Migration (Annual Applicant Limits for Subclass 202 (Global Special Humanitarian) Visas) Instrument 2026

What changed

The Swedish Migration Agency has assessed that only about 350 quota refugees will be transferred to Sweden during 2026. This figure represents a significant reduction from the established annual quota of 900 individuals. The revision stems from the government's delayed announcement regarding the specific nationalities and groups for this year's selection. Consequently, the agency faces practical limitations that prevent the transfer of the full annual refugee quota.

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

The United States has set a maximum limit of 17,500 refugee admissions for the financial year 2027, with the main focus on admitting Afrikaners from South Africa. This decision is officially confirmed in Presidential Determination No. 2026-24, which the President signed on 25 September 2026 and was published in the Federal Register on 2 October. It allows for the admission of up to 17,500 refugees during the financial year, which runs from 1 October 2026 to 30 September 2027. The determination says these admissions are justified because of humanitarian concerns or because they are otherwise in the national interest.