Australian Immigration Daily News

The Migration Legislation Amendment (Annual Market Salary Rate) Instrument 2026 introduces amendments to the existing framework for determining the Australian Market Salary Rate (AMSR) for employer-sponsored visa nominations.

The instrument provides greater flexibility in how AMSR is determined, particularly where a Fair Work instrument, state industrial instrument, or transitional instrument applies. In such cases, nominators may now use an alternative methodology based on relevant employment documents (where an equivalent Australian worker exists) or relevant information (where one does not), provided the resulting salary is not less than the amount specified under the applicable industrial instrument.

The amendments apply to nominations under Subclass 482, 494, 186 and 187 visas and operate alongside existing income thresholds, ensuring that migrant workers are paid at least market rates and do not undercut Australian workers.

The Migration (United Nations Security Council Resolutions) Instrument 2026 (LIN 26/008) commenced on 21 March 2026, updating the UNSC sanctions framework within Australian migration law.

Made under the Migration (UNSC Resolutions) Regulations 2007, the Instrument specifies the current UNSC resolutions that identify individuals subject to international travel bans. It replaces IMMI 14/034 and ensures Australia remains aligned with its obligations under the UN Charter.

Scope of the Instrument

The Instrument applies to individuals designated under UNSC sanctions regimes, including:

The Australian Citizenship (Special Residence Requirement) Amendment (Measures No. 1) Instrument 2026 introduces targeted amendments to the Special Residence Requirement (SRR) framework under the Australian Citizenship Act 2007.

The primary purpose of the instrument is to expand the categories of work that may be recognised for the purposes of satisfying the SRR, which applies in limited circumstances where applicants are unable to meet the general residence requirements due to extended or frequent absences from Australia.

The amendments include:

Significant changes to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements for Registered Migration Agents (RMAs) will take effect from 1 April 2026 under the Migration Agents (CPD Activities, Approval of CPD Providers and CPD Provider Standards) Instrument 2026 (LIN 26/001).

The updated framework introduces clearer structure and stricter compliance requirements for annual re-registration. RMAs must now complete a total of 10 CPD points within the 12 months prior to applying for re-registration, including:

• At least 5 Category A CPD points (compulsory)

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The Migration (Specified Courses and Exams for Registration as a Migration Agent) Instrument 2026 (LIN 26/002) has been introduced and will commence on 1 April 2026, replacing the previous Migration (IMMI 18/003: Specified courses and exams for registration as a migration agent) Instrument 2018.

This legislative instrument specifies the approved courses, prescribed examinations, minimum examination scores and completion timeframes required for individuals seeking registration as a Registered Migration Agent (RMA) under the Migration Agents Regulations 2026.

Key elements of the instrument include: