Labor's visa crackdown leaves students stuck mid-course
Visa rule changes force international students to leave Australia mid-course. They must reapply, creating delays and uncertainty.
International students face a four-month gap between visa expiry and course completion under Labor's October changes. Master's student Fatima Bonna's visa runs out in September 2027.
Fatima's early childhood education course doesn't finish until January. Under new rules, she must leave Australia to apply for a fresh visa.
This could delay her studies. Other students have had family members blocked.
Wina Satria planned to bring her husband to help raise their son. But the rule change stops that.
Graduate Daniel Martin is thinking again about his PhD plans entirely. The uncertainty troubles him.
The Albanese government introduced the new rules to cut net migration. The target is almost 300,000 down to 225,000 by mid-2028.
- 4 months gap
- Visa expiry to course end
- Bangladesh
- Fatima's home country
- January 2028
- Course completion date
- 300,000 to 225,000 by mid-2028
- Migration target reduction
Why it mattersStudents cannot plan their futures. Reapplying for visas while in Australia costs time and money they may not have.
AustraliaAustralia's international student sector is struggling to fill places; universities warn the visa changes are deterring enrollments and complicating their operations.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
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