On 17 September 2026, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke set out the Government's plan to bring migration numbers down, in an address to the National Press Club. The aim is to reduce net overseas migration to 245,000 this financial year and 225,000 by 2027–28. For context, net overseas migration was 292,100 in the year to March 2026.
Most of the changes will be made through regulations — changes to visa conditions and application processes — rather than new laws. Commencement dates for most measures have not yet been announced.
Skilled migration: prioritised, not cut
Skilled workers in areas such as healthcare, construction and education will continue to be prioritised for processing. The Minister also signalled a change to the points test: trade qualifications relevant to housing construction are set to receive the same points as university qualifications. The detail and start date have not yet been published, but this could make a real difference for electricians, plumbers, carpenters and other tradespeople.
International students
- Most international students and graduate visa holders will no longer be able to include family members on their visa. PhD students are an exception, and families already in Australia can stay.
- Students will only be able to move up the qualification ladder (for example, from a bachelor's to a master's degree), not sideways between similar courses.
Working holiday makers
- Second-year visas are capped at 45,000 (down from 57,000), and third-year visas at 5,000 (down from 31,000).
- A ballot will decide who receives these places.
- UK citizens remain exempt from the regional work requirement.
Visitors and compliance
- New visitor visas will carry a “No Further Stay” condition, stopping most visitors from applying for another visa while in Australia. Existing visitor visas are not affected.
- People who overstay their visas face a return to mandatory detention, backed by 100 extra compliance officers and 250 additional detention beds.
- The code of conduct for migration agents will be tightened, with sanctions and de-registration for agents who encourage unmeritorious claims.
- Skilled applicants are the least affected — and tradespeople may gain from the points change once it takes effect.
- If you planned to study in Australia with your family, this route is closing for most courses. Speak to us before committing to a course or paying fees.
- If you planned to visit Australia and then switch to another visa, the new condition will make that very difficult. Apply for the right visa from the start.
- Use a registered migration agent. The crackdown on rogue agents is a reminder to check your adviser's registration. Truvia Consultants is MARA-registered.
Want to know where you stand under the new rules? Start with our Australia migration overview or book a free consultation below.
Sources: Minister for Home Affairs, National Press Club address (17 September 2026); Australian Bureau of Statistics. Information is current as at 26 September 2026. This article is general information only and is not migration advice for your individual circumstances.