In October 2026, the Australian Labor government announced sudden visa reforms impacting about 650,000 temporary visa holders, including international students studying across Australia.
Visa Misalignment and Offshore Application Requirement
These reforms require most temporary visa holders to leave Australia before applying for a new visa. Student visa holders whose visa end dates no longer coincide with their course completion, such as those who have changed degrees or institutions like Fatima Bonna from Bangladesh, face a mandatory offshore visa application. Bonna, a master’s student at the Ikon Institute in Adelaide, has a visa expiring four months before her course finishes.
Restrictions on Adding Dependants and Exemptions
Under the new rules, international students cannot
add family members to an existing visa except for PhD students from Pacific and ASEAN countries. For example, Wina Satria, a PhD candidate at the University of Sydney from Indonesia, cannot add her husband to her visa, disrupting her family reunification plans. Although secondary applicants face restrictions, Assistant Minister for International Education Julian Hill stated the government may grant visitor visas to keep families together while students complete their studies.
Government Position on Family Unity and Program Integrity
Julian Hill emphasized that the government is “not in the business of separating families already onshore in Australia” and indicated that “sympathetic consideration would be given to visitor visas where
required to keep families together.” The Department of Home Affairs spokesperson noted the reforms aim to strengthen the integrity of the student visa program, reinforcing the requirement for temporary stays and encouraging strong ties to applicants’ home countries.
Students and Migration Agents Express Concern over Uncertainty
Students and migration agents have voiced anxiety regarding the new visa conditions. Fatima Bonna said, “If I had any idea of it, I wouldn’t have changed,” highlighting the impact of the misaligned visa expiry. Melbourne-based migration agent Gurpreet Dhawan described the risks involved with sending students offshore to lodge visa applications, questioning the uncertainty around processing times. Daniel Martin, an international student
from Colombia holding a temporary graduate visa, described the situation as “extremely difficult to navigate” due to instability and uncertainty.
Policy Background and Educational Institutions’ Concerns
The Labor government’s visa reforms form part of an effort to reduce net overseas migration from about 300,000 annually to 225,000 by mid-2028. University leaders have warned of difficulties filling international student places amid visa uncertainties and political debate. Migration agents reported that students complying with the rules before October 1 now find their lives unsettled due to abrupt changes effective October 2. The Coalition and One Nation parties have also targeted international students in policies adding to uncertainty ahead
of the 2028 election.
Processing Times and Australia’s Continued Appeal
The Department of Home Affairs states approximately 50% of student visa subclass 500 applications in higher education are processed within 16 days and 90% within four months. Despite increased visa fees and integrity measures since 2023, demand for student visas remains strong. The government asserts Australia continues to attract international students due to its education quality, post-study opportunities, and quality of life.
