Australian Migration Updates: What Changed on 1 July 2026
📌 Published by Nationwide Migration & Education
Author: Suman Dua, Registered Migration Agent (MARN: 1800859)
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If you are on a temporary visa in Australia right now, or you are an employer trying to sponsor a worker, the rules changed on 1 July 2026.
Fees went up. Income thresholds moved. Several states have already closed their nomination programs for the year.
This guide covers everything that changed: the final 189 invitation round, state nomination figures, two DAMA extensions, the new visa fees, and the updated income thresholds for sponsored visas.
The Final Subclass 189 Invitation Round for 2025/2026
The Department of Home Affairs held its June invitation round for the Skilled Independent subclass 189 visa on 4 June 2026.
10,000 invitations were issued, with a tie-break date of 24 April 2026.
That was the final 189 round for the 2025/2026 program year. If you were sitting in the pool hoping for an invitation this financial year, that door is now closed.
The next round, for the new program year, is not expected until around 30 September 2026.
If your points score has gone up recently, whether through improved English results, additional work experience, or other factors, now is the time to update your Expression of Interest. The next window is a few months away.
State and Territory Nominations: Who Has Closed?
Which States Have Closed?
Most states have now closed for the 2025/2026 year.
Tasmania has fully delivered its program. All 1,200 subclass 190 places and all 650 subclass 491 places are gone. Applications will continue to be assessed, but no new nominations will be issued until the new allocation lands for the next program year.
Queensland is in the same position. The program is closed and every available place has been filled.
The Northern Territory has also fully exhausted its 2025/2026 allocation across both the 190 and 491 programs. No further NT nominations will be issued this program year.
The ACT has met its 2025/2026 allocation as well. If you were waiting on an ACT nomination, that avenue is closed until the new program year figures are confirmed.
Two DAMA Extensions: Good News for Regional Employers
While the mainstream nomination programs are closing, two Designated Area Migration Agreements have just been extended.
Goldfields DAMA, Western Australia
The Goldfields DAMA was due to roll into the broader WA DAMA on 1 July 2026. Instead, the Federal Government has extended it to 31 December 2026.
It is still live. Employers in the Goldfields region need endorsement from the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, the Designated Area Representative, before applying for a labour agreement to sponsor overseas workers.
South Australia DAMAs
Both of South Australia's DAMAs have been extended for three months, to 30 September 2026, while the government negotiates a brand-new five-year statewide DAMA. The terms and conditions have not changed.
Why This Matters
A DAMA can unlock occupations and concessions that are simply not available in the standard visa program, including lower salary thresholds and lower English requirements for the right roles.
If a mainstream visa is not working for your situation, a DAMA may be the pathway worth exploring.
Visa Application Fees Up 25% from 1 July 2026
From 1 July 2026, most first-instalment visa application charges increased by 25 percent. This is not the usual small annual adjustment. That is a quarter more, on top of existing fees.
Citizenship application fees also rose, in line with inflation.
There were targeted increases for specific visa types:
•Working Holiday (subclass 417)
•Work and Holiday (subclass 462)
•Return Residence
•Bridging B
•New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship visa
These charges apply to applications lodged on or after 1 July 2026. Fees generally only move in one direction. Lodging when you are genuinely ready, and decision-ready, matters more than ever.
New Income Thresholds for Sponsored Visas from 1 July 2026
From 1 July 2026, the income thresholds for employer-sponsored visas increased. These figures apply to nominations and applications lodged on or after 1 July 2026.
Updated Thresholds
•TSMIT (Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold, for subclass 494 and 187 visas): $79,423
•Core Skills Income Threshold (for the subclass 482 Skills in Demand visa): $79,423
•Specialist Skills threshold (for higher-paid roles under the 482): $146,576
If you are an employer, check that the salary you are offering still clears the new floor. A nomination lodged under the old figures can create serious problems.
Other Updates Worth Knowing
Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417): Age Limit Extended
The age limit for the subclass 417 Working Holiday visa has increased from 30 to 35 for passport holders from Cyprus, Finland, Germany, and South Korea.
International Student Planning Level
The 2027 planning level for international students is holding steady at 295,000 places, the same as the current year.
ImmiAccount: Application Import Limit
From 1 July 2026, an application can only be imported three times in ImmiAccount before the system blocks it. Where possible, use the assign and share functions instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has the subclass 189 invitation round closed for 2025/2026?
Yes. The final 189 round for the 2025/2026 program year was held on 4 June 2026. The next round is expected around 30 September 2026. If your points score has improved, update your EOI now.
Which states have closed their state nomination programs?
Tasmania, Queensland, the Northern Territory and the ACT have all closed for the 2025/2026 year. All available 190 and 491 places in those states and territories have been filled. New nominations will not be issued until the next program year allocation is confirmed.
What is the new TSMIT from 1 July 2026?
The Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) and the Core Skills Income Threshold both sit at $79,423 from 1 July 2026. The Specialist Skills threshold is $146,576.
Is the Goldfields DAMA still open?
Yes. The Goldfields DAMA has been extended to 31 December 2026. Employers in the region need endorsement from the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder before applying for a labour agreement.
How much did visa fees increase on 1 July 2026?
Most first-instalment visa application charges increased by 25 percent from 1 July 2026. These apply to applications lodged on or after that date.
Book a Consultation
Whether you are looking to move from a temporary visa to permanent residency, or you are an employer wanting to sponsor a worker, the right plan depends on your specific situation.
With 322+ five-star Google reviews, Nationwide Migration and Education will look at your circumstances and give you your best options, honestly.
For skilled and permanent residence visas (189/190/491):
https://hl.nationwidemigration.com.au/widget/bookings/191/189/190/491-consultation
For employer-sponsored visas (482/494/186):
https://hl.nationwidemigration.com.au/widget/bookings/482/494/186/407-consultation
For DAMA sponsorship:
https://hl.nationwidemigration.com.au/widget/bookings/dama-consultation
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Disclaimer
This article is general information only and not immigration advice. Information is current as at July 2026 and subject to change. Nationwide Migration and Education is not affiliated with the Australian Government and does not issue visas. For advice on your specific situation, book a consultation with our Registered Migration Agent (MARN 1800859).
1800859).
