In line with its commitments under the Migration Strategy unveiled in December 2023, the Australian government has rolled out new measures aimed at curbing “visa hopping” within the country’s migration system. These measures, set to take effect from 1st July 2024, mark a significant shift in visa regulations, particularly impacting visitor and graduate visa holders.
One of the key changes introduced is the cessation of onshore student visa applications for visitor and graduate visa holders. This move is strategically designed to close loopholes that allowed tourist visa holders to extend their stay in Australia by transitioning to student visas while bypassing offshore visa integrity measures. By disallowing this pathway, the government aims to uphold the integrity and fairness of the Australian migration system.
Moreover, these changes are expected to steer temporary graduate visa holders towards engaging in skilled employment opportunities within Australia, rather than opting for continuous study and potentially becoming ‘permanently temporary’ visa holders. This shift aligns with the broader objective of ensuring that temporary visa holders contribute meaningfully to the Australian economy and workforce.
In conjunction with the visa application changes, complementary measures have been implemented to further regulate this segment of visa holders. These include significantly reduced upper age limits, shorter post-study work rights, and heightened English language proficiency requirements. These adjustments are intended to streamline the migration process, ensuring that visa holders possess the necessary skills and language proficiency to thrive in the Australian context.
Another significant aspect of these new measures is the introduction of the subsequent temporary application charge, applicable to certain temporary visas. This charge, calculated based on individual visa history, is payable by each applicant and is in addition to other applicable visa charges. However, exemptions exist for specific circumstances, such as when:
- The base application charge for your application is nil.
- The visa pricing table does not show a subsequent temporary application charge.
- The visa pricing table shows the subsequent temporary application charge as nil or N/A. The applicant is outside Australia while making their substantive temporary visa application.
- The applicant is making their first substantive temporary visa application in Australia.
Overall, these measures signify a proactive approach by the Australian government to address challenges within the migration system, promote skilled employment, and maintain the integrity of temporary visa pathways. As these changes come into effect, stakeholders are encouraged to stay updated with the latest visa requirements and regulations to ensure compliance and smooth visa processing.
