To curb the practice of “Visa Hopping,” the Australian government has tightened the requirements for applying for visas. This is the process of moving from one type of visa to another, frequently in an attempt to prolong one’s stay in the nation. The Minister of Home Affairs, Clare O’Neil, announced on June 12 that holders of visitor visas would no longer be able to apply for an Australian student visa while in the country as of July 1. 

Why End Visa Hopping? 

The decision to discontinue “Visa Hopping” was made in response to the growing number of applications for visitor-to-student visas, which totaled over 36,000 between July 1, 2023, and May 31, 2024. The decision to tighten regulations was prompted by the perception that this trend represented a possible abuse of the visa system. The Temporary Graduate Visa, Visitor Visa, Electronic Travel Authority Visa, Medical Treatment Visa, eVisitor Visa, Transit Visa, Diplomatic Temporary Visa, Temporary Work Visa (International Relations), and Domestic Worker (Temporary) Visas are among the notable visa subclasses impacted by this new ruling.

Effect on Temporary Graduate Visa

Applying for a student visa while in Australia will no longer be available to holders of Temporary Graduate Visas. They are, nevertheless, encouraged to look for skilled work and apply to become citizens. This modification makes it very evident that graduates should either leave the country or find skilled employment and become permanent residents. Similarly, individuals with visitor visas who wish to study in Australia must apply for an Australian student visa from outside the nation. 

These changes will be put into effect on December 11, 2023, as part of Australia’s new Migration Strategy Reforms. It also supports several other changes that, as of July 1, will apply to holders of Temporary Graduate visas. These include the considerably shortened post-study work rights, the lowered age restrictions (from 50 to 35), and the raised English language proficiency requirements that went into effect in March.

Why the Migration Strategy Reforms?

The goal of the Migration Strategy Reforms is to address the problem of visa hopping and close down any remaining loopholes. This is especially true for foreign students who enter Australia temporarily and remain there indefinitely. It’s critical to realize that these changes are an indication of the Government’s commitment to maintaining the integrity and caliber of the Australian international education system, rather than posing a threat to it.

According to the Ministry of Home Affairs Australia’s press release, the migration strategy offers a thorough plan to close the gaps in international education. This is the next phase of that plan’s implementation, with Australia seeking to create a more strategic, smaller, and well-planned migration system that fits the needs and objectives of the nation.

The Way Ahead

Therefore, it is generally accepted that the decision to prohibit visa hopping was made by the Australian government in response to the growing popularity of the visitor-to-student visa pathway. Thus, in order to save time and improve the likelihood of having their student visa approved, students who want to study in Australia should apply for one right away.

You can get in contact with our study abroad consultants in Colombo for any more information about this recent development. With their in-depth knowledge of the most recent developments in this study destination, our knowledgeable team will point you in the right direction. They are committed to helping students at every turn, from the university’s shortlist to the application and even the visa process.

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