Australia to Add 'No Further Stay' Condition to All Visitor Visas

What happened

On 17 September 2026 the government announced it will introduce a No Further Stay condition on all visitor visas. Home Affairs says the aim is to make sure visitor visas “are only used by genuine visitors and not as a pathway to extending a stay in Australia” (Home Affairs policy changes page).

A No Further Stay condition generally stops the holder from applying for most other visas while they are in Australia. In his National Press Club speech, Minister Tony Burke said the condition cannot apply to protection (asylum) applications but will apply to other applications by people who arrive on visitor visas.

Who is affected

The Minister’s main target is people who come on a visitor visa and then apply for a partner visa onshore, which usually gives them a bridging visa to stay while they wait. He called this a “double standard” compared with couples who apply from overseas and wait for years.

The condition applies to future visitor visas only. The Minister said it will have no impact on anybody already in Australia.

What it means for your move

If you are the partner of an Australian citizen or permanent resident, plan to apply for a partner visa from outside Australia (subclass 309/100), or apply onshore from another visa that allows it. Once the condition starts, arriving as a visitor and switching to an onshore partner visa (subclass 820/801) will no longer work.

The Minister argued the change will help genuine visitors. He said Home Affairs often refuses visitor visas for weddings, family events or visits to sick relatives because it cannot be sure the visit is temporary. With the new condition, he expects more of these visas to be granted. He also said partners waiting for a spouse visa should be able to visit Australia regularly.

Separately, from 2 October 2026 visitor visa holders (subclasses 600, 601 and 651) can no longer apply for a Student visa in Australia.

What to do now

• If you are planning a partner visa, decide now whether to apply offshore. Our partner visa guide explains both routes.
• If you are already in Australia on a visitor visa, the announced change does not apply to your current visa. Get advice from a registered migration agent about your options.
• Answer the genuine temporary stay questions on any visitor application honestly and with evidence.

What happens next

Home Affairs says the September measures will be rolled out over the next 12 months. As of 11 October 2026 no start date or legal instrument for the visitor visa condition has been published. See our 2026 migration changes explainer, and follow the Australia hub and updates page for the start date.