As Trump-style immigration debate grows, Australia to tighten student visa rules

Australia is set to prevent foreign students from bringing their spouses, partners and children while studying in the country and tighten rules governing visa changes, according to media reports ahead of a major speech on immigration by Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke.

The proposed measures form part of a broader effort to reduce overseas migration, with Burke expected to announce a target of bringing net migration down to 225,000 by 2028 from around 300,000 currently, public broadcaster ABC News reported.

At present, international students can bring their spouses or partners to Australia, with accompanying partners allowed to work subject to restrictions linked to the student's course. Dependent children under 18 are also permitted to accompany student visa holders.MIGRATION EMERGES AS KEY POLITICAL ISSUE

The move comes as immigration has become a central political issue in Australia, with the hard-right One Nation party calling for a sharp reduction in temporary migration.

Earlier this week, One Nation proposed cutting the number of temporary migrants by 750,000 over three years, arguing that Australia needed "breathing space" to deal with pressures on housing, infrastructure and public services.

The party, which promotes an "Australia first" agenda and has often drawn comparisons to the policies of US President Donald Trump, said it would seek to reduce net overseas migration to 130,000 after the initial three-year period, subject to annual review.

Australia's migration intake surged after the country reopened its borders in February 2022 following nearly two years of COVID-era restrictions. International students, backpackers and temporary skilled workers accounted for much of that increase.

While migration levels have moderated over the past two years, critics continue to argue that high inflows have worsened housing shortages, strained infrastructure and raised concerns about social cohesion.

Official data show net overseas migration stood at 306,000 in the year ended June 30, 2025. International students accounted for more than half of that figure.

Net migration reached 429,000 in 2024 and peaked at 518,000 in 2023 before beginning to decline.

Burke's office did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the reported measures.- EndsWith inputs from ReutersPublished By: Nitish SinghPublished On: Sep 17, 2026 06:06 IST