The Australian Department of Education has announced new reporting requirements for education providers through PRISMS (Provider Registration and International Student Management System). These updates will take effect in 2026 and aim to improve transparency and ensure compliance with regulations that directly affect international students and their visa status.
Education Agent Commission Reporting
After the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000 (ESOS Act) amendment, the department is now able to ask for the details about payments made to education agents. It will include payments made to education agents from January 1, 2026, to June 30, 2026.
Providers will now be required to report all monetary and non-monetary commissions to agents. This includes:
- Fees and charges
- Bonuses or performance payments
- Gifts, rewards, or incentives
- Discounted or free services
PRISMS will be updated to allow providers to enter this information, with at least 30 days to complete submissions. Consultations on the reporting tool will be held through the PRISMS Working Group in February and March 2026, with additional guidance provided early in the year.
Collection of English Test Score IDs
Recent amendments to the ESOS Regulations also require providers to submit English test score IDs for students who have undertaken tests mandated under the Migration Regulations 1994.
PRISMS is expected to be updated in April 2026 to collect these test score IDs. From that point, providers will be expected to submit this data, with detailed guidance provided via factsheets and updates to the Provider User Guide.
Why This Matters for Migration
These PRISMS updates can directly impact student visas, as English test results are an important visa requirement, and any missing or incorrect details can lead to delays or even refusals. At the same time, closer monitoring of agent commissions means stricter checks throughout the student visa process.
So, with stricter PRISMS checks coming in 2026, it is important to keep your visa and English test details accurate. If you need guidance on your English test requirements, visa documentation, or compliance matters, Growmore Immigration is here to assist you.
You can contact us and get personalised guidance on Australian Immigration.
Email: info@growmore.one
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