Major Changes Announced to Australia’s Immigration System

17 September 2026 The Australian Government has announced significant changes to the migration system, affecting international students, visitor visas, Working Holiday Makers, skilled migration, visa overstayers and migration agents. While some measures can be implemented under existing powers, not all changes are in effect yet, and further details and commencement dates are expected. International Students and Family Members Most new international students will no longer be able to bring partners or dependent family members to Australia. The Government has confirmed that families already in Australia will not be separated, with exceptions expected to continue for students from Pacific and ASEAN countries and those undertaking certain courses, including PhDs. Restrictions on Student Visa Hopping The Government is also moving to restrict student visa hopping. International students seeking to change courses will generally be required to apply for a new visa, and students who complete a course will generally be expected to progress to a higher-level qualification, rather than moving between courses to extend their stay in Australia. No Further Stay Conditions on Visitor Visas Visitor visas will generally carry a No Further Stay condition, restricting the ability of visitors to apply for another substantive visa while in Australia. This is intended to reduce the use of visitor visas as a pathway to move onto another visa after arriving in Australia. Changes to the Working Holiday Maker Program The Working Holiday Maker program will also be tightened. Under the announced changes, eligibility to remain for a second year will be capped at 45,000 places, with applicants still required to complete the relevant regional work before entering a ballot. Third-year stays will be significantly reduced, with a ballot capped at 5,000 places and the existing regional work requirement applying. Different arrangements apply to UK passport holders under the Australia-UK Free Trade Agreement Skilled Migration Priorities Skilled migration processing will become more targeted towards areas of workforce need. Priority sectors announced include: - Construction -Healthcare - Agriculture- Fisheries - Teaching The Government has also flagged a redesign of the skilled migration points test, including greater recognition for housing construction trades. Stronger Enforcement Against Visa Overstayers The Government has announced increased compliance and enforcement against people who remain in Australia without a valid visa. The approach will include 100 additional compliance officers and 250 additional detention beds, with the Government indicating it intends to restore aspects of the enforcement approach used before 2015. Action Against Migration Agents The Government has also announced tougher measures targeting migration agents who encourage non-meritorious applications or misuse of Australia’s migration system. Changes to the regulatory framework are expected to allow stronger sanctions, including potential deregistration where agents encourage clients to lodge applications that constitute an abuse of the system. Government’s Migration Targets The measures form part of the Government’s strategy to bring net overseas migration to 245,000 this financial year and 225,000 the following financial year. The Government has indicated that these figures will be treated as targets as it seeks greater control over temporary and permanent migration. What Does This Mean for Visa Applicants? Importantly, not all of the announced changes are currently in effect. Further details, commencement dates and, for some measures, legislative or regulatory changes are still to come. If you are currently in Australia or planning to apply for an Australian visa, the changes may affect your visa options, family members, ability to change visas while onshore or longer-term migration pathway. With over 25 years of immigration law experience, IR Legal can advise how the announced changes may affect your individual circumstances and visa options. Contact IR Legal for a confidential immigration consultation. 📞 Australia: 1800 720 720 📞 New Zealand: +64 27 566 1155 Email: admin@irlegal.lawyer 🌐 www.irlegal.lawyer This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration requirements can change and individual circumstances vary.