Australian visa requirements become more stringent for Nigerian students and other foreign students

The Australian Government recently announced stricter visa rules for Nigerian students and other foreign students planning to move to the country due to a surge in migration numbers.

Read Also: Former British ambassador, Australian adviser, and Japanese journalist to be freed by Myanmar junta

The new regulations include increased English language requirements for student and graduate visas, as well as the power to suspend education providers for non-compliance with rules regarding international student recruitment.

The government aims to reduce migration levels while addressing issues in the migration system, with measures such as a “genuine student test” and “no further stay” conditions on visitor visas being introduced to deter students primarily seeking work opportunities.

These changes follow previous actions to close off COVID-era concessions and tighten rules for international students, with the goal of potentially halving migrant intake over a two-year period.

Despite the increase in migration numbers in 2022 to address labor shortages post-pandemic, the influx of foreign workers and students has put pressure on the rental market, as shown by a 60% rise in net immigration to a record 548,800 people in the year ending Sept. 30, 2023.