
Australia Reveals Sweeping Immigration Changes in Major Move to Tighten Visa System
2 October 2026 update: The Student visa component of the September reform package has now commenced. Read our detailed guide to the operative Student visa rules. Australia has announced a major overhaul of its migration system, with new measures targeting temporary visas, international students, visitor visa holders, working holiday makers, and visa applications considered to lack merit. The Australia immigration changes 2026 package comes as the federal government seeks to reduce net overseas migration and reshape how temporary migrants enter, remain, and transition between visa pathways. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke announced the measures on 17 September as the government



