Student Visa Extensions in Australia: 2026 Changes
New restrictions on bringing family members to Australia have been confirmed for new students and graduates. Here is what is known so far.
- Confirmed by Minister Tony Burke on 17 September 2026
- Affects the secondary visa, not the Subclass 500 itself
- Exceptions for PhD, Pacific and ASEAN students
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What's Changing for Students
On 17 September 2026, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed at a National Press Club address that new students and graduates will no longer automatically be able to bring family members to Australia. The change affects the secondary visa a family member travels on, not the Subclass 500 student visa itself.
Key points
- Applies to new students and graduates, not to families already in Australia
- Exceptions apply to Pacific and ASEAN nationals, and to students undertaking PhDs or other higher degree research programs
- Student visa numbers are not being cut, the government has confirmed planning levels are unchanged
- One part of a broader package announced the same day, alongside tighter visa hopping rules, action against overstayers, and stricter oversight of migration agents
- The government has confirmed a net overseas migration target of 245,000 for the current financial year and 225,000 by 2027 to 2028, now treated as targets to be met rather than forecasts
Who's exempt from the family member restriction
| Exception | Detail |
|---|---|
| Higher degree research students | Includes PhD candidates |
| Pacific nationals | Confirmed exempt |
| ASEAN nationals | Confirmed exempt |
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What Students Should Do Now
If you're already studying in Australia with a partner or child on a linked visa
You are not affected by this change.
If you're planning to bring family members as a new student
Check whether you fall within one of the exceptions above before assuming a dependant visa will remain available.
If you're deciding whether to seek advice now or wait
The change is being delivered through regulation rather than new legislation, so it can take effect faster than a change requiring a vote in Parliament. It's worth getting advice early rather than waiting for a formal start date.
This page provides general information only. It is not legal advice, and it should not be relied on as a substitute for advice tailored to your specific visa and circumstances.
Get Expert Guidance on Your Student Visa
Our migration lawyers can help you understand how these changes may affect your course, your family, and your visa options. Get in touch with our team. We're available seven days a week.
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