Australia's opposition Liberal-National Coalition has unveiled what it calls the largest immigration cut in the country's history.
Opposition Leader Angus Taylor released the "Australia-First Migration Plan" on October 6, 2026. It is a proposal for the next election, due in 2028, and it is not current law.
The Coalition says it would cut net overseas migration to 100,000 a year for its first two years in government. It would then rise to 130,000 in year three and 160,000 in year four.
Net overseas migration counts people arriving to stay minus those leaving. It was about 292,100 in the year to March 2026.
The party also says it would cut the number of temporary visa holders by about 650,000 over four years. Net overseas migration is not the same as the permanent migration program, which is set at 185,000 places for 2026–27. A lower migration target does not mean only 100,000 permanent visas.
What it means for students
The plan would cap new international student starts at 240,000. Most international students could not bring dependants, and each student visa would be tied to the institution where the student enrolled. The Coalition also wants a crackdown on students who break work-hour limits.
It would abolish the Temporary Graduate Visa, which lets graduates stay and work after finishing their studies. Reports say more than 100,000 are issued each year.
Limited pathways would remain for PhD students and those studying health, education or at regional universities.
Nepal is a significant source of students and migrants to Australia. This means changes to student and post-study pathways could affect Nepali applicants.
Other changes
- Humanitarian intake: It would be halved, from 20,000 to 10,000 places.
- Bridging visas: People applying for a second or later temporary visa would generally have to apply from outside Australia. Bridging and temporary protection visas would fall from about 414,700 to a projected 20,000.
- Skilled workers: The plan adds up to 5,000 workers through a specialist skills stream and 15,000 Skilled Project Visas a year for major projects. It would give priority to construction workers and to regional employers.
- Working holiday visas: The Coalition would replace Labor's ballot and cap system for second- and third-year extensions.
How it compares
The Labor government is already cutting migration. Its targets are 245,000 this financial year and 225,000 by 2027–28.
It has limited students' family members and tightened rules on switching visas.
One Nation has also proposed deeper cuts. The Coalition's plan is far lower than Labor's targets.
The Coalition says high migration is putting pressure on housing, roads, schools and hospitals, and that Australia needs breathing space.
Business and education groups warn the plan could worsen worker shortages, hurt universities and push skilled graduates to other countries. The Coalition has not released full economic modeling, and costings are expected nearer the election.
Taylor has said some aged-care workers would be affected, but he did not say how many.
There are also concerns about Australia's trade deal with India, which gives Indian graduates certain post-study work rights.
