OSHCstudents – Starting from July 1, 2024, the Australian government is implementing significant changes to its visa policies to uphold the integrity of the migration system and promote fair practices for international students and workers.
Visitor Visas and Student Visas
From July 1, 2024, holders of Visitor Visas (Subclass 600) and Temporary Graduate Visas (Subclass 485) will no longer be able to apply for Student Visas (Subclass 500) while in Australia. This measure aims to address the surge in visa applications and prevent the practice of ‘visa hopping,’ where individuals continuously extend their stay by switching visas. Over 36,000 applications have been received in the past year, prompting the government to take action. This change reinforces the commitment to managing population growth and ensuring that students genuinely progress through their studies.
Temporary Skilled Work Visas
Changes to the conditions for Temporary Work (Skilled) visa (Subclass 457), Temporary Skill Shortage visa (Subclass 482), and Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (provisional) visa (Subclass 494) will come into effect from July 1, 2024. Visa holders who leave their sponsoring employer will now have up to 180 days at a time, or a total of 365 days across the visa period, to find a new sponsor, apply for a different visa, or arrange to leave Australia. During this period, they can work for other employers, even in occupations not specified in their sponsorship. This policy aims to reduce worker exploitation and boost productivity while allowing visa holders to support themselves as they seek new employment opportunities.
Visa-Free Travel to China
In a positive development for travelers, Australians will be able to visit China without a visa for up to 15 days starting July 1, 2024. This visa-free policy is extended to nationals from several other countries, including France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Austria, Belgium, Hungary, Ireland, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Malaysia, New Zealand, and Poland. The visa-free period will be available for various purposes such as tourism, business, visiting relatives, and short transit stays, until December 31, 2025.
Increase in Student Visa Fees
From July 1, 2024, the fee for international student visas in Australia will increase from $710 to $1,600. This hike is part of the Albanese Government’s broader strategy to maintain the quality and integrity of Australia’s international education sector. The additional funds will support several initiatives, including educational reforms, vocational training support, and improvements to the migration system. Other changes include raising the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) from $70,000 to $73,150, shortening the duration of Temporary Graduate Visas, and introducing new measures to combat visa hopping and improve skilled migrant mobility.
New Business Visitor Visa Policies
Australia is also extending the 10-year visitor visa Frequent Traveller Stream to ASEAN countries and Timor-Leste later this year, excluding Myanmar. This extension, announced at the 2024 ASEAN-Australia Special Summit, aims to strengthen trade, investment, and job growth by allowing business visitors to stay for up to 3 months per visit over multiple trips within a 5-year period. The extension is part of Australia’s broader strategy to enhance its ties with Southeast Asia.
These changes underscore Australia’s ongoing efforts to refine its migration policies to promote fairness, support economic growth, and enhance international relations. For those planning to travel, study, or work in Australia, it is crucial to stay informed about these new regulations to ensure a smooth and compliant experience.
If you are international student, a foreigner arriving in Australia, or Australian citizen traveling abroad looking for OSHC, OVHC, travel insurance, please contact Annalink team at email info@oshcstudents.com and our partners for further information and assistance.
OSHCstudents Team
