Australia's net migration to be halved

Australia’s net migration will be halved within two years in a dramatic move to slash the annual intake from a record high of 510,000 by imposing tougher tests on overseas students and turning away workers with low skills. That is understandable given students in 2022 contributed almost 60% to net migration.

In addition to tightening of student visa policy that has already been announced, the migration strategy further proposes the following changes.

1. Higher English language requirements from early 2024.

2. Shorter post-study work rights other than for regional Australia and for skills in demand.

3. The introduction of a new “genuine student” requirement to replace the “genuine temporary entrant” requirement.

4. Prioritising students enrolled with low-risk providers over high-risk providers who would be subject to higher levels of scrutiny.

5. Measures to reduce onshore student visa “hopping”.

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Australia’s migrant intake blew out to 510,000. Students are central to the plan to halve that