Australia Tightens Student and Visitor Visa Rules
Australia has announced a fresh package of migration reforms that will tighten rules for international students, visitors and working holidaymakers as the government seeks to reduce visa misuse and bring net overseas migration down to more sustainable levels. The changes will be progressively introduced over the next 12 months.
Australia Moves to Stop Student Visa Hopping
The government will introduce tougher student visa integrity measures aimed at preventing temporary migrants from repeatedly switching between visas to extend their stay in Australia.
Restrictions will also be introduced for secondary applicants attached to most student visas. The government says the changes are intended to ensure the international education system is primarily used by genuine students rather than as an indirect pathway for prolonged residence.
Visitor Visas to Get ‘No Further Stay’ Condition
Australia will introduce a “No Further Stay” condition across visitor visas, preventing visitors from using the category as a pathway to extend their stay after arriving in the country.
Visitor visa holders are already prohibited from working in Australia and may generally study for only up to three months.
Working Holiday Visa Rules Also Tightened
The Working Holiday Maker programme will also be reformed. Applicants seeking second and third-year visas will face a ballot system alongside a regional work requirement designed to support labour needs outside major cities.
The government also intends to stabilise Working Holiday Maker processing times at around three months. Existing rules generally restrict holders to six months of work with the same employer unless an exemption or permission applies.
