Australia Enacts New Immigration Rules for Students

The Australian Government's Department of Home Affairs has introduced significant changes to its migration system that will impact international students, their families, and visitors. These new rules, aimed at managing population growth and enhancing the integrity of the visa system, will be rolled out over the next 12 months.

Key changes include new restrictions on secondary applicants for most student visas, which could affect spouses and dependants of international students. The government will also enforce stricter measures against migration agents who submit meritless visa applications.

All visitor visas will now include a No Further Stay condition, preventing holders from using tourist visas to extend their stay through other applications. Additionally, the Working Holiday Maker Programme will undergo changes, including a ballot system for years two and three, requiring regional work.

The policy changes are designed to help achieve net overseas migration targets of 245,000 for the current financial year and 225,000 for 2027/28.