On 17 September 2026 the Minister for Home Affairs announced that family members will no longer be attached to student visas or graduate visas. For many future students, this changes the whole decision to study in Australia.
This article explains who the change covers, who it does not cover, and how to plan. For the other measures, see our guide to the 17 September migration overhaul.
What the Minister announced
The Minister said the Government will no longer allow family members to be attached for international students or for graduate visas. He compared two situations to explain why.
First, an Australian citizen with a partner overseas applies for a partner visa and waits for years. Second, an international student has been able to bring a partner from the start. The Minister described that contrast as the reason for the change.
Who is protected
First, families already in Australia are protected. The Minister said the Government is not going to be breaking up families onshore. He said those arrangements stay as they are until the family leaves Australia or moves to a permanent visa.
He also described the change as one that stops adding to the number of students who bring family automatically. Therefore, the change looks forward, not back.
Who is exempt
However, the change has exceptions. The Minister named two groups in the speech.
- Students from Pacific nations and ASEAN nations, where special visa conditions will still allow family to join.
- Certain courses. He gave PhD courses as the example.
He explained that a PhD candidate is at a different stage of life from an undergraduate. However, the full list of exempt courses and countries will only appear in the instrument.
What we do not know yet
- The commencement date.
- The complete list of exempt courses.
- How the rules treat a family member application lodged before commencement.
- How the change applies when a current student later applies for a graduate visa.
In particular, that last point matters. A student whose family is already here is protected for now. However, a later graduate visa is a new application. For that reason, families in this position should get advice on timing before the instrument commences.
How to plan around the change
Future students outside the exemptions
For these students, study in Australia may mean living apart for the length of the course. As a result, course length and level now matter more. A two year masters means a shorter separation than a four year degree. In addition, a research degree may fall within the exemption.
Students with family overseas who have not applied
Migration changes usually apply to future applications. Therefore, an application lodged before commencement is usually decided on the rules in force at lodgement. The transitional provisions will confirm this. Even so, a rushed application can fail. The genuine student test and the financial evidence still apply in full. Our article on the genuine student test and financial evidence explains what the Department expects.
Couples with an Australian partner
Some students are in a relationship with an Australian citizen or permanent resident. For them, a partner visa is a separate pathway with its own rules. Our partner visa guide covers it.
Frequently asked questions
Will my family have to leave Australia?
No. The Minister said families already in Australia will not be broken up, and those arrangements stay as they are.
Which students can still bring family?
The Minister named students from Pacific and ASEAN nations, and certain courses such as PhD courses. The full list will be in the instrument.
Does the change cover graduate visas?
Yes. The Minister said the change applies to international students and to graduate visas.
When does the change start?
No commencement date has been published.
Sam Kanjo, Migration Lawyer, Skyline Migration Lawyers, Melbourne.
Sources: the Minister for Home Affairs’ National Press Club address, 17 September 2026, and MIA Notice 16 of 18 September 2026.
Check your position before you accept an offer
We can review your course, nationality and family situation against the announced change. Call 03 8108 8748 or email info@skylinemigrationlawyers.com.au.
This article is general information only. It is not legal advice. Please seek advice about your own circumstances before you act.
