Australia's new visa rules from October 2 tighten curbs on long temporary stays

Australia has introduced new visa rules to stop the trend of people staying on temporary visas for long periods.

The rules, in force from October 2, also crack down on visa agents and migration lawyers who sell "false hope" to foreigners.

Under the new arrangements, international students who want to change courses will need to apply for a separate visa. Students who have completed higher studies are also barred from moving to a lower-level course in order to stay in Australia.

Accordingly, graduates and postgraduates will not be allowed to move to vocational training.

Assistant Minister for International Education Julian Hill said the aim of the changes is to stop "permanent temporary" migration. He said Australians do not have the right to switch from one visa to another for years while abroad or to unfairly exploit another country's appeals system, so visitors should not do so either.

According to Hill, visas will not be extended for students who change courses from July 1, 2027. He said the measure is meant to stop the practice of dropping out of class in the early months, failing, and switching to cheaper colleges.

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said the new rules will end students' "visa hopping" and boost public trust in the migration system. He said people who cannot meet the requirements for permanent residence move from one visa to another and stay for long periods by relying on appeals.