The Department of Home Affairs has updated the Subclass 500 Student visa program to reflect changes to the evidence levels for several countries in South East Asia, effective 8 January 2026. These changes aim to address emerging integrity risks while continuing to facilitate genuine international students seeking a quality education in Australia. Evidence levels determine the financial capacity and English language evidence requirements for Student visa applicants. They are calculated using a weighted average of indicators, based on the total number of international students—both applicants and visa holders—who hold a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for their principal course of study with an Australian education provider. These updates form part of the Department’s broader approach to maintaining the integrity of the student visa program while supporting access to Australian education. Click here: Subclass 500 Student Visa and Evidence framework

The Cairns Chamber of Commerce has provided an update on the administration of the Far North Queensland Designated Area Migration Agreement (FNQ DAMA), highlighting a rise in the volume of variation requests being lodged. The update notes that the FNQ DAMA framework supports forward workforce planning, allowing employers to seek approval for required occupations and positions ahead of time, rather than submitting requests for individual nominees. Variation requests may cover projected staffing needs over a 12 to 24-month period. The Department of Home Affairs’ Labour Agreement Section has identified that frequent submission of small variation requests creates increased administrative pressure and does not align with the intended operation of the FNQ DAMA. Should this practice continue, the Department may introduce a limitation of one variation request per employer per year. The Cairns Chamber of Commerce continues to deliver monthly FNQ DAMA information sessions for employers, with the next session scheduled for Wednesday, 4 February 2026. Click here: Cairns Chamber of Commerce

South Australia and Tasmania have released their latest skilled migration nomination invitation updates for January 2026 under the 2025–26 program year. The South Australian Government issued nomination invitations for Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 visas. Total invitations issued in the 2025–26 program year to date: The Tasmanian Government updates its nomination invitation data on a weekly basis, with the most recent update released on 8 January 2026. Invitations issued on 8 January 2026: Nomination places remaining for the 2025–26 program year: Click here: South Australian Government and Tasmanian Government

OMARA issued the following communication to all registered migration agents regarding its holiday closure period. “Please be advised that the OMARA will be closed for the holidays from Thursday, 25 December 2025 to Thursday, 1 January 2026 inclusive. OMARA will reopen on Friday, 2 January 2026. During this closure period, we are unable to respond to your queries.  Noting the closure period, a kind reminder to all RMAs to submit their repeat registration application early if their registration ends during this period. RMAs will continue to be registered if they submit their registration application prior to their registration expiry date. RMAs can submit their registration up to two months before their expiry date. Submitting early does not impact the expiry date of registration. RMAs should also ensure that they have met the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements and provide valid evidence that they hold Professional Indemnity Insurance. Wishing you all the very best for the upcoming holiday period.”

The Administrative Review Tribunal Amendment Rules (No. 1) 2025 introduce important changes to the Administrative Review Tribunal Rules 2024, effective from 19 December 2025. These updates aim to streamline Tribunal processes and ensure a more efficient and flexible administrative framework. Key Updates Include: The amendments enable the President of the Tribunal to authorise registrars and staff members of the Tribunal to exercise or perform additional powers or functions. This change aims to enhance the Tribunal’s ability to efficiently progress matters before they are heard by a Tribunal member. Consistent with the provisions of Division 4 of Part 11 of the ART Act, the rules now stipulate that limitations on the exercise of certain powers or functions, which may be authorised for members and registrars, will be imposed by the President in the authorising instrument rather than being prescribed in the ART Rules. The amendments introduce provisions for additional decisions for which an application fee is not payable. This change is a result of the Aged Care Act 2024, which came into effect on 1 November 2025.

Migration stack update – 12 December 2025 This update reflects the amendments to the Migration Regulations 1994 by the Migration Amendment (2025 Measures No. 1) Regulations 2025. Additionally, updates were made to the following Migration Policy and Procedural Instructions: Migration stack update 16 December 2025 This update reflects the amendments made on 13 December 2025 to the Migration Regulations 1994 by the Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment (State Sponsors of Terrorism) Regulations 2025 (F2025L01544) and amendments made on 16 December 2025 by Schedule 1 of the Home Affairs Legislation Amendment (2025 Measures No. 2) Act 2025 and the Migration Amendment (Personal Identifiers) Regulations 2025. Migration stack update 19 December 2025 This update includes changes to the following Migration Policy and Procedural Instructions: Citizenship stack update 16 December 2025 This update reflects the amendments made on 16 December 2025 to the Citizenship Act 2007 by Schedule 1 of the Home Affairs Legislation Amendment (2025 Measures No. 2) Act 2025. Citizenship stack update 17 December 2025 This update reflects the amendments made on 17 December 2025 to the Australian Citizenship Regulation 2016 by Schedule 1 of the Australian Citizenship Amendment (Notices of Citizenship) Regulations 2025. Citizenship stack update 19 December 2025 This update includes changes to the following Citizenship Policies and Procedures:

The Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment (State Sponsors of Terrorism) Regulations 2025 introduce an important update to the Migration Regulations 1994, effective from 13 December 2025. The new regulations amend visa condition 8556, which now requires visa holders to refrain from associating or communicating with any foreign state entity that is prescribed by regulations under the Criminal Code as a state sponsor of terrorism. This amended visa condition applies only to visas granted on or after 13 December 2025. Visa holders granted visas before this date are not subject to this new condition. Click here: Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment (State Sponsors of Terrorism) Regulations 2025

From 1 January 2026, VETASSESS Pathway 1 applicants will be required to complete and submit a Language, Literacy, Numeracy, and Digital Skills (LLND) assessment as part of their Documentary Evidence Assessment application. This new requirement applies to applicants in trade occupations who do not currently hold an Australian qualification or occupational licence. The LLND assessment will help ensure that applicants possess the necessary skills to meet the demands of the Australian workforce. To submit the LLND assessment, applicants must: In addition, VETASSESS will release updated video guides for each occupation, effective 1 January 2026. Before preparing video evidence, please ensure that you download the latest version of the relevant video guide from the official VETASSESS website to meet the updated requirements. For more information click here

The Department of Home Affairs has announced an important update regarding the Australian Citizenship Amendment (Notices of Citizenship) Regulations 2025. This change is particularly relevant for individuals navigating the citizenship process, as it outlines key amendments to the procedural requirements for notices issued under the Australian Citizenship Act 2007. The newly introduced regulations, commenced on 17 December 2025, amend the Australian Citizenship Regulation 2016, focusing on the form and content of notices provided to individuals seeking citizenship. This update is part of ongoing efforts to ensure that the Australian citizenship process remains efficient, transparent, and in line with evolving legal and administrative standards. Under these amendments, applicants can expect a more streamlined process, ensuring that notices related to citizenship are clear and consistent with current requirements. While this update does not directly impact eligibility or fees, it reinforces the government’s commitment to maintaining the integrity and clarity of the Australian citizenship process. For individuals currently in the process of applying for citizenship or legal practitioners assisting clients, it’s crucial to stay informed about these updates to ensure compliance and facilitate smooth processing. Click here: Australian Citizenship Amendment (Notices of Citizenship) Regulations 2025

The Tasmanian government has implemented minor adjustments to its skilled migration program settings. These changes aim to improve clarity and ensure that the program aligns with the region’s economic needs. These adjustments will not affect any existing Registrations of Interest (ROIs), and the new criteria will apply only to new ROIs submitted after the changes. Key Changes: Subclass 491 Tasmanian Skilled Employment Pathway Orange-plus Attribute Update: The score for the employment-related attribute has been increased from 30 to 35 points. This change aims to better recognize longer-term employment in roles that are relevant to the skills assessment. Updated Criteria: Orange Attribute Update: To avoid confusion with the Orange-plus attribute, the criteria for the Orange attribute have been amended. Updated Criteria: Impact: Subclass 190 and 491 Tasmanian Skilled Graduate Pathways Orange-plus Attribute – Graduate Program Offer: The requirement for the graduate program offer has been updated to remove the restriction on whether the program has commenced. Updated Criteria: Subclass 190 Tasmanian Established Resident Pathway Minimum Requirements Clarification: The wording for the business operation requirement has been updated for clarity. Updated Criteria: Click here: Subclass 491 Tasmanian Skilled Employment Pathway Subclass 190 Tasmanian Established Resident Pathway Subclass 190 and 491 Tasmanian Skilled Graduate Pathways