Migration Update January 2026: Visa, Student & State Nomination Changes
📌Published by Nationwide Migration & Education
👩💼Led by Registered Migration Agent Suman Dua (MARN: 1800859)
January has brought several important migration updates that may affect students, skilled workers, employers, and businesses planning ahead. Here’s a clear breakdown of what’s changed and what it means for you.
🏅 Special Visa Arrangement for Brisbane 2032 Olympic & Paralympic Games
The Australian Government has officially confirmed that the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games are recognised as a major international event for migration purposes.
What this means:
Eligible individuals involved in the Games may apply for a Subclass 408 (Temporary Activity) visa
No visa application charge (Nil VAC) will apply for qualifying applicants
This applies to accredited participants, officials, broadcasters, media, and approved personnel
The arrangement starts 21 January 2026 and remains in place until September 2032
📌 This is a long-term planning opportunity for organisations and professionals involved in the Games.
🎓 Student Visa Update: Evidence Requirements Adjusted for Some Countries
The Department of Home Affairs has updated student visa evidence requirements for several countries in South-East Asia, effective 8 January 2026.
Key points to understand:
These changes affect financial and English language evidence
Requirements vary depending on your passport country and education provider
Evidence levels are not publicly listed, but are assessed through the online document checklist tool
Genuine students are still encouraged — but documentation accuracy is now more important than ever
📌 If you’re planning to study in Australia, early advice is critical to avoid delays or refusals.
🏛️ State Nomination Updates (Subclass 190 & 491)
South Australia
South Australia has issued a new round of invitations in January 2026:
Subclass 190: 235 invitations
Subclass 491: 109 invitations
So far for the 2025–26 program year:
610 invitations issued for Subclass 190
321 invitations issued for Subclass 491
This shows steady nomination activity, especially for priority occupations.
Tasmania
Tasmania continues to release invitations weekly.
Latest update (8 January 2026):
Subclass 190: 36 invitations
Subclass 491: 26 invitations
Remaining places for the 2025–26 program year:
813 places (Subclass 190)
535 places (Subclass 491)
📌 Tasmania remains a strong option for applicants with regional commitment and relevant work experience.
🏗️ FNQ DAMA Update: Important Advice for Employers
Employers using the Far North Queensland DAMA are being encouraged to plan proactively, not reactively.
Key guidance for businesses:
Employers should request occupations in advance, not only when a worker is ready
Consolidate workforce needs for the next 12–24 months into fewer DAMA variation requests
Submitting many small requests may lead to future limitations, including a possible cap of one request per year
📌 Strategic workforce planning is now essential for businesses relying on DAMA pathways.
🚨 Important Notice: Closure of Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491) – Pathway 1
The Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) Pathway 1 is now closed to new applications for the current program year.
Due to an overwhelming response, the allocation for Subclass 491 under Pathway 1 has been reached. As a result:
The application portal has been closed
New applications under Pathway 1 can no longer be lodged for this program year
What this means for existing applicants
Applications that have already been submitted will continue to be finalised
There is no need to take further action if you have already lodged under Pathway 1
⏳ Extended Processing Times
Due to the high volume of applications for 491 Pathway 1, processing times may exceed the estimated 6-week timeframe. We kindly request your patience during this period.
⚡ Expedited Assessment Requests
You may request an expedited assessment if any of the following will occur within ten (10) working days:
Your current visa, or your partner’s current visa, will expire
Your English test, skills assessment, passport, or your partner’s documents will expire
You will lose points due to age, and this will reduce your total points below the minimum required for the visa
🤝 How We Can Help
At Nationwide Migration and Education, we help:
Students understand changing visa evidence requirements
Skilled migrants assess realistic state nomination pathways
Employers plan sponsorship and DAMA strategies properly
Clients avoid costly mistakes caused by last-minute decisions
⚠️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 one of ourRegistered Migration Agents.
