🇦🇺 Work & skilled workers

The Tasmanian Skilled Migration State Nomination Program will open to new Registrations of Interest (ROIs) on 17 August 2026 for the 2026-27 programme year. Changes to priority attributes for selection will apply. Weekly invitations to apply for nomination will commence from Thursday, 20 August 2026. The programme has 2,050 nomination allocations: 1,250 for subclass 190 and 800 for subclass 491. The service fee to apply for nomination has increased to $387 ($425.70 including GST). The Subclass 491 Overseas Skilled Occupation Profiles - Invitation Only Pathway will not issue invitations for the 2026-27 programme year, except for overseas health and teaching professionals with a Tasmanian job offer who may be eligible for subclass 190.

The proposed new rules, which were expected to be announced, would have included: - Tougher family visa rules. - A cap on the number of backpackers in the country. - Restrictions on the work and appeal rights of asylum seekers. - Prevention of spouses, children, and parents of Australian citizens and permanent residents from applying for family visas while in the country as tourists. - Expansion of lotteries for working holiday-makers. Separately, the government had already implemented: - A substantial increase in visa application fees, effective 1 July. - Two ministerial directives prioritising onshore applicants over offshore applicants for permanent skilled and family visas, with limited exceptions for law enforcement and defence workers.

From 1 July 2026: Core Skills Income Threshold: AUD 76,515 Specialist Skills Income Threshold: AUD 141,210 The applicable salary must meet the threshold or the annual market salary rate, whichever is higher. The change applies to relevant new nomination applications. The Core Skills stream requires the nominated occupation to be on the Core Skills Occupation List. The Specialist Skills stream applies to eligible occupations and requires the nominated salary to meet the SSIT.

The new priorities are in force from 18 July 2026. They apply to applications for a Subclass 202 visa made on or after the commencement of the instrument. For relevant CSP applications, the Commonwealth priorities now focus on: Age → English → Financial self-sufficiency The priorities apply to the primary applicant, not automatically to every family member included in the application.

The Migration (Nil VAC Arrangements and Other Matters) Instrument 2026 was amended by the Migration (Nil VAC Arrangements and Other Matters) Amendment (Rugby League World Cup 2026) Instrument 2026. The specific nature of the amendments is not detailed beyond the instrument's title which suggests changes related to the Rugby League World Cup 2026.

The Migration (Nil VAC Arrangements and Other Matters) Instrument 2026 now includes 'Division 3A—Rugby League World Cup 2026'. This new division establishes nil Visa Application Charge (VAC) provisions for specified events under paragraph 408.229(b) and specified classes of persons under paragraph 408.229(c) for the Rugby League World Cup 2026. These individuals will be eligible for a nil VAC for certain visa subclasses.

This Determination establishes the daily maintenance amount for individuals held in detention. It specifically repeals the Migration (Daily Maintenance Amount for Persons in Detention) Determination (LIN 24/017) 2024.

The Migration Amendment (Combatting Migrant Exploitation) Act 2026 is now in force. The legislation provides the legal framework for the public register of approved work sponsors. The register is intended to increase transparency around employer sponsorship.

This instrument, known as the Migration (Specified Courses and Exams for Registration as a Migration Agent) Instrument 2026, details the specific courses and examinations required for registration as a Migration Agent. It sets out prescribed minimum scores to be achieved in examinations and the periods for their completion. Additionally, the instrument includes application and transitional provisions, such as requirements for submitting evidence of prescribed courses completed before its commencement and for specific TOEFL iBT scores.

This Determination specifies the classes of temporary visas that make individuals eligible for English courses under the Immigration (Education) Act 1971. The instrument itself is titled "Immigration (Education) (Classes of Temporary Visas Eligible for English Courses) Determination 2026."

The Migration (Temporary Visa Subclasses for PIC 4005 and 4007) Instrument 2026 specifies the temporary visa subclasses for the purposes of Public Interest Criterion (PIC) 4005 and PIC 4007, under the Migration Regulations 1994. This instrument is administered by the Department of Home Affairs and is currently in force.

Current rules for this policy, plus every recorded change.

Current rules for this policy, plus every recorded change.

Current rules for this policy, plus every recorded change.