Archive · 18 Sep 2026
Australia Tightens Visa Rules for Students and Backpackers
Australia is changing its immigration rules to reduce the number of people staying through repeated visas.
The government calls this practice visa hopping when people use applications and appeals mainly to remain longer.
It says legitimate students who gain needed skills and move into permanent work are not the problem.
New international students will generally not be able to bring family members automatically.
Families already in Australia will not be separated because of these changes.
Some students can still receive a 12-month extension if they are seriously ill or their school closes.
Students can also change courses, but they will need to apply for a new visa.
The government says it wants more workers in important areas such as health care, construction, education, and agriculture.
Australia announced stricter migration rules targeting student visa hopping, backpackers, and people who use repeated applications to prolong their stay.
Net Overseas Migration has fallen 47% to 292,000, with the government targeting 245,000 this financial year and 225,000 by 2027/28.
New rules will generally prevent international students and graduate-visa holders from automatically bringing family members, while families already in Australia will not be separated by the changes.
Student visa extensions for serious illness or institutional closures will remain available, and legitimate course transfers will continue through a new visa application.
Other reforms include priority processing for skilled workers, stricter compliance, limits on visitor visa extensions, action against rogue migration agents, and changes to the Working Holiday Maker Program.
- Who
- The Australian government, led on this announcement by Home Affairs and Immigration Minister Tony Burke, along with international students, backpackers, visa applicants, and migration agents.
- What
- Australia announced the next phase of migration reforms, including restrictions on student visa hopping, family attachments, visitor visa extensions, and Working Holiday Maker arrangements.
- When
- The announcement was covered in a Department of Home Affairs media release dated September 17, 2026; the government also set targets for the current financial year and 2027/28.
- Where
- Australia.
- Why
- The government says the reforms will reduce immigration, prevent misuse of the visa system, ensure people without valid visas leave, and prioritize skills needed by the Australian economy.
- Net Overseas Migration
- 292,000, down 47% from the post-COVID peak in 2023.
- Migration targets
- 245,000 for the current financial year and 225,000 by 2027/28.
- Family attachments
- New international students and graduate-visa holders will generally no longer be able to add family members automatically.
- Existing families
- Family members already in Australia will not be separated by the changes and can remain under current arrangements until departure or eligibility for permanent residence.
- Student visa extensions
- A 12-month extension remains available for critical illness or institutional closure situations.
- Priority sectors
- Healthcare, construction, education, law enforcement, defence, resources, agriculture, aquaculture, and fishing.
- Working Holiday Maker Program
- Ballots will be introduced for years two and three, linked to regional work requirements, with processing times intended to stabilize at three months.