Life just got tougher for international students under new visa rules. Why is this group being targeted?

The Australian government has imposed new visa rules that will make it more difficult for international students to bring their families with them while studying. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke framed these changes as part of a broader effort to lower net overseas migration. Burke noted that most international students will need to come to Australia alone, with exceptions for those from specific countries and PhD students.

The government is also targeting "visa hopping," where students switch courses repeatedly to prolong their stay in the country. Students must now prove they are advancing to a higher-level course to maintain their student visa. Universities Australia, a peak body representing Australian universities, described the government's move as "worrying," as many students bring family members to Australia for research degrees that can last up to three to four years.

Over the past three years, the government has attempted to reduce the number of international students in Australia through various measures, including increased application fees and slower visa processing times. After a surge in international student numbers following the pandemic, the government now aims to bring down net overseas migration from around 290,000 to 225,000 by 2027-28.

The peak body, Universities Australia, expressed concern over these changes, noting that students often bring family members to Australia for extended periods due to the length of research degrees. The number of students on graduate visas has more than doubled from 70,000 in June 2019 to 199,000 in June 2026, as students transition to these visas after completing their courses.

Additionally, secondary visaholders, typically immediate family members, have also increased significantly, from about 92,000 in June 2019 to 142,000 in the most recent data.

To further reduce net overseas migration, the government aims to ensure student visaholders leave Australia more easily. Recent data shows a significant increase in the student visa refusal rate, which is currently the highest it has ever been. The government attributes this to a stricter application of the financial capacity test, requiring international students to demonstrate their ability to support themselves while in Australia.

While Australia is not the only country making changes to international student policies, it is following a global trend towards tightening regulations. Countries like Canada and the United Kingdom have also implemented restrictions on international student visas and family member applications. However, the debate surrounding these changes often focuses on reducing numbers, rather than considering the broader impact on international education and the various roles international students play in Australia's economy, including in occupations such as hospitality and caregiving.