Australian Immigration Daily News

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:

The Migration Agents (CPD Activities, Approval of CPD Providers and CPD Provider Standards) Instrument 2026 was made by the Assistant Minister for Citizenship, Customs and Multicultural Affairs on 11 March 2026 and commences on 1 April 2026. The instrument repeals and replaces the Migration Agents (IMMI 17/047) Instrument 2017.

The instrument is made under the Migration Agents Regulations 2026 and sets out the framework governing:

• Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activities for registered migration agents

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Migration Amendment (Training Visas - Sponsorship Requirements) Regulations 2026

The Australian Government has introduced the Migration Amendment (Training Visas—Sponsorship Requirements) Regulations 2026, which amend the Migration Regulations 1994 and update the validity requirements for the Subclass 407 (Training) visa.

Under the amendments, an applicant will only be able to make a valid application for a Subclass 407 visa if they have an approved Temporary Activities Sponsor. In addition, where the sponsor is not a Commonwealth agency, there must also be an approved nomination for a program of occupational training before the visa application can be lodged.