Crucial Temporary Graduate Visa Changes Australia 2024: Key Updates and Significant Impacts

Key Changes to Australia’s Migration Rules to Stop Visa Hopping from 1st July 2024

The Australian Government is enacting stricter migration rules starting 1st July 2024 to curb visa hopping, a practice where temporary visa holders continuously extend their stay in Australia by switching between various visa categories. This will significantly impact many temporary visa holders currently residing in Australia. Below are the three key changes:

1. Prohibition on Student Visas for Visitor Visa Holders

   Effective 1st July 2024, individuals holding visitor visas (subclass 600) will no longer be eligible to apply for student visas while in Australia. This measure is designed to prevent the growing number of people who use visitor visas as a stepping stone to bypass offshore student visa checks and enter Australia for educational purposes. The government aims to ensure that student visa applications undergo rigorous assessment processes outside Australia, maintaining the integrity of the educational migration system.

2. Restrictions for Temporary Graduate Visa Holders

   Temporary Graduate Visa holders (subclass 485) will be restricted from applying for student visas onshore. This policy change seeks to discourage graduates from prolonging their stay in Australia by returning to study instead of pursuing skilled employment or returning to their home countries. By enforcing this restriction, the government intends to streamline the transition of graduates into the workforce or their departure from Australia, aligning with the broader goals of skilled migration and reducing temporary visa extensions.

3. Additional Changes for Temporary Graduate Visa Holders

   Several other modifications will be made to the conditions of the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485):

   • Shorter Post-Study Work Rights: The duration of post-study work rights for graduates will be reduced, limiting the time they can remain in Australia after completing their studies.
   • Reduced Age Limit: The maximum age limit for applicants will be lowered from 50 to 35, targeting younger, skilled individuals and aligning with global trends in migration policies.
   • Higher English Language Requirements: Stricter English language proficiency standards will be imposed, ensuring that graduates have a high level of language skills necessary for integration into the Australian workforce.

Summary:
These measures aim to reduce net overseas migration and close existing loopholes in the migration system, fostering a more strategic approach to international education and skilled migration in Australia. By tightening these rules, the government seeks to ensure that the migration system better supports the nation’s economic and social objectives while maintaining the integrity and efficacy of its visa programs. The focus is on creating a balanced and sustainable migration framework that prioritizes skilled migration, enhances the quality of international students, and ensures that temporary visa holders contribute meaningfully to the Australian economy. By addressing visa hopping and implementing these targeted changes, the government aims to streamline the migration process, reduce undue pressures on the immigration system, and promote long-term benefits for both migrants and the broader Australian community.


Sources: https://minister.homeaffairs.gov.au/ClareONeil/Pages/ending-visa-hopping-migration-system.aspx