Australia's migration overhaul: what was announced and what happens next

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke used a National Press Club address in Canberra on 17 September 2026 to outline the next stage of the government's migration policy. The changes affect international students, backpackers, skilled migrants and people who have overstayed their visas.

It is important to separate what has been announced from what is already law. As reported by the ABC, the government will implement changes it can make under existing powers, and will seek Parliament's support for further reforms. Check official Home Affairs guidance before acting on any change.

The target

According to the ABC, Mr Burke said the government now treats its budget forecasts for net overseas migration, 245,000 this financial year and 225,000 next financial year, as targets to be met, citing pressure on housing. The ABC also reported new Australian Bureau of Statistics figures showing net overseas migration fell to 292,100 in the year to March.

Backpackers: a ballot for second and third years

In his speech, Mr Burke said processing for Working Holiday Makers would return to its previous pace, but stays beyond the first year would move to a ballot:

• Second year: regional work of 88 days is still required, and the ballot is limited to 45,000 places. Mr Burke said 57,000 people qualified last year.

• Third year: six months of regional work is still required, and the ballot is limited to 5,000 places, down from 31,000 last year.

The ABC reported that UK applications are excluded from the faster processing.

Students and graduates

Mr Burke said the government will no longer allow family members to be attached to international student or graduate visas. Families already in Australia will not be separated, and exceptions remain for Pacific and ASEAN nations and certain courses such as PhDs. Changes to course transfers are covered in our separate explainer for students.

Skilled migration

The points test has been redesigned so that people skilled in housing construction trades receive the same points as a university qualification. The ABC reported that processing priority under Ministerial Direction 119 will be given to construction, healthcare, agriculture, fisheries and teaching.

Overstayers

Mr Burke also outlined a tougher approach to people who remain in Australia without a valid visa. As he put it, if you no longer have a valid visa, you should leave Australia.

What to do now

• Do not rely on social media summaries. Read the Minister's speech and official Home Affairs updates.

• Check start dates. Many changes will be introduced over time.

• If your situation may be affected, speak with a registered migration agent.

This article reports an announcement and is general information only. It is not migration advice.