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 change at a National Press Club address on 17 September 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.
Who this affects
- New applicants - family members generally cannot be added to a new application
- Already in Australia - no change. Your family's current visa continues until you leave, or become eligible for a permanent visa
- Exempt - students from Pacific and ASEAN nations, and PhD or other doctoral students
Changing or extending your course
- Genuine extensions — illness, your provider closing — are unchanged
- Course transfers at the same level, same institution, still work, but need a new visa application
- After finishing a course, you can only move up the qualification scale — for example, bachelor's to master's — not sideways or down
When does this start?
No commencement date has been announced. Current rules apply until then. Confirm the rules on the day you apply, not from news reports.
Related migration updates
This change was one part of a wider reform package announced the same day. 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 Pacific, ASEAN or PhD exemption
- confirm your family's current visa status if you're already in Australia
- get advice before accepting a 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 Pacific, ASEAN or PhD 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. Pacific and ASEAN nationals, and PhD students, 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 or a Pacific or ASEAN national.
When does this start?
No date has been set. Watch immi.homeaffairs.gov.au for updates.
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.
