Frequently Asked Questions: Visa Extensions 2026

In most cases, yes. The 2026 changes tighten specific pathways rather than removing the ability to extend a visa altogether. Onshore visa switching between subclasses has been restricted since 2 February 2026, and further measures announced on 17 September 2026 affect visitor visas, working holiday visas, and student visa family members specifically. Whether your own extension is affected depends on your visa subclass and current status.

This varies by measure. Onshore visa switching restrictions have applied since 2 February 2026. The measures announced on 17 September 2026, including the student family member restriction, the visitor visa condition, and the working holiday ballot caps, do not yet have published commencement dates.

If you are a new student applying after the change takes effect, your family member's visa may be affected unless you fall within a confirmed exception (Pacific or ASEAN nationality, or higher degree research or PhD study). If you already hold a visa with a family member on a linked visa, the government has confirmed families already in Australia will not be separated under this change.

Check which category your visa falls into and how the relevant change applies before your current visa expires. Given the pace of these reforms, and that several measures are being introduced through regulation rather than legislation, getting advice early gives you more options than waiting until closer to your expiry date.