Australia Implements New Visa Policy to End ‘Visa Hopping’ Effective July 1, 2024

Australia is implementing a new policy to end “visa hopping” in its migration system, effective from July 1, 2024. This policy aims to close loopholes that allowed temporary visa holders to extend their stay indefinitely by transitioning between different visa types without leaving the country. Here are the key changes and their implications:

No Onshore Applications for Visitor and Graduate Visa Holders

New Rule: Visitors and Temporary Graduate visa holders will no longer be able to apply for a Student Visa while in Australia.

• Purpose: This change targets individuals who use visitor visas to transition to student visas, thereby extending their stay in Australia without returning to their home country?. By requiring these transitions to occur offshore, the policy aims to uphold the integrity of the student visa system and ensure that applicants are genuinely seeking education.

No Further Stay Conditions

New Rule: Some visitor visas will now include “no further stay” conditions.

• Purpose: This means visitors cannot apply for another visa while still in Australia, preventing misuse of the visitor visa system to extend their stay beyond the intended period?. This measure is designed to maintain the integrity of the migration system by ensuring that visitors adhere to the temporary nature of their visas.

Genuine Student Requirement

New Rule: Applicants for student visas must now meet stricter Genuine Student requirements.

• Purpose: This ensures that applicants have credible academic progression and genuine intentions to study in Australia, rather than using the student visa as a means to prolong their stay?. The Genuine Student requirement is intended to preserve the quality and reputation of Australia’s educational institutions by ensuring that students are genuinely committed to their studies.

Changes for Temporary Graduate Visa Holders

New Rules:

• Shorter Post-Study Work Rights: The duration for which Temporary Graduate visa holders can work after their studies will be reduced.
• Maximum Age Limit Reduced: The age limit for these visas will be reduced from 50 to 35 years.
• Increased English Language Requirements: Applicants will need to demonstrate higher proficiency in English.
• Purpose: These changes are designed to encourage graduates to find skilled jobs or leave the country rather than using further study to extend their stay?. By shortening post-study work rights, reducing the age limit, and increasing English language requirements, the policy aims to streamline the migration process and ensure that graduates contribute meaningfully during their temporary stay.

Benefits of the New Policy

Strategic Planning: These reforms are part of a broader strategy to create a more strategic, fair, and well-planned migration system that benefits Australia both economically and socially??. By tightening the rules around visa transitions, the government aims to maintain a balanced and efficient migration system that attracts genuine students and skilled workers, while preventing the exploitation of visa loopholes.

Assistance with New Regulations

For detailed guidance and assistance with these new regulations, you can contact Bansal Immigration Consultants in Australia. They offer expert advice and comprehensive services to help navigate these changes effectively. Whether you are a visitor, a student, or a temporary graduate visa holder, Bansal Immigration Consultants can provide the support you need to understand and comply with the new rules.

The new policy to end “visa hopping” reflects Australia’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of its migration system. By closing loopholes and introducing stricter requirements, the policy aims to ensure that temporary visa holders use their visas for their intended purposes and contribute positively to Australia’s economy and society.