Australia Increases Visa Fees for International Students Amid Migration Control Efforts

This measure was introduced by the Australian government with the dual objectives of controlling the unprecedented influx of migrants and tackling the housing crisis. The fee for student visas was adjusted from AUD 710 (equivalent to $473) to AUD 1,600 ($1,068), which now places it at a higher cost compared to the fees levied in the United States and Canada, where the figures stand at approximately $185 and C$150 ($110) respectively. It is important to note that this new rule came into effect immediately. A notable change is that individuals holding temporary graduate visas or visitor visas are no longer eligible to apply student visa applications from within the country.

The extra funds obtained from the elevated fees would be allocated to support vital initiatives in the realms of education and migration, as outlined by the Federal government. These measures encompass the Universities Accord, which aims to enhance the Higher Education Contribution Scheme’s fairness, facilitate the provision of paid industry practical training, and introduce free university preparatory courses. Within the ambit of the vocational education and training sector, the funds will be allotted to support apprentices and employers of apprentices in line with the Migration Strategy. The government is also expected to shut the loopholes in visa conditions that have allowed international students to continue their stay in Australia as long as they want. The number of students who held a second or subsequent student visa jumped more than 30 percent to over 150,000 in the 2022–23 period.

There will be greater mobility for temporary skilled migrants, with the maximum time they can spend working in Australia between employer sponsors increased from 60 to 180 days. The Strengthening Employer Compliance Bill 2023 establishes various new criminal measures against employers who exploit migrants. The Workplace Justice Visa Pilot allows temporary visa holders to remain in Australia while pursuing workplace justice.

As the Minister for Skills and Training, Brendan O’Connor, said, “The quality of the education being provided to the international students had to be maintained and the unscrupulous providers weeded out.” Jason Clare stated that the national asset of international education is of immense importance and has to be protected for its integrity and quality. According to the Minister for Home Affairs and Cyber Security, Clare O’Neil, there is a need for reforms in the international education system to restore integrity and have a fairer migration system. For Minister of Immigration, Citizenship, and Multicultural Affairs Andrew Giles, these changes will give voice to vulnerable workers but crack down on dodgy employers.