Australia is tightening its migration rules, but Malaysian students have an important ASEAN exemption allowing them to bring eligible family members. (Image from Getty Images)
Australia unveiled a new set of migration reforms on 17 September 2026, targeting international students, Temporary Graduate visa holders, visitors, and Working Holiday Makers. The government says the changes aim to give it greater control over migration numbers while prioritising the skills Australia needs.
Malaysian students can still bring eligible family members
One of the biggest changes restricts international students and Temporary Graduate visa holders from bringing family members on their visas. However, students from ASEAN and Pacific nations are exempt from this restriction, alongside certain groups such as PhD students. As Malaysia is an ASEAN member, Malaysian students are included in the exemption.
This means eligible Malaysian students will continue to be able to bring family members under the relevant visa arrangements, even as the option is restricted for many other international students. Those who already have family members attached to their visas and are in Australia will also not have their existing arrangements disrupted.
The ASEAN exemption does not mean visa-free travel
The exemption is specific to the new family-member restriction. It does not mean Malaysians are generally exempt from Australian visa rules. Malaysian students, visitors, and other travellers must still meet the usual requirements for the visa that applies to their trip. The ASEAN exemption does not remove the normal visa and entry requirements for Malaysians travelling to Australia.
Australia is also targeting visa hopping
International students will also face tighter rules when changing courses. Students who move between courses will generally need to apply for a new visa, while those progressing to a higher qualification will still be able to do so. For example, moving from a bachelor’s degree to a master’s degree will remain permitted. The government says the change is intended to prevent student visas from being used primarily to prolong a person’s stay in Australia.
Working Holiday Maker visas face new second- and third-year ballots
Australia is also introducing ballots for second- and third-year places under its Working Holiday Maker programme. Malaysians are eligible for the Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa, and Malaysian participants who seek a second or third year will be affected by the new ballot system.
The existing regional work requirements will remain in place: 88 days of regional work are required to qualify for a second year, while six months of specified work are required for a third year. The second-year ballot will be capped at 45,000 places, while the third-year ballot will be limited to 5,000.
