Australia tightens student visa rules, moves to curb migration

Dhaka: Australia is tightening its migration rules, including restricting most international students from bringing partners and children, as the government seeks to reduce net migration to pre-pandemic levels.

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said the reforms are expected to lower annual net migration to about 225,000 by 2028, from roughly 300,000 currently.

Under the new rules, most international students will no longer be able to include family members on their student visas. Exceptions will apply to some students from Pacific Island nations and Southeast Asia.

Students seeking to renew their visas will generally need to progress to a higher qualification level. The government will also introduce a ballot system for backpackers seeking to extend working holiday visas.

Visitor visa holders will face a “no further stay” condition, preventing them from remaining in Australia while applying for another visa category. Authorities will also increase enforcement against people who overstay their visas, including hiring 100 additional compliance officers.

The changes come as migration and living costs remain major concerns for Australian voters. International education contributed AD 53.6 billion to the economy in the year to June 2025, making it one of the country’s largest exports.

Universities Australia CEO Luke Sheehy warned that repeated policy changes could undermine confidence in Australia’s international education sector.