Updated: 7 October 2026
Most international students can no longer bring a partner or children to Australia on a student or graduate visa. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed the direction of this change at a National Press Club address on 17 September 2026, and the final rules commenced on 2 October 2026.
Here's what changed, who is exempt, and what to do next.
What's changed
A Student visa (subclass 500) lets you study in Australia. A Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) lets you stay and work here after you finish studying. Both visas used to let you bring a partner or dependent children. Most new applicants can no longer do this.
Student visa applicants can no longer include a partner or dependent children in their application, unless an exemption applies. Current Student visa holders also cannot add family members later, once their visa is granted. There are no exemptions to this second rule.
Who this affects
- New applicants — family members generally cannot be added to a new Student visa application
- Already in Australia — no change. Your family's current visa continues until you leave, or become eligible for a permanent visa
- Exempt — PhD (doctoral) students, students sponsored by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) or Defence, students receiving a foreign government scholarship, and eligible students from a Pacific country or an ASEAN member country
This exemption list is for including family members. A different, narrower set of exemptions applies if you are a Student visa holder applying for another Student visa onshore.
Applying for another student visa onshore
If you already hold a Student visa and want another one as the main applicant, you will usually now need to apply from outside Australia. This is a separate rule from the family member rule above, and it can catch people who are only trying to extend or change their course.
You may still be able to apply onshore for a further Student visa if you:
- need up to 12 more months after your original course end date to finish your studies with the same education provider
- have completed a course with an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level and are progressing to a course at a higher AQF level
- have completed school studies or a course with no AQF level and are progressing to a course that now requires one (or vice versa)
- cannot continue your course because your education provider has defaulted
- are sponsored by DFAT or Defence, applying for a PhD, or applying for primary or secondary school studies
A sideways move to a different course or provider, at the same level, that does not fit one of these pathways will generally now need to be applied for from offshore. If you are not sure which pathway applies to you, check before you enrol or apply.
Current Student Guardian (subclass 590) visa holders can still apply for a further Student Guardian visa while in Australia.
When does this start?
The new rules commenced on 2 October 2026 and apply to visa applications made on or after that date.
If you lodged your Student visa application before 2 October 2026, including an application that included family members, it will continue to be assessed under the rules that applied when you lodged it.
Related migration updates
This change was one part of a wider reform package announced in September 2026. For the full picture, read Australia's 2026 Migration Reforms: Who Arrives, Who Stays, Who Leaves.
What should you do?
- check whether you or your partner qualifies for the DFAT/Defence, scholarship, PhD, Pacific or ASEAN exemption
- if you need another Student visa yourself, check whether your course and provider fit one of the onshore pathways above
- confirm your family's current visa status if you're already in Australia
- get advice before accepting a new course offer or lodging a new application
Can Work Visa Lawyers help?
Yes. We can check your options and help you plan your next step.
- student and graduate visa strategy
- checking DFAT/Defence, scholarship, PhD, Pacific or ASEAN exemptions
- employer-sponsored and Skills in Demand pathways after you graduate
FAQ: Student Visa Dependants 2026
Can international students still bring family to Australia?
Most new applicants cannot. DFAT/Defence-sponsored students, foreign government scholarship recipients, PhD students, and eligible Pacific or ASEAN nationals are still exempt.
Will my family be removed if they're already in Australia?
No. Your current arrangement continues until you leave Australia, or become eligible for a permanent visa.
Can I still bring my partner on a graduate (485) visa?
Generally, no, unless you are a PhD graduate, DFAT/Defence-sponsored, a scholarship recipient, or a Pacific or ASEAN national.
When does this start?
The rules commenced on 2 October 2026 and apply to applications made on or after that date. Applications lodged before that date are assessed under the old rules.
Can I apply for another student visa onshore if I don't fit the family exemptions?
Possibly, as a primary applicant — onshore re-application has its own, separate set of exemptions (such as finishing your current course within 12 months, or progressing to a higher-level course).
Disclaimer: This information is general only and does not take into account your personal situation. Australian migration rules and state nomination requirements can change quickly. You should get advice from a registered migration agent or immigration lawyer before making a visa decision.
