Following a post-COVID surge in migration, the Australian government has implemented several visa changes designed to "bring back migration to sustainable levels", with a particular focus on international students.
LISTEN TO
NSW paves the way for permanent residency by simplifying visa rules for skilled workers in select sectors
SBS Hindi
11/10/202410:39
"We are significantly reducing migration levels – we are in the middle of the biggest drop in migration numbers in Australia’s history, outside of war or pandemic," the said, while announcing a visa regulation.
New visa rules for international students
From 1 July 2023, student visa holders can work no more than 48 hours a fortnight while their course of study is in session.
A revised financial capacity requirement came into effect last year and applicants now need to show a minimum of $29,710 to be approved for their visa.
Replacement of the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement with a new Genuine Student (GS) requirement and higher English language proficiency requirement were also the changes introduced for student visas.
Every year, thousands of Indian students apply for visas to study at Australian universities. Source: Moment RF / anand purohit/Getty Images
Students coming to Australia typically apply for the visa but after completing their studies, eligible candidates transition to the to live and work in the country.
This year, key reforms have also been introduced for TGV holders, including the elimination of COVID-19 concessions.
The maximum duration of stay for TGV holders has been reduced and the maximum eligible age now reduced to 35 years from 50.
LISTEN TO
'Insane' wait times deter migrants from applying for parent visas as delays worsen
SBS Hindi
21/08/202409:46
The government also announced an end to "visa hopping" by prohibiting Visitor Visa holders and Temporary Graduate Visa (TGV) holders from applying for Student Visas while in Australia.
Latest data on visa lodgements
The most recent statistics from the reveal that the number of primary applicants lodging student visas from outside Australia fell to 29,778 in the first two months (July-August) of 2024-25, a significant drop from 58,778 during the similar period last year.
Signage for the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs is seen in Melbourne. Credit: JAMES ROSS/AAPIMAGE
Nearly 500,000 student visa (both onshore and offshore) applications were submitted in the 2023-24 financial year, a slight decrease from the 514,580 applications in 2022-23.
Expert's view
Former immigration official Abul Rizvi Rizvi points out that although the recent changes have led to a significant drop in offshore student visa applications and approvals, the demand for onshore student visas remains robust.
"Onshore student visa applications continue to be very strong. As a result, the onshore backlog is growing rapidly," he said.
In 2025, the federal government will implement another significant change by capping new international student commencements at 270,000 across higher education and vocational institutions in Australia.
Rizvi argues that the announced cap is "well above" than the current number of offshore student applications and grants.
Migration agent Vaibhav Patel believes that the current restrictions will be "temporary" since Australia will need migrants in the long term.
He notes, "While there are some relaxations for Indian students under the interim trade agreement, the key takeaway is that if you're not a genuine student, you won't be granted a visa."
Find our podcasts here at You can also tune in to at 5pm on on digital radio, on channel 305 on your television, via the or stream from
