Australia announces tighter student and backpacker visa rules

Australia has announced migration reforms that would restrict most international students from bringing partners and children, introduce ballots for working-holiday extensions and expand 'no further stay' conditions. Limited exemptions are planned for some Pacific and Southeast Asian students.

Why it matters

The changes could affect prospective students, dependants, working-holiday makers and people hoping to switch visas inside Australia. These are reforms announced on September 17; commencement dates, full exemptions and transition rules must still be confirmed through formal Home Affairs guidance.

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