New Immigration Rules in Australia 2026: What Is Law Now and What Is Only Announced
New immigration rules in Australia for 2026, each with its exact status: what is law today, what Tony Burke only announced on 17 September, and the dates.
Policy Updates & News
Latest Australian immigration policy changes, migration program updates and regulatory news.
Visa Fees in Australia 2026: What 21 Common Visas Cost After the 1 July Rise
Most visa charges rose 25% on 1 July 2026 and most student visas now cost $2,500. Current fees for 21 visas, how instalments work, and the date that counts.
Second Year Working Holiday Visa: The 88 Days, and the Ballot That Is Not Law Yet
The 88 day requirement still applies. The 45,000 place ballot is only announced. Specified work, third year rules, fees, processing and caps at 2 October 2026.
Performers, Artists and Cultural Events: When You Need a Subclass 408
The Subclass 408 Entertainment stream is the visa for performing in Australia. Sponsor or supporter, union consultation, the net employment benefit test explained.
Attending vs Exhibiting: The Visa Trap for International Artists and Performers
Invited to an Australian convention or festival? Why showcasing your talent can count as work, why a visitor visa often will not cover it, and what will.
Can I Work at a Trade Show or Expo on a Visitor Visa?
Attending a trade show on a Subclass 600 business visitor visa is allowed. Working at one often is not. Where the law draws the line, and what happens if you cross it.
Business Meetings vs Business Work: Understanding Condition 8115
Ten real scenarios for Subclass 600 business visitors, from board meetings to factory inspections, tested against condition 8115 and the business visitor definition.
Visitor Visa vs Work Visa: Where Is the Line?
What counts as work on an Australian visitor visa? The regulation 1.03 definition, conditions 8101 and 8115, and the unpaid-work trap explained in plain terms.
Australian Citizenship by Conferral: Residence, Test and Process (2026)
Citizenship by conferral in 2026: the 4-year residence rule, the $595 fee, the 20-question test and the ceremony pledge, explained by Sydney migration lawyers.
The Health Requirement for Australian Visas: Significant Cost Threshold and Waivers
The visa health requirement in Australia explained: the $86,000 Significant Cost Threshold, PIC 4005 vs PIC 4007, and when a health waiver is possible.