Australia is imposing strict new immigration controls, banning international students from bringing spouses and children to study, while also tightening rules on visa category changes, aiming to reduce immigration numbers to 225,000 by 2028.
The Australian government is preparing tighter immigration measures, with a key policy banning international students from bringing family members to Australia during their studies, expected to affect both spouses and dependent children of international students.
This measure is part of the government's temporary visa reform plan. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke is set to officially reveal the details at a press conference at the National Press Club in Canberra. The government aims to reduce net immigration from about 300,000 people per year to 225,000 by 2028.
Currently, international students can bring spouses or partners and children under 18 to Australia as dependents. These spouses or partners are allowed to work in Australia, with work hour limits varying depending on the student’s course.
Under the new policy, international students will face restrictions on bringing family members with them. According to ABC, although the government has not directly cut the international student quota, removing the right to bring family members will be a key mechanism to control immigration numbers.
Government data shows that in the latest fiscal year, 337,427 student visas were approved, of which 45,991 were for dependents or family members. This indicates the measure could affect a significant number of entrants.
Besides family members of international students, the government will also tighten controls on temporary visas, targeting those who change visa types to prolong their stay. They want migrants to leave Australia when their visas expire to prevent the practice known as "visa hopping."
Australia faces pressure to control immigration numbers after a sharp rise following the reopening of borders in February 2022, after nearly two years of COVID-19 travel restrictions. International students, working holidaymakers, and temporary skilled workers are key groups driving this increase.
Official data indicates net immigration was 306,000 for the year ending June 2025, down from 429,000 in 2024 and a peak of 518,000 in 2023, with international students accounting for more than half of the latest figure.
However, immigration control remains a debated issue in Australia, with concerns over housing and infrastructure pressures. Meanwhile, the education sector is closely monitoring the impact of limiting international students’ ability to bring family members.
/source:channelnewsasia
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