Australia

What changed

The U.S. State Department changed its Travel Advisory for Australia. The new status is 'Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions'. This means Australia is generally safe for travellers. Before this, a security block prevented access to any travel advice. The new advice is for U.S. citizens who plan to visit Australia. They should read the 'Travel Guidance for Australia' to help them travel safely.

What changed

The Tasmanian Skilled Migration State Nomination Program for 2026-27 will start accepting new Registrations of Interest (ROIs) on 17 August 2026. Invitations will begin weekly on 20 August 2026. This programme year has 2,050 nomination places. This includes 1,250 places for subclass 190 and 800 places for subclass 491. Key changes are: new priority attributes with clearer words and scoring. This scoring better recognises people who contribute to Tasmania for a longer time. The TSE Gold attribute now requires working at least 30 hours per week. Income attributes now match Australian median and average earnings. The service fee for nomination applications has increased to $387.00, or $425.70 including Goods and Services Tax (GST). The Subclass 491 Overseas Skilled Occupation Profiles - Invitation Only Pathway is stopped for this year.

What changed

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke cancelled a planned speech. He was going to announce many changes to Australia's immigration rules at the National Press Club. Shadow Defence Minister James Paterson said that other government ministers did not like Mr. Burke's proposed changes. Mr. Paterson said this suggested the changes were for political reasons.

What changed

Australia's Department of Home Affairs has released a new legal document. It is called the Migration (Specification of Commonwealth Priorities for Subclass 202 (Global Special Humanitarian) Visas) Instrument 2026. This document starts on 18 July 2026. It sets out the Australian government's priorities for the Community Support Program (CSP). These priorities are specifically for Subclass 202 (Global Special Humanitarian) Visas. The document does not explain what these priorities are. But it confirms that they now exist. This changes how these visas are judged.

What changed

Australia's Department of Home Affairs created the Migration (Annual Applicant Limits for Subclass 202 (Global Special Humanitarian) Visas) Instrument 2026. This rule starts on 17 July 2026. This new rule sets yearly limits on the number of people who can apply for a Subclass 202 (Global Special Humanitarian) Visa. It also explains how to decide if the number of applicants has gone over this limit. This directly affects people who apply for this type of visa.

What changed

Australia has changed the Migration (Nil Visa Application Charge Arrangements and Other Matters) Instrument 2026. This change adds new rules for a nil, or zero, Visa Application Charge (VAC) for people taking part in the Rugby League World Cup 2026. This creates a new group of people who do not need a visa to enter, specifically for the event. This is in addition to existing rules for other big events and special situations.