'We're caught off guard': Temporary visa holder express concern over the new rules on onshore student visa applications

The government has announced changes to Student visa eligibility as part of its Migration Strategy to address frequent visa changes among temporary visa holders in Australia. The policy, effective July 1, will halt onshore applications for student visas, prompting shock and worry among affected individuals.

Jennifer and Stephen Perez, currently on temporary visas, are seeking to obtain a student visa in Australia.

Key Points

• Starting July 1, the Department of Home Affairs will no longer be accepting onshore applications for student visas from Temporary Graduate, Visitor and Maritime Crew visa holders.
• Temporary visa holders like Stephen and Jennifer Perez now face uncertainty and are poised to appeal to Home Affairs after their onshore student visa application was rejected.
• About 36,000 Student Visa applications were lodged onshore by tourists in less than a year, while 32% of Temporary Graduate Visa holders re-applied to get back on Student Visas to prolong their stay in the country.