Australia tightens student visa rules as immigration reaches new peak

Australia is tightening its student visa procedures to reduce the overall inflow of immigrants. The tougher rules come as official data shows record levels of immigration, putting pressure on the property market. Australia saw a record number of immigrants in 2023, with students from India, China and the Philippines driving the inflow.

Australia wants to ensure international students come to the country to actually study, not just work.

They will achieve this by introducing a “genuine student test” and restricting work options for some tourists who have a “no longer stay” condition on their visas.

From this Saturday, Australia will increase the level of English required for student and postgraduate visas.

Additionally, the government will have the power to suspend educational institutions that consistently breach visa regulations when enrolling international students.

Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neill said in a statement: “This weekend’s action will continue to drive down immigration levels while delivering on our commitments in the Immigration Strategy to repair the broken system we have inherited.”

The measures follow previous moves to reverse loose COVID-era visa rules.

This includes the elimination of unrestricted working hours for international students. The government estimates the changes could halve immigration within two years.

Australia has previously boosted immigration to address worker shortages in the wake of the pandemic, as strict border controls kept foreign students and workers away for nearly two years.

The attraction of US and UK for Indian students is undeniable. They offer irresistible opportunities to study at top-notch institutions, engage in industry-driven research and offer post-graduation job opportunities.

However, a sudden influx of foreign workers and students has put pressure on Australia’s tight rental market.

Record number of immigrants

Figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on Thursday showed net migration surged 60 per cent to a record 548,800 in the year to September 2023.

This is significantly higher than the previous figure of 518,000 in June 2023.

Record immigration, driven by students from India, China and the Philippines, has eased wage pressures, but housing conditions have worsened.

Rental vacancy rates are at record lows and rising construction costs are limiting new supply.

Figures show Australia’s population is growing at a record rate, reaching 26.8 million last year, an increase of 2.5%.

Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neill noted that immigration numbers had fallen since September, with international student visa approvals down 35 per cent compared to last year.

“This weekend’s actions will continue to drive down immigration levels,” O’Neill said in a statement.