The Australian government is cracking down on visa hopping by international students and will tighten student visa application rules from July 1. Certain temporary visa holders, including those with temporary graduate, visitor and sea crew visas, will no longer be able to apply for a student visa while in Australia. This will affect thousands of Indian students in Australia.

Australia aims to end visa hopping, whereby international students remain in Australia indefinitely on temporary visas.

Australia has become a popular destination for Indian students seeking higher education and professional skills. The High Commission of India in Canberra reported that India remains the second largest source country for international student enrolment in Australia.

This action has been taken by the Australian government to ensure that only genuine students receive visas, thereby boosting the country’s economic growth.

These changes are part of the government’s new migration strategy, released on 11 December 2023, which aims to close loopholes and end “visa hopping”, where former international students remain in Australia on temporary visas indefinitely.

The affected visa subclasses include temporary graduate visas, visitor visas, electronic travel authorization visas, medical treatment visas, e-visitor visas, transit visas, diplomatic temporary visas, temporary work visas (international relations) and domestic worker (temporary) visas.

Temporary graduate visa holders are encouraged to either leave Australia or seek skilled employment and other visa pathways that may allow them to gain permanent residence.

Visitor visa applicants who want to study in Australia must apply for a student visa from outside the country.

Australia has become a preferred destination for Indian students seeking higher education and vocational skills.

According to government data, a large number of Indian students – 100,009 in 2022 – enrolled in Australian institutions,

moreover, 1.22 lakh Indian students were studying in Australia In the period January – September 2023.

To reduce immigration levels, the Australian Government has also changed the savings requirement for student visas. Australia increases minimum savings amount required for student visa From AUD 24,505 ($16,146) to AUD 29,710 ($19,576).

These measures are aimed at ensuring that student visas are granted to those who genuinely want to study in Australia and contribute to the economy. Applicants who meet these criteria can apply for their student visa from overseas and will be granted a visa if they qualify.