Australian Immigration Daily News

New Migration Instrument Released: Family Visa Caps Confirmed for 2025–26

The Australian Government has released the Migration (Granting of Contributory Parent Visas, Parent Visas and Other Family Visas During Financial Year 2025–26) Instrument 2026 (LIN 26/042).

The instrument sets annual caps on grants for selected Family stream visas for the 2025–26 financial year (1 July 2025 – 30 June 2026).

The Migration Legislation Amendment (Arrangements for Work and Holiday Visas—Luxembourg) Instrument 2026 commences on 3 June 2026 and introduces a significant procedural change for Luxembourg passport holders applying for a Subclass 462 (Work and Holiday) visa.

Under the amendment, applicants holding a valid passport issued by Luxembourg will be exempt from the requirement to provide a letter of support from their government when lodging a Subclass 462 visa application.

The change follows a formal request from the Government of Luxembourg, which was accepted by the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship on 2 April 2026.

The Australian Government Actuary has released the Contributory Parent Visa Composite Index for the 2026/27 financial year, confirming that the index has been set at 3.1%.

Under the Migration (Visa Application) Charge Act 1997, the Contributory Parent Visa Composite Index is used to adjust the visa application charge limit for contributory parent visas annually.

The 2026/27 index calculation is based on:
• CPI movements
• Age Pension increases
• Commonwealth health expenditure growth
• AWOTE growth

From 22 April 2026, the Migration (Arrangements for Parent Visa Applications) Instrument 2026 introduces changes to the way Parent visa applications are lodged in Australia.

The key development is the expansion of online lodgement options for several Parent visa subclasses. Applications for the following visas can now be made online (or, in limited circumstances, by paper):

• Parent (Migrant) (Class AX)
• Aged Parent (Residence) (Class BP)
• Contributory Parent (Migrant) (Class CA)
• Contributory Aged Parent (Residence) (Class DG)

This reflects a broader administrative shift toward digital processing, aimed at improving efficiency, reducing reliance on postal or courier services, and streamlining application pathways.

Dear Members 

Please find attached a newsletter from the Department of Home Affairs regarding Partner visa processing. 

This newsletter provides key processing updates, reminders and clarifications relevant to Partner visa applicants and their representatives.