Australia Announces List of Visa Holders Restricted from Onshore Student Visa Applications Starting July 2024
June 17, 2024
by 
immigrationhotspot
in Australia Immigration News, Australian Migration Strategy & Policy, Skilled Migration News
immigrationhotspot
in Australia Immigration News, Australian Migration Strategy & Policy, Skilled Migration News
The Australian Government has announced a series of changes aimed at reinforcing the integrity of the Student visa program as part of its newly released Migration Strategy. These changes, effective from July 1, 2024, will restrict certain temporary visa holders from applying for a Student visa while in Australia.
Key Changes:
- From July 1, 2024, holders of Temporary Graduate, Visitor, and Maritime Crew visas, among others, will no longer be eligible to apply for a Student visa while in Australia.
- The complete list of visas that will not allow onshore Student visa applications includes:
- 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)
Objectives and Impact:
- The government aims to ensure that only genuine students are granted Student visas, enhancing the program’s integrity and economic contributions.
- These changes are designed to curb the practice of “visa hopping,” which has led to a growing number of “permanently temporary” residents in Australia.
- Temporary Graduate visa holders will need to either leave Australia, secure skilled employment, or explore other visa pathways potentially leading to permanent residency.
- Visitor visa holders wishing to study in Australia must apply for their Student visa from offshore.
Commitment to Genuine Students:
- Genuine international students intending to pursue education in Australia can still apply for Student visas from outside the country.
- Applicants who meet the necessary criteria will be granted a Student visa, allowing them to contribute to Australia’s economic growth through their qualifications and skills.
This strategic move aligns with the government’s broader efforts to refine the migration system, ensuring it benefits the nation’s economy and upholds the integrity of visa programs. Further details on these changes and their implementation will be provided by the Department of Home Affairs.
Source
Department of Home Affairs, Australia
