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Australia's migration cuts are only a proposal: a clear guide for Vietnamese workers

News · 2026-10-06 · 3 min read

Big news about Australian migration can feel worrying. This week there was some. On Tuesday 6 October 2026, the federal Opposition shared its migration policy. The Opposition is the Liberal and National Coalition. Here is the most important sentence: this is only a proposal. It would happen only if the Coalition wins the next federal election and then makes the changes. Nothing in it is law. Visa rules are the same today.

What the Opposition wants

The Opposition says this would be the largest cut to immigration in Australia's history. It says it would choose migrants with the skills Australia needs. It also says the plan would be budget-neutral, free up more homes and ease pressure on frontline services.

Let us look at the main points.

• Net overseas migration is the number of people who arrive to stay, minus the number who leave. It would be cut to 100,000 a year for the first two years. Then it would level out at around 160,000 in year four.
• At 100,000 a year, it would be the lowest since 2004 outside the pandemic.
• The number of temporary visa holders in Australia would fall by about 650,000 over four years.
• The permanent skilled migration program would stay capped at 185,000 places a year. In the longer term, the cap could be lowered if needed.
• Skilled work visas would focus closely on the skills Australia needs.

Students and graduates

The plan would also change study visas. Temporary graduate visas would be abolished. Most secondary applicants would be restricted. These are family members who come with the main student. New international student commencements would be cut to 240,000. Graduates with a PhD, health and education graduates, and graduates of regional universities could use post-study transitional visas.

What other people say

The Labor Government announced its own plan last month. It would make it harder for international students to bring their families. It would stop visa-hopping. It would give priority for visas to skilled workers in teaching, construction and agriculture. One Nation has a different plan, with a cut of 750,000 in net overseas migration over three years. One independent MP criticised the Coalition plan. The MP warned it could bring fear and division to Australia, as seen in immigration debates in the United States and parts of Europe.

What should you do now?

Stay calm and use today's rules. A proposal can change, or never happen. Here are some safe steps.

• Check how your trade or degree may be assessed again in Australia or New Zealand.
• Get certified English translations of your Vietnamese documents when the visa rules ask for them.
• Prepare for an English test such as IELTS or PTE if your visa or employer needs one.
• Ask for a police certificate only when it is requested. For Vietnamese citizens it is usually the Judicial Record Certificate No. 2 (Phiếu lý lịch tư pháp số 2).

When there is big news, some people try to make money from fear. Deal only with licensed organisations and real employers. Never pay an unlicensed broker. Be careful with anyone who asks for money upfront to secure a job or a visa. Read the official rules on the Department of Home Affairs website and take your time.

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