Australia immigration policy update: What you need to know

27 days ago

Update (as of 2nd October, 2026): International students will no longer be able to bring their dependants to Australia (with PhD students, students from ASEAN & Pacific Islands, students receiving foreign government scholarship, and students sponsored by DFAT or Defence as exceptions), and will only be able to move up the qualification level.

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

What this announcement was about

1) As of 2nd October 2026, international students will not be able to bring dependents; the exemption applies to PhD students and students from Pacific Island and ASEAN countries.

1.2) 485 visa holders may not be able to bring dependents.

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

3) "No Further Stay” condition may apply to all future visitor visas.

4) A new “ballot system” for second- and third-year backpackers (Working Holiday visa holders). Ballot allocations of 45K for second-year and 5K for third-year WHV.

5) For this financial year, the government aims to reduce net overseas immigration (NOI) to 245,000. For 2027-28, NOI is to be 225,000.

6) Visa overstayers may be detained and deported.

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 are in the right place. In this blog, we will take a deep dive into why these policy changes may be happening, which visas may be affected, and what the next steps could be. So, let’s get started.

NOTE: This rule update has not been implemented yet (with the exception of student visa related update). This blog discusses possible future scenarios, not the actual future.

This blog was updated on 2nd October, 2026.

First, why the government is changing immigration policy?

According to the Minister for Home Affairs of Australia, 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.

What could the immigration policy changes mean for international students?

This immigration policy change affects international students in two ways. Namely:

1) As of 2nd October 2026, future international students will not be able to bring dependents; the exemption applies to PhD students, students from ASEAN & Pacific Islands, students receiving foreign government scholarship, and students sponsored by DFAT or Defence.

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.

Note: The factsheet released by Department of Home Affairs does not exempt Master's by Research students.

Where,

Pacific Island countries	ASEAN countries
Federated States of Micronesia Fiji Kiribati Marshall Islands Naoero Palau Samoa Solomon Islands Tonga Tuvalu Vanuatu	Brunei Darussalam Cambodia Indonesia Lao PDR Malaysia Myanmar Philippines Singapore Thailand Timor-Leste Viet Nam

2) As of 2nd October 2026, international students studying any AQF-level courses will 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.

Want to go deeper into recent (2nd October 2026) Australia student visa changes, read our blog. Also learn what it may mean for 485 visa holders.

What could the immigration policy changes mean for working holiday visa holders?

Second- and third-year backpackers, i.e., working holiday visa holders, will have to pass the “ballot system”, according to Mr. 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.

What could the immigration policy changes mean for visitor visa applicants?

All future visitor visas will have a “No Further Stay” condition, according to Mr. 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.

This 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.

What could the immigration policy changes mean for visa overstayers?

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.

Who are the “rogue migration agents” the immigration minister spoke of?

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

So, in conclusion

If implemented, this immigration policy change might make it harder for working holiday visa holders to extend their stay, make compliance tougher, and make all future visitor visas attach the "No Further Stay" condition. International students will not be able to bring dependants to Australia (with exceptions), and will be required to study “only up the qualification scale”.

Note: Not everything about this immigration policy change has been implemented.

So, individuals should stay up to date and, when immigration policy changes are rolled out, seek professional guidance from experts in this field, such as Search Education.

We are an ethical consultant and migration agent, with multiple MARA-registered migration agents and a 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.

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