Australia has announced a new set of changes to its migration system, including new rules affecting international students, their family members, visitor visas and pathways to staying in the country.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke outlined the changes at the National Press Club in Canberra on 17 September 2026, as part of the Australian Government’s plan to reduce net overseas migration.
According to SBS News, the government is aiming for net overseas migration of 245,000 in the 2026–27 financial year and 225,000 in 2027–28.
So, what was actually announced, and what could it mean for international students?
Changes to bringing family members on student visas
One of the biggest announcements directly affecting international students relates to secondary applicants – such as partners and children who are included on a student visa.
The government plans to restrict secondary applicants on most student visas. The Guardian reports that under the changes, the “vast majority” of international students will be expected to come to Australia without family members.
More than 337,000 international student visas were issued last year, including around 45,000 visas for dependants or family members of primary applicants.
However, the full details of exactly which students will be affected – including any exemptions – have not yet been made clear in the reporting available following the announcement.
The government is targeting ‘visa hopping’
The government also announced plans to further restrict what it describes as student “visa hopping”.
This generally refers to temporary visa holders moving between visa categories or applying for another student visa in order to extend their time in Australia.
Australia has already introduced restrictions in this area. In 2024, for example, Visitor visa and Temporary Graduate visa holders were prevented from applying for a Student visa while in Australia.
The new announcement indicates that the government plans to go further, although the exact additional restrictions and how they will apply to different students have not yet been fully detailed. SBS News explains that stopping visa hopping is part of the government’s broader focus on the integrity of the Student visa system.
Visitor visas will have a ‘no further stay’ condition
Another significant change could affect people considering switching from a Visitor visa to another visa while in Australia.
The government announced that a “no further stay” condition will be introduced on all Visitor visas.
According to SBS News, the aim is to make sure Visitor visas are used for genuine visits rather than as a pathway to extending someone’s stay in Australia.
This means prospective international students should be particularly careful about assuming they will be able to arrive as a visitor and then change their visa status while remaining in Australia.
Changes for Working Holiday Makers
The Working Holiday Maker program is also changing.
For second- and third-year Working Holiday Maker visas, the government plans to introduce a ballot system, alongside a regional work requirement.
Burke also announced that Working Holiday Maker visa processing times would be stabilised at three months.
There are still details to be clarified. The Guardian notes, for example, that it is currently unclear how the changes will affect UK Working Holiday Makers, who have different arrangements under the Australia–UK Free Trade Agreement.
Changes to skilled migration priorities
The announcement also included changes to skilled migration processing.
The government will update Ministerial Direction 119 to prioritise a range of sectors, including:
- healthcare
- construction
- education
- law enforcement
- defence
- resources
- agriculture
- aquaculture
- fishing.
This doesn't mean that everyone working in these areas will automatically qualify for a skilled visa. Rather, the announcement concerns how applications in priority areas are processed within the skilled migration program.
For international students thinking about their future careers in Australia, it is another reminder that migration settings and priority occupations can change over time.
Stronger action on visa overstayers and migration agents
The government also announced stronger compliance measures aimed at people who remain in Australia without a valid visa.
At the same time, migration agents who knowingly support visa applications without merit will face increased enforcement and penalties.
The government will also update Ministerial Direction 110, which deals with character considerations, including changes intended to better protect child victims of crime and people affected by domestic and family violence.
What should international students do now?
Importantly, these announcements do not mean every international student’s current visa arrangements have suddenly changed.
Some of the finer details – including how the new restrictions on secondary applicants and visa hopping will work in practice – are still to come.
If you’re currently studying in Australia or planning to study here, avoid making decisions based only on headlines or social media posts. Check the conditions attached to your individual visa and wait for official details about how and when any new rules will apply.
