Australia is tightening visa rules for international students, backpackers and visitors as the government moves to reduce migration and bring annual net migration closer to pre-pandemic levels.
Under the new measures, most international students will no longer be allowed to bring their partners or children to Australia while studying.
The government will also introduce a ballot system for backpackers seeking to extend their working holiday visas and impose additional restrictions on visitors who want to remain in the country by applying for another visa.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke announced the measures on Thursday, saying the government would also strengthen enforcement against people who overstay their visas.
The reforms are expected to reduce Australia’s annual net migration to about 225,000 by 2028, from around 300,000 currently.
Burke said the government would hire 100 additional compliance officers to pursue visa overstayers and is considering using a pandemic-era quarantine facility in Melbourne to accommodate immigration detainees.
“If you want to come on a temporary basis 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,” Burke said.
Under the revised student visa arrangements, international students will generally only be able to renew their visas if they progress to a higher qualification level.
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.
The government will also place a “no further stay” condition on visitor visas. This will prevent visitors from remaining in Australia while applying for another visa category, including a partner visa.
For backpackers, Australia plans to introduce a ballot system for those seeking to extend their working holiday visas.
