Tony Burke’s migration announcement, 17th September 2026: Major changes coming to Australia visas

BREAKING: Massive changes may be coming to Australia's immigration policy, according to the press conference by Immigration Minister Tony Burke:

Australian government is bringing huge changes to immigration policy. International students, their family members, and backpackers may be affected. International citizens wondering what these changes mean for them, they are in the right place. In this blog, we will take a deep dive into why these changes may be happening, which visas may be affected, and what the next steps could be. So, let’s get started.

NOTE: The legislation behind these massive changes in Australia's immigration policy has not passed yet. This blog discusses possible future scenarios, not the actual future. So, individuals should keep that in mind.

According to the Immigration Minister Tony Burke, the government is simply cracking down on what they call “visa hopping” and “rogue migration agents”. He stated visa hopping is a “genuine problem” and that temporary visa holders gaming the system will be detained and deported.

He addressed the claim that Australia is home to “mass migration” as “absurd”. He emphasised that the government will meet the net overseas immigration (NOI) target of 225,000 by 2028.

He also said that he doesn’t view Australia as a melting pot, but as an “orchestra”. Various sectors/people work together “in harmony”. This seems to imply that the government is putting things in order, where they need to be.

He emphasised that immigration is not the primary cause of the housing crisis but can be part of the solution, with the government focusing on skilled migrants in construction, education and healthcare.

He added, “These reforms are not as comprehensive as I would like them to be”. The government is making these changes to pass them as legislation, as Australia has a demand-driven system.

According to this press conference, international students are affected in two ways. Namely:

1) Future international students (and 485 visa holders) may not be able to bring dependents; the exemption applies to PhD students and students from Pacific Island and ASEAN countries.

So, students from countries other than Pacific Islands or ASEAN nations (except PhD students) may not be able to bring dependants.

This policy change doesn't affect students who have already brought their dependants to Australia, according to Mr. Burke. It will only affect students who apply after this change is legislated.

The press conference did not clarify what the immigration change may mean for the Master's by Research students. Stay tuned for future updates.

Where,

2) International students studying any AQF-level courses may be allowed to move “only up the qualification scale”.

For example, students at AQF level 6 may move to AQF level 7+ only, not AQF level 6 or below.

Second- and third-year backpackers, i.e., working holiday visa holders, will have to pass the “ballot system”, according to Immigration Minister Tony Burke. Only 45,000 second-year WHVs and only 5000 third-year WHVs will be granted.

Currently, individuals are automatically qualified for second- and third-year WHVs after meeting the requirements. But if the change becomes law, fulfilment of requirements will only put them in a ballot system. If they get selected, only then will their visa be assessed.

He also said that processing time for working holiday visas will be delayed as the government focuses on other important sectors such as construction, healthcare and education.

Future visitor visas will have a “No Further Stay” condition, according to Immigration Minister Tony Burke.

Once the legislation becomes law, first, visa holders before the policy change will not be affected; second, future visa holders (applicants applying after the change) must leave Australia when their visa expires.

It means future visa holders may not be allowed to extend their stay in Australia. To apply for a visa extension or an entirely different visa, they must first leave Australia.

According to Mr Burke, visa overstayers will be detained and made to leave Australia. He said the government will toughen up compliance with visa rules.

He emphasised that this is not the same as in other nations, but rather just reverting to how it was in 2015.

According to the Immigration Minister Tony Burke, “rogue migration agents” are those who promote or direct international citizens toward frivolous course/visa without merit to Australia. He also said those agents who promote such actions will have their registration cancelled or face other consequences.

This immigration policy change may make it harder for working holiday visa holders to extend their stay, may make compliance tougher, and may mean that future international students may not be able to bring dependants to Australia and will be able to study “only up the qualification scale”.

Note: Immigration Minister Tony Burke announced immigration policy changes in a press conference. The official legislative instrument or ministerial direction is yet to be published.

So, individuals should stay up to date and, if it passes and becomes law, should seek professional guidance from experts in this field, such as Search Education.

We are an ethical MARA-registered migration agent (MARN 0960025) with an amazing track record of integrity and honesty. Navigating this policy change, if it becomes legislation, requires professionals to understand Australia's regulatory framework. The good news is we have over 10 years of experience guiding students toward their dreams and making the process hassle-free. For complete guidance and to learn what this immigration policy change may mean for you, consult with us.