Australia’s Temporary Migrant Numbers Reach All-Time High, Raising Housing Concerns

Australia’s temporary visa population has reached an unprecedented high of 2.93 million, placing growing pressure on housing availability, infrastructure, and public services, while intensifying scrutiny of the country’s migration management system. According to a recent report by New Home Affairs, temporary migrants now make up nearly 10% of Australia’s population, highlighting the scale of post-pandemic migration and ongoing visa processing delays.

Since 2019, the number of temporary visa holders in Australia has increased by almost 1.2 million, creating significant policy challenges for the Albanese government as it attempts to balance labour market demand with public concerns around rental affordability, service capacity, and migration control.

Sharp Increase Across Multiple Australian Visa Categories

As of the end of October, the record Australia temporary visa count spans a wide range of visa streams, reflecting the breadth and complexity of the migration intake:

• New Zealand citizens: 731,234
• International students in Australia: 638,166
• Temporary graduate visa holders: 240,332
• Bridging visa holders: 402,652
• Temporary skilled workers: 238,322
• Working holiday makers: 226,962
• Tourist visa holders: 360,214
  
  

The large number of international students in Australia continues to be a key driver of temporary migration growth, reinforcing Australia’s position as a global education hub while simultaneously increasing demand for student accommodation and private rental housing in major metropolitan areas.

Rising Numbers of Asylum Seekers and Protection Visa Claims

The data also reveals a sharp rise in the number of failed asylum seekers remaining in Australia, which has exceeded 100,000 for the first time, reaching 101,976 people as of 31 October. In addition, 26,298 protection visa claims remain pending.

Despite these figures, deportations from Australia remain extremely low, averaging around a dozen removals per month in the last financial year and dropping to fewer than five in October. This has contributed to a growing cohort of long-term temporary residents living in uncertainty.

Visa Processing Delays and Tribunal Backlogs

A major contributor to Australia’s expanding temporary migrant population is the mounting backlog within the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART). The tribunal is currently managing more than 124,000 active migration cases, with student visa appeals forming a significant share.

Of all migration-related reviews:

• 46,601 cases involve student visa refusals
• 40,427 cases relate to protection visa decisions

These prolonged student visa processing delays mean many applicants remain in Australia on bridging visas, further inflating temporary visa numbers and placing sustained pressure on housing, healthcare, and transport systems.

Population Growth Driven by Net Overseas Migration

Australia’s total population reached 27.5 million in March, reflecting an annual growth of 1.6%. Net overseas migration accounted for 315,900 people, significantly outpacing natural population growth.

While net migration has eased from the 2022–23 peak of 536,000, arrivals remain well above pre-pandemic migration levels. Permanent and long-term arrivals reached a record 415,760 in the first three quarters of 2025, underlining the continued reliance on migration to support economic growth.

Full-year Australian migration statistics are expected to be released on 18 December, offering further insight into whether recent policy measures are delivering sustained moderation.

Government Reforms to Stabilise Australia’s Migration System

In response to mounting pressure, the Australian government has rolled out several migration reforms aimed at restoring balance and integrity to the system. Early indicators suggest some progress, including:

• A 26% decline in student visa applications
• A 31% fall in temporary graduate visa lodgements in 2024–25
  

Key policy changes include:

• Stricter English language requirements
• Reinstated caps on international student work hours
• Ending onshore student visa applications from visitor and graduate visa holders
  
  

The Department of Home Affairs has clarified that most bridging visa holders are awaiting decisions on applications lodged while holding valid visas, emphasising that administrative delays, rather than non-compliance, are driving elevated numbers.

Housing and Infrastructure Pressures Intensify

With temporary migrants accounting for one in every ten people in Australia, the impact on rental housing supply, public transport, and healthcare services has become increasingly pronounced. Cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane are facing acute rental shortages, with international students and temporary workers competing in already constrained housing markets.

Economists caution that while migration remains essential for skills supply and economic growth, better alignment between visa policy, housing construction, and infrastructure planning will be critical to avoid long-term strain.

Looking Ahead

Australia’s record 2.93 million temporary visa holders underscore both the country’s global appeal and the structural challenges of managing a high-volume migration system. While recent reforms point towards stabilisation, pressures on housing, tribunals, and public services are expected to persist in the short term.

As policymakers await updated Australian migration data, attention will remain focused on whether tighter controls and faster processing can restore balance, without weakening Australia’s standing as a preferred destination for international students, skilled migrants, and visitors.