Australia Tightens Visa Rules for Students and Workers

The Australian government has implemented changes to various temporary visa categories, including those for international students, skilled workers, tourists, and Working Holiday Makers, as part of efforts to reduce net overseas migration. The target for net overseas migration is set at 245,000 for the current financial year, with a further reduction to 225,000 by 2027-28.

The new regulations include stricter requirements for international students wishing to switch courses and a focus on specific occupations for skilled migration, particularly in resources, agriculture, aquaculture, fishing, and construction. A ballot system will be introduced for second- and third-year Working Holiday visas, with annual caps of 45,000 and 5,000 respectively.

Additionally, a "No Further Stay" condition will be applied to Visitor visa approvals, limiting the ability to switch to another visa while in Australia. The government is also increasing enforcement against visa overstayers and migration agents facilitating unmeritorious applications.