Australia moves to restrict family visas for foreign students

Australia is tightening its migration rules, with international students set to face restrictions on bringing partners and children to the country as the government seeks to reduce net overseas migration.

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke announced the long-awaited changes as part of a broader overhaul of temporary migration. The government aims to reduce net overseas migration from around 300,000 currently to 225,000 by 2028.

Family visas face major restrictions

Under the changes, international students will effectively be prevented from bringing family members with them while they study in Australia. The measure represents a significant change from the existing system, under which eligible students can bring dependent children and partners.

According to Australian government figures cited by ABC, 337,427 student visas were granted during the last financial year. Of these, 45,991 were granted to secondary applicants classified as dependants or family members.

The government has said international student numbers themselves are not being reduced through this measure, but limiting accompanying family members is expected to reduce the number of temporary migrants entering the country.

Wider changes to temporary migration

The reforms also target visa hopping, overstaying and other pathways that allow temporary migrants to extend their stay. New compliance measures will seek to ensure people without valid visas leave Australia.

The government is also changing the way skilled migration applications are prioritised, with greater attention being given to sectors including healthcare, construction, education, law enforcement, agriculture and resources.

The changes come as Australia faces continuing debate over migration, housing and infrastructure pressures. Official figures show net overseas migration has already fallen from its 2023 peak, reaching 306,000 in the year to June 2025.

For international students and their families, the proposed restrictions could significantly alter the experience and cost of studying in Australia.