Australia announced a series of migration policy changes in September 2026, affecting international students, graduates, skilled workers, visitor visa applicants and working holiday makers. While some measures have already taken effect, others remain proposals or announcements without confirmed commencement dates.
For visa applicants and current visa holders, understanding which rules apply now, and which may change in the future is essential. This guide explains the announced changes, their current status and the practical steps you can take before making your next visa decision.
What changed in September 2026?
Mr Burke made the announcement in a National Press Club speech on 17 September. The government wants net overseas migration to fall from about 292,000 to 225,000 by 2027-28.
The package covers students, graduates, visitors, working holiday makers, skilled workers and visa overstayers.
Two parts moved quickly:
- Processing priorities changed on 19 September. New Ministerial Directions 121 and 122 replaced Direction 119.
- Student visa rules changed on 2 October. New regulations now limit family members and onshore student visa applications.
Everything else is announced for now.
Which changes are already law?
Here is where things stand on 13 October 2026.
| Change | Status | Who it affects |
| Ministerial Directions 121 and 122 (processing priorities) | In force since 19 September | People waiting on a visa decision |
| No family members on new student visa applications | In force for applications lodged on or after 2 October | New student visa applicants |
| No adding family after a student visa is granted | In force from 2 October | Current student visa holders |
| Further student visas generally lodged from outside Australia | In force from 2 October, with exceptions | Current student visa holders |
| No family members on graduate (485) visas | Announced, no start date yet | Future 485 applicants |
| ‘No further stay’ condition on all new visitor visas | Announced, no start date yet | Future visitor visa applicants |
| Ballot for second and third year working holiday visas | Announced | Backpackers |
| Construction trades counted like a degree on the points test | Announced | Skilled applicants |
| Tougher action on overstayers | Announced, no start date yet | People without a valid visa |
| Character rules and migration agent changes | Announced, details not final | Wide range of applicants |
You can read the student visa rules yourself in the Migration Amendment (Student Visa Reform) Regulations 2026 on the Federal Register of Legislation.
Check before you rely on this table. Rules change fast, and announced changes can start with little notice. We update this page weekly.
Will the changes affect my visa?
It depends on your visa and your plans. Find your situation below.
Current student visa holders
- Families already attached to a visa can stay. The Minister said families already in Australia will not be broken up.
- You can’t add family members after your visa is granted. Home Affairs says there are no exemptions to this rule.
- Applying for another student visa? You generally have to apply from outside Australia now. Some exceptions apply.
- Lodged before 2 October? The old rules apply to your application.
Thinking of applying for a student visa
Most applicants can no longer include a partner or children.
Some exceptions exist. For example, PhD students, some fully funded scholarship students, and Defence and Foreign Affairs students. The Minister also said Pacific and ASEAN students would be treated differently, so check the current exemption list before you plan.
Read more about the student visa (subclass 500).
Graduate (485) visa holders and applicants
The Minister said the family restriction will also apply to graduate visas.
That part is announced only. We could not find a start date or legal instrument yet.
If you plan to include a partner, get advice before you lodge. Timing could matter. Here is our guide to the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485).
Skilled visa applicants
The new directions change the order Home Affairs processes some applications. If you are waiting on a skilled visa, ask how this affects your place in the queue.
A points test change is also announced. Housing construction trades would count like a university qualification. There is no start date yet.
Don’t change your plan based on headlines. Check your pathway first. See the skilled independent visa (subclass 189), the skilled work regional visa (subclass 491) and the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482).
Visitors, backpackers and overstayers
- Visitors: a ‘no further stay’ condition is planned for new visitor visas. It would generally stop you applying for most other visas while in Australia. Visas already granted are not affected. See our visitor visa information.
- Backpackers: a ballot is planned for second and third year visas.
- Overstayers: tougher compliance action is planned. If your visa has expired or is about to, talk to a lawyer early.
What should you do now?
- Confirm your visa, its end date and your lodgement date. The date you lodge decides which rules apply.
- Check Home Affairs before you act. News headlines often skip start dates and exemptions.
- Don’t rush a lodgement. A rushed application with gaps can cause bigger problems than a short delay.
- Get your documents ready early. Think identity, study or work records, and relationship evidence if it applies.
- Get advice if family is part of your plan. This is where the rules have changed the most.
Need help working out where you stand?
Not sure where you fit? Our team in Parramatta helps students, graduates, skilled workers and families across Sydney.
Book a consultation or see our latest Australian immigration updates.
This article is general information only and is not legal advice. Rules change often. Speak to a migration lawyer or registered migration agent about your own situation.
