Home Affairs overhauls Student-Visa ‘Evidence Levels’, effective today
China upgraded to Evidence Level 1, unlocking streamlined paperwork for student-visa hopefuls
Trans-Tasman travel goes more digital as Australia and New Zealand expand biometric border trials
Latest News
Indonesia and Malaysia stay at Level 2 in latest student-visa risk review—what applicants need to know
Home Affairs kept Indonesia and Malaysia at Country Evidence Level 2 in the 30 September update, maintaining current documentation requirements for student-visa applicants. While the decision avoids tighter rules, streamlined processing still depends on the risk rating of each education provider, affecting enrolment strategies and corporate mobility timelines.
New eVisitor visa lodgement rules take effect today
The Government has remade the legislative instrument that sets lodgement rules for the Subclass 651 eVisitor visa. From 29 September 2026, applications are only valid if lodged online via Form 1362 in ImmiAccount. While the policy mirrors existing practice, it closes any remaining loopholes for paper filings and reinforces the Government’s digital-by-default agenda.
Approved Destination Status travel-agent list overhauled for Chinese tour groups
The Government’s new instrument LIN 26/060, effective 29 September 2026, revamps the list of Chinese travel agents authorised to sponsor Subclass 600 ADS group-tour visas. Companies relying on group travel from China must verify that their agent remains on the approved list to avoid invalid applications and travel disruption.
Two Arafura-class Offshore Patrol Vessels to be home-ported in Cairns, strengthening border mobility security
Canberra will base two new Arafura-class Offshore Patrol Vessels at HMAS Cairns, giving Border Force quicker reach into northern waters notorious for illegal fishing and unauthorised arrivals. The move tightens maritime border control, increases visa-compliance inspections on coastal shipping and boosts local defence-industry jobs.