The addition of Child Care Worker (not Group Leader) and Out of School Hours Care Worker to the Combined Skilled Occupation List (CSOL) has led to updates under the FNQ DAMA. These changes align the skills, qualifications, and experience requirements for these occupations with standard skilled migration programs where occupations appear across multiple lists. As a result, any new or recently executed FNQ DAMA labour agreements that include these roles will have revised requirements compared to earlier agreements. The Cairns Chamber of Commerce has updated the FNQ DAMA Occupation and Concession List, along with the FNQ DAMA Information Guide, to reflect these changes. These updates ensure consistency and clarity for employers and applicants using the FNQ DAMA program. Click here: Cairns Chamber of Commerce
The Australian Government has introduced travel restrictions for certain visa holders and changes to skills assessing authorities for specific occupations. New measures affect offshore Iranian Visitor (Subclass 600) visa holders, while separate amendments update assessing authorities for Surveyor and Information and Organisation Professionals NEC occupations. Arrival Control Determination (Subclass 600 – Iranian passport holders) A new determination, effective from 26 March 2026, temporarily suspends the validity of Visitor (Subclass 600) visas for certain offshore applicants who applied using an Iranian passport. This applies only to individuals who were outside Australia at the time the determination commenced. Affected visa holders will not receive refunds unless they meet specific criteria. Exemptions: PTC (Permitted Travel Certificate): A request for a Permitted Travel Certificate (PTC) can be made through the Department’s Arrival Control Determination Portal. Applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis and are only granted in limited circumstances. These may include individuals who are the parent of an Australian citizen or can demonstrate a genuine intention to stay in Australia temporarily. A PTC request must include a strong submission with supporting evidence. Further details on required documentation are available on the Department’s website. Requests should be lodged: Individuals who are granted a PTC may travel to Australia if they hold a valid visa. However, they must also provide evidence that travel restrictions do not apply to them before departure. Arrival Control Determination Check Before travelling, individuals should check whether their Visitor visa has been affected. This can be done by requesting an Arrival Control Determination check through the Department of Home Affairs’ Arrival Control Determination Portal. Skills Assessing Authority Updates The Migration Legislation Amendment (Assessing Authorities) Instrument 2026 (LIN 26/027) introduces important updates to the Institution of Surveyors New South Wales Ltd (ISNSW) as the assessing authority specified for the occupation of Surveyor. All changes under this instrument come into effect from 28 March 2026. Surveyor Occupation (ANZSCO 232212) The Institution of Surveyors New South Wales Ltd (ISNSW) is now the official assessing authority, as announced in October 2025. This follows the liquidation of the Geospatial Council of Australia (GCA) on 21 August 2025. Transitional arrangements: Transitional arrangements provide that applications made on or after 8 October 2025 fall under ISNSW. Applicants who obtained skills assessments from GCA on or before 21 August 2025 may continue to use those assessments to support visa applications lodged before, on, or after 28 March 2026. Clarification has been made regarding assessing authorities, with VETASSESS designated as the primary authority, while ACS will assess applicants applying specifically as Data Scientists. This amendment applies to applications lodged but not finalised on or after 14 December 2024. Click here: Migration (Arrival Control) Determination 2026 Arrival Control Determination (ACD) Checks Migration Legislation Amendment (Assessing Authorities) Instrument 2026
LEGENDcom reflects legislative amendments introduced under the Migration Amendment (2026 Measures No. 1) Act 2026, which expand the Minister’s authority to manage travel restrictions during periods of international risk. These changes strengthen the Government’s ability to respond quickly to international developments affecting travel. The updates reflect a broader shift toward proactive migration management. Amendments to the Migration Act 1958, effective 14 March 2026, provide the Minister for Immigration with the authority to temporarily restrict entry into Australia for certain offshore temporary visa holders. These provisions are intended to support a more responsive and flexible approach to international risks, including emergencies and disruptions affecting travel and border operations. The LEGENDcom update also includes revisions to several Policy and Procedural Instructions (PI) including: These updates ensure that operational guidance remains consistent with current legislation, supporting accurate and informed decision-making across migration and health assessment processes. Click here: Migration Amendment (2026 Measures No. 1) Act 2026
The Migration Legislation Amendment (Annual Market Salary Rate) Instrument 2026 introduces updated methods for determining the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR). These changes provide greater scope for employers when assessing market salary rates. The amendments provide flexibility in determining the AMSR in circumstances where there is a relevant Fair Work instrument, state industrial instrument, or transitional instrument. The amendments allow for the use of an alternative methodology for determining the AMSR, based on either relevant employment documents where there is an equivalent Australian worker, or on relevant information where there is no equivalent Australian worker. If a Fair Work, state, or transitional industrial instrument applies, AMSR will generally follow that instrument. Alternatively, employers may use employment documents of an equivalent Australian worker, as long as the salary is not lower than the instrument rate. If no equivalent worker exists, relevant market information can be used, provided it meets the minimum set by the instrument. If no industrial instrument applies, AMSR will be based on employment documents where an equivalent Australian worker exists, or on relevant market information where no equivalent worker is available. The instrument applies to nominations under Subclass 482, 494, 186, and 187 visas. It commenced on 25 March 2026 and applies to all pending and new nomination applications from that date. Click here: Migration Legislation Amendment (Annual Market Salary Rate) Instrument 2026
OMARA issued a communication this week to all Registered Migration Agents (RMAs) outlining four new legislative instruments that introduce minor amendments to the RMA regulatory framework. The full details of the communication are provided below: “Dear Registered Migration Agent As you are aware, four new legislative instruments and some consequential changes to the Migration Agents Code of Conduct Regulations 2021 (Cth) will commence on 1 April 2026. These instruments are: The new instruments have been amended to include contemporary language and updated references. These changes will impact both existing RMAs and people seeking registration as an RMA. Changes for existing RMAs There are changes to the regulatory framework for RMAs. These includes the following important updates to CPD requirements: Transitional provisions will apply in relation to these legislative changes. Changes for people seeking registration as an RMA There are changes to the regulatory framework for people wanting to become an RMA. This includes changes to the approved list of education providers. These providers deliver courses and exams to register as a migration agent. There are also changes to the English language requirements and the publishing of a Notice of Intention to register as a migration agent. For further details please see Legislative updates.”
The Department of Home Affairs has announced a temporary pause on the Australia–Czech Republic Work and Holiday Visa Arrangement, impacting applicants from both countries. The pause came into effect on 1 March 2026 and applies to both Australian and Czech applicants under the pilot Work and Holiday program. This temporary suspension has been implemented to allow the Department to progress extension arrangements and review the future of the program. During this period, new applications will not be processed, as the arrangement remains on hold pending further developments. Click here: Working Holiday Maker (WHM)
The Tasmanian Government has provided an update on its 2025–26 state nomination program, indicating that a significant portion of its allocation has already been utilised. At the same time, Tasmania has also released its policy for the National Innovation Visa (NIV), with nominations now commencing. For the state nomination program, Tasmania will continue to accept Registrations of Interest (ROIs); however, invitation rounds will be significantly reduced as priority is given to processing existing applications. For the Subclass 190 visa, invitations for ROIs that do not meet Gold pass criteria are temporarily paused, although submissions remain open and will be reviewed in the coming weeks. Green pass ROIs are expected to receive invitations within six months, but approved applicants may not receive nomination this program year if places are exhausted. For the Subclass 491 visa, invitations will continue across all pass categories, though at a reduced volume. Tasmania NIV policy The Tasmanian Government has introduced its National Innovation Visa (NIV) policy, with nominations now open for highly skilled candidates. To be considered, applicants must: This update reflects Tasmania’s focus on managing limited nomination allocations while prioritising high-value candidates through targeted visa pathways. For more information click here.
The legislative instruments have been introduced, bringing updates across Registered Migration Agent (RMA) registration requirements, United Nations Security Council (UNSC) compliance, and citizenship eligibility provisions. These changes aim to enhance regulatory clarity, align with international obligations, and expand eligibility pathways within Australia’s migration framework. RMA Registration Requirements The Migration (Specified Courses and Exams for Registration as a Migration Agent) Instrument 2026 replaces previous arrangements and will commence on 1 April 2026. Key changes include: Transitional provisions and application The instrument allows applicants who commenced or completed the Griffith University course before 1 April 2026, or within 12 months of commencement, to continue using that qualification. Similarly, earlier TOEFL requirements will continue to apply to certain applicants who meet specific timing and evidence conditions. United Nations Security Council Resolutions Instrument 2026 The Migration (United Nations Security Council Resolutions) Instrument 2026 (LIN 26/008) has been registered and comes into effect, replacing the earlier IMMI 14/034 specification under the Migration (United Nations Security Council Resolutions) Regulations 2007. This legislative update sets out the current list of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions that Australia is bound to enforce in its migration system. Under these resolutions, Australia must refuse entry to or transit through its territory by persons subject to international sanctions for threats to peace and security, as required by international law and its domestic regulations. The revised instrument reflects changes in the global security landscape since the prior specification, ensuring that Australia’s sanctions obligations align with the latest UNSC decisions. It includes recent resolutions addressing threats from extremist organisations such as ISIL (Da’esh) and Al‑Qaida, and conflicts in regions such as South Sudan and Haiti, broadening the scope of measures Australia implements under its migration regulations. At the same time, it removes older entries related to Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, and Eritrea where the UNSC has lifted associated travel sanctions, meaning those resolutions are no longer relevant for Australian enforcement. Australian Citizenship Special Residence Requirements The Australian Citizenship (Special Residence Requirement) Instrument 2026 (LIN 26/024), has expanded the types of work that can count towards meeting the special residence requirement under section 22B(1)(a) of the Citizenship Act. Previously, only scientists doing research and development were included, but the update now recognises academics performing similar work. The amendment also adds a new category for senior religious leaders, allowing ministers in leadership roles within religious organisations to qualify. Alongside these changes, minor technical and drafting updates have been made. The new rules take effect from 21 March 2026 and apply to citizenship applications lodged on or after that date. Click here: Migration (Specified Courses and Exams for Registration as a Migration Agent) Instrument 2026 Migration (United Nations Security Council Resolutions) Instrument 2026Australian Citizenship (special residence requirement) Amendment (Measures No. 1) Instrument 2026
Trades Recognition Australia has announced a temporary pause on registrations for the Offshore Skills Assessment Program (OSAP) and the Subclass 482 Skills Assessment Program to facilitate system upgrades. Registrations for both programs will be temporarily suspended from 14 March to 29 March 2026, with services expected to resume on 30 March 2026. The pause will allow TRA to implement technical improvements and introduce an updated panel of Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) that will deliver skills assessment services under these programs. Applicants with existing OSAP or Subclass 482 skills assessment applications already in progress will still be able to continue with their applications, as payments will remain available until 29 March 2026. As part of the upgrade process, the RTO Finder feature has been temporarily removed while the new panel of assessment providers is being incorporated into the system. An updated list of approved RTOs will be made available once the system updates are completed and registrations reopen. Click here: Temporary Pause for OSAP and TSS Registrations
The Department of Home Affairs has updated policy guidance relating to how applicants may meet the study requirement for the Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) when relying on more than one course of study. The revised policy, effective 6 February 2026, clarifies the requirements for applicants who combine multiple courses to satisfy the study requirement under regulations 485.221 and 485.231(b) of the Migration Regulations 1994. According to the updated guidance, where more than one course is used to meet the study requirement, the commencement of each subsequent course should generally occur in the same or the following academic year. Any break between courses must be approved by the education provider delivering the course or courses. For more information, click here