17/09/2026
🇦🇺 PROPOSED AUSTRALIAN VISA CHANGES
Australia’s migration system may undergo several significant changes affecting visitors, international students, skilled workers and Working Holiday visa holders.
✈️ Visitor visas
“No Further Stay” conditions may be applied more widely, limiting the ability to apply for another visa while in Australia. Protection visa applications would remain an exception.
🎓 Student visa progression
Students who complete a course may generally need to undertake their next course at a higher qualification level—for example, progressing from a bachelor’s degree to a master’s degree.
👨👩👧 Family members
New Student and Graduate visa applicants may face restrictions on bringing family members. Exceptions may apply to certain nationalities and courses, including some PhD programs.
🔨 Skilled migration points
Construction trade qualifications may receive points recognition comparable to university qualifications.
⏩ Priority visa processing may include:
🔹 Construction
🔹 Agriculture
🔹 Fisheries
🔹 Resources
🔹 Teaching
🎒 Working Holiday visas
Proposed ballot limits may include 45,000 second-year places and 5,000 third-year places. Completing the required regional work may provide eligibility to enter the ballot rather than automatically securing another visa year.
🛡️ Protection claims and compliance
Further legislation may target non-genuine protection claims. Stronger enforcement is also expected against unlawful visa overstays and migration agents involved in misuse of the system.
⚠️ Important: These measures are proposed. Final rules, commencement dates, eligibility requirements and transitional arrangements may change.
Always obtain professional migration advice based on your individual circumstances before making important decisions.
