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Recent Changes to Australian Migration Law
Australian migration law and policy change frequently. We do not attempt to report every change on this website. Instead, we highlight a small selection of developments that may be relevant to a number of our visitors, with practical explanations of who might be affected. The absence of an update here does not mean that the rules affecting your circumstances have stayed the same.
Student Visas – New Rules from 2 October 2026Planning to apply in Australia, extend your Student visa or include family members? The rules have changed.Read more +
Effective from 2 October 2026. Changes to the Student visa (subclass 500) and Student Guardian visa (subclass 590) rules affect who can apply for or be granted a visa while in Australia, and whether family members can be included in a Student visa application.
Applying while in Australia: Most Student visa applicants must now apply from outside Australia. Existing Student visa holders generally cannot apply for another Student visa while in Australia unless they meet a specified exemption. Depending on the applicable rules, applicants required to apply offshore must also be outside Australia when the visa is granted.
Including family members: Most applicants can no longer include a partner or dependent children in a Student visa application unless an exemption applies. Limited exemptions include certain doctoral students, government-sponsored or scholarship students, eligible Pacific and ASEAN nationals, and some existing family arrangements. Family members generally cannot be added as subsequent entrants after a Student visa has been granted.
Already applied? Student visa applications lodged before 2 October 2026 continue to be assessed under the rules that applied when they were lodged, including applications with family members. Existing granted Student visas are not automatically changed by these reforms.
These restrictions and exemptions depend on your current visa, proposed study, application date and family circumstances. Check the applicable requirements before making travel, study or family plans.
Official Department of Home Affairs information · Migration Amendment (Student Visa Reform) Regulations 2026
Could a change affect your visa?
Before making decisions, check the rules that apply to your visa subclass, application date and individual circumstances.
Important: Not every legal or policy change applies to every visa subclass, applicant or circumstance. Commencement dates, transitional provisions and the wording of the applicable legislation can be critical. The information here is general only and should not replace advice tailored to your circumstances.
Information on this website is provided for general information purposes only. It is not migration advice tailored to your individual circumstances and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice. Australian migration law, regulations and policy may change, and the information may not be current, complete or applicable to your situation. Each matter requires assessment of its particular facts and the law applicable at the relevant time. Seek advice from a registered migration agent or suitably qualified legal practitioner before making decisions about your visa or immigration status.