On September 17, Australia's Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke announced plans to reduce migration by tightening student and working holiday visa rules and stepping up enforcement against overstayers. For travelers and those planning to study or work in Australia, this means closer attention to documents and deadlines.
What exactly is changing
These are plans, not yet implemented rules. Minister Burke said the government intends to cut migration by tightening student and working holiday visas and increasing enforcement against overstayers. Specific parameters (effective dates, exact requirements, fees) are not provided in the source.
Who is affected
- Students planning to study in Australia.
- Working holiday visa participants.
- Those already in the country who must keep track of their visa expiry.
The payment side of the trip
Even before specific changes are announced, plan your trip to Australia with payment nuances in mind. Visa fees and accommodation bookings are usually paid with a foreign card — Russian cards often don’t work directly. Virtual cards help: they allow you to make payments in AUD or another currency and pass hotel pre-authorization (the hold placed on your card at check-in).
Refunds and currency nuances
If your visa is denied or plans change, refunds depend on the service’s terms and your bank. Consider possible conversion fees and pre-authorization release times — usually the hold is lifted within a few days after checkout, but it can take up to a month.
eSIM and taxis
For connectivity in Australia, it’s convenient to set up an eSIM in advance — it avoids roaming and lets you use maps and taxi apps. Paying for taxis and transport also requires a working foreign card.
What to do now
Follow official announcements on the Australian Department of Home Affairs portal (homeaffairs.gov.au) — exact dates and requirements will appear there. If you’re planning a trip, prepare your documents in advance and check that your card works for fees and bookings. For paying for overseas services and travel, you can use VirtCardPay virtual cards — they help process payments in foreign currency and pass hotel pre-authorization.
Disclaimer: This material is for informational purposes only and is not financial advice. Cryptocurrencies and stablecoins are subject to market risks.
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