Major Changes for International Students and Graduates Starting July 2024.
Effective July 1, 2024, the Australian Government will implement significant changes to migration policies. These new regulations aim to streamline the migration system but could pose challenges for international students and graduates. Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming migration policy changes and how they may affect you.
Purpose: Ending ‘Visa Hopping’
The government wants to stop ‘visa hopping,’ where temporary visa holders keep extending their stay with new visas. The goal is to create a better migration system that focuses on skilled workers and reduces exploitation. However, this might make it harder for students who need time to finish their studies and gain work experience.
Key Changes for Students and Graduates
💡 Visitor Visa Restrictions
- New Rule: Visitor visa (Subclass 600) holders can't apply for student visas (Subclass 500) while in Australia.
- Reason: Many used this path to bypass offshore student visa rules. From July 2023 to May 2024, over 36,000 applications were made this way.
💡 Temporary Graduate Visa Restrictions
- New Rule: Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) holders can't apply for student visas while in Australia.
- Reason: According to the "Graduates in Limbo" report, 32% of these visa holders were returning to study to extend their stay. The government wants graduates to find skilled jobs, move to permanent residency, or leave Australia.
💡 Other Changes for Temporary Graduate Visa Holders
- Post-Study Work Rights: These will be shorter.
- Age Limit: Reduced from 50 to 35 years.
- English Requirements: Stricter rules from March 2024 will continue.
What This Means for Students and Graduates
Prospective Students
- Apply Offshore: If you’re on a visitor visa, you need to apply for a student visa from outside Australia. This may involve more planning and costs.
Current Graduates
- Find Employment: Focus on getting a skilled job or moving to permanent residency. Returning to study won’t be an option after July 1, 2024. This means you need to find a job quickly that can sponsor a work visa or lead to permanent residency.
What You Need to Do Next
Next Steps for Students
| Category | Actions | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Plan Ahead | Research Visa Options | – Learn new visa rules starting July 1, 2024. – Choose the best visa for your goals. – Prepare and submit documents early. |
| Consult Experts | – Get advice from migration agents. – Discuss eligibility and options. – Stay updated on policy changes. | |
| Improve Skills | Skill Development | – Focus on in-demand skills like healthcare and IT. – Take additional courses or certifications. |
| Language Proficiency | – Take advanced English courses. – Consider tests like IELTS or TOEFL. | |
| Start Job Hunting Early | Job Search | – Start job hunting before graduation. – Use university career services and job portals. – Attend job fairs and career events. |
| Networking | – Build a network through internships and events. – Connect with alumni and professionals. – Join associations and attend conferences. | |
| Explore Alternatives | Permanent Residency | – Research other permanent residency options. – Understand visa requirements and plan accordingly. |
| Regional Opportunities | – Look for jobs in regional areas with different visa requirements. – Research high-demand job markets. |
Conclusion
While the new migration policies aim to enhance the system’s integrity and prioritize skilled migration, they also pose challenges for international students and graduates. It’s crucial to stay informed, plan ahead, and adapt to these changes. For personalized advice and support, consider booking a consultation with us: [email protected]
