Planning to move to Australia in 2026? The immigration landscape continues to evolve, particularly for skilled professionals, international students, employer-sponsored workers and people looking for permanent residency.

The Australia Immigration Update September 2026 includes several developments that applicants should understand before choosing a visa pathway. Some changes have already taken effect, while others are government proposals that may influence future migration policy.

The most important areas include the 2026–27 permanent Migration Program, skilled visa salary thresholds, visa application charges, SkillSelect invitations, student visa requirements, Working Holiday Maker reforms and the proposed points-test changes.

What Changed for Migrants in 2026?

The current immigration environment can be understood through several important developments.

• Australia’s 2026–27 permanent Migration Program remains at 185,000 places.
• The Skill stream receives 132,240 places.
• Visa application charges increased from 1 July 2026.
• Skilled visa income thresholds increased from 1 July 2026.
• The next subclass 189 invitation round is expected by 30 September 2026.
• The government is planning changes to the permanent migration points test.
• Working Holiday Maker arrangements are being progressively reformed.
• Additional government funding has been allocated to improve migrant skills recognition.

These developments do not mean that every visa applicant faces new requirements. Each visa has its own eligibility criteria, occupation requirements, nomination rules and documentation standards.

Australia Permanent Migration Program 2026–27

One of the most significant developments for prospective migrants is the size and structure of the 2026–27 permanent Migration Program.

The Australian Government has set the permanent Migration Program planning level at 185,000 places.

The Skill stream receives 132,240 places, representing more than 70% of the total program.

This confirms that skilled migration continues to play a central role in Australia’s long-term migration strategy.

The government has also allocated 129,590 places across the Skill and Family streams to migrants already living in Australia.

A further 300 places are allocated to Special Eligibility. The remaining 55,110 places are offshore places expected to be predominantly allocated to high-skilled migrants.

Proposed Permanent Migration Points-Test Reform

The government has announced plans to reform the permanent migration points test.

The objective is to improve the selection of migrants who can contribute to Australia’s productivity and long-term economic prosperity.

The proposed direction places greater emphasis on migrants who are:

• Younger
• Better educated
• Higher skilled

This proposal is particularly relevant to people considering points-tested visas such as subclass 189, 190 and 491.

However, applicants should not assume that the proposed points-test reform has already replaced the current points system.

Future legislative or regulatory changes must be formally implemented before new requirements become applicable to applicants.

Subclass 189 SkillSelect Invitation Update

The Skilled Independent subclass 189 visa remains one of the most competitive pathways for skilled professionals who want permanent residency without state or territory nomination.

Applicants generally submit an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect and may receive an invitation if they rank competitively and meet the relevant requirements.

The latest published SkillSelect information indicates that the next subclass 189 invitation round is expected by 30 September 2026.

This date should not be interpreted as a guarantee that every eligible EOI will receive an invitation.

Invitation outcomes can depend on the number of available places, occupation requirements, points ranking and program priorities.

How Can Applicants Improve Their Position?

• Check whether your occupation is eligible.
• Maintain an appropriate skills assessment.
• Improve your English score where possible.
• Review your points calculation carefully.
• Keep your Expression of Interest information accurate.
• Consider state nomination if independent migration is highly competitive.

Skilled Visa Salary Thresholds for 2026–27

Salary requirements are another major consideration for employer-sponsored applicants.

From 1 July 2026, the applicable skilled visa income thresholds increased for the new program year.

Income Threshold	2026–27 Amount
Core Skills Income Threshold	AUD 79,423
Specialist Skills Income Threshold	AUD 146,576
Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold	AUD 79,423

The applicable threshold depends on the visa, stream and nomination circumstances.

Employers may also need to demonstrate the Annual Market Salary Rate and ensure that the nominated worker receives the appropriate salary.

Professionals considering employer-sponsored migration should therefore check both the occupation requirements and the salary requirements before proceeding.

Skills in Demand Visa Subclass 482

The Skills in Demand subclass 482 provides employers with a temporary pathway to sponsor skilled workers where they cannot source a suitably skilled Australian worker for the position.

The visa includes different streams, including Core Skills and Specialist Skills pathways.

The Specialist Skills stream is designed for eligible highly paid skilled positions and has a higher salary threshold.

The current application charge starts from approximately AUD 4,015 for the main applicant.

Applicants should check the occupation, salary, employer sponsorship and work experience requirements that apply to their specific stream.

Australia Visa Fees in 2026

Visa application charges changed from 1 July 2026. The amount payable depends on the visa category and the date the Department receives the application.

Visa Category	Indicative Charge
Subclass 189	AUD 6,135
Subclass 190	AUD 6,140
Subclass 491	AUD 6,140
Subclass 186	AUD 6,140
Subclass 482	From AUD 4,015
Student subclass 500	AUD 2,500
First Working Holiday subclass 417/462	AUD 840

Additional expenses may include English tests, skills assessments, health examinations, police certificates and other documentation costs.

Student Visa Subclass 500 Update

International students remain an important part of Australia’s temporary migration system.

The Student visa subclass 500 application charge increased from 1 July 2026. The standard main applicant charge is currently AUD 2,500, while lower charges can apply in certain eligible circumstances.

Students must demonstrate that they have sufficient financial capacity for their stay.

The current annual living-cost amount for the primary student is AUD 29,710.

Additional financial requirements can apply for partners and children accompanying the student.

For most students, work is generally permitted up to 48 hours per fortnight while the course is in session, subject to the applicable visa conditions.

Students should focus on genuine study intentions, financial preparedness, course selection and compliance with visa conditions.

Working Holiday Maker Program Changes

The Working Holiday Maker program is also undergoing several changes.

These reforms are designed to improve allocation, manage demand and create a fairer system for participating countries.

Indonesia Subclass 462 Ballot

A ballot is being introduced for first Work and Holiday subclass 462 applications from eligible Indonesian passport holders.

Registration is expected later in 2026, although applicants should wait for the official registration date before making plans based on an assumed opening date.

A previous Indonesian Government Letter of Support does not reserve a place or provide priority in the new ballot system.

Other Working Holiday Developments

• Eligible citizens of Cyprus, Finland, Germany and the Republic of Korea can access the increased age range of 18–35 inclusive for subclass 417.
• Uruguay has a cap of up to 1,500 first subclass 462 visas per program year.
• Luxembourg passport holders no longer require a Letter of Support from 3 June 2026.
• Ballot registrations for China, India and Vietnam for the 2026–27 program year closed on 25 June 2026.
• The Philippines arrangement is expected to provide up to 200 young Filipino and Australian passport holders annually once launched.

Visa Processing Times

Processing time remains an important consideration for anyone planning migration.

Current published information indicates an indicative median processing time of around 8 months for Skilled Permanent visas.

This figure should not be treated as a guaranteed processing period.

Processing can vary depending on application completeness, program planning levels, Ministerial Directions, application volumes and the complexity of individual cases.

Health, character and security checks may also affect the overall timeframe.

Skills Recognition Investment

The Australian Government has announced AUD 85.2 million over four years to strengthen skills recognition.

The funding includes improvements to skills assessment and licensing pathways, particularly for priority trades.

Funding is also being provided for a new onshore skills assessment program for eligible visa holders.

Stronger oversight of assessing authorities is also planned, with annual reporting expected from 2027.

For skilled tradespeople and other qualified professionals, these initiatives could make the transition from overseas qualifications to Australian employment more efficient over time.

What Applicants Should Not Assume

Common Claim	What Applicants Should Know
Skilled migration has been cancelled.	Skilled migration remains a major component of the permanent Migration Program.
The new points test is already mandatory.	The government has announced proposed reform directions, but applicants must follow formally implemented requirements.
65 points guarantees an invitation.	Meeting the minimum points threshold does not guarantee an invitation.
The next invitation round is guaranteed on a specific date.	The Department currently states that the next subclass 189 round is expected by 30 September 2026.
All visa fees changed on 4 September.	The broad annual visa application charge changes took effect from 1 July 2026.

Who Should Review Their Options?

The current policy environment is especially relevant for:

• Skilled professionals seeking permanent residency
• Applicants considering subclass 189
• Applicants exploring state nomination through subclass 190
• Regional migration applicants considering subclass 491
• Professionals interested in employer sponsorship
• International students planning to study in Australia
• Temporary visa holders considering permanent pathways
• Qualified tradespeople requiring skills recognition
• Working Holiday Maker applicants

How to Prepare for an Australian Visa Application

Good preparation can help applicants avoid unnecessary delays and incorrect visa strategies.

Review Your Occupation

Start by checking whether your occupation is suitable for your preferred visa pathway and whether a skills assessment is required.

Check Your Qualifications

Educational qualifications should be reviewed against the requirements of the intended visa and assessing authority.

Improve Your English Profile

English ability can affect eligibility and points depending on the visa pathway. A stronger test result may improve the overall profile.

Calculate Your Points Carefully

Age, education, skilled employment, English ability and other eligible factors can affect points-tested applications.

Prepare Supporting Documents

Applicants should keep employment evidence, qualification documents, identity records, English results and skills assessment documents organised.

Consider More Than One Pathway

If one visa pathway is highly competitive, another option may be more appropriate. Depending on the applicant’s profile, state nomination, regional migration or employer sponsorship may be worth considering.

Professional Guidance for Your Migration Plan

Australian immigration can involve several stages, including skills assessment, English testing, Expression of Interest, state nomination, employer sponsorship and visa application.

The correct pathway depends on your individual circumstances.

Factors such as occupation, age, qualifications, work experience, English ability, skills assessment and current visa status can all influence your options.

Getting your strategy right before submitting an application can help you avoid choosing an unsuitable pathway or preparing incomplete documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Australia still accepting skilled migrants in 2026?

Yes. Skilled migration remains an important part of Australia’s permanent Migration Program, with 132,240 places allocated to the Skill stream for 2026–27.

What is the 2026–27 permanent Migration Program?

The permanent Migration Program has been set at 185,000 places for the 2026–27 program year, including 132,240 Skill stream places.

When is the next subclass 189 invitation round?

The Department of Home Affairs states that the next subclass 189 invitation round is expected by 30 September 2026. An invitation is not guaranteed for every applicant.

Has Australia changed the permanent migration points test?

The government has announced plans to reform the points test. The proposed direction focuses on selecting younger, better educated and higher-skilled migrants. Applicants should follow the requirements formally in force for their visa.

What is the skilled visa salary threshold in 2026–27?

The Core Skills Income Threshold is AUD 79,423, while the Specialist Skills Income Threshold is AUD 146,576 for the relevant 2026–27 nomination period.

Did Australian visa fees increase in 2026?

Yes. Visa application charges were updated from 1 July 2026. The amount varies according to the visa category and application circumstances.

Can international students still apply for a Student visa?

Yes. The Student visa subclass 500 remains available for eligible international students who meet the applicable study, financial, health, character and genuine student requirements.

When will the Indonesian Work and Holiday ballot open?

Registration is expected later in 2026. Applicants should check the Department of Home Affairs for the official registration date when it is announced.

How can I check my eligibility?

You can review your age, occupation, qualifications, English ability, work experience and skills assessment to identify possible pathways. You can also use our eligibility service for an initial assessment.

Final Takeaway

The immigration environment in September 2026 is not defined by one sudden nationwide rule change. Instead, several developments are shaping the current landscape.

The permanent Migration Program remains at 185,000 places, with 132,240 Skill stream places. Visa charges and skilled income thresholds increased from 1 July 2026.

SkillSelect applicants should monitor invitation rounds, while people considering employer sponsorship need to review the latest salary and occupation requirements.

International students should consider updated visa costs and financial requirements. Working Holiday Maker applicants should also monitor ballot and country-specific arrangements.

At the same time, proposed points-test reforms could influence future skilled migration selection. However, applicants should not treat future proposals as current law until they are formally implemented.

The best approach is to understand your current options, prepare your documentation carefully and monitor official updates before making major migration decisions.