Upcoming Visa Policy Changes: Restricting Onshore Visa Hopping to the Student Visa Program

The Australian Government is implementing significant reforms to the international education system to maintain integrity and support genuine international students. These changes are part of the Migration Strategy announced in December 2023 and are set to take effect from 1 July 2024.

Key Changes Effective from 1 July 2024:

Expansion of Legislative Instrument LIN16/016: This change will prevent holders of specific temporary visas from applying for a Student visa while onshore in Australia. The affected visa subclasses include:

• Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate)
• Subclass 600 (Visitor)
• Subclass 601 (Electronic Travel Authority)
• Subclass 602 (Medical Treatment)
• Subclass 651 (eVisitor)
• Subclass 988 (Maritime Crew)

Existing Restrictions: These changes add to the existing restrictions for the following visa subclasses:

• Subclass 403 (Temporary Work (International Relations)) – Domestic Worker (Diplomatic or Consular) stream
• Subclass 426 (Domestic Worker (Temporary) – Diplomatic or Consular)
• Subclass 771 (Transit)
• Subclass 995 (Diplomatic Temporary) – primary visa holders only

Implications for International Students and Visa Holders

Maintaining Integrity: These changes aim to uphold the integrity of the international education system by ensuring that only genuine students can apply for and obtain a Student visa.

Impact on Visa Holders: For holders of the affected visas, it means they will need to be offshore to apply for a Student visa. This could lead to additional planning and preparation for those who intend to pursue further studies in Australia.

Adapting to the New Regulations

Plan Ahead: If you hold one of the affected visas and are considering applying for a Student visa, you will need to make arrangements to lodge your application from outside Australia.

Seek Professional Advice: Consulting with a migration agent can provide clarity and help you navigate these changes. AustraliaMigrate can offer expert guidance tailored to your specific situation.

Stay Informed: Keeping up-to-date with the latest immigration policies and changes is crucial. Subscribing to news blogs and official channels can help you stay informed about any further updates.

The upcoming changes to the Student visa program mark a significant shift in Australia’s immigration policy, aimed at maintaining the integrity of the international education system. For those impacted, understanding and adapting to these changes is essential. At AustraliaMigrate, we are dedicated to helping you navigate these changes with ease and confidence. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you in making your Australian dream a reality.