Australian Immigration Daily News

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. 

The Migration Amendment (Combatting Migrant Exploitation) Act 2026 has now been enacted, introducing targeted amendments to the Migration Act 1958 aimed at strengthening transparency and accountability in the employer sponsorship framework.

A key development is the introduction of a new provision enabling the Department to publish information about approved work sponsors on its website.

This may include: