VETASSESS has announced the important update regarding the security of its Agent Portal. This update aims to enhance security protocols, ensuring a more secure and streamlined experience for agents. VETASSESS is implementing multifactor authentication (MFA) for the Agent Login Portal, effective from 2 March 2026. Users will be prompted to enter a one-time verification code sent to their registered email address after submitting their login credentials. Access will only be granted once this second authentication step is successfully completed. This security update will provide an added layer of protection and safeguard against unauthorized access. Agents are encouraged to prepare for this change by familiarising themselves with the MFA setup and login process. Click here: Agent Portal Security Update

Stakeholders are invited to provide feedback on the upcoming update to the Occupation Standard Classification for Australia (OSCA). The consultation will run from 11 March to 24 April 2026, focusing on potential occupation classification changes. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) is conducting a public consultation as part of the update to the Occupation Standard Classification for Australia (OSCA), with the revised classification set to be released in March 2027. This process aims to ensure the classification system’s accuracy and relevance. Key areas of focus include: Consultation materials will be made available on the official website starting 11 March 2026, and stakeholders are encouraged to review and provide input during the consultation period. Click here: Australian Bureau of Statistics

New state updates have been announced regarding the Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190) invitation round in NSW and an upcoming FNQ DAMA information session hosted by the Cairns Chamber of Commerce. Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190) NSW Government will conduct an invitation round for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190). It is essential for applicants and migration professionals to ensure that their Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect is up to date and accurate. The deadline for updates is by the close of business on Sunday, 1 March 2026. FNQ DAMA Information Session The Cairns Chamber of Commerce will be hosting an online information session on the FNQ Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) targeted at Registered Migration Agents (RMAs) and immigration lawyers on Thursday, 12 March 2026. The session will provide a general overview of the FNQ DAMA, especially for new agents and lawyers, and offer updates on the latest developments regarding the agreement. Additionally, a Q&A session will be held to address any questions or concerns related to the FNQ DAMA. Click here: NSW Government and Cairns Chamber of Commerce Website.

The income thresholds for the Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) and Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme) visa programs will increase from 1 July 2026 following the annual indexation process under regulation 5.42A of the Migration Regulations. Each year, the Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) and Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT) are automatically adjusted based on the Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE) data published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). As this indexation occurs under the Regulations, no separate legislative instrument is required. Indexed thresholds for the 2026–27 program year: These revised income thresholds will apply to all relevant Subclass 482 and Subclass 186 visa applications lodged on or after 1 July 2026. Click here: Average Weekly Earnings, Australia (ABS)

A new legislative instrument has been introduced to replace the existing Migration Agents Registration Application Charge Regulations. The updated Regulations commence on 1 April 2026 and continue the current registration charge arrangements with minor drafting improvements. The Migration Agents Registration Application Charge Regulations 2026 repeal and replace the 1998 Regulations. The new instrument has been made in substantially the same form as the previous Regulations, with minor drafting amendments to improve clarity and readability. There is no change to the registration or renewal charges payable to the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA) for both commercial and non-commercial registered migration agents (RMAs). The instrument also contains transitional arrangements. Any RMA who has already paid the non-commercial application charge before 1 April 2026 will continue under the previous arrangements until the end of their current registration period. From 1 April 2026 onwards, a registered non-commercial migration agent may only provide immigration assistance on a non-commercial basis. If they provide services commercially, they must pay the appropriate commercial charge under the Act. Click here: Migration Agents Registration Application Charge Regulations 2026

A new legislative instrument has been registered to repeal the Migration Agents Regulations 1998 and introduce consequential amendments to align existing migration legislation with the Migration Agents Regulations 2026. The Migration Legislation (Migration Agents) (Repeal and Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2026 support the transition to the new regulatory framework governing registered migration agents (RMAs). The amendments ensure consistency across migration legislation and remove outdated references to the repealed 1998 Regulations. Key amendments include: These changes streamline the legislative framework, modernise regulatory references, and ensure alignment with the updated migration agent regulatory scheme commencing 1 April 2026. Click here: Migration Legislation (Migration Agents) (Repeal and Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2026

Educational Testing Service (ETS) has introduced changes to the scoring system for the global TOEFL iBT test. These changes may affect applicants intending to rely on TOEFL results for Australian visa purposes. From 21 January 2026, the global TOEFL iBT test has transitioned from the traditional 0–30 score per section model to a 1–6 band score scale. These changes do not apply to the TOEFL iBT Australia test. The Australian version will continue to operate under the existing 0–120 total score scale. As of 21 January 2026, the TOEFL iBT Australia test is the only TOEFL test accepted for Department of Home Affairs visa purposes. Results from the global TOEFL iBT test types are not valid for Australian migration or visa applications. When booking the test, applicants must ensure they select the option labelled “TOEFL iBT for Australia.” The booking system may default to global TOEFL test versions, which do not meet Australian visa requirements. The confirmation screen should clearly indicate that the selected test is the TOEFL iBT Australia test. Careful attention during registration is essential to ensure compliance with English language requirements for visa applications. For more information Click here.

The South Australian Government has officially launched an updated version of their website, delivering a refreshed design, clearer content, and enhanced functionality. The updated website features a modern, mobile-friendly design that adapts seamlessly across phones, tablets, and desktop devices, ensuring a smooth user experience on any platform. Its improved navigation and cleaner layout reduce clutter and guide users directly to essential information, including migration pathways, eligibility requirements, and available services. In addition, the site is now available in 106 languages, making it more accessible and inclusive for a diverse audience. To visit the news website Click here.

LEGENDcom has released a Migration stack update, including revisions to internal policy and procedural instruction. As part of this update, the Child Safety & Wellbeing Policy Statement (SM-7088) has been introduced. Consequently, the following Policy and Procedural Instructions (PIs) have been removed, as their content has been consolidated into the new Child Safety & Wellbeing Policy Statement: The update ensures greater clarity and consistency in policy settings by centralising child safety and wellbeing guidance under one authoritative instruction.

A new legislative instrument has commenced, updating the temporary visa subclasses referenced under Public Interest Criteria (PIC) 4005 and 4007. The changes remove references to repealed visa subclasses and ensure the legislation reflects the current visa framework. The Migration (Temporary Visa Subclasses for PIC 4005 and 4007) Instrument 2026 commenced on 20 February 2026, replacing the previous instrument LIN 22/007. The new instrument removes Subclass 159 and Subclass 487 from the specified temporary visa subclasses for the purposes of subparagraphs 4005(2)(b)(ii) and 4007(1A)(b)(ii), as these visa subclasses have been repealed. Transitional provisions apply. The repealed instrument (LIN 22/007) will continue to apply to applications lodged under regulations 2.08 or 2.08B where the application was taken to have been made prior to the commencement of the new instrument. Click here: Migration (Temporary Visa Subclasses for PIC 4005 and 4007) Instrument 2026