Australian Government Announces Major Migration Policy Changes

The Australian Government has announced a range of migration policy changes designed to manage Net Overseas Migration levels and strengthen the integrity of Australia's migration system. These changes will be progressively rolled out over the next 12 months. Key changes include: tighter compliance measures to ensure people without valid visas leave Australia, updates to skilled migration to prioritise key sectors like healthcare, construction, education, and resources, and restrictions on student visa 'hopping' and secondary applicants. The government is also introducing a 'No Further Stay' condition on visitor visas to prevent them being used to extend stays in Australia, updating rules around hate and criminal behaviour, and changing the Working Holiday Maker Program to include a ballot system for years two and three with regional work requirements. Processing times for Working Holiday Maker applications will be stabilised to three months. For more information about how these changes may affect your visa, visit the Home Affairs website at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.