Australia

What changed

The Migration (LIN 20/158: Class of Persons for Student (Temporary) (Class TU) Visa Applications) Amendment Instrument 2026 introduces changes to the eligibility criteria for Student (Temporary) (Class TU) visa applicants in Australia. These amendments, which apply to certain classes of persons including doctoral students and family members, will be in force from 2 October 2026. The instrument revises existing provisions related to visa application arrangements and conditions for specified student cohorts.

What changed

The Migration Amendment (Student Visa Reform) Regulations 2026 introduces significant changes to the eligibility criteria for Subclass 500 (Student) visa applications. As of 2 October 2026, certain primary student visa holders must be outside Australia to apply for a new student visa, and secondary applicants will face new restrictions on applying from onshore. These amendments aim to tighten visa integrity by curbing repeated onshore applications and ensuring clearer eligibility for family unit members.

What changed

Australia has brought in a new legal document, called the Migration (Health Criteria—Specified Countries) Instrument 2026 (LIN 26/090), which lists countries for certain visa health checks. This new instrument replaces an older one. It was created on 24 September 2026, officially recorded on 28 September 2026, and started being used on 29 September 2026. It cancels the previous document, the Migration (Health Criteria—Specified Countries) (LIN 23/071) Specification 2023.

What changed

Australia has changed how applications are handled for the Subclass 600 Visitor visa, specifically for the Approved Destination Status (ADS) stream. The 'Migration (Arrangements for Visitor (Class FA) visa applications) Amendment Instrument 2026' (departmental reference LIN 26/060) has replaced the previous list of approved ADS travel agents in China. This document was created on 24 September 2026, officially recorded on 28 September 2026, and became active on 29 September 2026, which was the day after its registration.

What changed

Australia has made a new legislative instrument governing how applications for the Maritime Crew (Temporary) (Class ZM) visa must be lodged. The Migration (Arrangements for Maritime Crew Visa Applications) Instrument 2026, LIN 26/025, replaces the previous 2016/115 instrument and establishes the approved forms and application methods for Maritime Crew visa applications. The new instrument was made on 24 September 2026, registered on 25 September 2026 and will commence on 1 November 2026.

What changed

The Australian Department of Home Affairs has reissued 'The Migration (Visas that Preclude a Person from Lodging a Student Visa Application in Australia) Instrument 2026'. This official document keeps the existing rules about which types of visas stop someone from applying for a Student visa while they are in Australia. This helps to maintain the integrity, or honesty, of the student visa programme. It continues to operate under the authority of the Migration Regulations 1994.