The Australian Government is taking significant steps to bolster the integrity of its Student visa program. These measures aim to ensure that visas are granted to genuine students while also providing those who attain qualifications in Australia with opportunities to contribute to the nation’s economic growth.
In alignment with the recently unveiled Migration Strategy, the government has announced pivotal changes to Student visa eligibility criteria. A key aspect of these changes is the restriction placed on certain temporary visa holders, preventing them from applying for a Student visa while in Australia.
Effective from 1 July 2024, holders of Temporary Graduate, Visitor, and Maritime Crew visas will no longer be able to apply for a Student visa onshore. This update expands the existing list of visas from which onshore Student visa applications are already prohibited. The comprehensive list of visa holders who will be unable to apply for a Student visa while in Australia now includes:
- Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate)
- Subclass 600 (Visitor)
- Subclass 601 (Electronic Travel Authority)
- Subclass 602 (Medical Treatment)
- Subclass 651 (eVisitor)
- Subclass 771 (Transit)
- Subclass 988 (Maritime Crew)
- Subclass 995 (Diplomatic Temporary) – primary visa holders only
- Subclass 403 (Temporary Work) International Relations)) – Domestic Worker (Diplomatic or Consular) stream
- Subclass 426 (Domestic Worker (Temporary) – Diplomatic or Consular)
These changes reflect the government’s commitment to maintaining a robust and trustworthy Student visa program, ensuring that it serves the best interests of both students and the broader Australian community.
The practice of «visa hopping» has led to an increasing number of former international students living in Australia under a series of temporary visas, creating a population of «permanently temporary» residents. To combat this issue, the government has introduced changes aimed at closing this loophole and ending the practice.
Under the new regulations, Temporary Graduate Visa holders are expected to either leave Australia or secure skilled employment and explore other visa pathways, including those that may lead to permanent residency. Additionally, Visitor visa applicants intending to study in Australia will now be required to apply for their Student visa from outside the country.
Genuine students who wish to pursue their education in Australia can still apply for a Student visa from offshore. Those who meet the established criteria will be granted a Student visa, ensuring that the system supports individuals who are truly committed to their studies and future contributions to Australia’s growth.
These changes, along with other measures, are designed to enhance the integrity of Australia’s immigration system and ensure that it functions in the best interest of both the country and those seeking to build their futures here.
Source: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/news-media/archive/article?itemId=1211
