Australia plans tighter family visa rules for international students

Australia is preparing to tighten immigration rules for international students, making it harder for them to bring spouses, children and other family members into the country, according to Nairametrics. The move is part of the Labor government’s broader plan to cut net overseas migration.

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke is expected to detail the measures on Thursday at the National Press Club in Canberra. Nairametrics reports Australia issued over 337,000 student visas last year, with about 45,000 going to dependants, and most students would now be expected to travel without family.

The government is also weighing curbs on visa overstays and switching between visa categories, as migration pressures fuel political debate and rising support for One Nation.