Australia Announces an End to Visa Hopping in 2024

The Australian Government released its New Migration Strategy on December 11, 2023, announcing many changes to student visas and temporary skilled migration programs. As a part of this strategy, the Government is set to implement strict measures on certain temporary visa holders, restricting them from applying for a Student visa while in Australia.

So, starting July 1, 2024, Temporary Graduate, Visitor, and Maritime Crew visa holders will not be able to apply for a Student visa while staying in Australia. 

Below is the complete list of visa holders who will not be able to apply for a Student visa onshore from July 1, 2024: 

• Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate)
• Subclass 600 (Visitor)
• Subclass 601 (Electronic Travel Authority)
• Subclass 602 (Medical Treatment)
• Subclass 651 (eVisitor)
• Subclass 771 (Transit)
• Subclass 988 (Maritime Crew)
• Subclass 995 (Diplomatic Temporary) – primary visa holders only
• Subclass 403 (Temporary Work) International Relations)) – Domestic Worker (Diplomatic or Consular) stream
• Subclass 426 (Domestic Worker (Temporary) – Diplomatic or Consular)

Objective Behind these Changes:

Visa hopping has resulted in an increased number of “permanently temporary” former international students in Australia. These restrictions, combined with other actions,  will assist in closing this gap and ending this practice.

The main objective of ending visa hopping is to make the student visa scheme more reliable. This would guarantee that the Department of Home Affairs only issues visas to deserving applicants and provide chances to students who graduate from Australian universities. So that these graduates can contribute to Australian economic development.

Is it possible to switch from a tourist visa to a student visa while in Australia in 2024?

No, you cannot switch from a tourist visa to a student visa while in Australia in 2024. Starting from July 1, 2024, visitor visa holders will not be able to apply for a student visa onshore. Applicants who want to pursue education in Australia will be required to apply for a student visa from outside of Australia.

Can temporary graduate visa holders apply for a student visa from onshore in Australia in 2024?

No, the temporary graduate visa holders cannot apply for a student visa while in Australia in 2024. These students should depart Australia to apply for a student visa. Moreover, they can find other skilled or PR pathways to extend their stay in Australia. 

Get Professional Help

So, if you are in Australia on one of these affected visas and planning to apply for a student visa, you should depart from Australia to lodge your visa application. Moreover, you can get professional assistance to get answers to all your concerns and confusions. Schedule an online appointment now and allow us to help you deal with your visa application process. 

Source: Restricting onshore visa hopping to the Student visa program