can prevent high-risk individuals from entering or remaining in the country, and that visa and citizenship processes reflect modern security concerns. Stronger Visa Character Test Rules The legislation expands the visa character test (Section 501), allowing visas to be refused or cancelled for people involved in hate or extremist activity, including those who: Lower Risk Threshold Authorities can now act if a person “might” pose a risk, rather than needing proof they “would” pose a risk. This allows earlier preventative action. Temporary Safe Haven Visa Powers Expanded The Government may also refuse or cancel Temporary Safe Haven Visas where individuals are linked to extremist or hate-related conduct, even before the behaviour escalates. Permanent Exclusion From Reapplying Under updated migration regulations, individuals refused visas under certain character provisions may face permanent exclusion, meaning they cannot apply again unless: Citizenship Law Amendments The law also strengthens citizenship provisions by: Click here: Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism Bill 2026 and  Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Criminal and Migration Laws) Bill 2026

The Australian Government has officially recognised the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games as an Approved Government-Endorsed Event for the Subclass 408 Temporary Activity visa. This means that eligible individuals involved in the Games may be able to apply for a Subclass 408 visa with no Visa Application Charge (nil VAC) under the Approved Government-Endorsed Event stream. This measure is intended to support the smooth entry of athletes, officials, media representatives, and other essential personnel required to deliver the Brisbane 2032 Games. Eligible applicants include individuals who have been approved for accreditation by the Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee, as well as members or personnel of organisations such as: The International Olympic Committee (IOC) These arrangements will commence from 21 January 2026 and will remain in place until the conclusion of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games in September 2032. Click here: Migration (Class of Persons for Nil VAC for Subclass 408 (Temporary Activity) – Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games) Instrument 2025

An important change has been introduced to Australia’s visa conditions to strengthen counter-terrorism measures. This update took effect from 13 December 2025. Under the amended visa condition 8556, certain visa holders must not associate or communicate with any foreign state entity that has been officially listed as a state sponsor of terrorism under Australian criminal law. This new requirement applies only to visas granted on or after 13 December 2025. Individuals who were granted their visas before this date will not be affected by this updated condition. Click here: Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment (State Sponsors of Terrorism) Regulations 2025

The Department of Home Affairs has introduced an important update to the citizenship process through new regulations that affect how citizenship notices are issued. This update is particularly relevant for individuals currently applying for Australian citizenship. The changes commenced on 17 December 2025 and focus on improving the form and content of official notices provided to citizenship applicants. The aim is to ensure that communications from the Department are clearer, more consistent, and aligned with current administrative standards. While these updates do not change eligibility criteria or application fees, they are intended to streamline procedures and support a more efficient and transparent citizenship process. Applicants and those assisting with citizenship applications should be aware of these changes to ensure they receive and understand notices correctly as part of their application journey Click here: Australian Citizenship Amendment (Notices of Citizenship) Regulations 2025