Policy changes, court decisions, skills list updates, and draw results — reviewed and summarised by our practitioners.
The updated Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) took effect on 1 April 2026. Key additions include software engineers, registered nurses in aged care specialisations, civil engineers, and construction project managers. Affected occupations previously on the short-term list have moved to medium-term stream eligibility.
If your occupation was previously off-list, re-check your eligibility now — the updated CSOL opens Subclass 189 (independent) pathways that were not available before 1 April. Some occupations have new ANZSCO codes under the 2022 revision; your skills assessment authority may require updated documentation when applying under the new code.
Source: Department of Home Affairs
IRCC held a general round of invitations from the Express Entry pool on 17 April 2026. The minimum CRS score was 490 and 3,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued. The tie-breaking rule applied to applications submitted before 4 March 2026 at 09:18:44 UTC.
CRS cutoffs have trended upward through Q1 2026 (482–490). If your score is below 490, focus on score-building: IELTS Band 9 improves CLB by one level, a valid job offer adds 50 or 200 points depending on NOC, and a Provincial Nominee Certificate adds 600 points. Use our CRS Calculator to model your options.
The Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) will increase from $70,000 to $73,150 per annum, effective 1 July 2026. All Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand) nominations lodged from that date must meet the new threshold. Employers with pending nominations should confirm salary compliance before the deadline.
Source: Department of Home Affairs
The Department of Home Affairs has expanded Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) occupation lists, adding trades, healthcare, and hospitality roles eligible for regional sponsors from 1 May 2026. Affected regions include Northern Territory, South Australia, and regional Queensland. DAMA allows salary concessions below standard TSMIT for genuine regional shortages.
DAMA sponsorship requires the employer — not the worker — to be accredited under the relevant DAMA. Check whether your employer's region and industry are covered before applying. DAMA does not waive skills assessment requirements.
Source: Department of Home Affairs
BC PNP issued 200 invitations under the Tech Pilot stream on 22 April 2026. Targeted NOC codes include software engineers (21231), data scientists (21211), and cybersecurity specialists (21220). Candidates must have a valid Express Entry profile and a qualifying job offer from a BC tech employer.
Source: BC Provincial Nominee Program
IRCC has implemented a further reduction in international student permit approvals for 2026, following the cap introduced in 2024. The downstream impact on Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility and Express Entry pathways for international graduates is under active government review, with a policy statement expected in Q3 2026.
Source: IRCC
Content is reviewed by our registered practitioners but is general in nature. Always seek professional advice before taking action on your immigration matter.
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