Several migration-related changes are taking effect from mid-2026, with some already confirmed and others still under discussion. The most significant confirmed change affects how Student visa refusal reviews are handled at the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART).
Because these reforms change both the law and the process and because some measures remain proposals rather than settled rules, it is important to understand what has actually been confirmed before making any decisions. Seeking professional guidance early can help ensure your application or review is prepared correctly under the current settings.
What Is Changing with Student Visa Reviews at the ART?
The most important procedural change for migration matters in 2026 relates to Student visa refusal reviews at the ART.
From 1 June 2026, most Student visa refusal review applications will be decided without an oral hearing. The Tribunal will generally assess these cases on the basis of written submissions and documentary evidence alone.
This change applies to:
- New Student visa review applications
- Many existing cases that have not yet been allocated to a Tribunal Member
In practice, this means the quality and completeness of your written submissions and supporting documents now carry far greater weight, as there may be no hearing at which to clarify or expand on your case.
Which Student Visa Cases Are Affected, and When Do Hearings Still Apply?
The ART has published a dedicated FAQ explaining how the changes to hearings work. It sets out:
- Which Student visa refusals are affected
- When an oral hearing may still occur
- The transitional arrangements for existing cases
- How applicants can provide evidence and submissions
Because some cases may still proceed to a hearing and transitional rules apply to matters already in the system, it is worth confirming how your specific case is likely to be handled rather than assuming the paper-based process applies.
What Other Migration Changes Have Been Confirmed for 2026?
Alongside the Student visa review changes, a number of other developments have been announced or reported for 2026. A summary of the key changes is set out below.
|
Change |
Status |
Effective From |
|
Student visa ART reviews moved to a paper-based process |
Confirmed |
1 June 2026 |
|
Broader ART procedural and legislative reforms to improve efficiency and reduce backlog |
Confirmed |
During 2026 |
|
Increases to employer-sponsored skilled visa salary thresholds |
Reported (annual indexation) |
1 July 2026 |
The salary threshold increases follow the pattern of previous annual indexation. As exact figures and instruments are released through official channels, employers and applicants should confirm the current thresholds before lodging.
What Changes Are Still Expected but Not Yet Confirmed?
Beyond the confirmed measures, there is ongoing industry discussion about further reform. These remain proposals or policy discussions rather than settled law and include:
- Further Student visa integrity measures
- Possible reform of the skilled migration points test
- Additional net overseas migration controls
- Further ART efficiency reforms
Because these measures are not yet confirmed, applicants should be cautious about making decisions based on anticipated changes alone.
Where Are Official Migration Updates Announced?
Migration changes are announced and recorded through several official channels. At present there is no single consolidated “1 July 2026 migration changes” package, and announcements continue to be released progressively. The most reliable sources to monitor are set out below.
|
Source |
What It Covers |
|
ART procedural changes, including the Student visa hearing reforms |
|
|
Which refusals are affected, when hearings still occur and how to submit evidence |
|
|
Visa charge increases, salary thresholds, legislative amendments and program updates |
|
|
Migration amendment regulations, legislative instruments and ART procedural rules |
|
|
The Tribunal’s procedural directions for conducting reviews |
For practitioners, the Federal Register of Legislation and the Department of Home Affairs newsroom are particularly useful, as they contain the actual legislative and procedural changes rather than third-party summaries.
How SALIA Can Help You Navigate 2026 Migration Changes
With both confirmed reforms and further changes under discussion, staying across the current migration settings can be challenging, particularly where written submissions now carry greater weight in Student visa reviews.
At SALIA Lawyers & Associates, we help applicants and employers understand how these changes apply to their circumstances, from preparing strong written submissions for ART reviews to ensuring sponsorship and skilled visa applications meet the latest requirements.
Contact SALIA Lawyers & Associates today for personalised advice on how the 2026 migration changes may affect your application, review or sponsorship strategy.
Disclaimer: Please note that the information provided is intended as a general guide and should not be relied upon as legal or migration advice. As migration laws and regulations can change, we recommend consulting an Australian Lawyer or Registered Migration Agent for advice tailored to your circumstances.
Migration settings are shifting from mid-2026, and one of the biggest changes is already here.
From 1 June 2026, most Student visa refusal reviews at the Administrative Review Tribunal will be decided on the papers, without an oral hearing. That makes detailed, well-prepared written submissions more important than ever.
Other developments to watch in 2026 include:
- Broader ART procedural reforms to reduce backlog
- Reported increases to employer-sponsored salary thresholds from 1 July 2026
- Possible points test and Student visa integrity changes still under discussion
Need guidance? Contact SALIA Lawyers & Associates Pty Ltd for personalised advice.
Disclaimer: Please note that the information provided is intended as a general guide and should not be relied upon as legal or migration advice. As migration laws and regulations can change, we recommend consulting an Australian Lawyer or Registered Migration Agent for advice tailored to your circumstances.
