As noted in the Migration Strategy, the number of International Students remaining in Australia on a second, or subsequent student visa has increased by more than 30% in 2022-2023.
The Government has taken action to address this by including a ‘no further stay’ condition on visitor visas and through the genuine student requirement implemented in March which has stopped thousands of students from ‘hopping’ across student visas unless there is credible course progression. The visitor to student pathway has become increasingly prevalent, with over 36,000 applications since 1 July 2023 to the end of May 2024.
From 1 July, Visitor visa holders will no longer be able to apply for Student visas onshore. In addition to this, Temporary Graduate Visa holders will also no longer be able to apply for a Student Visa onshore.
With these recent changes, the Department is seeking to close all loopholes in international education, and this is the next step in delivering the plan.