Australian Immigration – April 2026

Australian Immigration – April 2026

Australian Immigration – April 2026

As we wrap up April, it’sbeen another busy month across state nomination programs, along with a continued focus on keeping applications accurate, up to date, and ready for whatever comes next in the migration process.

While things can move quickly and requirements can shift, it all comes back to being prepared and staying on top of the details — especially in competitive skilled migration streams where timing really matters.

We’ve also been working through some of your most common questions this month, helping to bring a bit more clarity to key parts of the visa journey and making the process easier to navigate.

As always, staying informed, prepared, and a step ahead goes a long way in moving through Australia’s migration system with confidence.

In this Edition:

  • NSW Skilled Migration Program – Invitation Rounds Closed
  • VIC Skilled Migration Program – Invitation Rounds Closed
  • Our most asked questions:
    • Bridging Visas
    • Police Clearances
    • Health Examinations
  • Celebrating Milestones
  • Client Appreciation
  • ANZAC Day

NSW Skilled Migration Program – Invitation Rounds Closed

New South Wales recently conducted invitation rounds for key skilled visa pathways, with selections taking place across April.

Invitations for the Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated) visa were issued in the week commencing 13 April 2026, following a cut-off for updated Expressions of Interest (EOIs) on 12 April.

This was followed by an invitation round for the Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional) visa – Pathway 2, which took place in the week commencing 27 April 2026, with EOIs required to be updated by 26 April.

These rounds highlight the importance of keeping your SkillSelect profile accurate and up to date at all times, as short notice deadlines can apply. If you’re looking to improve your chances in future rounds, reviewing your EOI and ensuring all details are current is key.

Victoria Skilled Migration Program – Invitation Rounds Closed

In case you missed it, Victoria’s 2025–26 state nominated skilled visa program closed to new Registrations of Interest (ROIs) at 4pm AEST on Tuesday, 28 April 2026.

This year, 3,400 places were allocated (2,700 for Subclass 190 and 700 for Subclass 491), with demand far exceeding the number of available spots.

📌 Key takeaway:
While new ROIs are now closed, all previously submitted ROIs are still being considered for the remaining nomination places.

If you’re unsure what this means for you or want to explore alternative pathways, now is a good time to get informed.

Our Most Asked Questions

Bridging Visas

Recently, we have received a number of enquiries regarding bridging visas, particularly from applicants who are awaiting a decision on their substantive visa and are understandably concerned about processing times.

What is a Bridging Visa and what does it do?

A bridging visa is a temporary visa that allows you to remain lawfully in Australia while your new visa application is being processed. It effectively “bridges” the gap between the expiry of your current visa and the final decision on your new application. The two most common types are Bridging Visa A (BVA) and Bridging Visa B (BVB).

Bridging Visa A (BVA)
A Bridging Visa A is generally granted automatically when you lodge a new onshore visa application while holding a valid substantive visa. It allows you to remain lawfully in Australia while your application is being processed. However, it does not permit international travel. If you leave Australia while holding a BVA, it will cease, and you may not be able to re-enter on that visa.

Bridging Visa B (BVB)
A Bridging Visa B is required if you need to travel overseas while your visa  application is being processed. You must apply for and be granted a BVB before  departing Australia. It allows you to leave and re-enter Australia within the  specified travel validity period.

Police Clearances

We often receive questions about police clearances during visa applications, particularly around when they are required, whether updated certificates are needed, and how long they remain valid.

When do I need to provide a police clearance?

A police clearance (also known as a police certificate or penal clearance) is generally required for most Australian visa applications where character requirements apply as well as all permanent visa applications. This includes, but is not limited to, skilled visas, partner visas, citizenship applications, and some bridging visa processes.

You will usually need to provide a police clearance for:

  • Every country you have lived in for 12 months or more within the last 10 years (since turning 16)
  • Australia (through an Australian Federal Police check), if required as part of your application

Do I need to provide an updated police clearance?

In many cases, yes. If there is a significant delay between when your application is lodged and when it is finalised, you may be asked to provide a new or updated police clearance.

This is because police certificates are only considered valid for a limited period of time, and the Department needs to ensure your character assessment is current at the time of decision-making.

Our team at First Class Migration will always ensure to monitor applications closely and advise you if a new clearance is required to avoid any potential requests for more information from the department.

What is the validity of a police clearance?

Generally, police clearances are considered valid for 12 months from the date of issue, provided you have not returned to live in that country for an extended period after the certificate was issued.

In some cases, a new clearance may be requested earlier depending on processing times or individual circumstances.

Health Examinations

A number of recent enquiries have focused on health examinations required for Australian visa applications. More specifically, when these health examinations are required, how long they are valid for, and whether applicants are required to complete another assessment.

When are health examinations required?

Health examinations are generally required when lodging a visa application for Australia, depending on the visa type, your personal circumstances, and your intended length of stay.

They are most commonly required if you are:

  • Applying for a permanent visa (e.g. skilled or partner visas)
  • Applying for a temporary visa and intend to stay for a longer period
  • Working in certain occupations (such as healthcare, childcare, or education settings)
  • Coming from or having spent significant time in a country considered higher risk for public health purposes

Once your visa application reaches the health assessment stage, the Department of Home Affairs will issue a “HAP ID” and instructions on which examinations are required.

How long are health examinations valid for?

In most cases, health examinations are valid for 12 months from the date they are completed.

However, validity can vary depending on:

  • The visa subclass you applied for
  • Whether your circumstances change during processing
  • The Department’s assessment of ongoing risk factors

It’s important to note that even if your medicals are still within the 12-month validity period, they may still be reassessed if your application remains undecided for an extended period.

Do I need to complete another health examination?

You may be required to complete another set of health examinations if:

  • Your previous medicals have expired before a decision is made on your visa
  • There has been a significant delay in processing your application
  • The Department requests updated medicals due to changes in your health, travel history, or circumstances
  • You are applying for a new visa after your previous application has been refused or withdrawn

In these cases, the Department will issue a new HAP ID with instructions for updated examinations.

Health Examinations cannot be booked and undertaken without a newly generated HAP ID supplied in the request for Health Examinations.

Celebrating Milestones

We are celebrating a very special milestone this month 🎉

Michelle marks 23 years in Australia — a journey filled with growth, resilience, and countless memories along the way. From her very first steps here to everything she has built since, it’s a story worth celebrating.

Congratulations, Michelle!✨

Fun fact: Every year, Michelle celebrates her anniversary with a classic Aussie favourite…a meat pie!

Client Appreciation

At the heart of what we do is you, our clients. Your trust, feedback, and continued support are what allow us to do work that we genuinely care about every day. We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to assist you on your journey and to be part of such important milestones in your lives.

We also want to sincerely thank everyone who has taken the time to leave us a Google review. Your kind words not only mean a great deal to our team, but they also help others feel confident in choosing us for their migration needs. We are proud to share a selection of your feedback below as a reflection of the experiences we strive to deliver.

It is because of your support that we are able to continue doing what we love.

ANZAC Day 2026

On 25 April 2026, commemorations were held at dawn services, marches, and memorial gatherings, where people came together in quiet reflection to remember the men and women of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZACs) who landed at Gallipoli in 1915, as well as all service members who have served since.

It is a solemn reminder of the resilience, mateship, and bravery that continue to shape our national identity. The spirit of ANZAC is reflected not only in ceremony, but in the collective gratitude shown by communities pausing to pay their respects.

As we reflect on their sacrifice, we are reminded of the freedoms we enjoy today and the importance of preserving their legacy for future generations.

Lest we forget.

Final Thoughts – From Us to You

April 2026 has been another busy month across Australia’s migration landscape, with state nomination updates, program activity, and continued reminders about the importance of keeping applications accurate, up to date, and well prepared. While there’s always movement in this space, these changes are a normal part of the process and simply highlight how important it is to stay organised and informed along the way.

Even when things feel fast-paced or a little complex, having the right guidance and up-to-date information makes the journey much more manageable. A bit of preparation goes a long way in helping applicants, employers, and sponsors feel confident at every stage of the process.

As we head into the next month, we encourage you to stay connected, ask questions, and continue taking steady steps forward. Whether your pathway is temporary or permanent, progress is built over time — and we’re here to support you through each stage of the journey.

How We Can Help

We know the migration process can feel overwhelming, especially when policies shift and programs evolve.

At First Class Migration Australia, our experienced team is here to guide you through the process with up-to-date advice, tailored support, and a deep understanding of the Australian immigration system.

Got questions? Need help? Reach out at:

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Ready to get started? Contact First Class Migration today to begin your visa application process with the support of experts who truly care about your future in Australia.