The Pilot Work and Holiday Visa Arrangement between Australia and the Czech Republic has been reopened and extended, following its previous closure. This update restores access to the programme for eligible applicants. The programme continues to operate with an annual cap of 500 places, consistent with existing arrangements. Czech applicants can lodge their applications online through ImmiAccount, reflecting the standard digital application process.
LEGENDcom has released Migration and Citizenship stack updates on 3 April 2026, introducing revisions to several Policy and Procedural Instructions (PI) and Citizenship Policy Instructions (CPI). The Migration update includes changes to the following Policy and Procedural Instructions: In addition, Regulations 5.41A and 5.41B (Surcharges) have been deleted. The Citizenship update includes revisions to:
The Department of Home Affairs has introduced the Migration (Arrangements for Parent Visa Applications) Instrument 2026. This instrument replaces the LIN 18/079 arrangements and updates the process for lodging Parent visa applications, with a stronger emphasis on online lodgement. Most Parent visa applications must now be submitted online using Form 47PA for the following visa classes: Paper-based applications are no longer the standard method and will only be accepted where the Department has provided explicit written authorisation via the Immi Technical Support Form. There is no substantive change to the application arrangements for the following temporary Parent visa subclasses: This instrument will commence on 22 April 2026. Applications lodged prior to this date will continue to be assessed under the previous arrangements. Click here: Migration (Arrangements for Parent Visa Applications) Instrument 2026
The Migration Amendment (Combatting Migrant Exploitation) Act 2026 received Royal Assent on 6 April 2026 and is now in effect. This confirms that the legislative changes introducing the public register of approved work sponsors have officially commenced. The register will include standard business sponsors and accredited sponsors who nominate skilled workers for entry into Australia. Click here: Migration Amendment (Combatting Migrant Exploitation) Act 2026
The Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA) has launched its 2026 Small Business Perspectives Survey, focusing on businesses in regional, rural and remote areas. The survey aims to understand the current challenges faced by small businesses outside metropolitan areas including workforce shortages, housing and childcare access, rising costs, and regulatory pressures. Insights gathered will help inform advocacy efforts and policy development aimed at improving support for regional businesses—particularly those experiencing ongoing challenges in attracting and retaining skilled workers. Open to businesses in regional, rural and remote Australia, the survey takes approximately 20 minutes to complete. All responses are confidential and independently managed. The survey will close on 30 April 2026. For Participation Click here
The Australian Government has progressed new legislation aimed at strengthening transparency and accountability within the skilled migration system through the introduction of a public register of approved work sponsors. The Migration Amendment (Combatting Migrant Exploitation) Bill 2025 seeks to amend the Migration Act 1958 to provide for the publication of a register of approved work sponsors. This register will include both standard business sponsors and accredited sponsors who nominate skilled workers for entry into Australia. The register, to be maintained by the Department of Home Affairs and made publicly accessible via its official website, is expected to include the following information: This initiative is intended to promote greater transparency within the employer-sponsored visa program, enhance regulatory oversight, and support compliance across sponsoring entities. The Bill was introduced on 27 November 2025 and passed both Houses of Parliament on 1 April 2026. It will commence upon receiving Royal Assent, either on a date to be fixed by proclamation or within six months thereafter. Click here: Migration Amendment (Combatting Migrant Exploitation) Bill 2025
The LEGENDcom update incorporates key regulatory and legislative changes affecting registered migration agents, effective from 1 April 2026. The following legislative instruments and regulations are included: These changes introduce updated professional standards, revised CPD requirements, and new registration criteria, ensuring the regulatory framework remains aligned with current industry practices and expectations. The LEGENDcom update ensures that all relevant policy and procedural guidance reflects these legislative changes, supporting consistent application across the migration advice sector.
The New South Wales and Victorian Governments have released important updates on skilled visa invitation rounds and business visa nomination requirements, providing key timelines and compliance expectations for applicants. NSW – Skilled Visa Invitation Rounds The New South Wales Government has confirmed upcoming invitation rounds for skilled migration visas: Applicants should ensure their profiles accurately reflect their qualifications and eligibility to maximise invitation prospects. Victoria – Sc 888 & Sc 188 Extension Stream Nominations The Victorian Government continues to accept nominations for all Subclass 888 visa streams and the Subclass 188 Extension stream; however, it has noted that many recent applications do not meet eligibility criteria. Key requirements include: Information Session To support applicants, the Victorian Government will host an information session on Monday, 13 April 2026, focusing on Subclass 188 extension and Subclass 888 nomination requirements, including eligibility and application processes. These updates highlight the importance of timely EOI updates and strict compliance with nomination criteria, particularly as states manage limited allocations and increasing application volumes. Click here: Business visa – Priority processing request Information session – Victorian Business Innovation & Investment Nom requirements
The Department of Home Affairs has released an update on Partner visa processing. The update outlines key changes to current Partner visa processing practices. It highlights key areas such as common issues that contribute to processing delays, updated evidentiary expectations, and guidance on appropriate communication with the Partner visa team. These updates are intended to help applicants and representatives prepare complete and well-organised applications to support efficient processing. It also outlines important information regarding permanent partner visa eligibility and ongoing sponsor obligations. Applicants are encouraged to review these updates carefully to ensure they meet all requirements and avoid unnecessary delays. Click here: Partner Processing Newsletter
The Department of Home Affairs has expanded the Australian Immi App to improve accessibility for visa applicants. From 24 March 2026, the app is now available in 47 countries, providing a faster and more efficient way to submit passport details and facial biometrics without needing to attend a biometric collection centre in many cases. The app is now available in 13 additional countries: For more information click here