Visas
Alternative labels
Travel visas
Briefing paper
It’s time for Australia to grant permanent residence for long-term refugees and people seeking asylum
A small number of refugees and people seeking asylum in Australia have been living in precarious visa situations for lengthy periods. Prolonged visa insecurity creates a sub-class of people and has negative impacts on those affected. This paper proposes a policy to enable the regularisation of visa status in certain circumstances would significantly improve outcomes.
Guide
Migration anticipation and preparedness
Governments face increasing pressure to respond swiftly and effectively to rapidly evolving international migration flows. Anticipation is key to this response, but remains a challenge. This guide offers measures to introduce, run and strengthen migration forecasting systems and preparedness strategies. It follows the forecasting lifecycle from problem definition to communication and system learning.
Report
In limbo: perspectives on Australia-China research mobility
This report describes the results of qualitative research undertaken with Chinese nationals applying for visas to study or conduct research in Australia. It provides insight into how visa policies and administrative practices are experienced and interpreted by applicants, highlighting the human dimensions of mobility.
Article
Immigration’s lost social licence: how to restore it
From its inception in 1945, distinct national-interest features and values underpinned the social licence for Australia’s immigration program. This paper finds that public trust in government capacity or willingness to manage immigration in the national interest has eroded. It proposes a radical rethink of immigration, not reform around current settings, is now needed.
Briefing paper
Australian labour market for migrants: January 2026
This report provides information on Australian labour market conditions. It is intended to inform people interested in working in Australia on a temporary or permanent basis, and to organisations providing services to migrants and visa applicants. This edition includes the contribution of temporary work visas to the construction industry labour market.