Tony Burke Announces Migration Changes: What Australia’s New Rules Mean
Australia announced major migration changes on 17 September 2026 affecting visitor visas, students, graduates, Working Holiday Makers, skilled migration and visa compliance. Here is what applicants need to know.
On 17 September 2026, Minister for Home Affairs Tony Burke outlined the next stage of changes to Australia's migration settings, with measures affecting Visitor Visas, Student Visas, Temporary Graduate Visas, Working Holiday Makers, skilled migration and visa compliance.
The announcement is particularly relevant to international students, temporary visa holders, skilled migrants, families and Australian employers planning future visa or sponsorship applications.
Importantly, the announced measures are not all commencing at the same time. The Department of Home Affairs states that implementation has begun and the changes will be progressively rolled out over the next 12 months.
This means applicants should check both the current rules and the implementation date of any relevant change before making decisions about study, travel, sponsorship or another visa application.
Important: An announcement does not always mean an immediate rule changeSome measures require further implementation before they apply in practice. Always check the conditions on your current visa and the rules operating on the date you apply. You can review the Department of Home Affairs migration policy update .Why Has the Government Announced New Migration Changes?
The Department of Home Affairs says the next stage of migration policy changes is intended to help deliver the Government's net overseas migration forecasts of 245,000 in the current financial year and 225,000 in 2027–28.
The latest Australian Bureau of Statistics population data shows net overseas migration of 292,100 people in the year ending 31 March 2026.
Population figures can be reviewed through the Australian Bureau of Statistics .
What Are the Main Migration Changes Announced by Tony Burke?
No Further Stay Conditions for Future Visitor Visas
The Government has announced that a No Further Stay condition will be introduced for Visitor Visas as part of its effort to ensure visitor visas are used for genuine temporary visits rather than as a routine pathway to extending a stay in Australia.
Tony Burke stated that this measure relates to future visa grants and does not change the visa conditions of people who are already in Australia under existing grants.
A No Further Stay condition can restrict a visa holder from applying for certain other visas while in Australia. The actual conditions attached to each visa grant therefore remain important.
If you are considering visiting Australia, read more about Visitor Visa options before making future migration plans.
Student Visa Progression Rules Will Become Stricter
The Government has also announced changes aimed at reducing repeated Student Visa applications where further study does not represent genuine academic progression.
Under the announced approach, a student who finishes a qualification and wants to continue studying will generally need to progress up the qualification scale.
The Minister gave the example of progressing from a bachelor's degree to a master's degree as the type of progression that would fit the new approach.
Course transfers are different from progression. The Minister said legitimate transfers may continue, although a new Student Visa application may be required so the circumstances can be assessed.
Students considering another course can review Australian Student Visa pathways .
Restrictions on Family Members for Student and Graduate Visas
New restrictions have been announced for secondary applicants on most Student Visas and Temporary Graduate Visas.
Tony Burke said the Government will no longer automatically allow family members to be attached to new international student and graduate visa arrangements in the way currently available.
The announcement includes exceptions for certain circumstances, including special settings involving Pacific and ASEAN countries and selected courses such as PhD programs.
The Minister also said families already attached to visas and already in Australia would not be separated by the new policy. Future applicants should wait for the detailed implemented rules relevant to their circumstances.
Graduates can also review the Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485 pathway.
Working Holiday Years Two and Three to Use Ballots
The Government has announced a ballot system for eligible applicants seeking additional years under affected Working Holiday Maker arrangements.
- Second-year ballot: up to 45,000 places.
- Third-year ballot: up to 5,000 places.
- Existing specified regional work requirements will continue to apply for eligibility to enter the relevant ballot.
This means completing the required regional work may establish eligibility for a ballot but, once implemented, may not by itself guarantee another year.
Skilled Migration Points and Processing Priorities
Skilled migration remains part of the Government's migration strategy, but changes are also planned to how certain skills are recognised and prioritised.
Tony Burke announced that under the new points-test approach, eligible skills in housing construction trades are intended to receive a qualification points uplift so they are treated at the same points level as a university qualification.
Applicants should not claim additional points until the relevant rules have formally commenced and their occupation and qualification meet the implemented requirements.
The Government is also updating visa-processing priorities for important workforce sectors.
Applicants considering permanent skilled migration can review Skilled Visa pathways , including Subclasses 189, 190 and 491.
Stronger Compliance Measures for Visa Overstayers
The Government has announced stronger compliance measures aimed at people who remain in Australia without a valid visa.
Additional compliance resources and detention capacity were included in the Minister's announcement.
This should be distinguished from people who lawfully hold a valid Bridging Visa. Visa holders should check their current visa status, expiry dates and conditions rather than assume their position.
Greater Scrutiny of Migration Agent Conduct
The Government also announced changes to the migration agent code dealing with agents who encourage applications without genuine merit.
Tony Burke said agents who encourage this type of conduct could face sanctions, including deregistration.
Visa applicants should obtain advice based on their actual eligibility, evidence and the migration law applying to their case.
You can read the announcement in the Minister for Home Affairs' National Press Club speech .
What Do the New Migration Rules Mean for Visa Applicants?
The impact will depend on your current visa, when your next application is lodged and whether the relevant announced measure has commenced.
Planning Another Visa in Australia?
Check the conditions attached to your current Visitor Visa. Future Visitor Visa grants may be affected by the announced No Further Stay policy.
Planning Another Course?
Consider whether your proposed course represents genuine academic progression and whether you need to lodge a new Student Visa application.
Planning to Include Family?
Secondary-applicant rules are changing. Check the implemented rules and any available exceptions before relying on family inclusion in a future application.
Planning a Second or Third Year?
Check your specified-work requirements and the commencement details of the new ballot arrangements before relying on an additional Working Holiday year.
Working in a Priority Sector?
Review your occupation, skills assessment, points and state nomination options against the latest skilled migration requirements.
Planning to Sponsor a Worker?
Check occupation eligibility, nomination requirements, sponsorship obligations and the employee's current visa before planning a sponsored pathway.
What Do the Changes Mean for Australian Employers?
The announcement does not remove employer-sponsored migration pathways. Australian employers may continue to consider eligible sponsored visa options where the business, occupation and worker satisfy the relevant requirements.
Employers planning sponsorship should review:
- ✓Occupation eligibility
- ✓The employee's current visa status
- ✓Applicable salary requirements
- ✓Sponsorship requirements
- ✓Nomination requirements
- ✓Application timing before visa expiry
CG Migration provides information about Employer Sponsored Visa pathways , including the Skills in Demand Subclass 482, Employer Nomination Scheme Subclass 186 and Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Subclass 494.
Already in Australia on a Visitor Visa?
Do not assume the announced policy automatically changes your existing visa conditions.
Tony Burke stated that the No Further Stay announcement concerns future Visitor Visa grants. People already holding a Visitor Visa should check the conditions attached to their own current visa before planning an onshore application.
If you are considering a family migration pathway, you can also review CG Migration's Family & Partner Visa options .
What Should International Students Do Now?
Students should avoid making study or visa decisions based only on headlines about the announcement. The practical effect depends on the detailed rules operating when the next application is made.
- ✓Check your current visa conditions
- ✓Check your visa expiry date
- ✓Review your next qualification level
- ✓Check whether a new Student Visa is required
- ✓Confirm secondary-applicant eligibility
- ✓Review future Subclass 485 options
If your current course is ending soon, plan your next step early rather than assuming another course will automatically provide a pathway to remain in Australia.
What Should Visa Holders Check Before Taking Action?
Several of the September 2026 migration changes will be progressively introduced. Before lodging an application or changing your plans, review the rules that actually apply to you at that time.
- ✓Your current visa subclass
- ✓Your visa expiry date
- ✓Your current visa conditions
- ✓Your intended next visa
- ✓Current Home Affairs requirements
- ✓The commencement date of the new measure
This is especially important if you are planning to change courses, include family members, move from a Visitor Visa to another pathway, apply for another Working Holiday year or pursue skilled or employer-sponsored migration.
Get Advice Based on Your Individual Visa Situation
Migration announcements can affect applicants differently depending on their current visa, occupation, study history, family circumstances and intended pathway.
CG Migration Services is led by Registered Migration Agent Gurpreet Cheema – MARN 2217773 and assists students, skilled migrants, families and employers with Australian migration and visa planning.
Official Sources & Further Reading
- Department of Home Affairs – Australian Government Migration Policy Changes
- Minister for Home Affairs – National Press Club Speech, 17 September 2026
- Australian Bureau of Statistics – National, State and Territory Population, March 2026
Need Help Understanding How the Migration Changes May Affect You?
Speak with Registered Migration Agent Gurpreet Cheema – MARN 2217773 about your current visa, eligibility and future migration pathway.
CS Hub, Office 7, Level 1/34 Commercial Rd, Caroline Springs VIC 3023
Phone: +61 450 409 940
Email: info@cgms.com.au