The Australian Government has announced significant changes to the Student visa program as part of its Migration Strategy. These changes are aimed at enhancing the integrity of the program, ensuring that visas are granted to genuine students, and providing opportunities for those who receive qualifications in Australia to contribute to the country’s economic growth.
The Australian Government emphasised its commitment to maintaining the integrity of the Student visa program. “The Australian Government is focused on strengthening the integrity of the Student visa program. This will ensure we grant visas to genuine students and give students who receive qualifications in Australia opportunities to contribute to Australia’s economic growth,” the statement read.
Effective from July 1, 2024, certain temporary visa holders will be restricted from applying for a Student visa while in Australia. This new regulation targets Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate), Subclass 600 (Visitor), and Subclass 988 (Maritime Crew) visa holders, among others. The complete list of visa subclasses affected by this change 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)
The government’s decision to implement these changes is in response to the growing issue of ‘permanently temporary’ former international students residing in Australia. The new measures are designed to close this loophole and put an end to the practice of visa hopping.
Temporary Graduate Visa holders are advised to either depart Australia or seek skilled jobs and other visa pathways, including those that may lead to permanent residency in Australia. Additionally, Visitor visa applicants who intend to study will be required to apply for their Student visa from outside the country.
The government assures that genuine Student visa applicants can still apply from offshore, and those who meet the criteria will be granted a Student visa. These changes aim to streamline the process and ensure that only genuine students are granted visas, thereby contributing positively to Australia’s economic growth.
