Migration Hub Australia

Australia Waives Visa Application Fee for Eligible Rugby League World Cup 2026 Participants

Canberra: The Australian Government has introduced the Migration (Nil VAC Arrangements and Other Matters) Amendment (Rugby League World Cup 2026) Instrument 2026, providing a significant immigration concession for participants in the Rugby League World Cup 2026.

The new instrument amends the existing Migration (Nil VAC Arrangements and Other Matters) Instrument 2026 to support Australia's hosting of the international tournament by introducing a nil first instalment Visa Application Charge (VAC) for eligible applicants seeking a Subclass 408 (Temporary Activity) Visa under the Australian Government Endorsed Event (AGEE) stream.

Who Is Eligible?

The Rugby League World Cup 2026 has been officially designated as an Australian Government Endorsed Event. Under the new arrangements, the following accredited participants may be eligible for the visa application fee waiver:

Members of competing teams
Official coaches and team support staff
Match officials
Broadcast rights holders
Accredited non-rights holder media personnel
VIPs
Other individuals participating in the tournament in an official capacity

To qualify, applicants must be officially accredited by the Australian Rugby League Commission.

Supporting a Major International Event

The measure fulfils the Australian Government's commitment to providing immigration support for the Rugby League World Cup 2026. By removing the first instalment visa application fee for eligible participants, the Government aims to facilitate the smooth entry of athletes, officials and other accredited personnel travelling to Australia for the tournament.

When Does It Apply?

The new instrument commenced on 15 July 2026 and applies to eligible Subclass 408 visa applications lodged on or after that date.

The arrangements are temporary and will remain in effect until 16 November 2026, after which the instrument will be automatically repealed following the conclusion of the Rugby League World Cup.

The initiative reflects Australia's commitment to ensuring efficient immigration arrangements for major international sporting events while supporting the successful delivery of one of the world's premier rugby league tournaments.

Contact Migration Hub Team for details and application:
E: [email protected]
M: +61 447081570

HOPE FOR HUMANITARIAN VISA APPLICANTS.......

Australia Introduces New Assessment Priorities for Subclass 202 (Global Special Humanitarian) Visa Applications

The Australian Government has introduced the Migration (Specification of Commonwealth Priorities for Subclass 202 (Global Special Humanitarian) Visas) Instrument 2026, establishing new Commonwealth priorities for assessing applications under the Subclass 202 (Global Special Humanitarian) Visa through the Community Support Program (CSP).

The new instrument is designed to strengthen the Community Support Program by prioritising humanitarian applicants who are well placed to successfully settle in Australia and achieve financial independence within a reasonable period.

Key Commonwealth Priorities

Under the new assessment framework:

Primary applicants should generally be between 18 and 50 years of age.
Applicants should demonstrate adequate spoken and written English to support independent living, workplace safety and employment opportunities.
Applicants should have the capacity to become financially self-sufficient within 12 months of arriving in Australia. This may be demonstrated through a confirmed offer of paid employment in Australia or evidence of relevant skills and work experience.
Purpose of the New Instrument

According to the accompanying explanatory statement, the new priorities aim to improve the integrity, consistency and effectiveness of the Community Support Program. They also provide greater clarity for Approved Proposing Organisations (APOs) responsible for sponsoring and supporting Subclass 202 visa applicants.

The Government says these priorities are intended to help identify applicants who are likely to integrate successfully into Australian society while reducing reliance on long-term financial assistance.

Who Should Take Note?

The changes are particularly relevant for:

Registered migration practitioners
Approved Proposing Organisations (APOs)
Humanitarian resettlement organisations
Community groups involved in supporting refugee and humanitarian entrants

These stakeholders are encouraged to review the new legislative instrument to understand how the updated Commonwealth priorities will apply to future Subclass 202 (Global Special Humanitarian) Visa applications.

The new assessment priorities reflect the Australian Government's continued focus on supporting humanitarian entrants who can establish themselves successfully while maintaining the integrity and long-term sustainability of the Community Support Program.

Contact Migration Hub Team for assessment
E: [email protected]
M: +61447081570

From today the Visa Application Charges (VAC) has increased.
You may check other VACs here - https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/fees-and-charges/current-visa-pricing

A few most widely applied visa charges are as below:

New VAC:

BVB - $575

Partner visa - $11,710

Sc485 - $5,750

Sc189 - $6,135

Sc190/491 - $6,140

Sc482 - $4,015

Sc186DE - $6,140

Sc500 - $2,500

For assessment of your case so that you don't lose the fees after incorrect application is lodged, and for Visa applications - Contact Migration Hub Team on:
E: [email protected]
M: +61 447081570

Annual indexation of skilled visa income thresholds from 1 July 2026
From 1 July 2026, skilled visa income thresholds will be increased by 3.9%. This is in line with changes to the annual Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE). This delivers on the commitment outlined in the Migration Strategy, as recommended by the Migration Review.
IEmployers who wish to nominate workers for subclass 482, 494, 186 and 187 must meet certain requirements.
If you will pay the overseas worker an annual salary less than AUD250,000 you must show that:
you have determined the annual market salary rate (AMSR) correctly and
you will not pay the overseas worker less than the AMSR, that is, less than an Australian worker would be paid and
both the AMSR and the overseas worker’s pay, excluding non-monetary benefits, is no less than the relevant income threshold.
These requirements will help to ensure that overseas workers are not paid less than an Australian worker doing the same work. They will also stop these visa programs being used to undercut the Australian labour market.
Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold
The Temporary Skilled Migration Income Thresholds (TSMIT) is used to assess the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494) and the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) (subclass 187).
The TSMIT for Nomination applications are as follows:
AUD76,515 for Nomination applications lodged on and between 1 July 2025 and 30 June 2026.
AUD73,150 for Nomination applications lodged on and between 1 July 2024 and 30 June 2025.
AUD70,000 for Nomination applications lodged on and between 1 July 2023 and 30 June 2024.
AUD53,900 for Nomination applications lodged on and between 1 July 2013 and 30 June 2023.
Both the AMSR for the nominated occupation and the workers guaranteed annual earnings must be at least as much as the relevant TSMIT at the time of lodgement.
The TSMIT does not include non-monetary benefits such as accommodation or a car. Employers must pay such benefits in addition to the TSMIT.
Core Skills Income Threshold
Skills in Demand visa (SID) (subclass 482) applications in the Core Skills stream must meet the Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT).
The CSIT will also apply to Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) (subclass 186) nominations lodged on or after 7 December 2024.
The CSIT for ENS and SID Core Skills Stream nomination applications are as follows:
AUD76,515 for Nomination applications lodged on and between 1 July 2025 and 30 June 2026.
AUD73,150 for Nomination applications lodged on and between 7 December 2024 and 30 June 2025.
Specialist Skills Income Threshold
Skills in Demand visa (SID) (subclass 482) applications in the Specialist Skills stream must meet the Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT).
The SSIT for SID Specialist Stream nomination applications are as follows:
AUD141,210 for Nomination applications lodged on and between 1 July 2025 and 30 June 2026.
AUD135,000 for Nomination applications lodged on and between 7 December 2024 and 30 June 2025.
Indexation of salary thresholds
Income thresholds are indexed annually to ensure fair remuneration for overseas skilled workers.
Salary indexation changes apply from 1 July each year. If you lodge a sponsorship or nomination application on or after this date, you must meet the relevant income threshold for that year.

For urgent applications contact Migration Hub Team on:
E: [email protected]
M: +61 447081570

This is why our is a great state to study and live.
You get higher pay rates
You get regional stay and study points for PR points test.

So many FREE and government funded courses for the permanent residents of WA.

Contact Migration Hub Team to find your Options of study leading to your dream:
E: [email protected]
M: +61 447081570

Skilled visa processing priorities

Distinguished Talent (subclass 124)
Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186)
Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 187)
Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) (subclass 188)
Skilled Independent (subclass 189)
Skilled Nominated (subclass 190)
Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) (subclass 191)
Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482)
Skilled Regional (provisional) (subclass 489)
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) (subclass 491)
Employer Sponsored Regional (provisional) (subclass 494)
National Innovation visa (subclass 858)
Skilled Regional (subclass 887)
Business Innovation and Investment (permanent) (subclass 888)

Contact Migration Hub Team to get your FREE preliminary assessment of eligibility.
E: [email protected]

#20%Discount on Higher Education programs in Stanley College in Adelaide.
*Valid for onshore applications submitted by July 31st, 2026

Contact Migration Hub Team for getting your eligibility checked , Course offer and Visa application.
E: [email protected]
M: +61 447081570

The annual caps on grants for selected Family stream visas for the 2025–26 financial year (1 July 2025 – 30 June 2026).

Key allocations:
• Contributory Parent visas – 6,800 places
• Parent visas – 1,700 places
• Other Family visas – 500 places

Importantly, these levels remain unchanged from the previous financial year.

The Government notes that annual capping of these visa categories has operated for more than 20 years and is intended to support orderly and equitable processing where demand significantly exceeds available places.

Affected categories include:

Parent and Aged Parent visas (Subclass 103 / 804)
Contributory Parent pathways (Subclass 143 / 864 / 173 / 884)
Other Family categories including Remaining Relative, Carer and Aged Dependent Relative visas.

Contact Migration Hub team on:
E: [email protected]
M: +61 447081570

Interesting Fact