The Australian Border Force maintains a public register listing sponsors who have breached their sponsorship obligations for skilled foreign workers, covering sanctions imposed since 18 March 2015. The page is updated monthly and published under mandatory disclosure requirements set out in subsection 140K(4) of the Migration Act 1958. Employers or individuals suspecting a breach can report it anonymously via the ABF's Border Watch service.

The ACT Government has announced an additional invitation round on Thursday 11 June 2026, limited to Subclass 190 visas only. This is a small round in which Canberra Matrix submissions with a nominated occupation in a critical sector may be prioritised. The highest ranked Matrix scores in each occupation were invited, with cut-off depending on remaining monthly allocation, submission date and time, occupation cap, and demand.

Home Affairs has confirmed the next SkillSelect invitation round for the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) will be held on 4 June 2026. Migration agents and prospective applicants should ensure their Expression of Interest is up to date and that all the information they have provided is accurate before the round.

The Skills in Demand (SID) visa replaced the Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage visa on 18 April 2026, introducing three streams: Specialist Skills, Core Skills, and Essential Skills. The Core Skills stream requires occupations on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) and a salary at or above the Core Skills Income Threshold. The Essential Skills stream is not yet fully operational while regulations are finalised.

The Australian Government confirmed the 2026–27 permanent migration program at 185,000 places, maintaining the same total as 2025–26 but significantly reallocating places between categories. Employer Sponsored (Subclass 186) rises to 58,040 places (up from 44,000), Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) increases to 21,090 (up from 16,900), and State/Territory Nominated (Subclass 190) grows to 35,500 (up from 33,000). The Regional category (Subclasses 491 and 494) is cut sharply to 14,110 places from 33,000, a reduction of approximately 57%.

The Migration Legislation Amendment (Annual Market Salary Rate) Instrument 2026 (F2026L00329), registered on 24 March 2026, increases employer-sponsored visa salary thresholds by 3.8% from 1 July 2026. The Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) and TSMIT rise from AUD 76,515 to AUD 79,499, while the Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT) rises from AUD 141,210 to AUD 146,717. Nominations lodged before 1 July 2026 are assessed against current thresholds; those lodged on or after that date must meet the new figures.

Migration South Australia conducted its May 2026 invitation round for the Subclass 190 and 491 visas. The round continued to prioritise occupations in health, education and construction sectors. Applicants are advised to check the SA skilled occupation list and ensure their Expression of Interest is current and accurately reflects their skills and employment situation.

The ACT Government has updated the minimum matrix score requirements for its nomination programme in 2026. The ACT uses a matrix-based selection system that scores applicants across factors including occupation, employment in the ACT, and qualifications. Applicants should review the current ACT Nomination Matrix on the official ACT Migration website to confirm their eligibility before submitting an Expression of Interest.

Engineering and trade occupations assessed by Engineers Australia and TRA featured in the 4 June 2026 Subclass 189 invitation round, with some trade occupations invited at 65 points. The increased 189 allocation for 2026–27 and the sharp reduction in regional visa places mean that points-tested permanent pathways are increasingly important for engineering professionals. Applicants should confirm current assessment processing times and requirements directly with Engineers Australia.