Australia exempts Hong Kong, BN(O) passport holders from stricter age limit for graduate visas
- Hongkongers under the age of 50 will be able to continue applying for five-year graduate visas, while all other candidates must be no more than 35 years old
- Exemption followed panic among mature students from Hong Kong studying down under, after Canberra tightened immigration rules
The announcement followed panic among mature students from Hong Kong studying down under after Canberra tightened immigration rules.
With the exemption, Hongkongers under the age of 50 will be able to continue applying for five-year graduate visas, while all other candidates must be no more than 35 years old.
“We are grateful for the special arrangement by the Australian government amid the reform of its immigration system,” said Australia-based Jane Poon, a leader of the community group Australia-Hong Kong Link.
“Student visa holders can now breathe a sigh of relief and feel reassured as they plan their emigration.”
The Australian government announced on Thursday it would enforce a stricter age limit for temporary graduate visa applications, as part of a new migration strategy made public last December for foreign students.