March 7th, 2024 at 03:14 pm

Australia Tightens Work Visa Rules for International Students

The government of Australia is implementing a revamped migration plan, which would affect the rights of international students to work after graduation. This article examines the specifics of these modifications, such as shorter work visa expiration dates, more stringent visa processing requirements, and the government’s justification for the changes.

The Australian Department of Education recently announced that the extended work visa lengths for international graduates following their studies will be returned to their original schedules.

Undergraduate, master’s, and PhD students in specific programs are affected by this decision, which was made last week. Depending on their level of study, they will now only be able to stay for the original 2-3 years.

Reduced Work Rights

The Australian Department of Education declared that beginning of mid-2024, post-study work visas that had been extended up to 4-6 years would again only be valid for 2-3 years. To verify sincere study intentions and solve skill shortages, the “Genuine Student Test” and more stringent visa processing procedures were implemented after this decision.

Shifting Policy Landscape

The adjustment is in line with the government’s plan to manage a “broken” migration system and cut the number of immigrants admitted by half over the following two years. Australia prioritizes applications from graduates in critical shortage sectors who studied in remote areas, where extended post-study work rights may still be available, to draw in talented workers.

Key Changes in Visa Regulations

The latest modifications additionally comprise:

• The “Genuine Temporary Entrant” criteria have been replaced with the new “Genuine Student Test,” which focuses on confirming sincere study objectives.
• Stricter visa processing includes a lower age limit of 35 years for post-study work visa applicants and a higher English language test score requirement of 6.5 on the IELTS.
• Universities will be ranked according to risk, which will affect how long it takes for students from higher-risk schools to apply for visas.
• The removal of all future chances to extend post-study work privileges, except for individuals who have finished their studies in a regional area.
• The applicant’s age limit was lowered from 50 to 35 years old.

Impact on International Students

With these modifications, we hope to guarantee that foreign graduates meet Australia’s skill requirements and make the most of the visa system, which is meant to be used for legitimate educational pursuits. The Australian government advises prospective international students to check the most recent information on visa requirements and course alternatives that match the skills that Australia requires.

Current Status of International Students

According to figures from the Australian Department of Education, as of October of last year, Australia was home to some 768,000 international students, with China, India, and Nepal making up the largest groups.

Looking Ahead

Concerns regarding the integrity of the education system are intended to be addressed by the Australian government’s updated immigration policy and visa policies, which also seek to draw in talented graduates who will support the nation’s economic growth.

Australia Student Visa Guide in 2024

You are allowed to stay temporarily in Australia while studying there if you have an Australian student visa. The Australian student visa requirements were revised to align with the implementation of the Simplified Student Visa Framework (SSVF).

Australia has two intakes for universities each year. The first begins in late February or early March and ends in late May or early June. The second intake, which includes July, extends from the beginning of August until November. Since the majority of students view their first intake as their primary intake, it is best to prepare for the upcoming second intake.

In this post, we’ll guide you through the application process for an Australian student visa for 2024, including the latest recent processing timelines. Here are the five easy steps you should take in 2024 to prepare for obtaining an Australian student visa.

1. Get Evidence of English Language Proficiency

Most international students have to meet English language competence requirements to be accepted into their program and be awarded an Australian student visa. Check out the Australian Department of Home Affairs website for further details or if you need help determining the necessary scores.

IELTS is recognized in Australia for both immigration and visa applications requiring evidence of English language proficiency.

2. Apply to an Education Provider in Australia and get a confirmation of enrollment

Applying for a student visa subclass 500 for Australia requires that you be accepted into an Australian study program. You are required to accept an offer from a university and cover the associated tuition fees. Following that, you will receive an electronic confirmation of enrollment from the educational provider, which you must attach to your visa application.

3. Create an Online Account

Generally, you can apply online for an Australian visa and track the status of your application. Before starting your visa application, you must create an account on the Department of Home Affairs website. To apply for a student visa, you will need proof of your foreign student health insurance, your passport, your university’s enrollment information, records of your departure from Australia, and evidence of your financial capability.

If you are ever asked to present these documents, you can use the tool on the Department of Home Affairs website to verify them.

4. Online Visa Application (TRN Number)

In general, it is a good idea to apply for a subclass 500 visa at least eight weeks before the start of your program, as it is mandatory for international students. Obtaining legal advice before filing your visa application is a good idea because there is a fee associated with applying for an Australian visa that is not refundable.

After submitting your application, you will obtain a transaction reference number that you must save to track the status of your case online if your visa is denied.

5. Your Visa decision

An error could result in your application being delayed or your student visa being denied. As soon as your student visa application is completed, you will be notified by email. You should print the Visa Grant letter and carry it to Australia with your passport because your visa is electronic.