Australia moves Subclass 407 Training visa offshore from today
Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) visa family rules tightened in overnight legislative change
Onshore pathway closed: Training (Subclass 407) visa applications must now be lodged offshore
Latest News
Government registers sweeping Temporary Graduate (485) visa reforms
A legislative instrument signed and registered on 12 November 2026 rewrites the rules for the Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) visa, limiting when family members can be added and clarifying on-shore lodgement conditions. Universities and employers must update compliance processes before the regulations commence on 13 November.
Digital Australia Travel Declaration opens to all airlines at Western Sydney Airport
Effective 11 November 2026, every international passenger landing at Western Sydney International Airport—regardless of airline—can file Australia’s digital Travel Declaration in advance, signalling the first airport-wide deployment of the paperless arrivals card. The move previews a nationwide rollout that is expected to streamline border processing and change pre-trip compliance workflows for corporate travellers. ([visamundi.co](https://www.visamundi.co/en/blog/at-sydney-the-digital-atd-declaration-is-now-open-to-all-international-passenger/))
Regional employers warn of backpacker exodus as working-holiday visa caps bite
A federal inquiry has been told that capping second- and third-year Working Holiday Maker visas is triggering an exodus of backpackers from regional Australia, worsening labour shortages in tourism and agriculture. Industry representatives argue the policy undermines the long-standing ‘work-for-visa’ bargain and will push businesses towards more expensive labour pathways. ([neoskosmos.com](https://neoskosmos.com/en/2026/11/12/news/australia/workers-leave-regions-over-australias-broken-promise/))
International traveller numbers inch higher: ABS releases September 2026 arrivals and departures
ABS data released 12 November 2026 show short-term visitor arrivals rose 1 per cent year-on-year in September, while resident returns increased 1.5 per cent. Although still below pre-COVID levels, the steady growth underscores continuing pressure on airline capacity and provides a key input for migration and tourism planning.
Tasmania kicks off 2026-27 skilled-migration program with first invitation round
Tasmania issued its first skilled-migration invitations for the 2026-27 program year on 12 November, offering 28 Subclass 190 and 38 Subclass 491 places. The round prioritised critical regional skills and signals that state nomination programs are ramping up, giving employers new avenues to recruit overseas talent.
Tasmania issues latest state-sponsored skilled migration invitations on 12 November
Tasmania’s 12 November 2026 round delivered 66 new invitations for skilled migrants, with ROI scores dipping to 313 (Subclass 190) and 71 (Subclass 491). The state’s aggressive nomination strategy presents an opportunity for employers and migrants as federal migration settings tighten elsewhere. ([roundwatch.com.au](https://roundwatch.com.au/))
DFAT issues ‘Do Not Travel’ advisory for Saudi Arabia amid escalating regional attacks
DFAT has raised Saudi Arabia to ‘Do Not Travel’ after drone and missile threats forced airport disruptions and heightened security risks. Australian travellers and businesses must postpone trips, activate contingency plans, and confirm insurance validity. The warning underscores duty-of-care obligations for employers with staff or supply-chain links in the kingdom.
New Ministerial Directions overhaul processing order for employer-sponsored visas
A detailed industry briefing released on 23 October unpacks Ministerial Directions 121 and 122, which have quietly re-sequenced Australia’s skilled-visa backlog since 19 September. Priority now goes to specified occupations—construction, healthcare, teaching, agriculture, resources and defence—whether lodged onshore or offshore, followed by high-salary Specialist Skills cases. The shake-up means employers must rethink lodgement strategy, especially for offshore hires and family dependants.
Nationals say backpacker-visa fast-track ‘band-aid’ won’t save harvests
A new deal between the federal Government and the National Farmers’ Federation will allow urgent working-holiday visa applications to be processed faster, but the Nationals warn it merely postpones labour shortages. Growers want predictable, long-term migration settings so they can plan future harvests and export contracts.
Australia raises Bahrain advice to ‘Reconsider Travel’ as Gulf tensions rise
DFAT now advises Australians to ‘Reconsider Travel’ to Bahrain, citing missile-attack risks and potential flight disruptions. Businesses with personnel in Bahrain must refresh security plans, arrange alternate evacuation routes and ensure insurance coverage under a Level 3 advisory.
NSW DAMA consultation closes, subclass 190 invitation rumours swirl
Consultation on a potential NSW Designated Area Migration Agreement closes 23 October 2026. While industry hopes it will ease regional skill shortages, no DAMA has been approved yet. Unverified reports of new subclass 190 invitations are circulating; employers should await official confirmation.
South Australia opens limited on-shore ROI window ahead of January visa cliff
South Australia has opened a special Registration of Interest round for on-shore skilled migrants whose visas end by 31 January 2027. The limited window offers a pathway to state nomination under subclasses 190 and 491 but is restricted to applicants already working in priority sectors within the state.
Northern Territory hosts webinar to clarify student-visa rule changes
Study NT is holding a 23 October webinar with Home Affairs officials to explain recent student-visa reforms. International students and employers can gain authoritative guidance on the new onshore-application ban and dependant restrictions, helping to counter confusion in the market.
Tasmania issues 70 state-nomination invitations in latest round
Tasmania invited 38 skilled-migration candidates for subclass 190 and 32 for subclass 491 nomination in its 23 October round, with lowest ROI scores of 317 and 76. The figures indicate continued demand for skilled workers but underscore the importance of accurate documentation and genuine ties to the state.