17/09/2026
🚨 **AUSTRALIA MIGRATION UPDATE: THE OFFICIAL DATES* *🚨
🎓 1. *STUDENT VISA DEPENDANTS BAN*
* The Change: New international students can no longer bring family members (partners or kids) as secondary applicants. PhD/research candidates and students from Pacific/ASEAN nations are exempt.
* *Official Start Date*: TBC. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke just announced this policy today, September 17, 2026. Because the government still needs to pass legislation or use regulatory powers to enforce it, the exact cut-off date hasn't been locked in yet. Action: If you need to apply with family, do it ASAP before the door officially closes.
📊 2. **POINTS TEST OVERHAUL* *(189, 190, 491 Visas)
* *The Change**: The current points test is being completely rewritten to favor applicants in their 20s and early 30s, those with Superior English, and high-income earners.
* *Official Start Date*: July 1, 2027. This is when the brand-new points system officially goes live.
* *Draft Rules*: We will see the exact new point values released in December 2026.
* *Old System Deadline*: June 30, 2027.
*Action*: You must lodge your EOI and secure an invite before this date if you want to be assessed under the current 65-point rules.
*Bottom Line*:
Move fast if you are attaching dependants to a student visa, and lock in your Skilled EOI before July 2027! 🇦🇺⏳
