17/09/2026
Summary of Australia’s new migration policy changes
The Albanese Government has announced several measures aimed mainly at reducing temporary migration and preventing misuse of the visa system. The target is to reduce net overseas migration to approximately 245,000 in 2026–27 and 225,000 in 2027–28.
The main changes announced are:
Visitor visas: A “no further stay” condition will be imposed on all visitor visas. This is intended to prevent visitors from using a visitor visa to remain in Australia by applying for another visa onshore.
Student visas: The Government will further restrict “visa hopping” and limit secondary applicants—such as partners and family members—on most student visas. The precise restrictions and exemptions have not yet been released.
Working Holiday visas: Applicants seeking a second or third Working Holiday visa will be subject to a ballot system, together with regional-work requirements. The Government also intends to stabilise processing times at around three months.
Skilled migration: Ministerial Direction 119 will be updated to prioritise skilled visa applications connected with important sectors, including:
healthcare;
construction;
education;
law enforcement and defence;
resources;
agriculture, aquaculture and fishing.
This concerns processing priority and does not necessarily create new visa eligibility.
Unlawful non-citizens: Compliance and removal measures will be strengthened to ensure that people who no longer hold valid visas leave Australia.
Migration agents: The Government will increase enforcement against migration agents who knowingly assist with visa applications that have no merit.
Character and community protection: Ministerial Direction 110 will be amended to give greater protection to children who are victims of crime and to victims of domestic and family violence when character and visa-cancellation decisions are made.
Importantly, these are newly announced policy measures. The commencement dates, transitional arrangements, exemptions and exact legal wording have not yet been published. There was also no specific change announced in this initial package concerning partner, parent, carer or humanitarian visa eligibility.
Source: SBS News live coverage: https://www.sbs.com.au/news/live-blog/australia-migration-overhaul-tony-burke-live-updates/g70aegsau
The announcement comes as new figures show net overseas migration has fallen.