Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke addressed the National Press Club on 17 September 2026, outlining changes to the migration program aimed at reducing Net Overseas Migration (NOM).
Net Overseas Migration
Net Overseas Migration (NOM) is the measure of how many people are added to Australia’s population through migration. It is calculated by taking the number of people who arrive in Australia and remain here long term, and subtracting those who leave Australia for an extended period. Because migration is a major driver of population growth, NOM has a significant impact on housing demand, infrastructure, workforce availability, public services and economic growth. The Australian Government has made reducing migration levels a key policy focus, targeting NOM of 245,000 in 2026-27 and 225,000 annually from 2027-28, which is why migration settings, student visas, working holiday programs and skilled migration reforms continue to be a major topic of political debate
Housing problems are not entirely caused by immigration, but immigration needs to be part of the solution while supply catches up.
Skilled Migration
Proposed Changes to the Points Test
The Government has announced plans to introduce a redesigned points test for skilled migration. One of the key themes is a greater recognition of trade qualifications and occupations linked to housing and construction needs. Qualified tradespeople in areas of national demand are expected to receive points that are more comparable to those awarded for university-level qualifications.
Expanded Priority Processing
Priority processing arrangements under Ministerial Direction 119 are expected to be broadened. Agriculture, resources and fisheries have been flagged for inclusion, and the Minister also referred to priority processing for offshore applicants in the construction, healthcare and teaching sectors. We will update you once we have further information.
Working Holiday Visa Program (Subclass 417 and 462)
Ballot System for Second and Third-Year Visas
The Government has announced a new ballot process for Working Holiday Makers seeking a second or third visa. Applicants will still need to meet the existing specified work requirements before becoming eligible.
Current proposals include:
- A cap of 45,000 places for second-year visas
- A cap of 5,000 places for third-year visas
- Existing regional work requirements will remain unchanged
Processing Arrangements
Applications from Working Holiday Makers who have completed the required regional work are expected to return to standard processing timeframes.
The Government has also indicated that applications from UK passport holders may continue to be processed more slowly. Under the Australia-UK Free Trade Agreement, UK citizens are exempt from regional work requirements, and the number of UK Working Holiday visa holders currently in Australia has increased significantly compared to pre-pandemic levels.
Student and Graduate Visas
Family Members on Student and Graduate Visas
The Government has announced that most future student and graduate visa holders will no longer be able to include secondary applicants on their visas.
Importantly:
- Existing visa holders and their family members will not be affected
- Certain exemptions are expected to remain, including for some students from Pacific and ASEAN countries and doctoral (PhD) candidates
Moving to a Higher Qualification
Students who are genuinely progressing their studies are expected to continue to be able to apply for a new visa to undertake a higher qualification, such as moving from a bachelor’s degree to a master’s degree.
Visitor Visas
No Further Stay Conditions
One of the more significant changes announced is the planned expansion of “No Further Stay” conditions for future Visitor visa grants.
If implemented, most new Visitor visa holders would be unable to apply for another substantive visa while remaining in Australia, other than in limited circumstances.
Key points include:
- Existing Visitor visa holders will not be affected
- The change is intended to reduce the number of people using Visitor visas as a pathway to lodge other onshore visa applications
- The Government has suggested that genuine visitors, including partners of Australian residents and citizens, may benefit from longer visitor visa grants where appropriate
The migration landscape is constantly evolving. As further details of these announcements become available, we will continue to provide updates and practical insights to help you navigate Australia’s changing migration system with confidence.