Labor targets 'visa hopping' international students in crackdown on 'permanently temporary' migration
News Source
β’Fri, 02 Oct 2026 01:33:56 GMT
π° What Happened
The federal government announced new rules to stop international students from 'visa hopping.' Students will soon need a separate visa to change courses. This adds to earlier rules that block moving to a lower-level course.
Assistant minister Julian Hill said the changes aim to cut 'permanently temporary' migration. Migration agents and lawyers who 'sell false hope' are also in the government's sights.
π The Backstory
Australia relies on international students, but critics say some use student visas to stay and work long-term. The government wants a migration system the public trusts. The crackdown is one of several recent changes to immigration rules.
π― Why It Matters
The rules affect students and the universities and businesses that depend on them. They also touch wider debates about migration and the cost of living.
The federal government announced new rules to stop international students from 'visa hopping.' Students will soon need a separate visa to change courses. This adds to earlier rules that block moving to a lower-level course.
Assistant minister Julian Hill said the changes aim to cut 'permanently temporary' migration. Migration agents and lawyers who 'sell false hope' are also in the government's sights.
Australia relies on international students, but critics say some use student visas to stay and work long-term. The government wants a migration system the public trusts. The crackdown is one of several recent changes to immigration rules.
The rules affect students and the universities and businesses that depend on them. They also touch wider debates about migration and the cost of living.