Australian Immigration Daily News

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:

The Migration (Arrival Control) Determination 2026 is a legislative instrument made under subsection 84B(1) of the Migration Act 1958, following amendments introduced by the Migration Amendment (2026 Measures No. 1) Act 2026. It establishes a framework enabling the Minister for Home Affairs to temporarily restrict the arrival of specified classes of temporary visa holders in response to international events or circumstances affecting Australia’s migration system.

The purpose of the determination is to protect the integrity and sustainability of Australia’s immigration system, particularly where there is an increased risk that certain visa holders may not depart Australia upon visa expiry due to external events such as international conflict.

Key Provisions

• Specified Class of Persons
  The determination applies to non-citizens who:
  • Hold a Subclass 600 (Visitor) visa;
  • Provided details of an Iranian passport (either their own or one in which they were included) in their visa application; and
  • Have that passport recorded in departmental systems in connection with their visa grant.
• Effect of the Determination
  • Temporary visas held by affected individuals cease to be in effect while the determination applies.
  • As a result, affected persons cannot travel to or enter Australia unless granted a permitted travel certificate.
  • The visa may resume effect if the determination ceases, no longer applies, or the individual is exempt.
• Exemptions
  The determination does not apply to:
  • Immediate family members (spouse, de facto partner, dependent child) of Australian citizens or permanent residents; or
  • Parents of a child under 18 who is in Australia.
• Ministerial Discretion
  • The Minister may issue or revoke a permitted travel certificate where appropriate.
  • This allows case-by-case exemptions from the determination.

Duration and Operation

• The determination operates for a maximum period of six months from commencement.
• It commences the day after registration on the Federal Register of Legislation.

Rationale

The Minister formed the required statutory satisfaction that: