Australia tightens student visa rules restricting dependents and onshore applications

Australia has introduced new student visa restrictions that will significantly impact international students, including those from India. Effective October 2026, the changes include limits on onshore visa applications, stricter rules for bringing dependents, and tighter regulations for changing education providers.

Julian Hill MP, Assistant Minister for International Education, emphasized that while migration benefits Australia, the previous government's policies led to excessively high net overseas migration. The new rules aim to reduce this by closing pathways for onshore student visa applications from temporary visa holders, such as working holiday or temporary employer visa holders.

The rules for changing education providers have also been tightened. Until June 30, 2027, non-school students must stay in their principal course for 12 months before transferring, up from six months. From July 1, 2027, students will need to apply through a new visa transfer stream, which will only allow transfers at the same or higher level under the Australian Qualifications Framework.

For Indian students planning to bring their spouse or children, the dependent rules have been restricted. Family members can now accompany students only in limited circumstances, such as pursuing a PhD, receiving a government scholarship, or being from an ASEAN or Pacific Island nation. Students must apply for eligible dependents with their primary application and cannot add them afterward.