Australia is tightening its visa rules, with changes aimed at visitor visas and student visas.
Immigration Minister Tony Burke announced the measures on September 17 as part of a broader migration reform package, saying the changes would align the country’s migration system to its current needs.
A key change is introducing a No Further Stay condition to all visitor visas. The condition will prevent visitors from applying for another visa while in Australia to extend their stay, ensuring visitor visas are used for genuine short-term visits.
The reforms also include stronger measures to ensure people without valid visas leave Australia, as well as restrictions on secondary applicants for student visas and stopping visa-hopping by international students.
The government will also crack down on migration agents who knowingly support visa applications without merit.
The changes will be rolled out progressively over the next 12 months.
