Federal government cracks down on dodgy migration agents as part of immigration reform
Migration agents who take on futile cases or encourage clients to game the system will be banned from the practice as part of a government overhaul.
The federal government has outlined a crackdown on migration lawyers who are gaming the immigration system, as well as changes to student visas.
HOW WILL IT WORK?
* Immigration agents who help with applications they would reasonably know have no legal basis will be banned under proposed changes
Sign up to The Nightly's newsletters.
Get the first look at the digital newspaper, curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox.
By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.* Migration agents can currently proceed with a futile application if the client acknowledges in writing that they will decide to continue pursuing the case
* Under proposed changes to the migration agents code of conduct, the application would be assessed at the time assistance is provided, rather than the outcome of the court decision
* The federal government says the changes would not stop migration agents taking on cases that are complex when there is a reasonable legal basis
* In a speech outlining the changes in Sydney, Assistant Citizenship Minister Julian Hill said there had been many examples of ads by lawyers purportedly coaching clients on false protections
* Among them were ads providing advice to claim they were bisexual or how to convince department officials they were being persecuted in order to support a protection visa
WHAT OTHER CHANGES ARE COMING IN?
* The number of onshore student visas will be limited to genuine cases
* A majority of temporary visa holders will not be able to apply for a student visa
* Those with a student visa looking to apply for another onshore visa will need to demonstrate progression in their chosen course
* Tighter rules will be enforced for student visa applications including partners and children
* Exceptions will be granted to PhD students, as well as nationals from Pacific and ASEAN nations
* International students seeking to change providers after they arrive in Australia will need to apply through a student visa transfer system from mid-2027
