Visa news: Indian students to face new family restrictions in Australia, no 'visa hopping' allowed

Australia tightens visa rules for international students. Australia has unveiled a major overhaul of its temporary migration system, with international students facing tighter rules on bringing family members, extending their stay and switching courses.The changes are particularly significant for students from countries such as India, for whom Australia has long been a major overseas education destination. The new measures do not reduce the number of international students Australia can admit directly. But they target the family members accompanying students and the ways temporary visa holders extend their stay.Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke announced the measures on Thursday as the government seeks to bring net overseas migration down to 225,000 by 2027-28, from 292,000 in the year to March 2026.Can you still take your spouse and children?For most new international students, the answer will be noAustralia will stop allowing family members to be attached to most new student and graduate visas. However, there are important exceptions. Students from Pacific and ASEAN countries will retain certain family arrangements, while PhD students will also be able to bring their families.Stud...