Australia announces tighter student and backpacker visa rules

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said the government would restrict international students from bringing partners and children, with some exceptions for students from Pacific and Southeast Asian countries. The government says the changes are intended to close pathways being used for prolonged stays.

Second- and third-year working-holiday extensions would move to a ballot, while visitor visas would more often carry a 'no further stay' condition limiting onshore switches to other visas. The exact cohorts and transition arrangements have not all been published.

The government also plans 100 additional compliance officers to address overstays and misconduct by migration intermediaries. It is targeting net overseas migration of 225,000 in 2027–28; that target is not the same as a single annual visa cap.

Applicants should not make enrolment, visa or family decisions from social-media summaries alone. Check formal Australian Home Affairs conditions, start dates and individual eligibility before acting.