The Australian Government has recently announced significant changes to its Student Visa program, aimed at preventing ‘visa hopping’ and ensuring the integrity of the immigration system. These changes, set to come into effect on July 1, 2024, will impact a variety of visa holders and alter post-study work rights. Here’s everything you need to know about the new Australian Student Visa restrictions. New Australian Student Visa Restrictions 2024
Overview of the Announcement
On June 12, 2024, the Australian Government declared new restrictions on Student Visas, targeting specific visa holders who have been using the Student Visa pathway to extend their stay in Australia. These changes are part of a broader strategy to maintain sustainable migration levels and address issues highlighted in recent reports.
List of Visa Holders Affected by New Restrictions
Know Who Will Be Affected? The comprehensive list of visa categories, along with the current visas that prevent holders from applying for an onshore student visa, encompasses the following:
- Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate)
- Subclass 600 (Visitor)
- Subclass 601 (Electronic Travel Authority)
- Subclass 602 (Medical Treatment)
- Subclass 651 (visitor)
- 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 limitations placed on Visitor Visa holders applying for Student Visas while onshore aim to curb the ‘increasingly prevalent’ trend. According to Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil, this pathway has seen over 36,000 applications from July 1, 2023, to the end of May 2024, and has been exploited to bypass the Government’s enhanced offshore student visa integrity measures.
Visitor Visa Restrictions
One of the major changes is the restriction on Visitor Visa holders from applying for Student Visas while onshore. This measure addresses the increasing trend of individuals using Visitor Visas as a stepping stone to obtain a Student Visa. From July 1, 2024, Visitor Visa holders will need to apply for a Student Visa from offshore.
According to Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil, this pathway has seen over 36,000 applications between July 1, 2023, and May 2024, highlighting its misuse to bypass stringent offshore student visa integrity measures.
Temporary Graduate Visa Holders
Temporary Graduate Visa holders will also face new restrictions. These changes aim to encourage graduates to either secure skilled employment, pursue other visa pathways, or leave the country. This move responds to an October 2023 report from the Grattan Institute, which revealed that one in three Temporary Graduate Visa holders were returning to further study as a means to prolong their stay in Australia.
Changes to Post-Study Work Rights
Post-study work rights will see significant adjustments from July 1, 2024:
Graduate Work Stream:
- Renamed to Post-Vocational Education Work stream.
- Stay duration: Up to 18 months (up to 5 years for Hong Kong or British National Overseas passport holders).
Post-Study Work Stream:
- Renamed to Post-Higher Education Work stream.
- Stay duration: Up to 3 years for most degree holders (up to 5 years for Hong Kong or British National Overseas passport holders, and up to 4 years for Indian nationals under the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement).
Age Limit Reduction and English Language Requirement Increases
Significant changes have been made to the age limit and English language requirements for both streams:
Age Limit:
Reduced from 50 to 35 years at the time of application.
English Language Requirements:
Enhanced requirements implemented in March 2024 will continue, featuring higher minimum scores and a decreased test validity window.
Government’s Strategy for Sustainable Migration Levels
These changes are part of the Australian Government’s broader strategy to ensure sustainable migration levels. The government aims to reduce net overseas migration to 268,000 places in the next financial year, a significant decrease from 528,000 places in the 2022-23 financial year.
What This Means for Prospective Students and Graduates
For prospective students and graduates planning to study or work in Australia, it is crucial to understand these new regulations and prepare accordingly. The tightening of visa pathways and stricter post-study work rights underscore the importance of aligning educational and career goals with the new immigration policies.
Conclusion: The Australian Government’s recent changes to the Student Visa program mark a significant shift in its approach to managing international student migration. These measures are designed to enhance the integrity of the immigration system and ensure sustainable migration levels. Prospective students and graduates must stay informed and adapt to these new regulations to achieve their educational and professional objectives in Australia.
For detailed advice tailored to your specific circumstances, it is recommended to consult with a migration specialist or legal advisor. By staying informed and proactive, you can navigate these changes and make the most of the opportunities available in Australia. For more information contact us now.
Disclaimer: Information provided on this page about Australian student visa restrictions is based on current knowledge and may be subject to updates or changes.
Also read:
- Australia Increases International Student Visa Fees
- Australia’s New Student Visa Rules: What You Need to Know
- Melbourne Ranks Fifth Best City for Students Worldwide
- Australia Implements New Measures for Temporary Graduate Visa Holders
- Understanding the New Australian Student Visa Restrictions 2024: What You Need to Know
