Starting from October 2026, international students in Australia face new visa rules that mandate leaving the country to apply for student visa renewals. Fatima Bonna, a 27-year-old master’s student at the Ikon Institute in Adelaide, found her visa now expires in September 2027, four months before her course finishes due to a degree and institution change. This sudden mismatch forces her to travel offshore for a new visa before completing her studies.
Offshore Visa Applications and Family Restrictions
The Australian Labor Government’s updated policy requires most temporary visa holders, including international students, to lodge new student visa applications from outside Australia. Secondary applicants such as partners
and dependent children generally cannot join the primary visa holder after the initial grant, except for PhD students and those from Pacific and ASEAN countries. Assistant Minister for International Education Julian Hill confirmed that while families already onshore will not be separated, visitor visas may be considered to maintain family unity during students’ stays.
Student Anxiety and Migration Agent Concerns
The new rules are causing anxiety and uncertainty among students. Migration agent Gurpreet Dhawan from Melbourne described offshore visa applications as “a huge risk,” questioning how long students will have to wait abroad. She noted students compliant with previous rules before October 1, 2026, suddenly face
upheaval. Indonesian PhD candidate Wina Satria, studying at the University of Sydney, expressed distress at being unable to add her husband to her visa post-grant, affecting her family’s reunification plans. Colombian graduate Daniel Martin cited instability and difficulty navigating the changes as he considers post-study employment and further education options.
Australian Government Migration Targets and Official Statements
The Labor Government aims to reduce Australia’s net overseas migration from approximately 300,000 annually to 225,000 by mid-2028. The Department of Home Affairs states the reforms strengthen visa program integrity by addressing “visa hopping” and onshore student transfers. A spokesperson explained that requiring offshore applications reinforces the temporary purpose of
student visas and encourages ties to home countries. Julian Hill emphasized that the government does not intend to separate families and will consider visitor visas as needed to keep families together while students complete their courses.
Impact on Universities, Political Context, and Graduate Visas
University officials report difficulties filling international student spots due to visa uncertainties, high refusal rates, and political debates on immigration. Policies from the Coalition and One Nation parties targeting international students have heightened visa-related uncertainties ahead of the 2028 federal election. The Coalition proposes abolishing temporary graduate visas, which currently allow recent graduates at least two years’ post-study residence. Daniel Martin, who holds such
a visa after completing his master’s in 2026, is reassessing his future plans amid this uncertainty.
Visa Processing Times and Ongoing Visa Demand
The Department of Home Affairs website estimates that 50% of student visa subclass 500 applications for higher education are processed within 16 days, and 90% within four months. Despite recent application charge increases and new integrity measures introduced since 2023, demand for student visas remains strong. The Department affirms that the changes will not hinder genuine students from studying in Australia.
Fatima Bonna reflected on her situation, saying, “If I had any idea of it, I wouldn’t have changed.” She added she does not
want to be blamed for societal issues while fulfilling her visa obligations and intending to return home after studying.
