Sydney: Australia is set to prevent international students from bringing their partners and children with them while studying, while also tightening rules governing temporary migrants who seek to switch visas, according to the latest reports.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke is expected to outline the changes in a speech at the National Press Club. Latest news reports mention that the government plans to reduce net overseas migration to 225,000 by 2028, from around 300,000 currently.
Under the existing system, spouses and partners of international students can work in Australia, although permitted working hours depend on the student’s course. International students can also bring dependent children under 18.
The proposed changes come as pressure grows for tighter controls on temporary migration. The hard-right One Nation party, which has gained support in recent polling, said this week it would cut the number of temporary migrants by 750,000 over three years to give Australians what it described as ‘breathing space.’
One Nation, which promotes an ‘Australia first’ approach, has proposed reducing net overseas migration to 130,000 after the initial three-year period, with the programme reviewed annually.
Australia’s migration numbers 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 have been major contributors to the increase.
Net overseas migration has declined over the past two years, although critics have linked high migration levels to increased pressure on housing and infrastructure and concerns over social cohesion.
Official data showed net overseas migration reached 306,000 in the year to June 30, 2025, with international students accounting for more than half. The figure was 429,000 in 2024, following a peak of 518,000 in 2023.
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