Migration (Arrangements for Parent Visa Applications) Instrument 2026
What changed
Australia has changed how you must send in several Parent visa applications. The new rule is called LIN 26/005. It started on 22 April 2026. This rule replaces the old ways of doing things from 2018. It means four types of permanent Parent visas must now be applied for online, using ImmiAccount. The permanent visas affected are: * Parent visa — subclass 103 * Aged Parent visa — subclass 804 * Contributory Parent visa — subclass 143 * Contributory Aged Parent visa — subclass 864 This change mainly affects how you apply. It does not change who can get these Parent visas. It does not change the family connection rules. It also does not change how quickly applications are processed. Two temporary Parent visas still have different ways of applying: * Contributory Parent (Temporary) — subclass 173 * Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) — subclass 884
The detail
Policy history
Migration (Arrangements for Parent Visa Applications) Instrument 2026Related changes
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
SwedenFamily ReunificationEffectiveEffective 1 Oct 2026 Sweden Introduces New Immigration Rules for Family Ties and Young Adults
What changed
Sweden has introduced new immigration rules for family reunification and young adults, which come into effect on 1 October 2026. These rules mean that people in Sweden who sponsor family members now need to meet higher income requirements. At the same time, young adults who are already in Sweden will have more ways to stay with their parents, including a temporary option to apply for different types of permits without having to leave the country. These changes will affect sponsoring individuals and anyone applying for, or extending, a residence permit based on family ties.
Published 1 Oct 2026Effective 1 Oct 2026Migrationsverket — Nyheter
SwedenFamily ReunificationEffectiveEffective 1 Oct 2026 Sweden Introduces New Rules for Family Members of Long-Term Residents from Other EU Countries
What changed
From 1 October 2026, new rules will apply to individuals applying for a residence permit in Sweden as a family member of someone holding long-term resident status in another EU country. The changes introduce a stricter definition of eligible family members, mandate that the family unit must have been established and cohabited in the initial EU country, and impose a maintenance requirement on the family member residing in Sweden. Applicants seeking an extension of a permit granted before 1 October 2026 can benefit from transitional rules if they apply by 1 October 2027, avoiding the new requirements. Those applying for the first time, or those who have already applied and are awaiting a decision, must meet the new criteria from the effective date.
Published 1 Oct 2026Effective 1 Oct 2026Migrationsverket — Nyheter
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