June 12 2024:
Restricting ‘Visa Hopping’ – Visitors

A key commitment in the Migration Strategy, released last year 2023, was to restrict ‘visa hopping’ – ending the loopholes that allow students and other temporary visa holders to continuously extend their stay in Australia, in some cases indefinitely.

Visitor Visas

From 1 July 2024, 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. This change will ensure that Visitors are strictly that – visitors, with no long-term intention to remain in Australia.

You can read more about these changes in the Government’s Media Release 12 June 2024.

If you absolutely love Australia when visiting, and would like to extend your stay, contact us for advice.

Contact us for assistance and advice.