The month in Australian migration, in plain English
This month in 30 seconds
- The 15 October 189 round invited 20,000 people. Nurses, GPs and most allied health were invited at 70 points, most trades at 65.
- Offshore student visa grant rates fell sharply for South Asia, while onshore rates stayed above 80%. Home Affairs is consulting on stricter money and GS rules (proposed, not decided).
- Since 2 October most people must apply for a new student visa from outside Australia. Since 1 November protection visa reviews cost $1,863.50 upfront.
The biggest 189 round in years: 20,000 invited
The first subclass 189 round of 2026–27 sent 20,000 invitations across 159 occupations, double each of the two rounds before it. Nurses, GPs and most allied health were invited at 70 points, most trades at 65. Clinical psychologists rose from 75 to 90.
Source: Home Affairs, SkillSelect invitation rounds and previous rounds.
Applying from overseas? Grant rates have fallen sharply
Fewer than 1 in 5 offshore higher education applicants from Nepal and Bangladesh were granted in July to September 2026. Onshore rates stayed above 80% for every country we track.
Source: Department of Home Affairs, BP0015 Student visa grant rates at 30 September 2026, data.gov.au (CC BY 2.5 AU). Higher Education, primary applicants. Figures are provisional. data.gov.au
Source: Home Affairs, BP0015 Student visa grant rates at 30 September 2026, data.gov.au.
Student visa rules are under review
Home Affairs is consulting on a new Genuine Student assessment and stricter money evidence: funds in an Australian account, about 6 months of deposit history for Evidence Level 3 applicants, and limits on supporters and loans. Submissions close 12 pm AEDT, 23 November 2026.
Source: Home Affairs consultation page and consultation paper.
Most people must now apply for a student visa from outside Australia
Unless an exemption applies, you must be outside Australia when you apply and when the visa is granted. Moving up an AQF level, up to 12 more months with the same provider, PhD and a few other cases can still apply onshore. Family generally can't be included.
Source: Home Affairs, Student visa (subclass 500).
Three changes for people who have applied for a protection visa
Protection visa reviews now cost $1,863.50 upfront (refunded in full if you win), protection visa applicants can't get a Bridging B, and some Bridging E visas can again carry conditions 8564 and 8566. No protection visa? Nothing changes for you.
Source: F2026L01448 and Explanatory Statement; ART fees.
Eight situations we see every week
From a student whose visa ends soon to a tradie with a positive skills assessment, each tile in the PDF jumps to the right page.
Student Visa Readiness & Risk Check
A 1-on-1 session with a registered migration agent for students, parents and guardians. Tier 1 Quick Check A$220; Tiers 2 and 3 prices confirmed soon.
What's next
23 Nov 2026, 12 pm AEDT: consultation closes. Late November: next BP0015 release expected (October data). Next 189 round: not announced. December 2026: The Visa Brief, Issue 02.
General information only, not legal advice for your situation, and no visa outcome is guaranteed. Proposed changes are labelled "proposed" and may not become law. Round results are past results, not predictions. Checked 4 November 2026. Omar Nafiz, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 2318164.
