Visa Updates 2026 – As announced by the Department of Home Affairs, January 2026 will see changes to immigration come into effect. Changes to immigration are a regular occurrence and are introduced to improve Australia’s migration system. The changes taking place in January will affect visas and immigration services.
Permanent Migration
Permanent migration numbers will remain unchanged; however, there will be a greater focus on who comes into Australia and for what purpose. There will continue to be a focus on skilled migration with an emphasis on skills that support Australia’s economic growth. Visa pathways for skilled migrants are expected to become more targeted to ensure visa applicants with in-demand qualifications and work experience receive faster processing. The focus on skilled migration aims to boost Australia’s productive capacity and address workforce shortages, particularly in regional areas.
New Online Support Services
To help reduce the number of people living in Australia unlawfully, the government has launched a new online visa support service. The platform will help applicants with expired visas resolve their status quickly by offering pathways to reapply for a valid visa or depart Australia without lengthy delays.
English Language Testing
The list of approved English language tests will also be updated. There will now be nine English language tests accepted compared to five previously accepted tests.
Immi App Update
Enhancements to the Immi App will be rolled out to streamline documentation uploads and communication with the Department of Home Affairs.
Available in 34 countries, the app enables eligible visa applicants to submit their facial biometrics and passport information, removing the need for in-person visits to biometric collection centres.
These changes are part of a wider digital modernisation initiative to make the visa system easier to navigate.
Visa updates for International Students
The international student intake numbers will increase from 270,000 to 295,000. However, along with strict visa checks, universities seeking an increase in their international student intake will need to demonstrate strong engagement with Southeast Asia and make progress in providing secure student accommodation for both local and international students.
To maintain the integrity of the international student visa program, as of 8 January 2026, the Department of Home Affairs moved India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Bhutan into the highest-risk Evidence Level 3 group under the Simplified Student Visa Framework (SSVF). The re-rating was triggered by a number of emerging integrity risks including the seizure of forged degree certificates as well as an increase in course-hopping once students arrived. These four countries accounted for nearly one third of international enrolments in the last year.
International students from these countries will still be able to apply for a visa to study in Australia but their application will undergo greater scrutiny. Their visa application will require them to provide additional documentation, and officials will conduct more background checks with previous educational institutions as well as banks to verify financial statements.
Changes to Australia’s migration system and visa updates are introduced to benefit Australia’s population and economic outlook. Immigration reform in general combined with recent events will see Australian immigration policy continue to evolve throughout the year to ensure Australia’s prosperity and the safety of all Australians.
If you would like to learn more about the changes to immigration or any visa updates taking place in 2026 or any other aspect of migration, contact the team of experienced registered migration agents at Visa Solutions Australia. Book a consultation.
