2026 skilled migration update: verified facts, not rumour lists
This page records facts checked against primary sources on 24 August 2026. It deliberately excludes predicted invitation scores, unannounced occupation changes and social-media claims. Recheck every linked source before acting because programs can change after the review date.
Key points
- The main 189, 190 and 491 points-tested pages still publish 65 points as the eligibility threshold, not an invitation guarantee.
- PTE Academic component thresholds changed for tests taken from 7 August 2025; test-date-specific tables remain important in 2026.
- The current Subclass 191 Regional Provisional stream page states there is no minimum income requirement.
- State and territory nomination criteria remain jurisdiction-specific and can change independently of federal visa rules.
Verified: the points threshold is not a forecast
The points-tested visa pages continue to require at least 65 points. An invitation can state a higher score that must be substantiated, and a state can impose its own selection minimums. Articles that call 65, 80 or 90 a universally “safe” score are misleading.
Verified: PTE evidence depends on the test date
Home Affairs introduced new PTE Academic component thresholds for tests taken on or after 7 August 2025. Older results use the previous table, subject to validity and acceptance rules. Our English points guide records the current post-change component values and links to the official English pages.
Verified: no current 191 minimum income threshold
The detailed Regional Provisional stream page states there is no minimum income requirement. It still requires an eligible 491 or 494 visa held for at least three years, ATO notices of assessment for three income years out of five, and compliance with eligible-visa conditions. Older articles quoting a fixed income number should not be used.
Always live-check these items
- Visa application charges in the pricing estimator.
- Processing-time ranges in the Home Affairs guide.
- Occupation and assessing-authority rows in the combined list.
- State nomination openings, categories and evidence.
- Invitation-round outcomes and program priorities.
- English test acceptance, component scores and validity.
How we decide whether a reported change is real
- Find the Home Affairs visa or requirement page.
- Check the current legislative instrument where the detail is legal rather than explanatory.
- Check the relevant state or assessing authority for program-specific rules.
- Record the effective date and affected applicants or test dates.
- Do not publish a prediction as a confirmed rule.
Official sources to check before acting
These pages control over any summary on this website. Recheck them when you submit an EOI, accept a nomination or lodge a visa application.
Important Notice: The content on this page is for general information only. Australian visa policies and requirements are subject to change at any time. Always refer to the official Department of Home Affairs website for the most current and accurate information.