A number of changes to immigration policy came into effect on 1 July, including increases to Visa Application Charges (VAC) and an increase to income thresholds. In addition to these significant changes, a number of other changes also came into effect.
Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMA)
The Goldfields DAMA has now been extended to 31 December 2026. The Goldfields DAMA was scheduled to transition to the Western Australian DAMA (WA DAMA) from 1 July. This extension will allow eligible employers across the Goldfields region to continue to access the Goldfields DAMA while arrangements for its transition to the WA DAMA are finalised.
South Australia’s two Designated Area Migration Agreements – the Adelaide City Technology and Innovation Advancement DAMA and the South Australia Regional DAMA have been extended for a further three months until 30 September 2026. The terms and conditions of both DAMAs remain unchanged.
Pacific Engagement VISA (PEV) 2026-27 Ballot
The Pacific Engagement Visa (PEV) ballot for 2026-27 opened on 1 July 2026 and closes on 29 July 2026. This a new ballot so registrations from the previous ballot are not carried over and will not be included in the new draw.
Eligible citizens from the following countries can participate in the ballot:
- Federated States of Micronesia
- Fiji
- Kiribati
- Palau
- Papua New Guinea
- Republic of Marshall Islands
- Samoa
- Solomon Islands
- Timor-Leste
- Tonga
- Tuvalu
- Vanuatu
Working Holiday Maker (WHM) Visa
The age limit for the Working Holiday Maker (subclass 417) visa has increased for applicants who hold a passport from Cyprus, Finland, Germany or the Republic of Korea. The age limit has increased from 30 years of age to 35 years of age. These changes are the result of bilateral agreements between Australia and the relevant countries.
Visa Solutions Australia will provide updates as changes to Australian immigration policy continue to be announced. For further information or to discuss your migration needs, contact the team of registered migration agents at Visa Solutions Australia.
