Australia has introduced several important migration updates in March 2026, affecting skilled workers, employers, and temporary visa holders. The Department of Home Affairs continues to refine the system to strengthen workforce planning and improve integrity across all visa programs.

Key highlights of permanent migration program 2025–2026:

• 185,000 total places
• 132,200 Skill stream (71%)
• 52,500 Family stream
• 300 Special Eligibility.

System now centres on the Skill stream, especially in demand occupations and in regional areas.

Skilled Visa Processing shows slower & less predictable

Skilled visa processing time across skilled visas (189, 190, 491), applicants continue to experience:

• Longer processing time
• Inconsistent published timeframes

This trend is expected to continue to June 2026 as the government reviews skilled migration settings.

Salary Threshold Increases for Employer‑Sponsored Visas from 1 July 2026

Australia will increase employer-sponsored visa income thresholds in line with annual wage growth. This affects:

Skills in Demand (SID) Visa – Subclass 482

Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) – Subclass 186

Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa – Subclass 494

What Employers Must Do

• Review salary budgets now
• Ensure compliance with the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR)
• Prepare for higher nomination costs

Priority Processing for Employer Nomination Scheme – Subclass 186 in Regional Areas

Among 44,000 places allocation for Employer Nomination Scheme – Subclass 186 (primary + secondary applicants), priority will be given to regional occupations, healthcare and teaching roles and accredited sponsors under Ministerial Direction No. 105.

Faster Processing Time for Skills in Demand (SID) Visa – Subclass 482 & Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa – Subclass 494

Business sponsorship approvals, nomination approvals and visa applications processing are faster than the median processing time published by DOHA at the moment to support regional businesses and DAMA program. SID visa Subclass 482- Specialist Skills stream for high‑earning occupations will be the most prioritised.

Stricter process for Training Visa – Subclass 407 from 11 March 2026

From 11 March 2026, the new strict process for Training visa – subclass 407 that requires the Temporary Activities Sponsorship and Training Nomination to be fully approved before a visa application can be lodged.

Employers must plan earlier and provide stronger evidence to meet compliance requirements. Applicants who are holding student visa, graduate visa, working holiday visa should prepare your plan in several months before visa expiry.