August 4th, 2024 at 11:27 am

How New Visa Rules Will Affect International Students Globally in 2024

Immigration laws in well-liked study locations are always changing along with international schooling. Many nations are enacting new laws to handle issues like housing shortages and job market demands as the number of students pursuing higher education overseas keeps rising.

It’s crucial for students hoping to study abroad to stay up to date on these shifting laws. Let’s examine the latest revisions to immigration laws in nations where Indian students are drawn to study, as well as any possible ramifications.

1. Australia

Significant improvements to Australia’s immigration policy have been revealed recently, making it a popular study-abroad destination for Indian students. The nation has increased the bar for English competence, requiring higher scores on assessments such as Duolingo, the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), and the IELTS (International English Language Testing System).

The IELTS score threshold has increased from 6.0 to 6.5 for Temporary Graduate visas, and from 5.5 to 6.0 for student visas. Australia has replaced the Genuine Temporary Entrant criteria with a new test called Genuine Student, in addition to language requirements. This modification recognizes that qualifying students have access to temporary migration pathways following their study.

Additionally, it has raised the financial criteria for overseas students, who must now demonstrate that they have larger savings to be granted a student visa. Certain students may find it more difficult to be eligible for Australian visas as a result of these changes. They also make sure that newcomers are better equipped for both academic achievement and possible post-study options in the nation.

Pupils who intend to study in Australia should be ready to prove that they are sincere about wanting to study there, have a higher level of English proficiency, and have stable finances.

2. United Kingdom

Another well-liked location for international students is the United Kingdom, which has made several adjustments to lower overall immigration levels. The limitation on family visas is one of the biggest modifications. No longer are international students permitted to bring in their dependents unless they are enrolled in postgraduate research programs.

Students who plan to move with their families and have dependents may be greatly impacted by this shift. Furthermore, foreign students have few possibilities for a job route in the UK. Until students finish their education, they are no longer able to transition from student visas to employment permits.

Additionally, the government has raised the cost of visas; now, the application fee for a student visa costs about Rs 51,787. Additionally, the UK government has mandated a review of the two-year post-study work visa, a move that has raised some concerns among overseas students.

There is, nevertheless, some good news as well. The Migration Advisory Committee suggested in May 2024 that the Graduate route be kept in place, allowing the majority of students to work in the UK for two years following graduation (three years for PhD students).

Some students may be discouraged by these developments, particularly those who want to work while they are studying or have families. Nonetheless, the UK’s attractiveness as a study location is maintained by the Graduate route’s continuity, which maintains a crucial avenue for post-study options.

3. United States

Recently, the US enacted new regulations designed to stop fraudulent visa applications. As a result of these new regulations, all students who are applying for F, M, or J student visas must create a profile and schedule their visa appointment using the details from their passports.

The purpose of this action is to guard against system abuse and improve the integrity of the visa application process. There will be repercussions for students who use false passport numbers while creating profiles or scheduling appointments. They run the danger of forfeiting their visa application cost and having their appointments canceled.

The ultimate goal of this tighter approach is to protect legitimate candidates and uphold the legitimacy of the US student visa program, even though it may initially cause some confusion and extend the application process. Former US President Donald Trump has put out a proposal that might fundamentally change the environment for foreign students studying in the US, which could be a game-changer.

According to the plan, international students who graduate from US institutions should be immediately granted green cards. Should this legislation be put into effect, it might greatly enhance the allure of studying in the United States for foreign students. It might be a game-changer for aspiring international students.

The potential for a smooth transition from student to permanent resident could increase the US’s allure as a location for higher learning. Along with a top-notch education, it would provide students with long-term job prospects in the US.

4. France

Unlike several other countries that have implemented tighter controls, France is increasing its appeal to foreign students. The period of the post-study work visa for international students pursuing master’s degrees has been extended by the French government from two to five years. With this noteworthy extension, students will have more time to complete their education and obtain useful work experience in France.

Moreover, a five-year short-stay Schengen visa is now available to students who have studied in France for even one semester while pursuing a master’s or higher degree. This makes France more appealing to students seeking a degree as well as to those thinking about exchanges or shorter study terms.

These modifications greatly increase the allure of studying in France by providing more chances to obtain professional experience and travel throughout Europe once one has graduated. These new policies offer an extra incentive for students interested in French-renowned professions like fashion, culinary arts, administration, and business.

5. Ireland and New Zealand

Ireland has expanded the term of its post-study work visas, making it a more desirable educational destination for Indian students. Graduates with a bachelor’s or master’s degree can now stay for two years, while those with a doctorate can stay for three.

Ireland is now more competitive thanks to this extension, which also gives students more time to obtain useful job experience and maybe make the leap to permanent employment. However, a seemingly insignificant modification made in New Zealand may have a big effect on students’ ability to meet visa criteria.

The IELTS One Skill Retake option is now accepted throughout the nation, enabling candidates to retake any one of the four skills if their initial attempt did not yield an acceptable score. This flexibility in the English language test may help applicants feel less stressed and give a more accurate evaluation of their language proficiency.

The dynamic nature of immigration and international education is reflected in these policy changes across multiple nations. Some of the changes may be difficult for international students to adjust to, such as more stringent language competence requirements or larger financial obligations, but others bring exciting new options, like longer work visas after graduation or possible routes to permanent residency.

Conclusion

As usual, prospective students should thoroughly investigate the existing policies of their preferred location and keep themselves updated about any changes. It’s critical to think about how these modifications can impact their long-term professional objectives, post-graduation plans, and original study period.