Australia tightens student and backpacker visa rules to cut net migration to 225,000 by 2028

Australia's Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke announced new visa restrictions on Thursday, September 17, 2026, to reduce high migration levels. The measures include stopping most international students from bringing partners and children, introducing a ballot system for backpackers extending working holiday visas, and adding a 'no further stay' provision to visitor visas. The government aims to cut annual net migration from about 300,000 to roughly 225,000 by 2028. The changes come amid public concern over cost of living and immigration, and have drawn criticism from the education sector.