05/10/2026
Just a friendly reminder that Soft Landing Migrations has a new page.
We’ll be sharing our latest migration news, important visa updates and helpful information on our new page going forward.
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Significant changes to Australia's Student visa program came into effect on 2 October 2026.
🎓 Student Visa rules have tightened
The changes include:
• Many temporary visa holders, including Working Holiday and Skills in Demand (482) visa holders, can no longer apply for a Student visa while in Australia
• Where an applicant is required to lodge offshore, they must generally also be outside Australia when the Student visa is granted
• Tighter rules now apply when moving from one Student visa to another
• Restrictions have been introduced around adding partners and children as dependents
• Most non-school students must now remain with their principal provider for 12 months before transferring, subject to limited exceptions
Further changes are coming from 1 July 2027, including a new Student visa transfer stream and tighter rules around changing education providers.
📢 Subclass 189 Invitation Round Update
Home Affairs has updated its advice and now states that the next Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) invitation round is expected to be held by 31 October 2026, after previously indicating it was expected by 30 September.
If you are considering changing your course, education provider or visa pathway, it is important to understand how these new rules may affect your options.
Contact the Soft Landing Migrations team if you would like advice about your circumstances.
Visa eligibility and requirements depend on individual circumstances.
