Australia has announced significant changes to its migration program, including new measures affecting international students and graduate visa holders. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke outlined the reforms on Thursday, 17 September 2026, as part of the Government’s next stage of migration policy.

Key change: restrictions on family members of students

One of the most significant announcements for international students is a proposed restriction on the ability of new international students to bring family members as secondary applicants.

Minister Burke stated that international students and graduate visa holders will generally no longer be able to attach family members to their visas. However, the Government has identified exceptions, including students from Pacific and ASEAN countries and students undertaking certain courses, such as PhD programs.

Importantly, the announcement states that people who already have family members attached to their visas and are already in Australia will not have their existing arrangements broken up under this change.

What does this mean for students planning to study in Australia?

Students planning to apply for an Australian student visa should carefully consider the timing of their application and whether their family members are intended to accompany them.

The announced policy is not the same as an immediate change to every visa requirement. The Department of Home Affairs states that the changes will be progressively rolled out over the next 12 months. Students should therefore check the current requirements that apply when they are preparing and lodging their visa application.

Other migration reforms announced

The Government also announced a range of broader migration measures, including:

  • Changes to skilled migration priority processing across sectors including healthcare, construction, education, resources and agriculture.
  • Measures intended to address visa hopping and improve student visa integrity.
  • Stronger compliance measures for people without valid visas.
  • Measures targeting migration agents who knowingly support visa applications without merit.
  • A proposed No Further Stay condition for visitor visas.
  • Changes to the Working Holiday Maker Program, including a ballot system for years two and three and regional work requirements.

Important: announced reforms are not the same as individual visa advice

Migration policy can change through legislation, regulations, legislative instruments, ministerial directions and administrative implementation. The details and commencement dates of individual measures are therefore important.

International students should not rely solely on media reports when making decisions about their course, visa application or family arrangements. Check the current Department of Home Affairs requirements and obtain professional advice where appropriate.

Official sources

Department of Home Affairs – Migration reform announcement, 17 September 2026

Department of Home Affairs – Australian Government Migration Policy Changes

Minister Tony Burke – National Press Club speech, 17 September 2026

This article provides general information only. Migration policy and visa requirements can change, and individual circumstances should be assessed before making an application.