Converting a tourist visa to a student visa in Australia

There are significant changes to the policy for converting a tourist visa to a study visa in Australia in 2024. Below is detailed information about this policy change and its impact and recommendations.

Complete ban on converting domestic tourist visas to student visas

sinceFrom July 1, 2024, the Australian Immigration Department will completely ban holders of domestic tourist visas (600 visas) and graduate temporary work visas (485 visas) from applying for student visas (500 visas) in Australia.The policy is intended to curb "visa hopping", which is the practice of constantly changing visa types to achieve long-term stays.

According to the Minister of Immigration,July 1, 2024From now on, two types of applicants cannot apply for a student visa in Australia:

• Holder of a Visitor Visa, Applicants who want to transfer their student visa in Australia;
• Hold a Post-Graduate Work Visa (485 Visa), applicants who want to transfer their student visa in Australia.

Australia's Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Cyber Security Claire O'Neill announced at a press conference on June 12, 2024:Starting from July 1, the phenomenon of "visa hopping" will end. 600/485 visa holders will not be able to apply for a 500 student visa in Australia..

From July 1, the Australian government will take further measures:

●600 visitor visa holders will not be able to apply for student visas in the country: from July 1, 2023 to the end of May 2024, more than 36,000 applications were made to convert visitor visas to student visas. This measure will close this channel and strengthen the government's management of 600 visitor visas;

●485 Graduate Temporary Work Visa Holders will not be able to apply for a student visa again in Australia: According to data from the Grattan Institute, 32% 485 Graduate Temporary Work Visa holders extended their stay in Australia by re-studying after their visas expired. This change clarifies that graduates should seek skilled jobs to become permanent residents and avoid staying in Australia as temporary residents.

The changes will come into effect on July 1, alongside other changes to the 485 graduate temporary work visa, including changes to the length of the 485 visa, age adjustment, and higher English language requirements that came into effect in March.

The Australian minister said the government's goal was to have a smaller, better planned and more strategic immigration system that worked for Australia.

New "no further stay" clause

From 1 July 2023, a "no further stay" clause has been added to tourist visas, prohibiting them from applying for another visa in Australia after their visa expires. This clause further restricts the possibility of people entering on tourist visas to change their visas in Australia, ensuring that they must leave Australia after their visa expires.

Reasons for prohibiting "sign-off"

According to the Immigration Reform Strategy Report:

In the 2022-23 fiscal year, the number of international students remaining in Australia on second or subsequent study visas increased by more than 30% to more than 150,000.

Peter McDonald, a famous Australian demographer, said that reducing the number of visa applications submitted by applicants already in the country and limiting the transfer of visas within the country can better control population growth than reducing the number of permanent immigrants!

The implementation of this policy will be an important commitment in the Immigration Strategy.Aims to limit the practice of students and other temporary visa holders staying in Australia indefinitely by continually extending their visas.

Impact on International Students

It is more difficult to switch to a student visa: For individuals who already hold a tourist visa and wish to switch to a student visa, this policy change means that they will need to apply for a student visa overseas or find other legal ways to continue their studies in Australia.

Longer visa application time: Since applicants need to apply for student visas abroad, they will face longer waiting times and more complicated application processes.

Increased financial burden: Applying for a student visa abroad may involve higher fees and more time and effort.

Impact on the tourism market

Reducing the number of “fake universities”: This policy will help regulate Australia’s study abroad market, prevent foreigners from competing with local residents through unfair means, and protect local educational resources.

Improving visa management efficiency: By limiting domestic transfers, the government can more effectively manage the visa system and ensure the authenticity and legitimacy of visa applications.

Visa application advice

Consult professionals

For students who plan to study in Australia, it is recommended to consult a professional immigration consultant or educational institution before applying for a visa to ensure that you understand the latest visa policies and application requirements. Professional immigration consultants can provide personalized advice to help applicants better plan the visa application process.

Plan ahead

Considering the time and process of visa application, it is recommended to plan ahead and prepare all necessary application materials to avoid being affected by policy changes. Advance planning can ensure that applicants have enough time to prepare the required documents and materials, increasing the success rate of visa applications.

Consider other visa types

For affected applicants, they can consider switching to other types of visas, such as 482 employer-sponsored visas or 407 training visas. These visa types may provide different residence and employment opportunities, and applicants can choose the most appropriate path based on their own circumstances.

From July 1, 2024, Australia will completely ban the conversion of domestic tourist visas and temporary work visas for graduates to student visas, aiming to curb "visa hopping" and protect the local labor market and educational resources. For international students who want to stay in Australia, this policy change means that they need to apply for a student visa overseas or find other legal ways to stay. Applicants are advised to plan ahead, consult professionals, and consider other visa types to ensure a smooth visa application.

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