Australia Introduces New Nil Visa Application Charge (VAC) Arrangements, Consolidating and Repealing Previous Instruments
What changed
Australia has updated the Migration (Nil Visa Application Charge Arrangements and Other Matters) Instrument 2026. The update adds rules for a nil, or zero, Visa Application Charge (VAC) for the Rugby League World Cup 2026. This new section, called 'Division 3A', lists specific events and types of people who do not need to pay the VAC. This applies to visas under Subclass 408. This change shows Australia's plan to make it easier for people to enter the country for important international events. The change started on 15 July 2026.
The detail
Policy history
Australia Introduces New Nil Visa Application Charge (VAC) Arrangements, Consolidating and Repealing Previous InstrumentRelated changes
United KingdomFeesEffectiveEffective 8 Oct 2026 UK Publishes Immigration and Nationality Fee Schedule for October 2026 Without Fee Increases
What changed
UK Visas and Immigration has published an updated list of immigration and nationality fees. These new fees start on 8 October 2026. This document, called 'Home Office immigration and nationality fees, 8 October 2026', states that all application fees for visas and nationality routes will stay the same. This applies whether you apply from inside or outside the UK. This means the fee structure that started on 8 April 2026 will continue to be used.
Published 10 Sept 2026Effective 8 Oct 2026GOV.UK — Immigration rules & guidance updates
AustraliaStudent VisasEffectiveEffective 2 Oct 2026 Australia Amends Classes of Persons for Student (Temporary) (Class TU) Visa Applications
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.
Published 1 Oct 2026Effective 2 Oct 2026Federal Register of Legislation — Migration instruments
AustraliaStudent VisasEffectiveEffective 2 Oct 2026 Australia Amends Student Visa Regulations to Impose Stricter Onshore Application Requirements and Family Unit Criteria
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.
Published 1 Oct 2026Effective 2 Oct 2026Federal Register of Legislation — Migration instruments
United StatesFeesEffectiveEffective 1 Oct 2026 U.S. Executive Office for Immigration Review Adjusts Fees for Certain DHS Forms Due to Inflation for Fiscal Year 2027
What changed
The Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) has published adjusted fees for Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 for several Department of Homeland Security (DHS) forms when filed with the EOIR, including Form I-485, Form I-589 (Annual Asylum Fee), Form I-601, and Form I-821. This statutory inflation adjustment takes effect on 1 October 2026, as required by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). Applicants must ensure all relevant filings submitted on or after this date include the new fee amounts, otherwise applications will be rejected.
Published 29 Sept 2026Effective 1 Oct 2026Federal Register — Immigration rules & notices
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