Migration (Arrangements for Parent Visa Applications) Instrument 2026

What changed

The U.S. State Department changed its Travel Advisory for Australia. The new status is 'Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions'. This means Australia is generally safe for travellers. Before this, a security block prevented access to any travel advice. The new advice is for U.S. citizens who plan to visit Australia. They should read the 'Travel Guidance for Australia' to help them travel safely.

What changed

The Tasmanian Skilled Migration State Nomination Program for 2026-27 will start accepting new Registrations of Interest (ROIs) on 17 August 2026. Invitations will begin weekly on 20 August 2026. This programme year has 2,050 nomination places. This includes 1,250 places for subclass 190 and 800 places for subclass 491. Key changes are: new priority attributes with clearer words and scoring. This scoring better recognises people who contribute to Tasmania for a longer time. The TSE Gold attribute now requires working at least 30 hours per week. Income attributes now match Australian median and average earnings. The service fee for nomination applications has increased to $387.00, or $425.70 including Goods and Services Tax (GST). The Subclass 491 Overseas Skilled Occupation Profiles - Invitation Only Pathway is stopped for this year.

What changed

The UK Home Office updated its instructions for staff on 12 August 2026. These instructions are called 'Appendix Child Relative (Sponsors with Protection): caseworker guidance'. The update adds specific instructions for staff on how to issue a Form for Accompanying an eVisa (FAV). This form helps people with an eVisa, which is a digital visa, prove their status when they travel. The instructions apply to immigration staff who review applications from children. These children want to live with or join a close family member who has protection status in the UK. This change is an internal update to how eVisa documents are handled.

What changed

The Department of Justice has published a new temporary rule. This rule starts on 10 September 2026. It sets clear steps for handling fines against International Marriage Brokers (IMBs). IMBs are companies that help arrange marriages between people from different countries. This rule targets IMBs that break the International Marriage Broker Regulation Act of 2005 (IMBRA). They break the law if they do not give needed information to people using their services. They also break the law if they share forbidden information. These new steps aim to stop fake marriages. They also aim to protect immigrants who use IMB services. The public can comment on this temporary rule until 10 September 2026.