Country Reference
Australia
Visa news and reference for Australia — Skills in Demand visa, Temporary Graduate, Working Holiday Maker, Student visa, Permanent Migration Program, and the new public register of approved work sponsors commencing October 2026.
Last verified: May 3, 2026
Key facts
- Primary agency
- Department of Home Affairs (Immigration and Citizenship); border admission by Australian Border Force (ABF)
- Approved work sponsors register
- Public register established under the Migration Amendment (2026 Measures No. 1) Act 2026; commences 8 October 2026 or earlier by proclamation
- Skills in Demand visa
- Replaced Temporary Skill Shortage visa (Subclass 482) under the December 2023 Migration Strategy
- Permanent Migration Program 2025–26 planning level
- 185,000 places under the Permanent Migration Program announced by the Minister
Visa types covered
- Visitor visa (Subclass 600)
- Working Holiday Maker (Subclass 417 / 462)
- Student visa (Subclass 500)
- Skills in Demand visa (Subclass 482, formerly Temporary Skill Shortage)
- Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485)
- Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)
- Skilled Independent visa (Subclass 189)
- Skilled Nominated visa (Subclass 190)
- Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa (Subclass 494)
- Global Talent visa (Subclass 858)
- Training visa (Subclass 407)
Recent news
Australia issues 10,000 Skilled Independent visa invitations in June 2026 round
The Department of Home Affairs invited 10,000 Skilled Independent (subclass 189) applicants on June 4, 2026, with a date of effect of April 24, 2026.
June 24, 2026
Australia sets 2026-27 Migration Program at 185,000 with skilled-stream tilt
Department of Home Affairs maintains the 185,000 ceiling for 2026-27; Skill stream rises to 132,240, Employer-Sponsored visas jump 32% to 58,040.
May 28, 2026
Australia legislates public register of approved work sponsors from October 2026
The Migration Amendment (2026 Measures No. 1) Act received Royal Assent on 8 April 2026 and commences 8 October 2026 — affecting Subclass 482 sponsors.
May 3, 2026