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:
- The prescribed qualification has been updated, with the Master of Australian Migration Law and Practice now recognised from Australian Catholic University, replacing Griffith University.
- Expansion of accepted English language test providers to include additional options such as C1 Advanced, LanguageCert Academic, MET and PTE Academic.
- Updated TOEFL iBT requirements have been revised, with a minimum overall score of 91 and specified minimum scores across each band.
- Listening: 19
- Reading: 19
- Writing: 23
- Speaking: 22
- Extension of the English test validity period recognised by OMARA from two years to three years.
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