📌Published by Nationwide Migration & Education
👩‍💼Led by Registered Migration Agent Suman Dua (MARN: 1800859)

February has brought important legislative and state nomination updates that may affect students, temporary visa holders, and skilled migration applicants. Below is a clear overview of the key changes and recent invitation rounds.

⚖️ Administrative Review Tribunal and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025

The Administrative Review Tribunal and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 passed both Houses on 5 February 2026.

The amendments will commence on a date fixed by proclamation, or six months after the Bill receives Royal Assent — whichever occurs first.

What has changed?

The Bill expands the circumstances in which the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) may decide a matter without holding an oral hearing.

The ART may decide a matter “on the papers” where:

• The issues can be adequately determined without a hearing

• It is reasonable in the circumstances to make a decision without holding a hearing

• The parties have been given a reasonable opportunity to make submissions without holding the hearing

• The ART has taken into account the submissions received

Migration-related amendments

Amendments to the Migration Act go further by requiring certain applications to be reviewed on the papers.

This will apply to:

• Reviews of decisions to refuse a student visa, and

• Reviews of decisions relating to prescribed temporary visas

The amendments provide flexibility within the Migration Regulations to prescribe additional temporary visa categories that must be reviewed on the papers.

📌 Important:
Permanent visa and protection visa matters will not be affected by these amendments.

If you would like personalised guidance on how these ART and migration review changes may affect your case, you can book a consultation with our team:
👉 https://hl.nationwidemigration.com.au/widget/bookings/migration-consultation-nw

🏛️ State Nomination Updates

South Australia

The South Australian Government issued nomination invitations for Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 in February 2026:

• 227 nomination invitations for Subclass 190

• 137 nomination invitations for Subclass 491

Total invitations issued for the 2025–26 program year to date:

• 837 invitations for Subclass 190

• 458 invitations for Subclass 491

South Australia has confirmed that invitations will continue to be issued monthly, with the next round expected in early March 2026.

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

The ACT Government held a skilled migration nomination invitation round on 29 January 2026.

In this round:

• 246 Subclass 190 nominations were issued

• 237 Subclass 491 nominations were issued

Breakdown of Invitations

Doctorate Streamlined Pathway (Matrix nominating):

• Subclass 190: 26 invitations

• Subclass 491: 1 invitation

Canberra residents – Small Business Owners:

• Subclass 190: 17 invitations (minimum matrix score: 105)

• Subclass 491: 16 invitations (minimum matrix score: 95)

457 / 482 visa holders (Matrix nominating):

• Subclass 190: 49 invitations

• Subclass 491: 20 invitations

Critical Skill Occupations – Canberra residents:

• Subclass 190: 123 invitations

• Subclass 491: 140 invitations

Overseas applicants – Critical Skill Occupations:

• Subclass 190: 31 invitations

• Subclass 491: 60 invitations

Tentative ACT Invitation Schedule (2025–26 Program Year)

• 4th round: Week of 23 February 2026

• 5th round: Week of 23 March 2026

• Final round: Week of 27 April 2026

Further information is available on the ACT Government website.

Tasmania

The Tasmanian Government continues to release nomination updates weekly.

Latest update (5 February 2026):

• Subclass 190: 35 ROIs invited

• Subclass 491: 26 ROIs invited

Remaining nomination places for the 2025–26 program year:

• Subclass 190: 698 places

• Subclass 491: 486 places

Tasmania remains a strong option for applicants with regional commitment and relevant employment.

🤝 How We Can Help

At Nationwide Migration and Education, we help clients:

• Understand changes to migration review and tribunal processes

• Assess realistic state nomination opportunities across Australia

• Plan skilled and temporary visa strategies with confidence

• Avoid costly delays caused by last-minute decisions

Book a consultation here:
👉 https://hl.nationwidemigration.com.au/widget/bookings/191/189/190/491-consultation

⚠️Disclaimer

Visa rules and eligibility criteria are subject to change. This blog is intended as general guidance only. For personalised advice based on your individual circumstances, please book a consultation with our Registered Migration Agent.