An extended period of heightened inflation in almost every national economy across the globe has resulted in the price of living in just about every country increasing substantially. In the UK, overall inflation peaked at 11.1% in October 2022 but has since dropped to 2.3% in April this year, while in other countries like India, South Africa and Mexico inflation was recorded at 4.83%, 5.2% and 4.65% respectively in the same month.

Although Australia’s monthly inflation rate has dropped from a high of 7.8% in December 2022 to 3.6% in April, the Department of Home Affairs has adjusted the amount of money needed in the bank accounts of student visa and student guardian visa applicants based on the new methodology as a proportion of the national minimum wage in Australia. These adjustments mostly reflect an increase in required savings by about 21%.

Primary applicants for student visas now need at least $29,710, up from $24,505. The spouses or de facto partners of these applicants need a total of at least $10,394, increased from $8,574, while dependent children need a minimum of $4,449, as well as $13,502 to cover annual school costs.

Applicants must also demonstrate a personal annual income of at least $87,856, instead of the previous $72,465 if they are the sole applicant and $102,500, up from $84,543 if they are bringing members of their family unit.

Migrating to Australia is a once in a lifetime opportunity, but also a huge commitment. It pays to get the right advice from an agent with abundant experience, who works for an agency renowned for providing sound advice in the most complex and difficult cases. 

Easy Migrate is by far the best option for migrants wishing to receive qualified, accurate advice about how to secure a visa to live and thrive in Australia.

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The TOEFL iBT is a very popular English language test which is used as a benchmark by higher education institutions across the world, as well as at all Australian universities, to decide whether applicants possess good enough English language skills to commence their desired studies. 

TOEFL iBT tests completed between July 26 2023 and May 4 2024 are not accepted for Australian visa and migration purposes but the test does allow test takers to complete an at home or online version. 

The changes also mean visa applicants can complete an IELTS OSR (One Skill Retake) test, which allows test takers to complete one component of the test; reading, writing, speaking or listening. This test can be used for applications for all visas except  subclass 476 (Recognised Graduate visa), 482 (Temporary Skills Shortage visa) and 485 (Temporary Graduate visa) which need the results of an IELTS test taken in a single sitting.

Results of the Cambridge C1 Advanced paper-based and computer-based tests taken before February 12 are accepted but only the paper-based version of the test will be used for assessing visa applications. 

A TOEFL iBT total band test score of at least 32 no more than 12 months before the application date is required to demonstrate functional English. A minimum score of 4 for the listening component, 4 for reading, 14 for writing and 14 for speaking is required to show a vocational level of English.

A score of 12 for listening, 13 for reading, 21 for writing and 18 for speaking shows a competent level and 24 for listening, 24 for reading, 27 for writing and 23 for speaking shows proficient English.

Scores of at least 28 for listening, 29 for reading, 30 for writing and 26 for speaking are needed to demonstrate a superior level of English.

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The list of courses which allow aspiring international students to secure a visa and complete preparatory studies for a higher education course (generally a bachelor’s degree or higher) includes institutions in every Australian state or territory.

The scheme is designed to help students who would like to study a bachelor’s degree or higher, but have not met English language or other prerequisites, stay in the country and improve their skills before commencing the higher education course of their choosing on a student visa (subclass 500).

The recently updated list includes the Diploma of Business Studies at Charles Darwin University, the Diploma of Engineering at Flinders University, the Diploma of Cybersecurity at La Trobe University and the Diploma of Information Technology at Southern Cross University.

It was published along with updates to English language requirements for applying for a student visa in Australia. Applicants need an overall IELTS score of at least 6.0 or its equivalent where previously they needed 5.5. Students applying to study an ELICOS course, their minimum IELTS score must be 5.0 overall, up from 4.5, unless they are pursuing English language studies. 

The IELTS score needed to apply for the temporary graduate visa (subclass 485) also increased from 6.0 to 6.5 with applicants required to demonstrate a score of at least 5.5 for each individual component of the test (speaking, reading, writing and listening). The length of this visa also decreased from 3 years to 1 year, except for students from some countries.

Easy Migrate can demystify the Australian migration experience for yourself or loved ones and are the experts at helping migrants to the country to adjust to life in Australia and succeed. Contact us now for sound advice about migration to the land down under.

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NSW has changed the rules for the Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491), making it easier for skilled migrants to get full working rights in regional NSW, the ability to leave and re-enter Australia as many times as they want and apply for permanent residence after 3 years. 

Those wishing to apply for Pathway 1 of the Skilled Work visa previously had to have been working in a designated regional area of NSW for a period of 12 months or more with a single NSW-based employer. 

The time required to apply for the visa has been slashed to just 6 months after the state received feedback from its regional industries which are still struggling to fill jobs.

Australia has seen an unprecedented volume of student arrivals over the last few years and there are now more than 700,000 student visa holders in the country, the highest number on record. 

The government has committed to reducing migration numbers and towards the start of the year, application numbers for student visas fell. Approval rates also declined from above 90% to 82.5%. 

If you have been refused a student, employer-sponsored, partner or family visa, don’t despair! 

There are still options still available to you and the best way to explore those options is to contact Easy Migrate and ask for assistance making an appeal for the decision to be overturned.

Easy Migrate can help you lodge an appeal with the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT), a federal administrative review body with the power to vary or set aside decisions made by a range of administrative bodies, including the Department of Home Affairs.

Contact Easy Migrate to receive the best advice and make your migration journey as stress-free as possible.

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The Department’s recent communication to Education Providers in Australia outlined the following changes to the English language requirement for the Student and Temporary Graduate visa:

For Student Visas (subclass 500):

• The minimum test score required for English proficiency is raised from IELTS 5.5 to IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent).
• The minimum score required to undertake a packaged English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) increases from IELTS 4.5 to IELTS 5.0 (or equivalent).
• Students enrolled in recognized university foundation or pathway programs that provide reputable English language training must achieve a score of IELTS 5.5 (or equivalent). 

For Temporary Graduate Visas (subclass 485):

• The minimum required score for English proficiency rises from IELTS 6.0 to IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent), with a minimum score of 5.5 for each component of the test (reading, writing, speaking, and listening).
• Passport holders from Hong Kong and British National Overseas (BNO) are exempt from the increased minimum English language requirement. Their settings remain at IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent), with a minimum score of 5.0 for each component of the test.
• The validity window for English language test results will decrease from three years to one year for all Temporary Graduate visa applications. Applicants must provide evidence of the completion of an English language test no more than one year before the date of the visa application.

The changes aim to uphold the integrity of Australia’s visa system while facilitating the successful integration of international students and graduates into Australian society but many students in Australia will struggle to meet updated requirements.

If you are unsure of your visa situation or that of someone you know, contact Easy Migrate and speak to a member of our experienced team.

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Some important features of this new visa subclass include:

• Application Charges: The base application charge for the visa is $A325, with an additional applicant charge of $A80. The charge for registration in the visa pre-application process is $A25.
• Eligibility Criteria: To be eligible for the SC 192 visa, applicants must meet the following criteria:
  • Be selected participants in a visa pre-application process (ballot).
  • Be aged over 18 and less than 45 at the beginning of the registration open period for the visa pre-application process.
  • Hold a valid passport issued by a country relevant to the visa pre-application process.
  • Be born in a country specified in Schedule 1 to the visa pre-application process determination.
  • Be citizens of a country to which the visa pre-application process relates.
  • Not be a citizen of New Zealand.
  • Submit the visa application on or before the specified date in the notice of selection.
• Employment Requirements: Applicants or their spouses/de facto partners must have a written offer of ongoing employment in Australia. The employment conditions must be comparable to those offered to Australian citizens, and there should be no adverse employer information known to Immigration.
• English Language Proficiency: Applicants who can demonstrate English language proficiency may be exempt from taking an English test. Others have the option of participating in the Australian Migrant English Program (AMEP) or satisfying the English test requirements.

The Pacific Engagement visa offers eligible citizens the opportunity to build a future in Australia. For more information and to give your application the best chance at success or consult with one of Australia’s most experienced agencies which has, for over 20 years, helped migrants from all corners of the globe secure a brighter future down under. 

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The Genuine Student (GS) requirement – effective March 23 – will replace the existing GTE requirement for student visa applications in Australia. This transition aims to streamline the visa application process and ensure applicants genuinely intend to study in the country.

The GS requirement will include targeted questions designed to provide decision-makers with a comprehensive understanding of the applicant’s motivations and circumstances. These questions will cover various aspects, including:

• Current Circumstances: Applicants will need to provide details of their ties to family, community, employment, and economic circumstances to demonstrate their genuine intention to study in Australia.
• Choice of Course and Study Destination: An explanation for the choice of course and reasons for selecting Australia as the applicant’s preferred study destination will be assessed to ensure it aligns with educational goals.
• Benefits of the Course: Applicants will be required to identify the benefits of the chosen course and how it contributes to their academic and professional aspirations.
• Study History: Details of applicants’ previous academic endeavours will be evaluated to determine their commitment to educational pursuits.
• Reasons for Applying for a Student Visa: Applicants holding visas other than a Student visa must provide reasons for transitioning to a student visa and emphasise a genuine interest in furthering their education in Australia.

International students planning to lodge student visa applications on or after 23rd March 2024 will be subject to these requirements. However, applications lodged before this date will be assessed based on existing arrangements, outlined in the GTE requirements.

Prospective international students are encouraged to stay informed and adapt to the evolving visa requirements to facilitate a smooth application process and achieve their educational goals in Australia. Easy Migrate has the knowledge and experience you need to give your application the best chance possible of being approved, contact us now to improve your outcome and secure your future in Australia.

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Key features of the portal include:

• Expedited Processing: Processing times and decisions are delivered in as little as 15 days.
• Enhanced Options: Applicants can apply for up to three ANZCO codes simultaneously for one fixed price.
• Real-Time Updates: The user-friendly applicant dashboard allows applicants to track the status of their application in real-time, providing instant updates.

For applicants who have initiated an application but have not yet paid the application fee, ACS advises finalising the application and payment by midnight (AEDT) on Sunday, March 24, 2024. 

The “ACS Skilled Journeys: Navigating IT Migration in Australia Report,” found skilled IT migrants to Australia often find jobs and are mostly happy with their decision to move down under:

• High Employment Rates: Over 90% of skilled ICT migrants secure jobs, 80% of which are in the IT sector.
• Regional Migration Trends: Regional Australia is experiencing a surge in skilled ICT migrants, with 36% residing outside of major cities, compared to 18% in 2017.
• Positive Migration Experiences: Some 83% of skilled ICT migrants are satisfied with their decision to migrate to Australia and 73% encourage others to migrate.

For those considering migrating to Australia or currently navigating the visa application process, ACS’s new online Migration Skills Assessment portal is an invaluable resource to ensure a successful migration journey in Australia’s dynamic IT sector. Skilled IT professionals are highly valued in the country and skilled migrants with IT qualifications are generally happy with their new lives down under.

Call Easy Migrate to talk to one of our experienced agents or lawyers. We specialise in difficult or complicated visa application problems and visa refusal appeals.

If you or someone you know is stuck in a difficult situation don’t hesitate to email us and arrange meeting.

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Critical technology encompasses a wide array of technologies crucial for various sectors in Australia including cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and advanced manufacturing. The unwanted transfer of critical technologies, along with associated expertise or knowledge, poses risks to Australia’s interests, from economic competitiveness to national security and sovereignty.

Australia’s Migration Regulations have been amended to target visa applicants and holders involved in critical technology-related activities. These changes allow the Minister for Home Affairs to refuse certain visas if there is an unreasonable risk of unwanted technology transfer. 

The revised regulations apply to various visa categories, including student visas, skilled migration visas, and temporary work visas. Visa applicants intending to pursue postgraduate research qualifications or apply for critical technology-related occupations must undergo enhanced screening procedures and some existing student visa holders must seek prior approval from the Minister for Home Affairs before enrolling in further studies.

The approval process entails submitting a request form and providing necessary evidence to demonstrate compliance with regulations specified by the Department. Failure to obtain approval before undertaking critical technology-related courses may result in visa cancellation. 

Australia aims to strike a balance between fostering international research collaboration and mitigating risks associated with critical technology transfer by enhancing its visa screening. Visa applicants and holders must comply with the new regulatory framework to ensure smooth processing and avoid potential refusal.

The new rules aim to ensure Australia remains a destination and partner of choice for innovation and research, while safeguarding its critical technologies and national interests.

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If you’re an international graduate who has been banking on the two-year extension to further your career or explore opportunities in Australia, it’s time to reassess your plans. From mid-2024 onwards, this option will no longer be available, meaning you’ll need to explore alternative pathways to achieve your migration goals.

There are still numerous pathways available for international graduates who wish to stay in Australia. Alternative visa options that align with your qualifications, career goals, and personal circumstances include skilled migration visas, employer-sponsored visas, or state-specific nomination programs.

The end of the two-year extension for Temporary Graduate Visa holder work right marks a significant change in the migration landscape of Australia but it’s essential to have a proactive mindset and be willing to explore alternative pathways. Stay informed, strategic, and resilient, you can navigate these changes with confidence and achieve your migration goals. Remember, the journey may have its challenges, but with the right guidance and determination, your dreams of a brighter future in Australia are well within reach.
Navigating the intricacies of migration laws and visa applications can be overwhelming, especially amidst policy changes.

Contact Easy Migrate for personalised advice and support tailored to your individual circumstances. Our experienced team of agents and lawyers can help you navigate the process, maximise your chances of success, and alleviate any uncertainties or concerns you may have.

Call or make an appointment with Easy Migrate now.

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