Migration Amendment (Realigning the Community Support Program) Regulations 2026

Current rules

The amended rules are now in force. For relevant Subclass 202 applications, the application must meet the applicable requirements introduced or amended by the regulations. Whether a person can obtain a Subclass 202 visa therefore depends on the requirements that apply to their particular application, including the rules relating to an APO proposal where one is involved.

Overview

Australia has changed the rules for certain applications for the Subclass 202 Global Special Humanitarian visa made through the Community Support Program (CSP). The Migration Amendment (Realigning the Community Support Program) Regulations 2026 are in force and took effect on 1 July 2026. The instrument was registered on 17 June 2026. The changes introduce new rules for applications that include a proposal from an Approved Proposing Organisation (APO). The main purpose is to set criteria that affect: When a Subclass 202 application involving an APO proposal is valid. Whether the applicant meets the relevant criteria for the grant of the visa. This is a legislative change, not a proposal.

What changed in the latest version

These changes introduce new administrative steps and eligibility conditions. These affect both Subclass 202 visa applicants and the organisations that propose them. Approved Proposing Organisations (APOs) must now know about possible limits. These limits are on how many people they can support each financial year. This might affect their ability to work and their planning. Applicants might face delays or rejections. This could happen if their chosen APO reaches its limit. It could also happen if their settlement goals do not match Australia's new priorities. If an APO changes, a new Form 1417 is needed. This adds another step to the application process. These changes mean that all parties in the Community Support Program (CSP) must review their current methods.

Explained simply

Imagine Australia has a special programme to help people move there, where certain groups (called 'proposing organisations') can suggest people. Now, the government has made a new rule. It's like saying, 'Each group can only suggest a certain number of people each year.' Also, they've made it clearer what happens if the group suggesting you changes, and how the government will decide who gets priority to settle in Australia. This means the government has more control over how many people come through this programme and who they are.

Frequently asked

Version history

1. v3Effective 1 Jul 2026EffectiveHigh impact
   Migration Amendment (Realigning the Community Support Program) Regulations 2026

   Australia has changed its Migration Regulations 1994. These changes are in the Migration Amendment (Realigning the Community Support Program) Regulations 2026. The new rules started on 1 July 2026. They add new rules for Subclass 202 visas. These rules let the Minister set limits. The limits are on how many applicants Approved Proposing Organisations can sponsor each year. The changes also allow more flexibility if an Approved Proposing Organisation changes. In this case, a new Form 1417 is needed. The rules also say that permanent settlement must match Australia's priorities. The Minister will specify these priorities. These changes affect new applications. They also affect some applications that are already in progress.

Timeline

1. Takes effect

   17 Jun 2026

   The Migration Amendment (Realigning the Community Support Program) Regulations 2026 amends the Migration Regulations 1994 to realign the Community Support Program. The specific nature of this realignment is not detailed in the provided source text, but it indicates a modification to how the programme operates.