Australia is going to shock the international students by imposing new restrictions. Australia is tightening migration rules by restricting international students from bringing spouses and children while studying.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke is set to announce the migration rules change during a speech at the National Press Club. The government also plans to reduce net overseas migration to 225,000 by 2028, down from around 300,000 currently.
Student family rules face changes
Currently, international students can bring dependent children under 18 to Australia while their spouses and partners can work under certain conditions.
However, the proposed changes would prevent foreign students from bringing their partners and children while completing their studies. The government also plans to tighten rules governing temporary migrants who seek to switch visas. Burke’s office did not immediately respond to requests for comment about the reported changes.
Migration numbers decline after peak
Australia’s migration intake rose sharply after the country reopened its borders in February 2022 following almost two years of COVID-19 restrictions. International students, backpackers and temporary skilled workers contributed significantly to the increase.
However, net overseas migration has declined during the past two years, according to official figures.
Net migration reached 306,000 in the year ending June 30, 2025. International students accounted for more than half of that figure. The figure stood at 429,000 in 2024 after reaching a record 518,000 in 2023.
Meanwhile, critics have argued that high migration has increased pressure on housing and infrastructure. The changes also come as the One Nation party pushes for significantly lower temporary migration. The party has proposed reducing temporary migrants by 750,000 over three years and targeting annual net migration of 130,000 afterward.
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