Tony Burke

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has announced an overhaul of student visa rules aimed at stopping 'visa hopping' and what the government calls 'permanently temporary' migration. Students switching courses onshore will face extra fees, reportedly around $1,200, and tighter transfer rules under updated National Code standards. Businesses have also raised concerns about related backpacker visa changes, amid a reported 15 percent drop in working holidaymaker numbers, warning staffing will get harder.