Australian Immigration Daily News

From 18 June 2025, the Department of Home Affairs will implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for all ImmiAccount users. This security enhancement will apply to both new and existing users.

Users will be required to set up MFA when creating an account or logging in. Once enabled, MFA will be required at each login and when making any changes to the account. Users will also have the ability to reset their authentication method within ImmiAccount.

To prepare for this change, users are encouraged to:

On 23 May 2025, the Department of Home Affairs registered LIN 25/027, amended the Migration (English Language Tests and Evidence Exemptions for Subclass 500 (Student) Visa) Instrument (LIN 24/022) under Schedule 2 to the Migration Regulations 1994.

This legislative amendment updates the list of eligible pathway programs used to determine whether a student visa applicant may be eligible for lower English language test score requirements.

Key Changes Introduced by LIN 25/027:

• The number of registered courses recognised as eligible pathway programs has increased from 155 to 166, following consultation with education sector stakeholders.
• The title of Column 4 in the pathway program table has been changed from "Provider" to "Destination University" to better reflect institutional enrolment pathways.
• The instrument updates 21 course entries to reflect the merger of the University of South Australia and the University of Adelaide, now consolidated under Adelaide University.
• All amendments apply to Subclass 500 visa applications lodged on or after the instrument’s commencement.

Purpose of the Amendment:

The amendment supports greater transparency and consistency in English language evidence requirements for international students enrolled in approved pathway programs - pre-university courses that lead to second-year entry at an Australian undergraduate institution and are recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).

The Department of Home Affairs has introduced new online services to support paper-based Parent visa applicants.

• Although applicants must still lodge their Parent visa application on paper, they can now import their application into ImmiAccount once the Department has acknowledged receipt.

• Importing into ImmiAccount provides access to several online services, including:

  • Uploading supporting documents,

    ...

Migration Alliance acknowledges the Migration Institute of Australia’s (MIA) press release calling for stronger support for international students. We fully recognise the immense contributions international students make to Australia's economy, cultural diversity, and educational sector. As the fourth-largest export industry, international education generates approximately $50 billion annually for the Australian economy and provides significant cultural enrichment to our communities.

Migration Alliance shares MIA's enthusiasm for supporting international students, and we believe it is crucial to strike a balance between supporting international students and ensuring that Australia’s immigration system remains robust and effective in managing its national interests.

Ensuring a balanced approach to immigration and student welfare

We support the ongoing positive contributions international students make to Australia, but we must remain mindful of maintaining strong immigration controls to protect the integrity of the system. It is vital to ensure that visa holders are genuine students and are adhering to the conditions of their visas. This is crucial to prevent any exploitation or misuse of the system, ensuring that Australia remains competitive while safeguarding national security and maintaining the quality of our education system.

The Migration Legislation Amendment (Specified Work and Areas for Subclass 417 and 462 Visas) Instrument 2025 amends the Migration Regulations 1994 by expanding the areas of Australia where recovery work can be undertaken for the purposes of satisfying specified work requirements for Subclass 417 (Working Holiday) and Subclass 462 (Work and Holiday) visas.

The instrument specifies areas affected by bushfires, floods, cyclones, and other severe weather events, recognising these as designated areas where recovery work can be counted towards eligibility for a second or third visa.

The amendments to LIN 22/012 (Subclass 417 visa) and LIN 22/013 (Subclass 462 visa) will come into effect on 5 April 2025. The changes update the list of affected areas, ensuring that applicants who have worked in these areas can count their work towards meeting the "specified work" requirement for visa extensions. This includes bushfire recovery and recovery work related to other severe weather conditions.