The Australian government has announced a significant increase in visa fees for international students in a bid to control record migration levels. Starting from July 1, the fee for an international student visa will rise from A$710 to A$1,600. This measure is part of a broader effort to restore integrity to Australia’s international education system and create a fairer, more sustainable migration framework.
Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil emphasized that these changes aim to enhance the fairness and functionality of the migration system, ensuring it better serves Australia’s needs. The fee increase makes studying in Australia more expensive compared to the US and Canada, where visa fees remain lower.
In addition to the fee hike, several other measures from the Migration Strategy will also take effect:
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- Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT): The TSMIT will increase from $70,000 to $73,150, following annual indexation. This marks the second increase under the current government, after being frozen at $53,900 for a decade.
- Temporary Graduate Visas: The duration of these visas will be shortened, and the age eligibility criteria will be reduced.
- Ending Visa Hopping: Loopholes that allow students and other temporary visa holders to extend their stay indefinitely will be closed.
- Enhancing Mobility for Temporary Skilled Migrants: The period temporary skilled migrants can stay in Australia between employer sponsors will be extended from 60 days to 180 days to reduce exploitation and improve productivity.
- Strengthening Employer Compliance: The Strengthening Employer Compliance Bill 2023 introduces new criminal measures against employers who exploit migrants.
- Workplace Justice Visa Pilot: This pilot program will allow temporary visa holders to remain in Australia for a short period while pursuing workplace justice.
These changes come in response to a 60% increase in net immigration, reaching a record 548,800 people in the year to September 30, 2023. Other measures taken earlier this year include tightening English language requirements in March and increasing the required savings for international students to A$29,710 in May.
