Restriction on onshore visa hopping

The Australian Government has announced restrictions on visa hopping to Student for certain temporary visa holders while in Australia.

As of July 1 2024 Temporary Graduate, Visitor and Maritime Crew visa holders cannot apply for a Student visa in Australia. If you hold any of the following visas, you will not be able to apply for a Student visa in Australia.

• Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate)

• Subclass 600 (Visitor)

• Subclass 601 (Electronic Travel Authority)

• Subclass 602 (Medical Treatment)

• Subclass 651 (eVisitor)

• Subclass 771 (Transit)

• Subclass 988 (Maritime Crew)

• Subclass 995 (Diplomatic Temporary) – primary visa holders only

• Subclass 403 (Temporary Work) International Relations)) – Domestic Worker (Diplomatic or Consular) stream

• Subclass 426 (Domestic Worker (Temporary) – Diplomatic or Consular)

As per the Department of Home Affairs website, visa hopping has contributed to a growing cohort of 'permanently temporary' former international students in Australia.

After this change, the Temporary Graduate visa holders are expected leave Australia or find skilled employment and/or other visa pathways. Visitor visa holders who wish to study will need to apply for a Student visa from outside Australia.