The Australian government has implemented significant changes to its student and Temporary Graduate visa policies, effective January 1, 2025. These changes impact Indian students, professionals, and graduates looking to study or work in Australia.
The updated regulations require all student visa applications to be submitted from outside Australia. Individuals currently holding Visitor visas or Temporary Graduate visas will no longer be able to switch to a student visa while in Australia. Additionally, post-study work rights have been shortened, and stricter English language requirements have been introduced.
These reforms align with Australia’s strategy to streamline immigration policies and control temporary migration, impacting thousands of Indian applicants seeking education or employment opportunities in the country.
Who Is Affected by Australia’s New Visa Rules
The new visa restrictions primarily impact the following groups:
- Indian students planning to apply for an Australian student visa must submit their applications from outside the country.
- Temporary Graduate visa holders who wish to remain in Australia will need to secure employer sponsorship or apply for permanent residency.
- Individuals on Visitor visas (Subclass 600, 651, and 601) will not be able to apply for a student visa while in Australia.
- Those holding Maritime Crew (Subclass 988), Medical Treatment (Subclass 602), and Temporary Work (Subclass 403) visas are also affected.
However, applicants who submitted their student visa applications before January 1, 2025, from within Australia will not be affected by the new policy changes.
Key Changes in Student and Temporary Graduate Visa Rules
The following are the major updates introduced under Australia’s revised visa policies:
- Mandatory Offshore Applications – Student visa applications must be submitted while the applicant is outside Australia.
- No Bridging Visas for Student Visa Applicants – Offshore student visa applicants will not be eligible for a bridging visa to stay in Australia while their application is processed.
- Shorter Post-Study Work Rights – Temporary Graduate visa holders will have reduced post-study work rights, limiting their ability to stay in Australia after completing their studies.
- Lower Age Limit for Temporary Graduate Visas – The maximum age for Temporary Graduate visa eligibility has been reduced from 50 to 35 years.
- Stricter English Language Proficiency Requirements – Higher English language test scores will now be required for student and graduate visa applicants.
MUST READ: Australia’s Work Visa Hack – Indians Are Using This Trick to Get Approved Fast!
How Will These Changes Impact Indian Students and Professionals
Australia has been one of the most preferred destinations for Indian students and professionals. These visa reforms will introduce new challenges, making it more difficult for students and graduates to transition to long-term employment or permanent residency.
For students, the inability to apply for a student visa while in Australia may create delays in educational plans. Those who had planned to switch from a Visitor visa to a student visa must now return to India and apply from there.
For Temporary Graduate visa holders, shortened post-study work rights mean they must secure employment quickly or return to India unless they qualify for employer-sponsored visas. The lower age cap of 35 years also means that older graduates will no longer be eligible for this visa category.
Alternatives for Indians Affected by the New Visa Rules
- Employer-Sponsored Work Visas – Graduates who secure a job offer from an Australian company can apply for employer-sponsored visas such as Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage Visa).
- Permanent Residency Pathways – Those meeting eligibility criteria can explore Australia’s Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) or Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) for long-term settlement.
- Short-Term Study Options – Visitors who wish to study for a short period (up to three months) can still do so under a Visitor visa. However, they must apply for a student visa from India if they intend to study beyond three months.
FAQs
What are the new visa rules in Australia for 2025
The new rules require student visa applications to be submitted from outside Australia and impose stricter post-study work rights for Temporary Graduate visa holders.
Can I apply for a student visa while in Australia
No, under the new regulations, all student visa applications must be lodged offshore.
What happens if my Temporary Graduate visa expires
You must either leave Australia or secure a job that qualifies for an employer-sponsored visa.
What is the new age limit for Temporary Graduate visa holders
The maximum age has been lowered from 50 years to 35 years.
Will these changes impact student visa applications submitted before 2025
No, applications submitted before January 1, 2025, will still be processed under the old rules.
Can I apply for permanent residency after my Temporary Graduate visa
Yes, but you will need to meet the eligibility requirements for Australia’s skilled migration programs.
Are English language requirements stricter under the new rules
Yes, applicants must now meet higher English proficiency standards.
Which visa categories are exempt from these changes
Working Holiday Maker visas and Work and Holiday visas are not affected by the new rules.
These changes mark a significant shift in Australia’s immigration policy and will impact thousands of Indian students and professionals planning to study or work in the country.
Click here to know more.
A passionate content writer specializing in creating engaging, SEO-optimized content. With expertise in blogs, web copy, and storytelling, I craft words that connect with audiences and deliver results.