Australia is tightening its immigration policies to prevent international students and temporary visa holders from extending their stay indefinitely. This new approach aims to close loopholes that have allowed individuals to prolong their stay in the country beyond their original visa terms. New Measures for Temporary Graduate
A significant part of Australia’s Migration Strategy, introduced last year, focuses on restricting ‘visa hopping.’ This term refers to the practice where students and temporary visa holders continuously extend their stay by switching between different types of visas. The new measures are designed to stop this trend, ensuring that international students and other temporary visa holders do not exploit the system. New Measures for Temporary Graduate
Peter McDonald, a prominent Australian demographer, recently highlighted that limiting visa hopping by reducing visa applications from those already in the country would better manage population growth. This approach, he argued, is more effective than reducing the intake of permanent migrants. New Measures for Temporary Graduate
The Australian Government has already begun implementing measures to address this issue. One significant step is the use of ‘no further stay’ conditions on visitor visas. Additionally, the Genuine Student requirement, introduced in March, has prevented thousands of students from switching from one student visa to another without credible course progression. New Measures for Temporary Graduate
These steps are part of a broader effort to restore integrity to the international student system. Other measures include ending unrestricted work rights and discontinuing the COVID visa introduced by the previous government.
Starting July 1, 2024, the Australian Government is taking further actions:
Restrictions on Visitor Visa Holders:
Visitor visa holders will no longer be able to apply for student visas while onshore. This pathway has been widely used, with over 36,000 applications from July 1, 2023, to the end of May 2024. This measure aims to prevent individuals from circumventing the strengthened offshore student visa integrity measures.
Restrictions on Temporary Graduate Visa Holders:
Temporary Graduate visa holders will also be barred from applying for student visas onshore. According to the Grattan Institute’s recent report, “Graduates in Limbo,” 32% of Temporary Graduate visa holders return to study upon the expiration of their visa to extend their stay. This change emphasizes that graduates should either find skilled jobs and become permanent residents or leave the country, rather than becoming ‘permanently temporary.’
These changes align with other new policies set to take effect on July 1, 2024, for Temporary Graduate visa holders. These include:
Shorter Post-Study Work Rights:
The duration of post-study work rights will be significantly reduced.
Reduced Age Limits:
The age limit for Temporary Graduate visa applicants will be lowered from 50 to 35 years.
Increased English Language Requirements:
Enhanced English language proficiency standards, implemented in March, will remain in effect.
Collectively, these measures are expected to reduce net overseas migration significantly. The Government is on track to halve net overseas migration by the next financial year.
The introduction of these stricter regulations is part of a comprehensive strategy to ensure that Australia’s immigration system is not exploited. By closing the pathways that have allowed for visa hopping, the Government aims to manage population growth more effectively and maintain the integrity of its immigration policies.
The new rules highlight the importance of international students and temporary visa holders following the intended purpose of their visas. Those who come to Australia for education should focus on their studies and then either return to their home country or transition to skilled employment if they wish to stay. The measures underscore the Government’s commitment to preventing the misuse of the visa system and ensuring that temporary stays remain truly temporary.
FAQs on Australia’s New Measures for Temporary Graduate Visa Holders
What is the main purpose of Australia’s new visa measures?
The new measures aim to prevent international students and temporary visa holders from extending their stay in Australia indefinitely by closing loopholes that allow for ‘visa hopping.’
What is ‘visa hopping’?
‘Visa hopping’ refers to the practice of continuously extending one’s stay in Australia by switching between different visa types without leaving the country.
Who highlighted the need to curtail visa hopping?
Peter McDonald, a renowned Australian demographer, emphasized that limiting visa hopping would better manage population growth than reducing the intake of permanent migrants.
What actions has the Australian Government already taken to address visa hopping?
The Government has implemented ‘no further stay’ conditions on visitor visas and introduced the Genuine Student requirement, which prevents students from switching between student visas without credible course progression.
What changes are being implemented on July 1, 2024, regarding Visitor Visa holders?
Visitor Visa holders will no longer be able to apply for Student Visas while onshore.
Why is the Government restricting Visitor Visa holders from applying for Student Visas onshore?
This measure aims to prevent the subversion of offshore student visa integrity measures, which have been strengthened by the Government.
What will change for Temporary Graduate Visa holders on July 1, 2024?
Temporary Graduate Visa holders will no longer be able to apply for Student Visas while onshore.
What did the Grattan Institute’s “Graduates in Limbo” report find about Temporary Graduate Visa holders?
The report found that 32% of Temporary Graduate Visa holders return to study when their visa expires to extend their stay in Australia.
What are Temporary Graduate Visa holders expected to do under the new rules?
Graduates are expected to find skilled jobs and seek permanent residency or leave the country rather than becoming ‘permanently temporary.’
What additional changes are being implemented for Temporary Graduate visa holders?
These changes include significantly shorter post-study work rights, a reduced age limit for applicants (from 50 to 35 years), and increased English language requirements.
How will these new measures impact net overseas migration?
The Government aims to reduce net overseas migration significantly, with a goal to halve it by the next financial year.
What is the Genuine Student requirement?
The Genuine Student requirement, introduced in March, ensures that only students with credible course progression can switch between student visas, preventing visa hopping.
Why is the age limit for Temporary Graduate Visa applicants being reduced?
The age limit is being lowered from 50 to 35 years to ensure that younger graduates, who are more likely to find skilled employment, are prioritized.
How are English language requirements changing for Temporary Graduate visa holders?
English language proficiency standards have been increased to ensure that graduates have the necessary language skills to integrate into the workforce.
What should international students and temporary visa holders do to comply with the new regulations?
International students and temporary visa holders should align their plans with the updated policies, focusing on completing their studies, finding skilled jobs, or planning to return to their home country.
Conclusion: These changes represent a significant shift in Australia’s approach to managing temporary visas. By tightening the rules and closing loopholes, the Government aims to better control population growth. International students and temporary visa holders must adapt to these new regulations with the updated policies to avoid complications. For more information contact us now.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is based on the latest news updates and official announcements from the Australian Government as of June 2024. For detailed guidance and specific advice, please refer to official government sources or consult with an immigration expert.
Source: www.financialexpress.com
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