Australian Immigration – February 2026

There haven’t been any major policy changes or unexpected developments this month — and that’s genuinely good news. Periods of stability in the migration landscape give applicants, employers, and families the certainty they need to plan ahead with confidence, without the stress of sudden rule changes.

In this edition, we’ve highlighted important reminders, upcoming opportunities, and practical information to help you stay well prepared.

Whether you’re actively planning your next move or simply keeping an eye on what’s ahead, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Australian citizenship is a significant milestone, offering long‑term security, full civic participation, and the freedom that comes with holding an Australian passport.

Over the last month, we have seen a high influx of enquiries relating to Australian citizenship, particularly from long-term temporary and permanent residents unsure of their eligibility.

Citizenship rules can be nuanced, especially where travel history, visa transitions, or time spent on temporary visas is involved. Our team can assess your circumstances, confirm eligibility, and guide you through the application process with confidence.

You may be eligible to apply for Australian citizenship if you meet the following residence requirements:

• You have been lawfully present in Australia for at least four years immediately before applying
• You have held Australian permanent residence for at least 12 months before lodging your application
• You have not been absent from Australia for more than 12 months in total during the four‑year period
• You have not been absent for more than 90 days in the 12 months immediately before applying

Time spent in Australia on valid temporary visas can count toward the four‑year lawful residence requirement, provided all visa conditions were met.

Applicants must also satisfy character requirements and have an understanding of Australian values.

Over the past few weeks, we’ve seen citizenship applications being approved sooner than expected. Some applicants are receiving their interview and test dates — and subsequent approval — in as little as five months from lodgement, which is well below the standard processing timeframe of 10 months for 90% of applications.

For clients who have already been approved and are awaiting their ceremony, some have been lucky enough to attend within just four months of approval. With 90% of ceremonies typically scheduled within six months, this is a fantastic outcome — helping our clients officially call themselves an Australian even sooner.