Australia Tightens Immigration Rules, Most Students Will No Longer Be Able to Bring Their Families

Australia has tightened its immigration system to target those who overstay their visas and engage in visa hopping. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke announced the government’s goal to reduce net overseas migration to 225,000 by next year. The government plans to prioritize skilled workers in health, construction, education, law enforcement, defense, and agriculture sectors.

At an event in Sydney on September 17, Burke unveiled the new regulations, stating, “The government aims to reduce net overseas migration from the current approximately 292,000 to 225,000 by next year.” He emphasized that while the government supports immigration, it will not tolerate activities that abuse the system.

The new rules will specifically target those residing in Australia after their visa has expired. The government will toughen measures to prevent ‘visa hopping’, where international students continuously switch from one visa to another. Additionally, restrictions will be imposed on international students bringing dependents and family members to Australia.

However, the new policy will not affect families who are already in Australia with students on their visas. Burke clarified, “Families currently linked to visas and residing in Australia will not be separated under the new arrangements.”