Government aims to reduce net overseas migration from around 300,000 currently to 225,000 annually by 2028
Australia has decided to further tighten visa rules for international students in an effort to limit rising migration into the country.
According to the international news agency Reuters, Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke is expected to announce new changes to the country’s immigration policy.
However, Australian broadcaster ABC News shared some key points ahead of the Home Affairs Minister’s expected speech.
Under the proposed changes, international students could be prevented from bringing their spouses, partners and children to Australia during their studies.
The restrictions include limits on bringing family members of international students to Australia, as well as tighter rules governing temporary visa holders switching from one visa to another.
The Australian government aims to reduce net overseas migration from around 300,000 currently to 225,000 annually by 2028.
What Are the Current Rights of Students?
Currently, international students studying in Australia can make the relevant visa arrangements to have their spouse or partner with them in the country, while dependent children under the age of 18 are also permitted to accompany them.
Spouses and partners of students are also allowed to work in Australia, although working hours may vary depending on the student’s course and visa conditions.
If the proposed change is implemented, the current pathway for international students to have family members with them would be significantly restricted when deciding to study in Australia.
Plan to Reduce Migration
The Australian government’s measures come at a time when net overseas migration has increased significantly in recent years.
According to official figures, net overseas migration stood at 306,000 in the year ending June 30, 2025, while the figure was 429,000 in 2024 and reached a record high of 518,000 in 2023.
International students account for a major share of this migration, and according to 2025 figures, they accounted for more than half of net migration.
Pressure on Housing and Infrastructure
The increase in migration in Australia has also intensified the debate over pressure on housing, infrastructure and public services. Critics argue that the large number of new arrivals has increased demand for housing, particularly.
Australia reopened its borders in February 2022 after nearly two years of COVID restrictions, following which the number of arrivals across various categories, including international students, backpackers and temporary skilled workers, increased.
However, net migration has also shown a declining trend over the past two years.
Pressure from One Nation Also Grows
The government’s new policy is being introduced at a time when the right-wing One Nation party has called for a major reduction in the number of temporary migrants.
One Nation said this week that it wants to reduce the number of temporary migrants by 750,000 over three years to ease pressure on Australian citizens.
The party has also proposed limiting net overseas migration to 130,000 annually after the initial three years, with an annual review of the programme.
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