New Delhi, Sept. 23 -- Australia has announced a fresh set of migration policy changes affecting student, visitor, skilled migration and working holiday visas, with the measures being introduced progressively over the next 12 months.

The changes are aimed at maintaining the integrity of Australia's migration system while helping the government meet its net overseas migration forecasts of 245,000 in the current financial year and 225,000 in 2027-28.

Australia will introduce tighter restrictions on student visas, including measures to stop "visa hopping" and limit secondary applicants on most student visas.

The government also plans to take action against migration agents who knowingly assist with visa applications that do not have merit...