Concerned About the Upcoming Election and Its Effect on Migration Rules?
- marketing46937
- 50 minutes ago
- 3 min read
With Australia’s federal election just around the corner, migration policy is front and centre in the national debate. Whether you’re an international student, a skilled migrant, or someone planning to apply for permanent residency, the upcoming election could significantly impact your future visa options.
At RACC Migration & Education, we’re hearing from many clients worried about changing rules, visa delays, and the long-term implications of both major parties’ proposed policies. Here’s what’s happening—and how we can help.
🚨 Both Parties Are Planning to Reduce Migration Numbers
Both the Labor and Coalition parties have committed to cutting migration—but in different ways.
Labor has already implemented a de facto cap on international student visas by instructing immigration officials to slow down visa processing once 80% of a provider’s cap is reached.
The Coalition, if elected, plans to go even further, proposing:
A 25% cut to permanent migration—reducing it from 185,000 to 140,000 places per year.
Tighter enrolment caps for international students, limiting them the number of new enrolments at public universities.
A review of temporary graduate visas, potentially reducing access to work rights post-study.
A massive increase in visa application fees, with student visa costs potentially rising to $5,000 for top “Group of Eight” universities.
These changes could make studying, working, or settling in Australia far more difficult.
🎓 What Does This Mean for International Students?
If you’re planning to study in Australia or are already here on a student visa, the proposed changes may limit:
Which courses and providers you can apply to
How long you can stay after graduating
Your ability to transition to skilled migration
The Coalition’s proposed cap could reduce international student places by ~30,000 per year, impacting major universities and private colleges alike.
🧑🔧 Skilled Migrants Are Also in the Spotlight
While Labor continues with a moderate approach, the Coalition has confirmed that skilled visas will be targeted for cuts as part of their migration reduction plan.
Skilled migration would take the biggest hit, potentially losing 45,000 places per year.
The age limit and English requirements for Temporary Graduate Visas have already been tightened under Labor, and the Coalition may go further.
If you're a skilled worker hoping to migrate, now is the time to seek advice and understand your options before policies shift again.
🏡 Is Migration Really to Blame for the Housing Crisis?
Both parties have linked migration to housing shortages, but many industry experts disagree.
The education sector warns that cuts to international student numbers could severely damage Australia's fourth-largest export industry. Business groups are also concerned about deep cuts to skilled visas, which could worsen labour shortages in construction, aged care, and hospitality.
Despite these warnings, migration is still being used as a political football—with real consequences for individuals and families.
❤️ Family Visas and Parent Visas—What’s Safe?
There is some certainty here:
Parent visas will not be cut under the Coalition, according to Peter Dutton.
Partner visas and family reunification programs are also expected to remain unchanged.
But with long processing times and high costs (e.g. up to $48,000 for contributory parent visas), early planning is more important than ever.
📉 Applications Are Already Down—Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
Visa application numbers for January–February 2025 have already dropped significantly. Slower processing times and tighter regulations are beginning to bite.
Once the election result is in, changes could be implemented swiftly. Being proactive now means you’ll be ahead of the curve.
💬 Feeling Uncertain? Speak With RACC Today
We know these changes can feel overwhelming. Whether you're studying, working, or hoping to bring your family over, it's important to understand how the election could affect your pathway—and what you can do about it.
At RACC, our Registered Migration Agents are already helping clients:
Lodge secure applications before potential caps hit
Understand new eligibility rules
Explore backup visa options if policies tighten
👉 Book a consultation today. Let’s talk about what’s happening, what your options are, and how we can help you move forward based of your current visa situation
Comments