Australia is tightening several migration rules, including family visas for international students and the number of backpackers who can extend their working holiday stay.
Published: 17 September 2026
- Most new international students will no longer automatically be able to bring family members.
- Australia is targeting students who repeatedly change courses to remain in the country.
- Second-year working holiday places will be capped at 45,000.
- Third-year working holiday places will be capped at 5,000.
- British working holidaymakers are excluded from these changes under existing arrangements.
International students face tighter family rules
Australia has announced tighter visa rules as the government moves to reduce migration levels.
Most new international students will no longer automatically be able to bring family members to Australia.
Some exemptions will apply, including certain students already in Australia, applicants from Pacific and ASEAN countries, and students enrolled in selected courses such as PhD programs.
Australia targets βvisa hoppingβ
The government is also targeting students who repeatedly change courses while remaining in Australia.
Under the new approach, students changing their course will generally need to apply for a new visa.
The government says students should normally progress to a higher qualification, such as moving from a bachelor’s degree to a master’s degree, rather than switching to a lower-level course.
Backpackers face new limits
Working Holiday Maker visa holders will also face tighter limits on extensions.
The ballot for second-year stays will be capped at 45,000 places, while the third-year ballot will be capped at just 5,000 places.
Last year, around 57,000 people qualified for a second year and about 31,000 qualified for a third year.
British working holidaymakers are not affected by these particular changes under Australia-UK arrangements.
Australia’s population
Net overseas migration
Second-year ballot cap
Third-year ballot cap
What this means for people planning Australia
International students and working holiday applicants should check the latest visa requirements before making travel, study or employment plans.
The changes are particularly relevant to students planning to bring family members and people hoping to extend a working holiday stay.
Why the changes matter
Australia’s population reached 27,921,150 at 31 March 2026, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
Net overseas migration was 292,100 over the year, down from 309,500 in the previous 12-month period.
The government has set a net overseas migration target of 245,000 for the current financial year and 225,000 for the following financial year.
Tags: Australia Immigration, Australia Visa, Student Visa, Working Holiday Visa, Jobs in Australia, International Students
