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The Australian Government has revised the list of Approved Destination Status (ADS) travel agents for the Visitor (subclass 600) visa. The update comes into effect from 12 September 2025. The recent amendment — Migration (Arrangements for Visitor (Class FA) visa applications) Amendment (Approved Destination Status) Instrument 2025 — revises the official list of approved ADS travel agents. Key changes include: This update replaces the previous Schedule 1 table under LIN 21/056, ensuring that only verified and compliant agents remain part of the ADS program. Click here: LIN 25/101 Migration (Arrangements for Visitor (Class FA) visa applications) Amendment (Approved Destination Status) Instrument 2025

The Australian Government has announced that the 2025–26 permanent Migration Program will keep the same total of 185,000 places, continuing the same structure as the 2024–25 program. The 2025–26 Migration Program is designed to support Australia’s working-age population by increasing labour force participation and addressing skill shortages across the country. The program is structured as follows: While most visa category allocations remain unchanged from 2024–25, the Global Talent and Distinguished Talent visa categories have now been consolidated into the new National Innovation visa. Existing applicants under these categories will continue to be assessed under the eligibility criteria in place at the time of their original application, ensuring the transition does not negatively affect them. State and territory nomination allocations for 2025–26 have not yet been released and will be shared once available. Click here: Migration Program planning levels

The Commonwealth Government has provided South Australia with a small interim allocation for the 2025–26 migration program year. Due to the limited interim allocation, the Skilled and Business Migration (SBM) program will temporarily pause new Registration of Interest (ROI) applications and instead prioritise inviting high-quality candidates, including those who submitted ROIs in the 2024–25 program year. The full policy settings for the 2025–26 program will be released once the Commonwealth Government provides South Australia with its complete allocation. Click here: Interim Allocations for the 2025-26 Program Year

The Department of Home Affairs has advised that all enquiries related to partner visa processing should be submitted via the official Partner Processing Enquiry Form for faster and more efficient handling. The Department has advised that enquiries to the partner visa processing team should be made using the Partner Processing Enquiry Form. This form is linked to a triage system that helps ensure enquiries are addressed more quickly than those sent via direct email to partner visa inboxes. Applicants who have appointed a registered migration agent or legal practitioner should attach a completed Form 956 when submitting the enquiry. The Partner Processing Enquiry Form can be accessed and submitted through the Department of Home Affairs website, helping to streamline the process and improve response times. Click here: Partner Processing Enquiry Form

On 26 August 2025, the Australian Government introduced the Home Affairs Legislation Amendment (2025 Measures No. 1) Bill 2025 to Parliament. The Bill passed both Houses on 4 September 2025 and will commence the day after it receives Royal Assent. The Bill amends the Migration Act 1958 to: Key Amendments: Circumstances Where Procedural Fairness Does Not Apply The Bill clarifies that the rules of natural justice (procedural fairness) will not apply in certain situations, including: Additionally, the Bill validates all past actions and decisions carried out under these powers. Validation of Visa Decisions Affected by High Court’s NZYQ Decision The Bill confirms that visa decisions made on or before 8 November 2023, which might have been affected by the High Court’s ruling in NZYQ regarding indefinite detention, are validated. This applies to: This validation applies to decisions made by: Click here:  Home Affairs Legislation Amendment (2025 Measures No. 1) Bill 2025

On 3 September 2025, the Government introduced the Administrative Review Tribunal and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 to Parliament, proposing changes to both the Administrative Review Tribunal Act 2024 (ART Act) and the Migration Act 1958. On 3 September 2025, the Bill was introduced to Parliament, read for the first time, and the second reading was moved on the same day. The Bill aims to broaden the circumstances in which the ART can make decisions without holding an oral hearing. Under the proposed changes, the ART may decide a matter entirely on the papers when the issues can be adequately resolved without a hearing, it is reasonable to make a decision without holding an oral hearing, and all parties have been given a fair opportunity to submit written evidence, which the ART takes into account in reaching its decision. Changes to the Migration Act would require certain visa review applications to be conducted entirely on the papers, including reviews of decisions refusing student visas and reviews relating to prescribed temporary visas. This also allows the Migration Regulations to specify additional temporary visa applications that must be reviewed without a hearing. Permanent visa and protection visa applications are not affected by this change. Applications under the new requirement will be decided entirely based on written submissions, as outlined in new Division 4A of Part 5 of the Migration Act. Click here: Administrative Review Tribunal and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025

From 26 August 2025, the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Australia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will officially be recognised under Australia’s migration Act 1958 as an international trade obligation. The Migration (International Trade Obligations Relating to Labour Market Testing) Amendment (CEPA) Determination 2025 amends LIN 21/075 by inserting CEPA into the list of free trade agreements determined under paragraph 140GBA(1)(c). This ensures CEPA obligations are reflected in migration law for labour market testing (LMT) purposes. Key Details: What’s new? ✔ CEPA is now recognised as an international trade obligation for LMT exemptions. Why it matters: ✔ Some trade agreements allow employers to bypass LMT when sponsoring skilled workers. With CEPA included, businesses engaging UAE nationals may qualify—subject to CEPA’s conditions. Who is covered under CEPA (Annex 10A)? The majority of Subclass 482 visa applicants are likely to be classified as Contractual Service Suppliers. While CEPA may provide exemptions from labour market testing (LMT), LMT could still be required if doing so does not conflict with Australia’s WTO obligations. Employers should review CEPA provisions carefully before submitting any applications. Technical updates included: Effective date: 📅 26 August 2025 Click here: LIN 25/103 Migration (International trade obligations relating to labour market testing) Amendment (CEPA) Determination 2025 CEPA Text and Annex 10 A

OMARA, on behalf of the Department’s Financial Operations Branch, has communicated to all RMA members about the upcoming requirement for mandatory 3 Domain Secure (3DS) authentication for all card payments made through ImmiAccount Starting Monday, 8 September 2025, all card payments on ImmiAccount will require 3 Domain Secure (3DS) authentication. Cards must have 3DS enabled by your bank before you can complete any payment. Payments made with cards that are not registered for 3DS will be declined. If your card does not have 3DS activated, you will see the following error message when attempting to pay: “Error performing card authentication. Please use another card/payment method.” What is 3DS? 3DS is a security feature that protects your card payments by confirming your identity before the transaction is approved. If you need help activating 3DS or want to learn more about this security measure, please contact your bank directly. The Department is unable to provide assistance with enabling 3DS. How Does the 3DS Process Work? When paying with a debit or credit card on ImmiAccount: Your payment will be declined if: Mandatory 3DS activation for card payments may change the way you handle your business transactions The below options will help you to meet the payment authentication security requirements. As always, you should ensure you comply with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS). Click here – Registered migration agent and legal practitioner enquiries and feedback. For further information, please refer to the Department’s website: How to pay for online application and  Applying on paper

The consultation period for the 2025 Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) by Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) is open from 25 August to 26 September 2025. This consultation covers over 800 skilled occupations at Skill Levels 1 to 3, which are under review for potential inclusion in the 2025 CSOL. A targeted group of occupations has been identified for focused stakeholder engagement, while all Skill Level 1 to 3 occupations remain open for feedback. Consultation activities include: All stakeholder feedback collected during this period will be considered by JSA before finalising its recommendations to the Government. Participation in this consultation is essential for influencing the future skilled occupation framework and workforce planning in Australia. Click here: Core Skills Occupations List (CSOL) Consultations

The current provider of migration health examinations in Kalgoorlie-Boulder has concluded its contract. A new clinic is scheduled to commence services from 27 August 2025. Plaza Medical Kalgoorlie is expected to take over migration health examination services from 27 August 2025. Appointment availability and further details will be updated on BUPA’s Medical Visa Services website shortly. The Department has confirmed that BUPA operates both permanent and temporary clinics. In regional areas, clinics are often temporary due to fluctuating demand or limited interest from subcontractors in long-term arrangements. When a clinic closes, time is required to identify, negotiate with, and train a replacement provider to ensure continuity of services.