Family Reunion and Student Visa Changes: How 2025 Reforms Affect Families and International Students

Are you reuniting with loved ones or planning your international education in Australia? Starting July 2025, Australia’s visa system is undergoing major reform—from streamlining family reunion processes to tightening student visa criteria. These changes will impact families and students in Australia and the Philippines—here’s what every hopeful applicant needs to know now. 

What is Australia’s Family & Student Visa Reform 2025? 

Australia’s 2025 visa changes simplify partner and parent visas with a unified application process and introduce a more flexible temporary Parent visa. Student visa reforms enhance financial capacity requirements, boost work rights, and adjust fees and processing priorities—all designed to strengthen visa integrity while supporting genuine applicants. 

Family Reunion Reforms: Smoother & More Affordable 

Simplified Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801 & 309/100) 

• Moves to a single-stage application, eliminating the temporary-to-permanent visa split and speeding up approval times  

• Visa applicants no longer require separate lodgement for subclass 820 and 801 or 309 and 100—offering a one-stop solution . 

• Bridging Visa A holders can continue working with no extra conditions during processing . 

Introduction of Flexible Parent Visas 

• A new temporary Parent visa offers longer stays with clearer PR pathways, reducing reliance on backlog-prone contributory visas . 

• Long-awaited fees reduction is expected by FY 2026—estimated AUD 5,000 for two parents and AUD 2,500 for single parents or partners . 

• The plan aims to phase out contributory parent visas post-July 2029, improving access and affordability . 

Student Visa Reforms: Strengthened Integrity & Opportunities 

Increased Financial Capacity 

• Minimum funds required rose from AUD 24,505 to AUD 29,710, ensuring student self‑sufficiency . 

Expanded Work Rights 

• Bachelor’s students can now work 24 hours/week (up from 20). 

• Postgraduate students in study periods gain unlimited work rights in their field . 

What These Changes Mean for Applicants & Families 

Area	Impact
Partner Visa	Faster, single-stage processing—shorter wait times, immediate work rights during processing
Parent Visa	New temporary parent option provides flexibility and affordability; PR pathways remain clear
Students	Must show stronger financial foundation; greater ability to work; application costs higher but eligible providers get priority

How Legacy Migration Can Help You 

We support families and students navigating these changes: 

• Comprehensive Application Support: Single-stage visa strategy and work-rights guidance. 

• Financial Planning Assistance: Help proving updated funds threshold. 

• Education Provider Selection: Match students with priority providers for expedited processing. 

• Fee Management Advice: Lodging before July 2025 or strategic planning around fee changes. 

From July 2025, Australia makes family reunion simpler and more affordable while tightening student visa rules to bolster integrity. Whether reuniting with loved ones or pursuing education, these reforms demand careful planning. Legacy Migration is ready to guide you through every step. 

Ready to navigate the 2025 visa reforms with confidence? 

Schedule a consultation with Legacy Migration today. We'll tailor your strategy for partner, parent, or student visas and help your family start this next chapter. 

The information, updates, news, and advice provided are intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as personalised guidance. For accurate advice regarding your specific migration case, we invite you to reach out to us directly by sending a message through this link: https://www.legacymigration.com.au/take-your-first-step-to-living-working-or-studying-in-australia

Migration Agents Registration Number: 1797357

QEAC Number: S041