Australia has announced tougher immigration rules for international students, backpackers, and other temporary visa holders. The measures are part of a wider plan to reduce net overseas migration.
Under the new rules, most international students will not be allowed to bring their partners or children. The restrictions will apply while students are studying in Australia.
Some exemptions will remain available. These include students from Pacific Island and Southeast Asian countries. Certain study categories will also qualify for exemptions.
The government said families already living in Australia will not be separated under the new arrangements.
New Rules for Student Visa Extensions
Australia is also changing requirements for students who want to extend their stay.
Students who complete one qualification will generally need to move to a higher-level qualification. They will then be able to obtain another student visa.
Students planning to change their course will also need to apply for a new visa. The changes are intended to place greater limits on repeated student visa applications.
The revised measures could affect international students planning multiple courses in Australia.
Working Holiday Visas Face New Limits
The government is also introducing changes for backpackers using the Working Holiday Maker program.
A ballot system will be introduced for applicants seeking to stay for a second or third year. The new system will apply to relevant parts of the program.
The second-year program will have a limit of 45,000 places. The third-year program will have only 5,000 available places.
Applicants must still complete the required regional work before becoming eligible for the ballot.
These changes will add another selection step for backpackers seeking longer stays.
Visitor Visa Rules Also Tightened
The government plans to change visitor visa rules as well. The new measures aim to prevent people from using short-term visas to remain in the country.
Authorities want to limit the use of visitor visas while applicants seek another type of visa.
Australia will also increase enforcement against people who remain after their visas expire.
The government plans to recruit an additional 100 compliance officers. Authorities are also considering a former Melbourne quarantine facility for immigration detention.
Migration Target Set for 2028
The measures are linked to the government’s plan to reduce annual net overseas migration.
The target is around 225,000 by 2028. Current annual net overseas migration is roughly 300,000.
Migration rose sharply after Australia reopened its international borders following the COVID-19 pandemic. The number has since started to decline.
Immigration remains a major political issue in Australia. Housing availability and living costs are among the concerns surrounding migration levels.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke rejected claims that the reforms were driven by growing support for One Nation. He said the government had been developing the measures for some time.
Impact on International Education
The new rules could also affect Australia’s international education sector.
International education contributed A$53.6 billion to the economy in the year ending June 2025. It was also the country’s fourth-largest export during that period.
Universities Australia Chief Executive Luke Sheehy warned about the possible impact of continued policy changes.
He said repeated changes to immigration and student visa rules could reduce confidence in the sector.
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The latest measures therefore affect several temporary visa categories. They also form part of Australia’s broader effort to manage migration levels and visa compliance.
