Australia Work Permit Changes 2026: Check New Rules, Changes & Requirements

Australia has undertaken major migration and work permit reforms for the 2025-2026 program year to make the system more skilled-focused, selective, and aligned with market demands. The Australia Work Permit Changes 2026 will affect skilled workers, businesses, foreign students, and individuals seeking permanent residency. For the years 2025-2026, Australia has kept the permanent immigration ceiling at 185,000 seats. About 52,500 slots are reserved for family visas, while 132,200 spots (71%) are awarded to professionals who meet the requirements. Bringing in immigrants who can instantly boost the economy is the program’s main objective, especially in areas with local demand and skilled labour shortages.

Australia Work Permit Changes 2026

Beginning in 2026, Australia’s work permit laws will include a new “Skills in Demand” visa with three streams: High-Earning Specialist, Critical Industry, and Fast-Track Rule. This 482 visa replaces the previous one and reduces the two-year work experience requirement to one year. The changes aim to give employer-sponsored and regional visas priority, with a focus on critical skills shortages in sectors such as healthcare, technology, and construction. Additionally, the age requirement for a post-study work visa has been reduced from fifty to thirty-five as per Australia Work Permit Changes 2026. The government has enhanced ImmiAccount services, expanded opportunities for authorised English examinations, and significantly changed Australia’s work permit laws to avoid visa abuse.

Australia Work Permit Rules 2026

New Australia Work Permit Rules In 2026

The new rules that work for Australia’s Work Permit in 2026 are as follows:

1. Skills in Demand (SID) visa replaces the TSS – three streams (Core Skills, Specialist Skills, Essential Skills) with up to 4 years stay and a pathway to PR after two years .

2. Reduced work‑experience requirement – only 12 months of full‑time, post‑qualification experience needed, down from 2 years.

3. Updated salary thresholds – Core Skills is more than equal to AUD 76,515, Specialist Skills is more than equal to AUD 141,210 (indexed annually).

4. Simplified labour‑market testing – no longer need to advertise on Workforce Australia; advertising validity extended to 6 months, and LMT will phase out as Jobs and Skills Australia data improves .

5. Stricter English‑test rules – only in‑person, securely proctored tests (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, OET) are accepted; at‑home/online versions are no longer valid.

6. Employer sponsorship and mobility: visa holders have up to 180 days to locate a new sponsor after a new nomination; employers must be approved and provide market-rate salaries. 

Requirements for Australia Work Permit 2026

There are certain requirements for the Australian Work Permit needed in 2026; these requirements are as:

• Age – you must be under 45 years when you receive an invitation for the most skilled visas.

• Education – a relevant degree or qualification (bachelor’s or higher for most occupations; technical diplomas accepted for trade roles) .

• Work experience – at least 1 year of full‑time, post‑qualification experience in your nominated occupation (the new Skills in Demand (SID) visa reduced the requirement from 2 years) .

• Skill assessment – a positive assessment from the relevant authority (e.g., ACS, Engineers Australia, VETASSESS) is mandatory for points‑tested visas .

• English language – competent English (IELTS 6.0 overall, no band below 5.5, or equivalent PTE/TOEFL) is required; higher scores boost points .

• Health and character: a police clearance certificate and a medical examination are required.

• Job offer & sponsorship – for employer‑sponsored streams (SID 482, ENS 186), you must have a nominated position from an approved Australian employer and meet the salary threshold.

• Points test (if applicable) – skilled independent/ nominated visas require a minimum of 65 points (age, education, experience, English, nomination) .

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