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 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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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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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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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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In addition, there is actually a way to secure a student visa without meeting this requirement but applicants still need access to a significant amount of money to cover living expenses in Australia through their parents or partner.

Student visa applicants do not have to meet the $AUD24,505 requirement if their parents or partner earned at least $AUD72,465 in the last 12 months. If applicants intend to prove their parents or partner can support them whilst living in Australia, they must submit official government evidence of this income, usually in the form of tax assessments.

If an applicant is bringing a partner, they must provide evidence they can support these individuals as well. If they want to bring a partner they need an additional $AUD8,574 and if a child accompanies the visa applicant they will need $AUD3,670 more.

In Australia, all school-aged children must attend school by law, so student visa applicants with school aged children who will accompany them must prove they have an additional $AUD8,296 in savings. It is worth keeping in mind this requirement is usually waived for PhD students or applicants who have received an Australian Commonwealth Government scholarship.

As well as the $AUD24,505 to cover living costs, applicants will have to prove they have enough money to be able to pay for travel back to their home country. The Department of Home Affairs website says applicants from East or Southern Africa need AUD2,500.

Applicants from West Africa need AUD3,000, while overseas applicants from anywhere else need an additional AUD2,000. If you are applying from inside Australia, you need $AUD1,000 for travel costs.

The Department of Home Affairs increased the amount of money student visa applicants need in October 2023 by 17% and said the reason for the change was the sharp increase in living costs in Australia over the last 18 months.

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The Genuine Student Test will replace the Genuine Temporary ­Entrant requirement, which disqualifies student visa applications which include statements about the intention to stay in Australia after study.

The change was made after international education sector representatives pointed out the disingenuous nature of dismissing applications for student visas based on international students being honest about their post-study intentions.

International students are required to outline their plans after studying in Australia in a 300-word statement. Applications that suggest international students intend to stay in Australia are refused.

“For those who do want to stay – and if we want to attract the skills that we need particularly in STEM and allied health – we’re cutting off our nose despite our face by denying them entry because they wouldn’t mind migrating to Australia,” International Education Association of Australia chief executive Phil Honeywood said.

There were 283,573 student visas granted in the first half of the 2022-23 program year, 166,891 of these visas were granted to applicants from outside Australia. The subclass 500 student visa allows successful applicants to stay up to 5 years in line with their study requirement, work up to 48 hours per fortnight during semester and costs $A710. Students are required to maintain an 80 per cent attendance rate at a minimum.

Currently, up to 90 per cent of student visas for vocational education and training courses take less than 46 days to process from the time of application, while 90 per cent of student visas for tertiary courses are processed in as little as two weeks.

“We want to ensure that high-performing students, with the skills we need, are given the chance to stay,” Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil said in April, adding that international students were a “very ­important part of the puzzle” to reform the immigration system and address economy-damaging skills shortages in Australia.

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After July 1st, student visa holders in Australia will be able to work 48 hours per fortnight. Before border restrictions, the number of hours student visa holders could work was just 40 hours per fortnight and this revised number hints that the Australian Government’s previously stated commitment to increasing migration is high on its priority list.

All student visa holders in Australia need to conserve a balance between their studies and work; they must maintain their course enrolment, ensure course attendance, and ensure course progress to fulfil visa conditions.

There are some exceptions for visa holders working in the aged care sector, who will be able to continue working unlimited hours until the end of 2023. Also, students studying higher-level certifications such as a Master or Doctorate will be able to continue working unlimited hours depending on their course.

It is important to note that students who use an ABN to work must follow the same rules and will only be permitted to work 48 hours per fortnight. 

Migration has increased in Australia, but many employers are still finding it difficult to secure qualified staff, particularly in rural areas. Permanent Residency pathways are now being offered to more migrants including those holding the Temporary Skill Shortage visa.

Skilled visas are the best way to secure Permanent Residency in Australia and a recent directive made it clear that applicants with skills in the education and health sectors are the most highly sought-after.

Don’t hesitate to contact our professionals if you have any doubts or are dealing with visa situations. We can help you achieve your dream of living, studying and working in Australia.

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You may not know it but an Australian student visa to attend one of the country’s very well-regarded universities or other educational institutions allows you to work as many hours as you want from the moment you touch down. 

Well-paid work is also very easy to come by in Australia, salaries and wages are some of the best in the world and the employment rate is at a 50-year low. Visa holders can even bring their families with them. 

Partners of Australian student visa holders studying for their masters are allowed to work as many hours as they want, while those studying another course can work part-time.

Life is not all about work and if it’s fun-filled days playing at the beach or exploring an incredibly diverse and beautiful landscape you’re after, look no further than the land down under.

Australia’s natural, unspoilt beauty is legendary and its weather makes a very welcome change from the constant rain and cloudy skies of the UK. Imagine waking up to the sounds of the ocean, breathing in the fresh clean air and swimming in the crystal clear ocean on the weekends.

You don’t even need a qualification to apply for a student visa. A lot of migrants to Australia work while they are studying and thanks to the country’s healthy wages, you will have plenty of money left over for time off in Thailand, Bali or New Zealand.

If you study for a diploma, bachelor’s degree or master’s degree you are given post-study visa options ranging from 2 to 3 years in length that will allow you to work as many hours as you want and save money after you have completed your studies.

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Current and future international students who arrive in Western Australia and have to complete the 14 day quarantine will receive a $2000 one off cash payment to help with quarantine related expenses.

On top of this there will be a $1500 accommodation support package available to international students who arrive before March 3rd.

Small international education providers in Western Australia with 19 employees or less can apply for a $50,000 grant from the department of jobs, tourism, science and innovation with medium sized international education providers able to apply for a $100,000 grant.

These incentives are part of what will surely be a large-scale plan the state government has for opening the border. 

Australia has lessened in population during the pandemic and will need more migrants over the next few years to revamp the economy, Western Australian businesses are pushing hard for borders to open and the country as a whole, like many countries around the world now has a large stimulus bill to pay.

The time to start your migration journey is now, be one of the smart ones and go with the experienced professionals. Your future is too important to gamble with an unknown, unproven migration consultant.

Easy Migrate has the experience and knowledge to help you live and thrive in Australia.

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