Australia Migration Updates: AMEP Eligibility, Sc 485 Visa Charge Increase & Middle East Crisis Support

Introduction

Australia’s migration system continues to experience important legislative, operational, and policy developments affecting temporary visa holders, migration professionals, Registered Migration Agents (RMAs), international graduates, and individuals impacted by international crises. The latest migration updates include new arrangements relating to eligibility for the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP), updates to LEGENDcom migration policies, concerns regarding increased Subclass 485 visa application charges, ongoing advocacy regarding RMA registration fees, and important support information for individuals affected by the Middle East crisis.

Additional updates also include revised Professional Support enquiry procedures introduced by the Migration Institute of Australia (MIA) to improve response efficiency and strengthen migration advocacy systems.

These updates remain highly relevant for visa applicants, migration professionals, education providers, international graduates, and migrant communities across Australia. The changes reflect ongoing developments within Australia’s migration framework, migration policy administration, and support systems during 2026. In this article, we will discuss the AMEP Eligibility, Sc 485 Visa Charge Increase & Middle East Crisis Support

Migration Updates: Legislative

Australia’s migration framework continues to experience regular legislative and operational updates affecting visa holders, migration professionals, and registered migration agents. These changes include amendments to migration instruments, policy guidance updates, and revised administrative arrangements impacting various migration and support programs.

Specified Temporary Visas to be Eligible for the AMEP

The Australian Government has introduced the:

Immigration (Education) (Classes of Temporary Visas Eligible for English Courses) Determination 2026

This new legislative instrument repeals and replaces: LIN 21/013

The primary purpose of the instrument is to specify the classes of temporary visas that an individual must either hold or have applied for to become eligible for the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP).

The Adult Migrant English Program continues to play an important role in supporting eligible migrants with English language education and settlement assistance in Australia.

Technical Changes to the AMEP Visa Eligibility List

The updated instrument introduces a technical amendment involving the structure of the temporary visa eligibility tables.

Under the previous instrument, LIN 21/013, separate tables existed under sections 5 and 6, which differentiated between:

• Active visa subclasses
• Repealed visa subclasses

The new Determination now combines these separate tables into one consolidated list.

According to the Government, this amendment is intended to reduce confusion where a visa subclass has technically been repealed, but an individual:

• Continues to hold that visa, or
• Remains eligible to make a valid application for that visa in certain circumstances

The consolidated structure ensures that affected individuals continue to remain eligible for the Adult Migrant English Program.

Commencement of the Instrument

The newly introduced legislative instrument officially commenced on 7 March 2026. The commencement of the updated instrument ensures continued clarity regarding temporary visa eligibility arrangements for the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) and related migration education support services. The new AMEP eligibility instrument officially commenced on:

7 March 2026

The update reflects ongoing administrative improvements designed to simplify migration-related educational support arrangements and improve clarity regarding eligibility requirements.

The Adult Migrant English Program remains an important support initiative for eligible migrants seeking English language education and settlement assistance within Australia.

LEGENDcom Migration Stack Update

LEGENDcom continues to provide important migration policy and procedural updates affecting visa processing, health guidance, and migration operations. The latest stack updates include revised policy instructions relevant to Temporary Graduate visas, health-related migration assessments, and operational migration procedures.  Australia’s migration policy and procedural instruction system, LEGENDcom, received multiple Migration stack updates during March 2026.

These updates include important policy and operational changes affecting health guidance, visa processing procedures, notification requirements, and Temporary Graduate visa application charges.

Migration professionals are encouraged to carefully review updated policy instructions prior to preparing or lodging relevant visa and nomination applications.

1 March 2026 LEGENDcom Migration Stack Update

The Migration stack update released on 1 March 2026 reflects amendments made to the Migration Regulations 1994, particularly relating to increased visa application charges for the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa category and associated policy guidance updates. A Migration stack update was released through LEGENDcom on:

1 March 2026

This update reflects amendments introduced to the Migration Regulations 1994 through the:

Migration Amendment (Temporary Graduate Visa Application Charge) Regulations 2026

The amendments specifically increased the visa application charge (VAC) for the:

Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa

The increase in the Subclass 485 visa application charge has generated significant discussion within the migration industry and among international student communities.

MIA Response to the Subclass 485 Visa Charge Increase

As noted by the Migration Institute of Australia (MIA), the organisation has actively lobbied the Government regarding the increase in the Subclass 485 visa application charge.

According to the MIA, concerns were raised regarding:

• The substantial increase in the visa charge
• The limited notice provided before implementation
• The overall justification for the increase

The MIA stated that the increase was difficult to justify and highlighted concerns regarding the impact on international graduates and migration applicants relying on the Temporary Graduate visa pathway.

The organisation also released a formal press statement regarding the issue.

The Subclass 485 visa remains a major post-study migration pathway for eligible international students seeking temporary work opportunities in Australia following the completion of their studies.

6 March 2026 LEGENDcom Migration Stack Update

A further Migration stack update was released through LEGENDcom on:

6 March 2026

This update included revisions to several Migration Policy and Procedural Instructions across health guidance, notification obligations, business migration pathways, and migration decision-making procedures.

The updated policies include:

• Notes for Guidance for Haematological Cancers
• Notes for Guidance for Viral Hepatitis
• Notes for Guidance for Haematological Disease
• Notification Requirements
• Subclass 188 (Business Innovation and Investment) Visa
• Guidance on decisions under section 197D

These updates reflect ongoing revisions to migration operational guidance and procedural assessment frameworks within the Department of Home Affairs.

LEGENDcom Policy Review Reminder

As LEGENDcom does not specifically identify the exact sections updated within policy instructions, migration professionals are encouraged to carefully review all updated procedural and policy documents before preparing or lodging relevant visa and nomination applications.

The Department noted that LEGENDcom does not specifically identify which sections of the policy or procedural instructions have been updated.

For this reason, migration professionals are strongly encouraged to carefully review all updated instructions before preparing or lodging any relevant visa or nomination applications.

Migration professionals can access these updates under:

Migration – Update Statements

within LEGENDcom.

RMA Fees Campaign

The Migration Institute of Australia continues advocating regarding proposed future increases to Registered Migration Agent (RMA) registration fees. Concerns have been raised regarding the potential impact such increases may have on migration clients, regional migration services, and access to affordable migration assistance.

The latest migration updates also include important information relating to possible future increases in migration agent registration fees.

According to the Migration Institute of Australia, the Government has indicated its support, in principle, for increasing Registered Migration Agent (RMA) registration fees.

Although the:

Migration Agents Registration Application Charge Regulations 2026

maintained the current registration fee level, the accompanying explanatory statement indicated that proposed changes to the charge framework may be considered as part of a future Federal Budget process.

Concerns Regarding Increased RMA Registration Fees

The MIA highlighted several concerns regarding the potential impact of higher migration agent registration fees.

According to the organisation, increased registration costs may lead to unintended consequences, including:

• Higher service costs passed on to migrant clients
• Reduced ability for RMAs to provide low-cost or pro bono services
• Fewer migration practitioners operating in regional or vulnerable communities
• Increased risk of migrants relying on unregistered operators

The MIA continues to advocate strongly against any increase in RMA registration fees and has encouraged migration professionals to engage directly with their local Federal Members of Parliament.

Template Letter for Migration Agents

To support advocacy efforts regarding potential registration fee increases, the MIA has prepared a template letter for Registered Migration Agents. Migration professionals are encouraged to personalise the template and share their concerns directly with local Federal Members of Parliament. To support advocacy efforts, the MIA has prepared a template letter for RMA members.

Migration agents are encouraged to:

• Adapt the template
• Personalise the content
• Forward the letter to their local Federal MP

The purpose of the campaign is to help explain the practical impact that increased registration fees may have on migration practices, migration clients, and community services.

The MIA confirmed that it will continue advocating on behalf of migration professionals and migrant communities regarding this issue.

Middle East Crisis Support and Information

The Department of Home Affairs has released updated guidance and support information for individuals affected by the ongoing Middle East crisis. The information includes travel advice, visa assistance, emergency consular support, and mental health resources for affected individuals and families.

The Department of Home Affairs WA Community Engagement Team has issued a newsletter containing support information for individuals impacted by the ongoing Middle East crisis.

The newsletter includes information relating to:

• Smartraveller travel advice
• Emergency consular assistance
• Crisis registration systems
• Visa guidance
• Mental health support services

The information is particularly relevant for Australian citizens, permanent residents, visa holders, and family members affected by developments across the Middle East region.

Smartraveller Advice

Smartraveller has issued updated travel advisories for several Middle Eastern countries due to the current security situation. Australians in affected regions are encouraged to follow official travel advice, monitor developments closely, and follow instructions from local authorities and Australian officials.

According to Smartraveller, several destinations across the Middle East are currently subject to:

Do Not Travel advisories

These destinations include:

• Bahrain
• Iran
• Iraq
• Israel
• Kuwait
• Lebanon
• Palestine
• Qatar
• Syria
• United Arab Emirates
• Yemen

Smartraveller also advised individuals to reconsider the need to travel to:

• Jordan
• Oman
• Saudi Arabia

Australians currently located within conflict-affected areas have been advised to:

• Shelter in place
• Follow local authority instructions
• Monitor Smartraveller updates regularly

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) also confirmed that operating hours at Australian embassies and consulates across the region may be impacted by the security situation.

Emergency Consular Assistance

The Australian Government continues to provide emergency consular support for Australians impacted by the Middle East crisis. Updated emergency contact details and consular assistance arrangements have been made available through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

The Department provided updated emergency consular assistance contact information.

24/7 Consular Emergency Centre

• +61 2 6261 3305 (from overseas)
• 1300 555 135 (within Australia)

The Department advised Australians requiring urgent assistance to contact the Consular Emergency Centre where necessary.

Evacuation Planning and DFAT Guidance

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) continues monitoring the security situation across affected regions while coordinating evacuation planning and operational assistance where possible. Assistance arrangements remain dependent on safety conditions and operational feasibility. DFAT confirmed that Australian citizens, permanent residents, and their immediate family members located in:

• Israel
• Iran
• Qatar
• United Arab Emirates

Those who have the right to enter Australia may register with DFAT.

The registration process allows DFAT to provide direct updates regarding evacuation planning, safety information, and operational developments.

Australia is also working with airlines and travel agents to assist departures once airports reopen and flights resume.

All assistance arrangements remain dependent on:

• Safety conditions
• Operational feasibility
• Regional security developments

Individuals are encouraged to monitor DFAT travel advisories and Australian embassy updates regularly.

Visa Guidance for Individuals Affected by the Crisis

The Department of Home Affairs also referenced the:

Iran Visa Information webpage

Individuals affected by the Middle East conflict may apply for Australian visas through:

ImmiAccount

Applicants were advised not to attend embassies in person.

The Department noted that internet outages within Iran may affect online visa lodgement capability.

Assistance With Visa Applications

The Department of Home Affairs has provided updated guidance for individuals affected by the Middle East crisis who may require assistance with Australian visa applications, visa extensions, or lawful stay arrangements while impacted by the ongoing situation.

If assistance is required, guidance is available through:

Who can help with your application

The Department also confirmed that an Australian relative or friend may lodge a visa application on behalf of an affected individual, provided permission and required details are available.

A valid passport remains necessary for visa applications. However, where applicants do not possess a passport, identifying information should still be provided so alternative options may be explored.

All applicants must continue meeting the standard:

• Legal requirements
• Health requirements
• Character requirements
• Security requirements

before any visa grant can occur.

Extending Stay in Australia

Individuals already in Australia who are affected by the Middle East crisis and wish to remain lawfully in Australia must apply for a further visa.

Where an existing visa contains a:

• 8503
• 8534
• 8535
• 8540

“No Further Stay” condition, affected individuals may request a waiver through the:

No Further Stay waiver request form

The Department continues to guide lawful stay arrangements for affected individuals.

Mental Health Support Services

The Department also provided links to several mental health and well-being support services for individuals affected by overseas conflict situations.

These support services include:

• Witness to War multilingual hotline
• Healthdirect mental health helplines
• Embrace Multicultural Mental Health
• Ishar Multicultural Women’s Health Services
• MensLine Australia
• Emerging Minds family support resources

Emerging Minds also provides resources assisting families and parents in discussing war, traumatic events, and conflict-related topics with children.

The MIA additionally confirmed that it will continue seeking clarification from the Department regarding any further support arrangements for individuals impacted by the Middle East crisis.

Professional Support Enquiries

The Migration Institute of Australia has introduced updated procedures for lodging Professional Support enquiries to improve response efficiency, strengthen advocacy data collection, and assist migration professionals with more streamlined support services.

The Migration Institute of Australia has introduced a revised system for lodging Professional Support enquiries.

According to the MIA, the updated process is intended to provide:

• Faster assistance
• More consistent responses
• Improved advocacy data collection

Members are now encouraged to submit all new enquiries through the:

Professional Support Enquiry Form

Members are encouraged to submit all new Professional Support enquiries through the updated online enquiry form available via the MIA member portal. The revised system is designed to improve enquiry management, prioritisation, and response consistency.

available through:

Professional Support → Contact Professional Support

within the MIA member portal.

Purpose of the Updated Enquiry System

The updated enquiry process is designed to help the MIA:

• Capture important information upfront
• Better triage enquiries
• Identify systemic migration practice issues
• Strengthen advocacy efforts

The MIA confirmed that the Professional Support email address will remain available for:

• Responses
• Follow-up communication
• Existing matters

However, it is no longer considered the preferred channel for submitting new enquiries.

The organisation also advised members not to use the general information email address for Professional Support matters, as this may lead to delays and misdirection of enquiries.

Conclusion

The latest migration updates introduce several important developments affecting Australia’s migration system, migration professionals, international graduates, and individuals impacted by international crises.

Key updates include new AMEP eligibility arrangements for specified temporary visa holders, increased Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa application charges, updated LEGENDcom policy instructions, and ongoing advocacy regarding possible increases in RMA registration fees.

The Department of Home Affairs has also provided important crisis-related visa guidance, travel advice, consular support information, and mental health resources for individuals affected by the Middle East crisis.

These updates remain highly important for visa applicants, migration professionals, Registered  Migration Agents, and migrant communities managing Australian migration pathways and support services throughout 2026. For more information visit us at https://immivisa.com.au/