Australia's October 2 visa rules end student visa hopping and target agents selling false hope

Australia introduced new visa rules on October 2, 2026, ending "permanently temporary migration" by barring international students from repeatedly switching courses to extend their stay, while targeting agents selling "false hope." Students can no longer transfer to lower-grade courses, such as vocational training after a bachelor's or master's degree, solely to remain in Australia. From July 1, 2027, visas won't be extended for course transfers, and migration agents or lawyers promoting baseless visa claims face crackdowns. Assistant minister Julian Hill said the changes prevent "rorting," while home affairs minister Tony Burke noted some individuals hop visas and use appeals to stay until they gain citizen children. The rules aim to build a migration system Australians can trust.