Australia tightens student visas, restricts partners and children
The changes were announced by Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke amid growing public debate over migration levels, housing costs and pressure on public services.
Under the proposed measures, most international students will no longer be allowed to bring their partners or children as secondary visa applicants. However, some students from Pacific Island nations and Southeast Asia will be exempt from the restriction.
The government also plans to introduce new conditions for working holiday visas and strengthen enforcement against people who remain in Australia after their visas expire.
New restrictions for international students
The proposed changes will affect families planning to accompany students during their studies. At present, spouses and partners of international students can apply to join them in Australia, and they may also be permitted to work, depending on the student’s course and visa conditions.
Under the new system, secondary applicants will not be allowed on most student visas. The government says the measure is part of a broader plan to manage temporary migration and bring annual net migration closer to pre-pandemic levels.
Students from certain Pacific Island and Southeast Asian countries will still be able to bring their partners and children under the proposed arrangements. Officials have not indicated that all international students will face identical conditions.
Another proposed change would require international students to move up the qualification scale when renewing their student visas. This means students may face restrictions if they seek to remain in Australia without progressing to a higher level of education.
Government targets temporary migration
The reforms are expected to reduce Australia’s annual net migration to about 225,000 by 2028. The figure would be closer to pre-pandemic levels and lower than the current level of around 300,000.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke rejected suggestions that the changes were introduced because of pressure from the One Nation party. The right-wing party has called for a major reduction in temporary migration, saying Australians need more “breathing space”.
“It’s simply demonstrably wrong to suspect that somehow this is a recent bit of work done to deal with a political climate — it’s not,” Burke told reporters.
The minister said the government was focused on making sure people used the correct visa pathway. He also said those without a valid visa should leave Australia.
“If you want to come temporarily to Australia, apply for a temporary visa. If you want to come to Australia permanently, apply for a permanent visa. And if you no longer have a valid visa, you should leave Australia,” he said.
Tougher rules for backpackers and visa overstayers
The government is also planning changes for people using working holiday visas. A ballot system will be introduced for backpackers who want to extend their stay under the working holiday programme.
The new rules would also place a “no further stay” condition on all visitor visas. This would prevent visitors from remaining in Australia while applying for another visa category, such as a partner visa.
Authorities also plan to increase enforcement against visa overstayers. Burke said the government would hire 100 additional compliance officers to help identify and manage people who remain in the country without valid permission.
Officials are also exploring whether a former pandemic-era quarantine facility in Melbourne could be repurposed to house immigration detainees. The proposal is part of a wider effort to strengthen visa compliance.
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International education faces uncertainty
International education remains a major contributor to Australia’s economy. It generated A$53.6 billion in the year to June 2025, making it the country’s fourth-largest export.
Despite its economic importance, international students have become a central part of the government’s efforts to reduce migration. The proposed restrictions have raised concerns among education representatives about Australia’s appeal as a study destination.
Luke Sheehy, chief executive of Universities Australia, said the policy shift could affect confidence in the sector.
“It is chipping away at the confidence in what has been a great national asset for this country, international education,” Sheehy said in an interview with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
The sector has already faced several changes in recent years. Student visa application fees have increased by nearly 300 per cent over four years, reaching A$2,500.
The government has also tightened English-language requirements and minimum savings thresholds for some graduate visa applicants. These measures have made the process more demanding for students seeking to study and work in Australia.
Migration numbers decline from recent peak
Australia experienced a sharp increase in migration after reopening its international borders in February 2022, following almost two years of Covid-19 restrictions.
International students, backpackers and temporary workers contributed significantly to the rise. Net overseas migration reached a peak of 518,000 in 2023.
However, the numbers have declined since then. Net overseas migration stood at 306,000 in the year ending June 30, 2025, with international students accounting for more than half of the total.
The latest reforms are expected to further reduce migration in the coming years. The government says the measures are intended to create a more controlled and sustainable immigration system.
For international students, the changes could affect decisions about studying in Australia, especially for those planning to move with their families. Universities and education groups are likely to continue seeking clarity on how the new rules will be applied.
