Australia is set to tighten visa rules for international students and other temporary migrants as the government moves to reduce net overseas migration. Although no official implementation date has been finalised yet, the changes include restrictions on students bringing their partners and children and tighter rules on switching courses and visas.
International students in Australia will largely no longer be able to bring their partners and dependent children with them once the changes to the country’s visa rules come into effect.
According to ABC News network, the changes will not apply to families already in Australia. Exceptions would also continue for nationals of Pacific and ASEAN countries and students enrolled in certain courses, including PhD programmes.
The government will also tighten rules on students switching courses and institutions.
Students wanting to transfer to a different course would have to apply for a new visa. Those completing a course would only be able to move to a course at a higher qualification level.
For example, a student completing a bachelor’s degree could move on to a master’s programme.
Australia’s Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said the changes are intended to prevent students from moving between courses and institutions primarily for migration purposes.
Australia will also tighten visitor visa rules. Most visitor visas would carry a “no further stay” condition, preventing visitors from arriving in Australia and then applying onshore for another visa and moving onto a bridging visa.
According to ABC News, the changes are expected to reduce Australia’s net overseas migration target to 225,000 by 2028, from 300,000 currently.
According to CNA, international students accounted for more than half of the net migration as of June last year.
Sangay Chozom
