Australia just changed its visa rules. So what about its bespoke Hong Kong pathway?
Hongkongers aiming to settle in Australia through a bespoke study-to-migrate pathway will not be exempt from new rules barring applicants from bringing along their families, the country’s home affairs authorities have said. The new rules, announced last month, have raised concerns among some Hongkongers, especially those who had hoped to bring their families while pursuing their studies in…
The Australian government has imposed new rules barring international students from bringing their families on student or temporary graduate visas. The change, announced last month, has drawn criticism from Hong Kong nationals who rely on the country's bespoke study-to-migrate pathway. The pathway, launched in March 2022, allows Hong Kong and British National (Overseas) passport holders to study in Australia and then live there for three or four years on temporary graduate visas.
However, the new rules prohibit family members from applying as secondary visa holders, even if their primary visa holder has already been granted entry. Officials maintain that the restriction will not forcibly separate families already in Australia. Despite the change, exemptions exist for certain countries, including the Pacific, ASEAN nations, and specific courses like PhD programs.
The Australian Department of Home Affairs stated that this policy adjustment aims to address housing pressures and align with broader immigration strategies, but exemptions continue for specific groups.
Written by urgent.news from South China Morning Post - Hong Kong's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
