What changed, and when.
A dated record of the Australian migration changes that affect our clients, newest first, with the page where we explain each one. Figures verified as at 1 July 2026.
Check the date on any figure before you rely on it.
Charges and thresholds move every 1 July. Rules move whenever the Minister makes an instrument. If a page elsewhere quotes a figure without a date, assume it is stale.
Current chargesVisa application charges indexed for 2026-27
Partner visas $11,710, subclass 482 $4,015, subclass 186 $6,140. Income thresholds set at $79,423 (Core Skills) and $146,576 (Specialist Skills). Concessional charges for eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens continue. Read more
Charges and thresholds indexed for 2025-26
Annual indexation of visa application charges and the Core Skills and Specialist Skills income thresholds. Read more
Skills in Demand visa replaces the Temporary Skill Shortage visa
The subclass 482 became the Skills in Demand visa with three streams: Specialist Skills, Core Skills and Labour Agreement. The work experience requirement fell from two years to one, and the Core Skills Occupation List replaced the previous lists. Read more
National Innovation visa replaces the Global Talent visa
The subclass 858 was reshaped as the National Innovation visa: expression of interest, invitation, and a focus on exceptional achievement in priority sectors, sport, the arts and academia. Read more
186 Temporary Residence Transition: two years, any employer-sponsored time counts
The qualifying period for the TRT stream was cut from three years to two, and time with the nominating employer in the nominated occupation across 482 and 457 visas counts. Read more
Administrative Review Tribunal replaces the AAT
Migration review moved to the new Tribunal with its own procedures and fee. Time limits for lodging a review still run from notification of the decision. Read more
Business Innovation and Investment Program closed to new applications
No new subclass 188 applications are accepted. Existing applications continue to be processed and subclass 888 pathways remain for current holders. Read more
482 holders get 180 days to find a new sponsor
The period a 482 holder may remain in Australia after leaving a sponsor rose to 180 days per instance, capped at 365 days across the visa, with work permitted for other employers during that time. Read more
Genuine Student requirement replaces Genuine Temporary Entrant for student visas
Student visa applicants now answer targeted questions about their circumstances, course choice and the value of the course, instead of the previous GTE statement. Read more
A rule changed under your application?
We track every instrument the day it is registered. A consultation tells you what the change means for your matter and what to do about it.