The UK will begin strictly enforcing entry rules from 25 February 2026, requiring dual British and Irish citizens to use their UK or Irish passport when entering the country. Australians who hold British or Irish citizenship will no longer be able to enter the UK on an Australian passport, even if they hold an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).

The Australian Government introduced digital evidence of Australian citizenship on 5 December 2025 under the Regulatory Reform Omnibus Act 2025. These changes modernise how citizenship evidence is issued, corrected and replaced, and clarify when physical certificates must be returned.

Australia has allocated 20,350 state nomination places for the 2025 to 2026 program year across subclass 190 and subclass 491 visas. Each state and territory has confirmed its program settings, guiding how employers and skilled migrants should interpret the new allocations when planning long term workforce and migration strategies.

Subclass 186 backlog acknowledged by the Department of Home Affairs; assessing applications lodged March 2024–April 2025 by occupation, sponsor status, and region.

The Department of Home Affairs has outlined current priorities, invitation categories, and processing insights for the National Innovation Visa (subclass 858) program.

If you plan to travel overseas while awaiting a visa decision or holding PR, it is vital to check your visa and travel facility status. Here is what every traveller must understand before leaving Australia.