Australia will tighten migration rules for international students, “visa hoppers” and working holidaymakers as it seeks greater control over immigration. Students will generally no longer be able to bring family members, while those extending their stay must progress to a higher qualification; the government says the measures will reduce misuse of student visas and help lower net overseas migration to 225,000 by 2028.

Working holidaymakers seeking second- and third-year visas will face ballots capped at 45,000 and 5,000 places respectively, compared with 57,000 and 31,000 successful applicants last year. British citizens are exempt under the UK-Australia free trade agreement, while exemptions on student family rules will apply to existing students, some Pacific and South-East Asian applicants, and PhD candidates. Australia’s population reached 27.9 million after growing 1.4% in the year to March 2026, including net overseas migration of 292,100, amid concerns about housing, living costs and pressure on public services.