On 1 July 2024, the Albanese Government is taking significant actions that will impact onshore students in Australia. If any of your applicants are affected by these restrictions, we recommend that you apply for a Student visa as a matter of urgency, and in any event before 1 July 2024.
1. Visitor Visa holders will not be able to apply for Student Visas onshore
The visitor to student pathway has become increasingly prevalent, with over 36,000 applications since 1 July 2023 to the end of May 2024.
2. Temporary Graduate Visa holders barred from further Student Visa applications
In their recent “Graduates in Limbo” report, the Grattan Institute found that 32% of Temporary Graduate Visa holders are returning to study when their visa expires in order to prolong their stay in Australia. This change makes it clear that graduates should be finding skilled jobs and becoming permanent residents, or departing the country when they are more likely to become ‘permanently temporary’.