Australia targets student and backpacker visas

Australia announced stricter immigration rules on Thursday targeting international students, visa hoppers, and backpackers. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said the changes aim to reduce net overseas migration to 225,000 by 2028.

International students can't bring families

Foreign students will no longer be able to bring their families to Australia. PhD students and those from Pacific and South East Asian countries will be exempt from this rule.

“We will no longer be adding to the stock of students automatically being able to bring family members over.”

Crackdown on visa hopping

Students finishing a course can no longer automatically extend their stay by enrolling in a lower qualification. They must pursue higher qualifications, like moving from a bachelor's degree to a master's degree.

Working holiday visa ballot system introduced

Working holiday visas for those aged 18 to 30 will now use a ballot system. Second-year allocations are cut from 57,000 to 45,000, and third-year spots drop from 31,000 to 5,000.

UK backpackers exempt from changes

British working holidaymakers will not be affected by the new restrictions due to Australia's free trade agreement with the UK. The changes also don't apply to 24 other countries.

Migration becomes political flashpoint

Australia's population grew 1.4% to 27.9 million in the year to March 2026, with net overseas migration of 292,100. Rising living costs and housing affordability are fueling political debate about immigration.

Experts warn of talent competition risks

Settlement Services International says the migration debate is driven by short-term politics rather than what's best for the country. Restricting family visas for students could make Australia less competitive for attracting future talent.

“The proposed changes to family visas for international students is a good example of this.”