Australia faces migration scrutiny as graduate visa dependents surge

Australia is facing renewed scrutiny over its migration policies as data reveals a significant surge in family members accompanying Temporary Graduate (485) visa holders. As of June 30, there were 271,191 holders of the 485 visa, with 73,897 being secondary applicants—spouses or children—accounting for approximately 27% to 30% of the total.

Department of Home Affairs data indicates that between June 2022 and June 2026, the number of 485 visa holders rose by 174%, while the number of secondary applicants grew by 204%. Experts suggest this spike is a delayed consequence of the massive increase in international student intakes during 2022 and 2023.

The trend has sparked political debate, with One Nation leader Pauline Hanson proposing stricter regulations. Hanson is calling for the removal of secondary applicants from the temporary graduate visa system and seeking to prohibit undergraduate international students from bringing family members to Australia. This comes as the federal government attempts to reduce net overseas migration.