Australia is set to bar international students from bringing partners and dependent children while they study and will tighten rules on temporary migrants switching visa classes. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke is expected to announce a plan to cut net overseas migration to 225,000 by 2028, according to ABC News. The move follows pressure from the hard-right One Nation party and comes amid debate over migration's impact on housing and infrastructure. Official data show net migration was 306,000 in the year to June 30, 2025, with students making up more than half.
Australia to Bar International Students From Bringing Partners and Children; Migration Cap Set at 225,000 by 2028
FILE PHOTO: People take photos of the Sydney Opera House and Central Business District (CBD) skyline in Sydney, Australia, July 9, 2025. REUTERS/Hollie Adams/ File Pjhoto
Australia plans to prevent international students from bringing partners and dependent children with them while they study and will tighten rules that allow temporary migrants to switch visa classes, media reported on Thursday ahead of a ministerial speech outlining immigration changes.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke is expected to tell the National Press Club that net overseas migration will be reduced to 225,000 by 2028, down from roughly 300,000 at present, according to a report by public broadcaster ABC News that did not cite sources. Reuters reported the development on Sept. 17.
Burke's office did not immediately respond to requests for comment about the media coverage.
What Would Change
Under the proposed measures, international students would no longer be allowed to bring partners or dependent children during their studies. The government also plans to impose stricter limits on temporary visa-holders who seek to change visa classes while in Australia. Details on timing and transitional arrangements are expected to be provided during the National Press Club address.
Current Rules
At present, spouses and partners of international students may work in Australia, with permitted hours varying by the student's course. Students can also bring dependent children under age 18.
Political Context
The announcement follows pressure from the hard-right One Nation party, which has risen in recent opinion polls and this week proposed cutting the number of temporary migrants by 750,000 over three years to give Australians “breathing space.” One Nation has proposed reducing net overseas migration to 130,000 after the initial period, with annual reviews of the policy.
Migration Trends And Data
Australia's migration intake—driven largely by international students, backpackers and temporary skilled workers—surged after borders reopened in February 2022 following COVID-19 restrictions. Net overseas migration totaled 306,000 in the year to June 30, 2025, with international students accounting for more than half of that total. Net migration was 429,000 in 2024, after peaking at 518,000 in 2023.
Officials say the changes are intended to manage population pressures on housing, infrastructure and services; critics argue any sudden cuts could disrupt industries that rely on international students and temporary workers.
The government is expected to provide further details at the National Press Club speech, including how the new rules would be implemented and whether any exemptions or phased arrangements will apply.
Reporting by Renju Jose in Sydney; Editing by Jamie Freed.
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