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Australian immigration news

Official updates from the Department of Home Affairs and the Federal Register of Legislation, each labelled with what it means today and linked to its source.

Latest news

Visitor visas Legislation made

Migration (Arrangements for Maritime Crew Visa Applications) Instrument 2026

· Federal Register of Legislation

The legislative instrument Migration (Arrangements for Maritime Crew Visa Applications) Instrument 2026 was made on 24 September 2026 and registered on the Federal Register of Legislation on 25 September 2026. The Register lists its status as in force. Read the instrument for what it changes and when.

Read more at Federal Register of Legislation: Migration (Arrangements for Maritime Crew Visa Applications) Instrument 2026 (opens in a new tab)
Student and education visas Legislation made

Migration (Visas that Preclude a Person from Lodging a Student Visa Application in Australia) Instrument 2026

· Federal Register of Legislation

The legislative instrument Migration (Visas that Preclude a Person from Lodging a Student Visa Application in Australia) Instrument 2026 was made on 21 September 2026 and registered on the Federal Register of Legislation on 24 September 2026. The Register lists its status as repealed (amending instruments are usually repealed automatically once their changes take effect). Read the instrument for what it changes and when.

Read more at Federal Register of Legislation: Migration (Visas that Preclude a Person from Lodging a Student Visa Application in Australia) Instrument 2026 (opens in a new tab)
Immigration policy changes Legislation made

Migration (Fields of Education) Instrument 2026

· Federal Register of Legislation

The legislative instrument Migration (Fields of Education) Instrument 2026 was made on 18 September 2026 and registered on the Federal Register of Legislation on 24 September 2026. The Register lists its status as in force. Read the instrument for what it changes and when.

Read more at Federal Register of Legislation: Migration (Fields of Education) Instrument 2026 (opens in a new tab)
Immigration policy changes Legislation made

Migration (Complying Entrepreneur Activity—Excluded Activities) Instrument 2026

· Federal Register of Legislation

The legislative instrument Migration (Complying Entrepreneur Activity—Excluded Activities) Instrument 2026 was made on 18 September 2026 and registered on the Federal Register of Legislation on 24 September 2026. The Register lists its status as in force. Read the instrument for what it changes and when.

Read more at Federal Register of Legislation: Migration (Complying Entrepreneur Activity—Excluded Activities) Instrument 2026 (opens in a new tab)
Immigration policy changes Legislation made

Migration (Complying Entrepreneur Activity—Funding Entities) Instrument 2026

· Federal Register of Legislation

The legislative instrument Migration (Complying Entrepreneur Activity—Funding Entities) Instrument 2026 was made on 18 September 2026 and registered on the Federal Register of Legislation on 24 September 2026. The Register lists its status as in force. Read the instrument for what it changes and when.

Read more at Federal Register of Legislation: Migration (Complying Entrepreneur Activity—Funding Entities) Instrument 2026 (opens in a new tab)
Partner and family visas Legislation made

Migration Legislation Amendment (Arrangements for Child Visa Applications) Instrument 2026

· Federal Register of Legislation

The legislative instrument Migration Legislation Amendment (Arrangements for Child Visa Applications) Instrument 2026 was made on 19 September 2026 and registered on the Federal Register of Legislation on 21 September 2026. The Register lists its status as repealed (amending instruments are usually repealed automatically once their changes take effect). Read the instrument for what it changes and when.

Read more at Federal Register of Legislation: Migration Legislation Amendment (Arrangements for Child Visa Applications) Instrument 2026 (opens in a new tab)
Immigration policy changes Legislation made

Migration (Designated Areas) Instrument 2026

· Federal Register of Legislation

The legislative instrument Migration (Designated Areas) Instrument 2026 was made on 18 September 2026 and registered on the Federal Register of Legislation on 21 September 2026. The Register lists its status as in force. Read the instrument for what it changes and when.

Read more at Federal Register of Legislation: Migration (Designated Areas) Instrument 2026 (opens in a new tab)
Government consultations and proposed reforms Proposed change

Discussion Paper: Reforming Australia's Settlement Grants Programs September 2026

· Department of Home Affairs

A consultation process is currently underway on the future design of settlement support services that assist migrants and humanitarian entrants to build social connections, navigate key transitions and participate economically in Australia. Visit

Read more at Department of Home Affairs: Discussion Paper: Reforming Australia's Settlement Grants Programs September 2026 (opens in a new tab)
Visa processing and application changes Official update

The Immigration website will undergo scheduled maintenance between 14 and 18 September 2026

· Department of Home Affairs

Forms saved as drafts during this period may not be retained. To avoid losing your information, please submit any draft forms before 14 September 2026 or save your responses separately for future use

Read more at Department of Home Affairs: The Immigration website will undergo scheduled maintenance between 14 and 18 September 2026 (opens in a new tab)