What Is Visa Hopping? Know All About the Practice As Australia Cracks Down on Indefinite Stay of International Students With Strict Student Visa Rules From July 1
Australia is looking to end visa hopping by students from other countries. So, what really is visa hopping? In simple terms, visa hopping can be understood as a practice used by international students to prolong their stay in the country.
Mumbai, June 14: The Australian government is likely to tighten visa application rules in a bid to curb visa hopping by international students who come to Australia. According to news reports, Australia has implemented stricter rules and regulations to crack down on visa hopping. These changes will come into effect starting July 1. Under the new rules, a few visa holders will not be eligible to apply for student visas while living in Australia,
These visa holders include people on Temporary Graduate, Visitor, and maritime crew visas. Notably, the change in student visa rules is likely to affect hundreds and thousands of Indian students who are presently pursuing their studies in Australia. If reports are to be believed, the move to change student visa rules is seen as an attempt by the Australian government to end visa hopping. Australia to Tighten Visa Rules for Students, Skilled Workers in Bid to Fix ‘Broken’ Migration System; Check Details Here.
What is Visa Hopping?
Australia is looking to end visa hopping by students from other countries. So, what really is visa hopping? In simple terms, visa hopping can be understood as a practice used by international students to prolong their stay in the country. Under "visa hopping", international students extend their stay by transitioning from one temporary visa to another. In other words, international students stay in Australia on temporary visas for an indefinite period.
It must be noted that Australia is one of the most popular destinations for Indian students who want to pursue higher education and vocational skills. As per reports by India's High Commission in Canberra, India is the second-largest source country for international student enrolments in Australia. The crackdown on visa hopping by the Australian government is seen as a move to ensure that only legitimate students are granted visas.
When Will the Changes Come Into Effect?
Notably, the change in student visa rules that will come into effect next month is part of the Australian government's new Migration Strategy, which was released on December 11, 2023. The strategy aims to close loopholes and end "visa hopping" in the country. The change in student visa rules will affect various visa subclasses, including Temporary Graduate visas, Visitor visas, Electronic Travel Authority visas, Medical Treatment visas, eVisitor visas, and Transit visas, among others. US Visa Rules 2023: Indians Can Get Visa Appointments At American Embassies Abroad, Check Details Here.
Those holding Temporary Graduate visas are being advised to either leave Australia or seek skilled employment opportunities. Clare O’Neil, Australia's Minister for Home Affairs, said their migration strategy outlines a clear plan to close the loopholes in international education.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 14, 2024 01:42 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).