18/09/2026
🇦🇺 Australia’s Migration Rules Are Changing — What You Need to Know from Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke's announcement on 17 September 2026.
The Australian Government has announced a significant new round of migration changes aimed at bringing greater control to Australia’s migration system and reducing Net Overseas Migration.
For people already in Australia, international students, temporary visa holders, working holiday makers, families and those considering migrating to Australia, these changes may have important consequences.
Some of the key announced changes include:
🔹 International students & their families
Most international students and graduate visa holders will no longer be able to automatically bring family members as secondary applicants. There will be important exceptions, including for certain Pacific and ASEAN nationals and students undertaking specified courses such as PhDs.
🔹 Working holiday makers
The Government proposes a ballot system for second and third year Working Holiday visas. The second year ballot will be limited to 45,000 places, while the third year ballot will be limited to 5,000 places, with the existing regional work requirements remaining.
🔹 Visitor visas
A No Further Stay condition will be attached to future visitor visas, subject to the relevant exceptions. This is intended to reduce the use of visitor visas as a pathway to remain in Australia through other visa applications.
🔹 Visa hopping & student visa integrity
The Government has announced further measures aimed at preventing repeated movement between temporary visas where there is no realistic pathway to permanent residence.
🔹 Skilled migration priorities
Processing priorities are being updated to give greater priority to sectors including healthcare, construction, education, law enforcement, defence, resources, agriculture, aquaculture and fishing.
🔹 Compliance & enforcement
The Government will increase compliance resources, including additional officers, to locate people who no longer have a valid visa and ensure that visa conditions are complied with.
What does this mean for you?
The important point is that there is no single answer for everyone.
Whether these changes affect you — and what options may remain available — will depend on your current visa or proposed visa, your circumstances, your family situation, your occupation or course of study, your nationality and the timing of any application.
The migration landscape is changing rapidly, and some of the announced measures will be progressively implemented over the coming months.
If you are already in Australia, planning to study or work in Australia, considering bringing family members, approaching the end of your current visa, or considering migration to Australia, it is important to understand your options before making significant decisions about your visa status.
At PLL Partners, we are here to help you understand the changing migration environment, identify the pathways that may be available to you and your family, and provide guidance on your legal options moving forward.
📩 If you are affected by these changes or are considering migration to Australia, contact our office to arrange an initial consultation.
The rules are changing. Understanding your options early can make a difference.