Australia is making significant changes to its immigration policies, impacting both current and prospective visa holders. Starting next month, the Australian Department of Home Affairs will cease the conversion of tourist visas to student status. This move continues a series of policies aimed at reducing immigration, aligning with the Migration Strategy released last year.
Key takeaways
Starting July 1, 2024, visitors on tourist visas will no longer be able to convert their visa status to student visa inside Australia. This is to crack down on "visa hopping" - a practice of using a tourist visa to enter Australia and then applying for a student visa to extend the stay.
Temporary Graduate visa holders will also be ineligible to apply for a student visa onshore.
These changes are part of a broader effort by the Australian government to reduce immigration numbers and ensure a "smaller, better planned" migration system.
A Series of Policy Tightenings
Since the end of last year, Australia has implemented several measures to tighten visa regulations for international students. The overarching goal is to reduce the number of immigrants by half within the next two years. Key measures include:
Reduction in Visa Duration: In February, the allowed stay for international students was reduced from four to six years to two to four years.
University Risk Levels: Universities were categorized into three groups based on recruitment risk levels, affecting visa processing times. Levels 2 and 3 universities now face slower processing compared to level 1 institutions.
Increased English Requirements: In March, the required IELTS score for international students was raised from 6.0 to 6.5, a 0.5 point increase.
Part-Time Work Limits: The part-time work limit for international students was set to 24 hours per week, down from no previous limit.
Higher Financial Proof Requirements: Last month, the financial proof requirement for international students was increased to AUD$29,710 (US$19,820), a 20% hike from the previous amount.
Impact on International Education
These changes come as Australia remains one of the world’s most popular study destinations. International education is a significant export industry for the country, contributing AUD$36.4 billion to the economy last year. As of the end of March this year, over 740,000 international students were studying in Australia, with Vietnamese students making up 5% of this population.
Australia remains a popular study destination
Despite the stricter visa rules, Australia continues to be a top choice for international students. The country boasts world-class universities, a vibrant multicultural society, and a strong economy.
Planning to apply for a student visa in Australia?
Make sure you understand the latest requirements and eligibility criteria. It's advisable to consult with an immigration professional for personalized guidance.
Stay informed and keep exploring your options to continue your journey in Australia with Red Migration.
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