Introduction
In the setting for immigrants, Australia is cooked up to introduce a new series of changes in 2024. It marks the end of “visa hopping,” which has been an established practice that enabled many travellers, digital nomads, and temporary residents to extend their stay in the country. See below what you need to know about the new laws and how they might affect you.
What is visa hopping?
Sometimes it’s referred to as visa hopping. In any case, this practice means repeated leaving and re-entry into the country to extend one’s stay without getting a long-term visa. This has been one sure path that tourists, remote workers, and generally temporary residents have used to accrue maximum time in Australia without really securing a more permanent type of visa status.
New Policy Overview
New Policy Overview
The Australian government is going to stop visa hopping from 1st July 2024. In this policy alteration, the government is moving toward having a tighter control on immigration and making sure people who come visiting for a specific type of visa stick to that particular purpose for which the visa was issued. Other highlights of the new policy will include—
- Visa extensions limited: Those holding short-term visas are currently permitted to leave the country and re-enter as many times as they desire to further extend their stay.
- Tougher Re-entry Conditions: Travellers who recently left Australia could face harsher conditions and a longer waiting period before being re-admitted.
- Improved Enforcement: There will be improved surveillance by the Australian Border Force, followed by penalties for those seeking to bypass the visa laws.
Impact on Various Groups
Tourists: Tourists would now have to carefully plan their trips and work out their travel schedules in complete conformity with the new rules so that they are not inconvenienced.
Digital Nomads: Remote workers coming into Australia need other means of staying longer without constantly having to leave and re-enter the country.
Temporary Visa Holders: One would need much greater awareness of one’s visa conditions and know through which relevant channels to pursue extensions or changes in their visa status more diligently.
Other Visa Options
Keeping these in mind, know that there are other means through which one can get entry for a more permanent stay in Australia, such as the following:
- Working Holiday Visa: This is suitable for young people desiring to travel and experience working in Australia.
- Student Visa: This range opens up to foreign students.
- Employer Sponsorship Visa: Open to graduates with employers who are willing to sponsor them for visa’s like 407, 482 or the 186 Visa streams.
- Skilled Migration Visa: This included state sponsorship like 190 & 491 leading to 191 as well as Federal 189 Visa.
- Long-Term Visitor Visa: Those with valid long-term stays can enter for family or business purposes among other reasons.
How to Prepare
Consider these steps to assist in a smooth transition under the new policy:
- Review Your Current Visa Status: Be sure that you understand your current visa terms of conditions and what the new policy will mean for you.
- New Visa Options: Consider other visa options that best suit your needs in terms of duration of stay and flexibility. Our registered migration agents are always ready to help.
- Plan Ahead: Apply well in advance for a new visa, in case the date of expiry is approaching, to avoid a last-minute hassle.
- Stay Informed: Keep yourself abreast of all announcements made by the Australian Department of Home Affairs so that you never breach or fall foul of any regulation.
Conclusion
The end of visa hopping in Australia marks the start of immigration policy change. While this change can create a bit of a problem for some, it also opens the way out toward more permanent and secure ways of obtaining a visa for a long-term stay. Provided that you understand the new rules and plan accordingly, you will be able to see everything go smoothly and continue to bask in all that Australia has in store for you.
How We Assist
SOL Migration is here to guide you through these changes. Our experts can help you understand new regulations and try suitable visa options. Contact us today, send an email at hello@solmigration.com, and book a personal consultation.