The Australian government has announced new rules concerning temporary visas as part of efforts to tighten immigration management. The government has set a target of limiting net overseas migration (NOM) to 245,000 in the current financial year.
Under the new arrangements, international students studying in Australia will face additional restrictions if they apply for another student visa and seek to move to a course at a lower level than their current qualification. The government said the measure is aimed at curbing the practice of using student visas primarily as a pathway to remain in Australia for longer periods by changing courses.
Similarly, a new ballot system has been proposed for second- and third-year visas under the Working Holiday Maker program. Under the proposal, 45,000 places would be allocated annually for second-year Working Holiday visas and 5,000 places for third-year visas. Eligible applicants would be selected through a ballot.
Applicants would still be required to have completed the specified period of work in eligible areas under the existing rules. The requirement to complete 88 days of specified work for a second-year visa would generally remain in place.
The government has also announced plans to restrict the process of switching to another type of visa after entering Australia on a visitor visa. For this purpose, conditions preventing further stays will be imposed on certain visitor visas.
According to the government, the main objectives of these changes are to better manage the temporary visa system, reduce visa misuse and manage Australia’s immigration levels in line with the set target.
The new rules will not apply to all visa holders at the same time. The government said the specific requirements will vary depending on the type of visa, nationality and individual circumstances, in accordance with the relevant regulations.
The latest rules have come as a major setback for international students who go to Australia in pursuit of education and a better future.
