August 1st, 2024 at 07:32 am

Australia Visa Fee Hike: Impact on International Students

Although recent adjustments to visa requirements and immigration laws are expected to create additional difficulties, Australia is still a popular choice for overseas students. This is an overview of the implications of these changes for potential students.

Increased fees for student visas, modifications to the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT), the effect on potential students and financial preparation, and Australia’s ongoing attractiveness and strategic approach are some of the important subjects covered in this update.

Higher Fees for Australian Student Visas

The cost of an international student visa has increased by 125%, from $710 to $1,600, starting on July 1, 2024. This implies that to obtain their visa, students must pay an extra $890. This significant increase can discourage students on a tight budget, but it might also motivate them to look into additional funding sources and scholarships.

Changes to the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT)

For applications for nomination submitted between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2025, the income threshold for Temporary Skilled Migration has been increased from $70,000 to $73,500. This adjustment is in line with Australia’s strategic immigration management plan and commitment to strong academic requirements.

Financial Impacts and Alternative Destinations

While the fee increase may discourage some students, according to Dr. John Lowi of the SPGI School of Global Management, it also encourages financial resourcefulness. Alternative study locations like Singapore, Dubai, and London are becoming more alluring because of their easily accessible information and expedited visa procedures.

Australia’s Strategic Approach and Quality Education

The eight institutions in Australia are still highly regarded options for overseas students, despite the increased tuition. By bringing in elite students who are dedicated to their studies, these adjustments hope to improve Australia’s educational environment.

Australian Government Balancing Costs and Quality

The fee rise may put students in a worse financial situation, but to strike a balance between affordability and high-quality education, thoughtful policies and support programs are required. Australia must continue to be a top choice for international education while upholding diversity and high standards.

Australia’s dedication to providing high-quality education and effective immigration administration guarantees that it continues to be a top choice for many international students, despite obstacles brought about by rising visa fees and other policy changes.

Australia Skilled Visa Application Open for WA 2024-2025

Applications for Australia’s Western Australia skilled migration program for 2024–2025 are now being accepted. Although several States and Territories have declared their nomination allotments, applications are not currently being accepted. For 2024–2025, Western Australia is offering a superb state-nominated migration program that seeks to draw highly talented people from all over the world.

This blog will help you plan to secure your place in one of Australia’s most exciting regions, whether or not you are thinking about moving to Western Australia right now. This post will discuss the most recent list of priority jobs in Western Australia that qualify for skilled migration, as well as potential pathways, requirements for selection, and the application procedure.

Western Australia Priority Occupations

The following industries will receive priority consideration for hiring: healthcare and social services, building and construction, education, and hospitality. This is because Western Australia has a significant skills shortage.

Applying as soon as possible is advised for prospective immigrants whose employment falls into these priority categories, as their chances of getting nominated are very high. All potential candidates must have a skilled occupation that satisfies the standards listed on the Western Australia Skilled Migration Occupations List to be eligible for their chosen stream and nominated visa.

Each candidate must additionally possess a valid skills evaluation for their eligible occupation before applying for a state nomination.

What are the Available Visa Options

The Skilled Nominated Subclass 190 Visa, which allows permanent residency and work in Australia, and the Skilled Work Regional Subclass 491 Visa are the two subclasses of visas available under the Western Australia State Nominated Migration Program. You can live, work, and study in a specific region of Australia for up to five years with a 491 Visa, and after three of those years, you can apply for permanent residence.

English Language Requirement for State Nomination

The English language competence criteria are specified by the Department of Home Affairs, which also accepts test results from exams given at secure testing locations, such as the TOL iBT, the Advanced Occupational English Test (iBT), the Cambridge English exam, often known as C1, and the High Pearson Test of English (PTE).

Competent English language proficiency is the minimum requirement for a state to nominate someone under the 2024–25 State-nominated Migration Program.

How to Apply for a Western Australia Nomination

Please be aware that to be eligible for an invitation under the Western Australia State nominated migration program, you must meet the standards set forth by both the state of Western Australia for State nomination and the Department of Home Affairs for the nominated visa.

The following steps can be taken to apply for the Western Australia state-nominated migration program:

1. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI):

When submitting an EOI for a state nomination, use Skill Select and be sure to include all the required information, including your age, the English proficiency criteria, the points you obtained from the skill evaluation, etc. Based on your location and occupation, your EOI will be evaluated. Those from Western Australia will be given precedence, followed by those from other Australian states and overseas.

2. Wait for an Invitation

Although it is anticipated that invitations for the Western Australia State nomination will be sent out every month, the precise quantity of invitations sent out will rely on the volume of applications being assessed. Western Australia will provide you with a link to the State nomination application form if you are invited.

3. Apply for Your State Nomination

For certain skilled migration visas that let you live and work in Western Australia, you have to be nominated by an Australian state or territory under the state-nominated migration program. If you file for a Western Australia State nomination, you will have 28 days to complete your application and declare that you will live, work, and settle in Western Australia.

4. Get Your Nomination and Submit Your Visa Application

If your state nomination application is approved, you will be nominated in Skill Select by Western Australia, and you will receive an invitation from Home Affairs to apply for the appropriate Visa. You can use your Immi Account to submit your visa application, which needs to be submitted within 60 days after the invitation date.