Onshore ‘Visa Hopping’ Restrictions to be introduced as of 1 July 2024
On Wednesday 12 June 2024, the Minister of Home Affairs, The Hon Clare O’Neil MP, released a media statement outlining the new measures that will be implemented as of 1 July 2024 with the aim to restrict ‘visa hopping’ in Australia.
Based on this announcement and starting 1 July 2024, the below restrictions will be introduced for onshore visitor and temporary graduate visa holders:
- Onshore Visitor/Tourist visa holders will be restricted from submitting further applications for Student visas while in Australia.
- Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa holders of all streams will not be able to make another application for a Student Visa while holding this visa in Australia.
It is important to note that the relevant legislation making this announcement law has yet to be released at the time of writing this article.
New Migration Strategy
The above measures form part of the new Migration Strategy released on 11 December 2023, which has introduced a number of key legislative changes:
- Shorter post-study work rights for Temporary Graduate Visa holders
- Reduced age limit from 50 to 35 years of age for Temporary Graduate Visa applications
- English language requirements increased for Temporary Graduate Visa and Student Visa applicants
- Enrolment caps for international students imposed on education providers
Further Information and Assistance
Additional updates will be made available as the roll out of these changes take place. If you are affected by or require further information about these changes, please contact our office on 1800 834 625 or submit an online enquiry.