Minister Tony Burke outlined a package of migration changes aimed at meeting the Budget's Net Overseas Migration forecasts. For skilled visas, Ministerial Direction 119 will be updated so priority processing covers a wider range of key sectors.
Net Overseas Migration has fallen to 292,000, down 47% from the post-Covid peak in 2023 (ABS data released 17 September 2026).
The changes are designed to deliver the Budget forecasts of 245,000 this financial year and 225,000 in 2027–28.
Home Affairs reminded permanent residents that a permanent visa alone does not let you re-enter Australia. You need a valid travel facility or a Resident Return visa.
A travel facility lets permanent visa holders leave and re-enter Australia. It is usually valid for one or five years.
Check VEVO before you travel, and make sure your passport is linked to your visa.
ETS has advised that TOEFL iBT testing is currently unavailable in Iran. Applicants there who need an approved English test for an Australian visa may need to sit a test in another country.
TOEFL iBT testing services are currently unavailable in Iran, according to ETS.
Home Affairs suggests considering approved English tests available in other countries.
·Minister for Home Affairs, Immigration and Citizenship
Asked about migration policy, the Minister said changes to the migration program would be decided by Cabinet and announced publicly, and confirmed some changes already in place.
The permanent program is currently preferencing onshore applicants over offshore applicants.
Working holiday (backpacker) visa processing is being managed under a different system and is moving more slowly than before.
Three new Ministerial Directions took effect on 25 July 2026, prioritising applications from people already in Australia across the Skilled and Family programs. Ministerial Direction 119 now sets the processing order for skilled visas, including 189, 190 and 491.
Ministerial Direction 119 replaced Direction 105 on 25 July 2026 and applies to all applications on hand.
It covers 186, 187, 189, 190, 191, 482, 489, 491, 494, 887 and 888 visas. The 482 program is included for the first time.