Kathmandu, September 30
The Australian government has announced new measures to tighten its temporary visa system as part of efforts to manage immigration levels.
The government has set a target of limiting net overseas migration (NOM) to 245,000 in the current financial year.
Under the new measures, international students already studying in Australia will face additional restrictions if they apply for another student visa and seek to move to a course at a lower level than their current qualification.
The government said the measure is aimed at curbing the use of student visas to switch courses primarily as a way of extending long-term stays in Australia.
Australia has also proposed introducing a ballot system for second- and third-year visas under its Working Holiday Maker programme.
Under the proposal, 45,000 places would be allocated annually for second-year working holiday visas and 5,000 for third-year visas. Eligible applicants would be selected through a ballot.
Applicants would still need to meet the existing requirement of completing the specified period of work in eligible areas. For a second-year visa, the current requirement of completing 88 days of specified work would generally remain in place.
The government also said it would tighten the pathway through which people enter Australia on visitor visas and then seek to move to another type of visa.
Some visitor visas will include conditions preventing holders from extending their stay, according to the government.
The Australian government said the changes are intended to better manage the temporary visa system, reduce visa misuse and keep immigration levels within the targeted range.
The new measures will not apply uniformly to all visa holders. Their application will depend on the type of visa, nationality and individual circumstances under the relevant Australian immigration rules.
