New figures from Australia's Department of Home Affairs reveal that almost 30 percent of temporary graduate visas are being issued to secondary applicants, such as spouses and dependent children, who have never studied in Australia. Of the 271,191 temporary graduate visas granted, 73,900 went to these family members. This represents a 204 percent increase from the 24,200 recorded in June 2022.
The temporary graduate visa is typically intended for international students to remain in Australia after completing their studies and gain work experience. However, the data, analyzed by higher education expert Andrew Norton, indicates a substantial shift in who is utilizing this pathway.
The revelation comes as Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke prepares to outline the Labor government's revised approach to immigration. Despite ongoing concerns about housing affordability, rental shortages, and infrastructure strain, the government has indicated it will maintain its long-term net overseas migration target of 225,000 people per year. The 2026 federal budget had projected migration to moderate to this figure from 2027, but forecasts have been consistently exceeded, with net overseas migration reaching 301,000 in the latest year.
The government's evolving strategy is expected to focus on aligning population growth with housing supply, infrastructure development, and essential services, rather than solely on reducing migration numbers. This stance faces increased scrutiny as visa categories, such as the graduate visa program, continue to be significant drivers of population growth.
Under current regulations, international students undertaking university or vocational courses are permitted to bring immediate family members to Australia. These family members receive the same work rights as the primary visa holder. The pathway allows both the student and their accompanying family to stay in Australia on a temporary graduate visa after the student completes their studies.
The surge in these visa grants followed the reopening of international borders after the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a record number of student visa applications. In 2022-23 alone, over 577,000 student visas were granted, contributing to a large cohort of graduates now seeking post-study visa arrangements. The number of temporary graduate visa holders has increased by 174 percent since the Labor government took office in 2022.
Andrew Norton noted that the graduate visas have become a popular route for students seeking to extend their stay in the country. "The labour market has become addicted to temporary visa holders for lots of jobs," he commented.
The increasing number of family members linked to graduate visas has drawn criticism from some political figures. Pauline Hanson, leader of the One Nation party, has called for significant changes, including the removal of secondary applicants from temporary graduate visas and preventing undergraduate international students from bringing family members.
Minister Burke's planned speech on immigration policy, initially scheduled for the National Press Club, was postponed. It is anticipated that the government will finalize its immigration agenda following discussions in cabinet. Labor is expected to announce an overhaul of migration policies in the next fortnight.