Australia has announced tougher immigration rules targeting international students, backpackers and other temporary visa holders as the government moves to reduce net overseas migration.
Under the new measures, most international students will no longer be allowed to bring their partners and children to Australia while studying.
Some exemptions will apply to students from Pacific Island and Southeast Asian countries, as well as certain study categories. Families already living in Australia will not be separated under the new rules.
The government is also tightening rules for international students seeking to extend their stay.
Students who complete one qualification will generally be allowed to obtain another student visa only if they move to a higher-level qualification. Those who want to change courses will also be required to apply for a new visa.
Working holiday visas are also being restricted.
Under the revised system, a ballot will be introduced for backpackers seeking to remain in Australia for a second or third year under parts of the Working Holiday Maker program.
The second-year program will be capped at 45,000 places, while only 5,000 places will be available for a third year. Applicants will still have to complete the required regional work before becoming eligible for the ballot.
The government is also changing visitor visa rules to prevent people from using short-term visas to remain in Australia while applying for another type of visa.
At the same time, authorities will step up action against people who stay in the country after their visas expire. The government plans to recruit an additional 100 compliance officers and is considering using a former Melbourne quarantine facility for immigration detention.
The measures are part of the government’s plan to reduce annual net overseas migration to around 225,000 by 2028, compared with roughly 300,000 currently.
Migration increased sharply after Australia reopened its international borders following the COVID-19 pandemic, although the number has since started declining.
The changes come as immigration remains a major political issue in Australia, particularly amid concerns over housing availability and the rising cost of living.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke rejected suggestions that the new measures were introduced in response to growing support for One Nation, saying the government had been working on the reforms for some time.
The changes could also affect Australia’s international education sector, which contributed A$53.6 billion to the economy in the year to June 2025 and was the country’s fourth-largest export.
Universities Australia Chief Executive Luke Sheehy has warned that continued changes to immigration and student visa policies could weaken confidence in Australia’s international education sector.
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