Australia's Net Overseas Migration Falls to 301,000
Net Overseas Migration has dropped 45% from 2023 peaks, with temporary visa holder and international student numbers continuing to decline. This may affect future visa planning.
Official source ↗New data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows Australia's Net Overseas Migration (NOM) has fallen significantly. As of December 2025, NOM reached 301,000 — down more than 45 per cent from the peak in 2023. Over the past year alone, NOM dropped 9 per cent. For the first half of the current financial year (July-December 2025), NOM was 145,000, which is less than half the government's budget forecast of 295,000 for the full year.
Temporary visa holders and international students have been particularly affected by stricter settings. NOM from temporary visa holders fell 10 per cent annually and is now less than half the 2023 peak. International student numbers have declined 10 per cent over the year and have returned to pre-COVID levels. Visitor arrivals continue to fall due to policy changes aimed at reducing visa hopping. Working Holiday Maker departures are increasing as groups who arrived after the border reopened move on.
The Home Affairs Minister stated these changes reflect 'a sensible, measured approach to provide the skilled workers Australia needs, while addressing exploitation and rorts.' The declining numbers are attributed to stronger integrity settings in the international education sector and policy changes to migration settings. If you are considering a visa application, you should contact Home Affairs or a registered migration agent for advice on how current settings may affect your circumstances.