March 2026 Migration Update: Key Changes Impacting Australian Visa Applicants

If you are planning an Australian visa application in 2026, several significant regulatory changes are set to affect eligibility, costs, and procedural requirements. These updates reflect broader policy adjustments and may materially impact both prospective applicants and current visa holders.

These changes are part of a new law, the Migration Amendment (2026 Measures), which was passed by Parliament. This legislative process has enabled the government to introduce the current March 2026 migration update.

This article outlines the most important developments and what they mean in practice.

Changes to Salary Thresholds for Employer-Sponsored Visas

From 1 July 2026, the Australian Government will increase the minimum income thresholds for key employer-sponsored visa pathways, including the Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) and Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme) visas. These are among the key visa types impacted by the new thresholds.

The updated thresholds are as follows:

These adjustments are part of the Government’s annual indexation process, aligning migration salary requirements with Australian labour market conditions.

For applicants whose earnings are close to the current thresholds, this increase may affect eligibility. These changes are particularly relevant for skilled workers seeking employer sponsorship. Employers and applicants should carefully assess whether proposed salary packages will meet the new requirements from July onwards. Changes to eligibility criteria may also influence processing times for these visa types.

[aml_difference][/aml_difference]

Significant Increase in Subclass 485 Visa Application Fees

As of 1 March 2026, the application fee for the Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485), which is a key pathway for international students after graduation, has increased substantially.

For most applicants, the primary application charge has doubled from $2,300 to $4,600. This represents a significant cost increase for international graduates seeking post-study work rights in Australia.

An exception applies to passport holders from certain Pacific nations, including Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, and Samoa, who remain eligible for the previous, lower fee.

For all other applicants, this change necessitates careful financial planning when considering post-study migration pathways. Higher costs may also lead to delays in application submissions for some students.

Planning for these changes is especially important for those applying in the current or next financial year.

Administrative Review Tribunal: Expanded “On the Papers” Decision-Making

There has also been a notable procedural shift in merits review processes before the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART).

The Tribunal now has broader authority to determine certain matters “on the papers,” meaning decisions can be made solely based on the documents you submit, without conducting a hearing. It is essential to submit all required documents when lodging your application or nomination to ensure your case is fully considered.

Missing information in your submission can result in delays or negative outcomes, as the Tribunal may make a decision without requesting further details.

This change is particularly relevant to student visa matters. In practice, it increases the importance of the initial written submissions and supporting evidence provided to the Tribunal.

Where a matter is decided without a hearing, applicants may not have a further opportunity to clarify or expand upon their case in person. Accordingly, applicants must lodge comprehensive, decision-ready submissions to maximize their chances of success.

English Language Testing: TOEFL Scoring Requirements

Applicants relying on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) should be aware of recent changes to the test format and scoring system.

Globally, TOEFL has introduced a revised scoring scale ranging from 1 to 6. However, the Australian Department of Home Affairs continues to require the traditional scoring system out of 120.

Applicants must ensure they select the correct test version when booking, specifically, the “TOEFL iBT for Australia.” Results from the new global scoring system are not currently accepted for Australian visa purposes.

Booking the incorrect test may result in invalid test results and unnecessary additional costs.

How These Changes May Affect You

These updates highlight the evolving nature of Australia’s migration framework in 2026. Increased financial thresholds, higher application costs, and stricter procedural expectations all point to a more demanding application environment. These changes have created uncertainty for many applicants, who now face unpredictability regarding processing times and outcomes.

Each of these changes can have different implications depending on your visa pathway, employment situation, and individual circumstances. Many applicants may need to adjust their travel plans in response to new requirements or delays. Additionally, these changes may impact pathways to permanent residency, particularly for those seeking options like the Subclass 191 visa. Early planning and careful preparation are essential to avoid complications.

[무료 상담]

상담 예약↪CF_200D↩

비자에 대한 자세한 정보를 얻고 싶다면 호주 이민 변호사에게 연락하여 상담을 받으세요.

[/무료_상담]

How We Can Assist

Australian Migration Lawyers provides strategic legal advice across all visa categories, including employer-sponsored visas, graduate visas, and merits review matters. Clients can access priority legal advice for urgent or complex cases, ensuring timely support when it matters most.

If you are unsure how these changes affect your eligibility or application strategy, our team can assess your situation and help you prepare a decision-ready application designed to maximise your prospects of success.

Reach out to Australian Migration Lawyers to discuss your circumstances and obtain tailored legal guidance.