The Australian government has announced a new immigration policy that aims to halve the number of incomers. Visa rules, mainly for international students, will be tightened under the reform.

The scheme announced Monday requires overseas students to get higher scores in English tests. And they'll also need to prove the course they apply for will advance their planned career if they want to prolong their stay.

Officials say the policy will prevent foreign students from abandoning their original studies for vocational training courses.

Australia is seeing a record number of migrants as the coronavirus pandemic subsides. Over 500,000 arrived in the year through September. Some people blame the spike for rising house prices.

Australian Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil said on Monday that the country faces "big national challenges," and the government will bring numbers of migrants "back under control."

Officials say their reforms will cut the number of migrants to around 250,000 annually.