Australia Visa Updates

(For the Kokwet NSW Community)

Last Updated: March 18, 2026

The Kokwet NSW Association aims to keep members of our community informed about important visa and immigration updates in Australia that may affect students, workers, and families.

This page provides summaries of recent policy updates and useful official resources from the Australian Government.

Because immigration policies change from time to time, we encourage all readers to consult the official government links provided under each update for the most accurate and current information.

🔔 Latest Visa News

(Quick updates for the community)

Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)

Recent adjustments have been made to the Temporary Graduate Visa program including visa cost changes and stream eligibility updates affecting international students after completing studies in Australia.

Training Visa (Subclass 407)

New processing rules require sponsorship and nomination approvals before visa applications are submitted.

Employer Sponsored Visas (Subclass 482 & 186)

Minimum salary thresholds for employer-sponsored migrants are scheduled to increase from 1 July 2026.

➡ Members are encouraged to review the official Australian Government links below for full details.

Quick Links to Official Immigration Information

For full details on visas and migration programs in Australia, visit:

Latest Visa Updates (March 2026)

1. Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)

The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) allows international students who have completed eligible studies in Australia to remain in the country temporarily to gain work experience.

Recent program adjustments include updated eligibility settings for some streams and visa costs.

Official information: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/temporary-graduate-485

The Training Visa (Subclass 407) allows individuals to undertake workplace-based occupational training or professional development in Australia.

The visa may allow a stay of up to two years, depending on the training program and sponsor arrangements.

Training may include:

  • Workplace training for licensing or registration
  • Professional development programs
  • Skill enhancement related to an occupation or field of study

Official information: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/training-407

Australia manages skilled migration through official occupation lists, which identify professions that are currently needed in the Australian workforce.

Applicants whose occupations appear on these lists may qualify for skilled visas such as:

  • Skilled Independent Visa
  • Skilled Nominated Visa
  • Employer-sponsored visas

Official information: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skill-occupation-list

Applicants for the Student Visa (Subclass 500) must demonstrate they have sufficient funds to support themselves while studying in Australia.

These financial requirements are periodically updated by the Australian Government.

Official information: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/student-500

State and
Territory Migration Programs

Some Australian states and territories run nomination programs for skilled migrants under visas such as:

  • Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
  • Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)

Official information: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skillselect

Migration Pathways Commonly Used by International Applicants

Many migrants move to Australia through one of the following pathways:

  • Student Pathway

Study in Australia and later apply for post-study work visas.

  • Skilled Migration

Apply based on qualifications and experience in an occupation needed in Australia.

  • Employer Sponsorship

An Australian employer sponsors a skilled worker to fill a position.

  • Family or Partner Visas

Migration through family reunification or spouse sponsorship.

Understanding these pathways helps members of the community plan responsibly and avoid misinformation.

Important Notice

The Kokwet NSW Association does not administer visas and does not control immigration policies in Australia.

All visa decisions are made solely by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs.

This page is provided for community information purposes only. Readers should always consult the official government sources linked above or seek advice from a registered migration agent for personal immigration matters.

Page Update Policy

This page will be reviewed and updated periodically whenever significant immigration policy changes are announced by the Australian Government.

Current update reference date: March 18, 2026

This information is provided for general community awareness only. Immigration policies and requirements are determined by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs and may change without notice. Readers should always consult official government sources for the most accurate and current information.

Around the Web

Stay connected with Kokwet NSW – follow us on our social platforms for updates, events, and community news.

Follow Us

Engage with our team on social media for the latest updates on Community Programs and Events.

  • Opens in a new tab
  • Opens in a new tab
  • Opens in a new tab