Major Australian Immigration Overhaul Announced: Student Visa Family Restrictions & 6 Key Changes Explained (September 2026 Update)

G'day from Supreme Migration — your trusted partner for professional, compliant and efficient Australian visa and migration solutions.

In September 2026, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke announced a new round of immigration reforms. The Government plans to further reduce Net Overseas Migration (NOM) and introduce changes affecting international students and their families, visa hopping, visitor visas, unlawful overstayers, skilled migration, Working Holiday visas and character requirements.

Here are the six key changes you need to know:

1. Major Restrictions on Students Bringing Spouses & Family Members

This is the most closely watched change. The vast majority of international students will no longer be able to easily bring their spouses and family members to Australia, with dependant arrangements under the Student Visa program to be significantly restricted.

Last year, Australia granted more than 337,000 international student visas, of which around 45,000 were issued to spouses and family members of primary applicants — this group will be a key target of the reduction.

Confirmed exemptions so far include:

- PhD (doctoral) students

- Students from Pacific Island countries

- Students from ASEAN countries, including Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines and Cambodia

⚠️ Important: Details regarding whether the 485 Graduate Visa will be affected, whether transitional arrangements will apply, and how offshore family applications will be treated have not yet been formally released. If you are eligible — especially for spouse or family applications (including Student Visa Subsequent Entrant) — we strongly recommend contacting a Registered Migration Agent as soon as possible. The coming weeks could be a critical window.

2. Further Crackdown on Visa Hopping

The Government will further restrict "visa hopping" — continuously switching between temporary visas to extend one's stay in Australia. However, the Minister has made it clear: not all visa transitions are problematic.

This standard pathway remains fully expected by the migration system:

Student Visa → Graduate Visa (485) → Skilled Occupation in Demand → Permanent Residency / Citizenship

What the Government is targeting are cases where visa switching is used to circumvent migration policy settings. A holistic, well-planned visa strategy is more important than ever.

3. "No Further Stay" on Visitor Visas & Stronger Compliance

Visitor (subclass 600) visas will see significant changes:

• The Government plans to attach a "No Further Stay" condition to visitor visas

• Even with strong financial evidence and travel itineraries, overall scrutiny is expected to tighten

• 100 additional compliance officers will be deployed to address unlawful non-citizens and long-term overstayers

If you have further visa plans after a visit to Australia, we advise against DIY visitor visa applications. Have your overall visa strategy professionally assessed first.

4. Skilled Migration Tilted Towards Genuine Shortages

Skilled migration will continue to prioritise occupations in genuine national shortage, including:

- Healthcare

- Construction

- Teaching / Education

- Law Enforcement & Defence

- Resources, Agriculture, Aquaculture & Fishing

In addition, the Government plans to adjust qualification points under the Points Test, giving greater recognition to Trade Qualifications. Trades such as Electricians, Carpenters and Plumbers could carry greater policy weight in the skilled migration system going forward.

Under Ministerial Direction 119, effective 25 July 2026, processing priorities for skilled visas have already shifted: Law Enforcement/Defence applications rank highest, followed by Construction, Healthcare and Teaching. Onshore applicants also receive higher overall processing priority.

5. Working Holiday Maker (WHV) Reforms

• A ballot (lottery) system will be introduced for second- and third-year visas

• A new regional work requirement will be added

• Processing caps on certain WHV applications will end, with processing times stabilising at around 3 months

6. Tighter Character Test

The Department will receive greater powers to deal with non-citizens whose visas involve:

Crimes against children, domestic violence and hate crimes

The character test framework will be updated. Police or criminal records in these areas may directly affect your character assessment — and in serious cases, may lead to visa cancellation.

Summary: Net Overseas Migration Targets

• FY2026–27: 245,000

• FY2027–28: 225,000

Please note: some of these measures are currently only policy directions announced by the Government. Exact commencement dates, transitional arrangements, new Points Test settings and the treatment of certain family applications are still subject to formal legislation and departmental guidance. Always distinguish between rules already in effect and reforms still awaiting implementation details.

Supreme Migration will continue to monitor official announcements from the Department of Home Affairs and keep you updated.

【A Note from Supreme Migration】

Policy windows can close quickly. Whether you're planning to study, bring your family, migrate as a skilled worker, or transition between visas, early planning and compliant lodgement are your best response to change.

Phone: [08 6275 9897] 

Email: [canon@suprememigration.com] 

Address: [Unit 102, 5 Harper Terrace, South Perth WA 6151] 

Our MARA Registered Migration Agents (2418636) are ready to provide a one-on-one professional assessment.

Disclaimer: This article is compiled from publicly available information as at the date of publication and is for general reference only. It does not constitute migration advice. Australian migration policies may change at any time. Please refer to the official website of the Department of Home Affairs for the most current information.