The Australian Home Secretary Tony Burke announced a new phase of immigration reform on September 17, 2026. For families in Taiwan who are planning to go to school in Australia, priority is given to arrangements for family support, transfer and the continuation of a course after completion.

Background and main changes

The official address stated that the Government intended to restrict family members from visas for international students and graduates, but that families who were in Australia and whose families were attached to visas would not be separated as a result. Exceptions will be made for specific courses such as the Pacific and ASEAN countries, as well as for doctoral posts. The speech did not include a complete list of courses and it would not be appropriate to extend them to all graduate students.

The conversion course will require the reapplication of a visa to examine whether it is genuine or not. Upon completion of the course, the Government offered to move only towards a higher level of qualification, such as a master ' s degree. The Minister indicated that the extension arrangements would remain unchanged in cases where there was a need to extend existing studies due to serious illness or the discontinuation of schools.

Critical dates and application limits

** September 17th is the day of policy announcement. ** The official announcements and speeches read do not provide the full date of entry into force of the above-mentioned student measures, transitional provisions and all exceptions; It therefore does not enter into full force on the day in question, nor does it replace the statute by a general title in the media.

This is a reform proposed by the Government, unlike the immigration policy proposed by the previous opposition party. The ABC independent reports cross-identify the exceptions for family members, the need for new visas for transfer, and the direction of the promotion level.

Implications for Taiwanese students and families

Editor's recommendations: Planning for a spouse or child to accompany, transfer, prior to a second degree, confirmation of applicable rules to the School International Division and to the Australian Official Service, respectively. Taiwan applicants cannot apply the ASEAN exception on their own account because they belong to Asia. Official texts and individual qualifications should continue to be checked for programmes such as doctoral studies. Those who have obtained visas should also not cancel their travels on their own and on the basis of the news alone.

Date of verification: 18 September 2026 (Taiwan Time).

Picture: Original source ； Licence terms 。 The information does not represent the scene of the day.