CANBERRA: The Australian government has announced a new immigration policy aimed at curbing migration levels, including restrictions on visas for family members of international students.

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed that the government intends to reduce net overseas migration to 245,000 in the current financial year, with a further reduction to 225,000 by 2027-28.

The announcement follows data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, which showed that net overseas migration added 292,100 people to the national population in the year ending March, down from 309,500 in the previous 12-month period. Under the new rules, international students will no longer automatically be permitted to bring family members to Australia.

According to government figures, Australia granted 337,427 student visas in 2025-26, of which 45,991 were for dependents or family members. Minister Burke noted that exemptions will apply to PhD students and those from Pacific and ASEAN nations.

The government is also targeting international students who remain in Australia after their visa expires or attempt to switch to other visas. To enforce these changes, 100 new compliance officers will be appointed to ensure those without valid visas leave the country. “If you want to come to Australia temporarily, apply for a temporary visa. If you want to come to Australia permanently, apply for a permanent visa,” Burke said. “If you do not have a valid visa now, you must leave Australia.”

Additionally, the government will revise skilled worker visa applications to prioritize migrants with skills needed in sectors such as construction and agriculture. Reforms will also be made to the working holiday visa program, which allows visitors to extend their stay if they complete 88 days of regional work. In 2025-26, approximately 57,000 people were eligible for a second-year extension and 31,000 for a third year.