Australia is set to tighten its immigration rules by preventing international students from bringing their partners and children with them while they study, while also making it harder for temporary migrants to switch visas, according to media reports on Thursday.
The proposed changes come ahead of a speech by Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke at the National Press Club. Burke is expected to announce that the government plans to reduce net overseas migration to 225,000 by 2028, from around 300,000 currently, the ABC reported, citing no sources.
Australia Moves to Reduce Migration Numbers
Burke's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Under the current system, spouses and partners of international students can accompany them to Australia and are allowed to work, although their permitted working hours depend on the student's course. International students can also bring dependent children under the age of 18.
The proposed restrictions would represent a significant change to arrangements that have allowed students to bring their immediate families while pursuing their education in Australia.
Pressure Mounts Over Temporary Migration
The government's move comes amid growing political pressure over immigration. The hard-right One Nation party, which has been gaining support in recent polls, said this week that it would cut the number of temporary migrants by 750,000 over three years to give Australians “breathing space.”
One Nation describes its approach as “Australia first”, with its policies drawing comparisons to those of US President Donald Trump. The party has said it would seek to reduce net overseas migration to 130,000 after the initial three-year period, with the program reviewed annually.
The government's proposed target of 225,000 by 2028 is therefore significantly higher than the level sought by One Nation.
International Students Drive Migration
Australia's migration intake has been driven largely by international students, backpackers and temporary skilled workers. Migration rose sharply after Australia reopened its borders in February 2022, following nearly two years of COVID-19 restrictions.
The increase has since attracted criticism from sections of the public and political parties, with opponents arguing that high migration has added pressure on housing and infrastructure and contributed to concerns over social cohesion.
However, migration numbers have been declining over the past two years.
Official data showed net overseas migration stood at 306,000 in the year ending June 30, 2025. International students accounted for more than half of that figure.
Net migration was considerably higher in the previous two years, reaching 429,000 in 2024 and peaking at 518,000 in 2023.
The proposed measures come as the Australian government seeks to bring migration levels down further while responding to political debate over the impact of temporary migrants on housing, infrastructure and broader social pressures.