Student Visa Reviews, Skilled Migration Invitations and Visa Compliance
A number of migration updates have recently been announced, including changes to student visa review procedures, a new skilled independent visa invitation round, work and holiday visa ballot openings, and increased compliance activity in the training visa program.
Student visa refusal reviews to be decided “on the papers”
From 1 June 2026, most applications for review of a student visa refusal will be decided by the Administrative Review Tribunal “on the papers”. This means that, in many cases, applicants will not have an oral hearing and the Tribunal will make its decision based on the written material before it.
This is an important change for student visa applicants. Written submissions and supporting evidence will now play an even greater role in the review process. Applicants should carefully respond to the Department’s reasons for refusal and provide all relevant documents within the required timeframe to the Tribunal.
There are some exceptions, including where the refusal involves certain public interest or special return criteria. Applicants who have already received a hearing listing should also check whether their hearing will proceed as scheduled.
Skilled Independent visa invitation round
The Department of Home Affairs has conducted an invitation round for the Skilled Independent visa, subclass 189, on 4 June 2026. Results will be published in due course.
Applicants with an Expression of Interest should always ensure that their information is accurate and up to date, including points claims, skills assessments, English language results, employment history and partner claims. Incorrect or unsupported claims may create difficulties if an invitation is issued.
Work and Holiday visa ballot opens for China, India and Vietnam
Registrations for the Work and Holiday visa, subclass 462, ballot for China, India and Vietnam has opened on 4 June 2026 and will close on 25 June 2026.
The ballot applies to individuals seeking to apply for a first Work and Holiday visa in the 2026–2027 program year. Applicants must register during the relevant registration period for their country and should ensure they use official Department of Home Affairs channels.
From 3 June 2026, Luxembourg passport holders are also no longer required to provide a Letter of Support with a Work and Holiday visa application.
Compliance activity in the Training visa program
Australian Border Force officers have commenced a national compliance operation targeting misuse of the Training (subclass 407) visa, program.
The operation is focused on identifying non-genuine training arrangements, fraudulent programs and potential exploitation of migrant workers. Sponsors should ensure that training plans, workplace duties, supervision and employment arrangements are consistent with the approved nomination and the purpose of the subclass 407 visa.
The Training visa is intended for structured workplace-based training and professional development, not as a substitute for ordinary and ongoing employment.
Employer-sponsored visa salary thresholds to increase from 1 July 2026
Employers and skilled visa applicants should also be aware that skilled visa income thresholds are due to increase from 1 July 2026.
The increase is relevant to employer-sponsored visa pathways, including the Skills in Demand visa and Employer Nomination Scheme visa; the Core Skills Income Threshold is expected to increase from AUD $76,515 to AUD $79,499, while the Specialist Skills Income Threshold is expected to increase from AUD $141,210 to AUD $146,717.
Employers considering new nominations should review proposed salary levels and timing before lodging, as nominations lodged from 1 July 2026 will need to meet the applicable updated threshold and the annual market salary rate.
This is particularly important for businesses planning upcoming sponsorships, renewals or permanent residence pathways for existing workers.
Jobs and Skills Australia update
Professor Barney Glover will conclude his term as Jobs and Skills Australia Commissioner on 30 June 2026. Deputy Commissioners Megan Lilly and Trevor Gauld will continue to lead Jobs and Skills Australia until a new Commissioner is appointed.
Jobs and Skills Australia remains relevant to migration policy because of its role in labour market analysis, skills needs and workforce planning.
If PLAYFAIR can assist you with your global mobility and immigration needs, please reach out to us now via email at info@playfair.com.au or call our office on (02) 9233 8899.