New Family Member Restrictions on Student Visas: Effective 2 October 2026

The Australian Government has introduced major changes to the Subclass 500 Student visa, significantly restricting when international students can include partners and dependent children in their visa applications.

The new rules took effect on 2 October 2026 and generally apply to Student visa applications lodged on or after that date.

Applications lodged before 2 October 2026 continue to be assessed under the rules that applied at the time of lodgement.

What Has Changed

Under the new rules, most Student visa applicants can no longer include a spouse, partner or dependent child unless they fall within an eligible exemption category.

One of the most important changes is the removal of the subsequent entrant pathway.

This means eligible family members generally need to apply at the same time as the primary Student visa applicant. They can no longer simply be added later after the primary visa has been granted.

This is a significant change for families planning to study and relocate to Australia together.

Who Is Exempt

Limited exemptions continue to apply.

These may include:

• Doctoral students
• Certain students sponsored by the Australian Government or a foreign government
• Eligible nationals from certain Pacific and ASEAN countries
• Certain existing family members already together in Australia
• Other limited categories specified under the migration regulations

Eligibility depends on the applicant’s course, sponsorship arrangements, nationality and current visa circumstances.

If bringing family members is part of your study plan, it is important to confirm whether an exemption applies before lodging the Student visa application.

What About Families Already in Australia

The reforms include protections for certain families who are already together in Australia.

The Government has stated that existing family units will not simply be separated because of the new rules.

However, this does not mean every dependant will automatically be eligible for another visa when their current visa expires.

Future eligibility will depend on the family’s visa history, the primary Student visa holder’s circumstances and the applicable exemption provisions.

Families with upcoming visa expiry dates should review their options early rather than assume a further visa will be available.

Practical Impact: Dependants and Onshore Pathways

For new applications lodged from 2 October 2026, the key issue is timing.

Where a family member is eligible to be included, they will generally need to apply together with the primary Student visa applicant. The previous option of adding a dependant later as a subsequent entrant has been removed.

Separate reforms also affect Student visa applications made from within Australia and students seeking to change education providers.

From 2 October 2026 to 30 June 2027, the restricted transfer period for most non-school students has temporarily increased from six months to 12 months of the principal course.

From 1 July 2027, a new visa framework for certain provider transfers is expected to apply, including additional visa requirements for students changing providers.

Student Visa Application Fee

The standard base application charge for a Subclass 500 Student visa is currently AUD 2,500 for most applicants.

Different charges or concessions may apply in limited circumstances, depending on the applicant’s nationality, course or visa category.

Because visa charges can change, applicants should confirm the current fee before lodging.

Key Takeaways

• From 2 October 2026, most new Student visa applicants can no longer include partners or dependent children unless an exemption applies.
• Eligible family members generally need to apply at the same time as the primary applicant.
• The subsequent entrant pathway has been removed.
• Limited exemptions remain available for certain doctoral students, government-sponsored students, eligible Pacific and ASEAN nationals, and some existing families in Australia.
• Applications lodged before 2 October 2026 continue to be assessed under the previous rules.
• Separate reforms also affect onshore Student visa applications and provider transfers.

Planning to Study in Australia With Your Family?

If you are planning to lodge a Student visa, extend your stay, change courses or bring your partner or children to Australia, the new rules may significantly affect how and when you should apply.

Your options will depend on your current visa, course, location, family circumstances and exemption eligibility.

Getting the application strategy right before lodgement may help avoid unnecessary delays, extra visa costs or losing the ability to include family members.

Speak with our migration team before making your next move.

The content of this article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration law is complex and subject to change. The information provided may not reflect the most current legal developments. For advice specific to your circumstances, please consult a registered Australian migration lawyer. For full terms governing use of this website and its content, please refer to our Website Terms and Conditions.

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As a regulated Australian migration law practice, Riverwood Migration provides precise, personalised advice on visa strategy, compliance, and application preparation. Speak with our expert legal team. Book a consultation to discuss your circumstances.

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