More student visa restrictions commence 2 October 2026; Skilled processing priority shake-up (again)

More student visa restrictions commence 2 October 2026; Skilled processing priority shake-up (again)

Further restrictions on student visa applications begin on 2 October 2026, which is a major pillar of recent reforms to Australia’s immigration program, closing a loophole that allowed an applicant to return and obtain a bridging visa to await an outcome. This follows new Ministerial Directions for skilled visa processing priorities.

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Budget 2023-24: VACs up 6 per cent and some by more; 482 visas in Short-term stream can renew onshore

Budget 2023-24: VACs up 6 per cent and some by more; 482 visas in Short-term stream can renew onshore

The Federal Budget was handed down last night with most outcomes already known. Two further major changes are that 482 visas holders in the Short-term stream no longer need to apply when outside of Australia from 1 July 2023, and some visa application charges will see additional increases.

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6-month 408 COVID visas to all visa holders with work rights; Moreton Bay and Ipswich added as regional areas

6-month 408 COVID visas to all visa holders with work rights; Moreton Bay and Ipswich added as regional areas

Announcements this week will see in the near future the 408 “COVID” visa throw its doors open to all those who hold a visa with work rights and even for some who do not. The postcodes of Moreton Bay and Ipswich will be deemed regional from 5 March 2022, which will affect many skilled visas.

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