Immigration Lawyers and Migration Agents

Your Australian Visa Our Focus

In December 2023, the Australian government announced a new Migration Strategy, introducing significant changes to various visa programs, including the Graduate Visa.

The reforms are set to impact many people currently studying in Australia, prospective students, and the education sector, as the substantial reduction in age eligibility could make Australia less attractive for those seeking study opportunities and a pathway to Permanent Residency.

Changes to the 485 Temporary Graduate Visa are proposed to be implemented on the 1^st of July 2024 and include: 

Graduate Work stream

• The Graduate Work stream will be renamed to the Post-Vocational Education Work stream.
• Maximum eligible age will be reduced from under 50 to 35 years of age or under.
• Applicants are allowed to remain for a maximum of 18 months.
• Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders who are under 50 years of age will remain eligible.
• Hong Kong or British National Overseas passport holders may be able to stay for up to 5 years.
• Applicants must hold an associate degree, diploma or trade qualification, closely related to their nominated occupation on the Medium and Long-term occupation list.
• Applicants with a degree-level qualification or higher are no longer eligible for this stream and must apply through the Post-Higher Education Work stream instead.

Post-Study Work stream

• The Post-Study Work stream will be renamed to the Post-Higher Education Work stream.
• Maximum eligible age will be reduced from under 50 to 35 years of age or under.
• Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders who are under 50 years of age will remain eligible.
• The 2-year extension for selected degrees will be discontinued.

Stay periods:

• Bachelor degree (including honours) – up to 2 years
• Masters (coursework and extended) – up to 2 years
• Masters (research) and doctoral degree (PhD) – up to 3 years.

Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders may be able to stay for up to 5 years.

Stay periods for Indian nationals, as agreed in the Australian Indian – Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA), remain as:

• Bachelor degree (including honours) – up to 2 years
• Bachelor degree (with first class honours in STEM, including ICT) – up to 3 years
• Masters (coursework, extended and research) – up to 3 years
• Doctoral degrees (PhD) – up to 4 years.

Second Post-Study Work stream

The Second Post-Study Work stream will be renamed the Second Post-Higher Education Work stream, with no additional changes to the stream.

This visa is designed for individuals holding a Temporary Graduate visa (from the first Post-Study Work stream or Replacement stream) who earned their degree from an Australian institution in a regional area. It allows you to live, work, and study temporarily in Australia.

To apply for this visa you must:

• Be under 50 years of age.
• Currently hold a Temporary Graduate visa in the post-study work stream or have held one previously in the replacement stream.
• Possess a degree from a CRICOS-registered course at an institution in an eligible designated regional area, which was the basis for the first Temporary Graduate visa.
• Have lived in a designated regional area for a minimum of two years prior to applying.

Replacement stream

The Replacement stream will cease.

What can you do now?

With the changes, it seems there will be no transition provisions for those currently studying in Australia who are over 35 years old. Unfortunately, this is particularly concerning as many people over 35 are nearing the completion of their courses and will not be eligible to apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa after July 1st.

Applicants no longer eligible for the Post-Vocational Education Work stream or the Post-Higher Education Work stream due to the age reduction may still qualify for other visas, such as the Employer-sponsored 482 or 494 visas, the 407 Training Visa, or Skilled Visas 189, 190, and 491, among others.

If you are over 35, you might need to explore other potential visa options upon completing your studies. Please book an appointment with us; we are here to help.

Do you need help with an Australian visa application?

Our team of experienced Immigration Lawyers and Migration Agents look forward to assisting you with your visa application.

Based in Adelaide, South Australia, we provide Australian Immigration advice to people and businesses from all over the world.

You can book an appointment online or call us at (+61) 8 8351 9956.

Sources: 

https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/temporary-graduate-485/changes

https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/programs-subsite/migration-strategy/Documents/migration-strategy.pdf

What are the 5 best courses to study in Australia in 2024 to obtain Permanent Residency?

Australia is home to 43 universities, some of which are among the world's top 100. Australia is a safe and welcoming country attracting many students who want to settle in Australia and obtain Australian Permanent Residency. So, let's get started!

After completing their studies, there are two main visa paths students can follow to obtain PR:

• Skilled Visa (Subclass 189, 190 and 491)
• Employer-Sponsored 482 and 494 Visas
• DAMAs

The courses we are mentioning have strong options in both paths. If you are interested, please book an appointment here.

Number 5: SOCIAL WORK OR COMMUNITY SERVICES

Social work is becoming increasingly popular for securing permanent residency in Australia.

• A bachelor’s degree in Social Work is usually a 3-year degree with a tuition fee of roughly AUD 18,000 per year.
• Ensure the degree you enrol in is accredited by the Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA).
• Social Work is on the medium-term list and can lead to a Skilled Independent visa or 190 or 491. Employer sponsorship is also an option.
• Under a Ministerial Direction, Social Work currently receives priority processing.
• Skills assessment: The Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).

Number 4: CARPENTER

With a shortage of houses in Australia, the Government is encouraging the construction of more houses. Carpenters are in high demand in terms of employability:

• Diploma-level qualifications related to Carpentry is a two-year course with a tuition fee of approximately AUD 10,000 per year.
• This is a very good option if you are looking for a trade course that may lead to PR.
• Trade occupations must complete a job-ready program to get a positive skill assessment from TRA with a minimum of 12 months of full-time work experience or equivalent.
• Be aware that graduates of trade courses can only obtain an 18-24 month temporary graduate visa 485.
• Skills assessment: Trades Recognition Australia (TRA).

Here are some common types of carpenters in Australia:

• Joiner carpenter
• Framework carpenter
• Formwork carpenter
• Green carpenter

Number 3: CIVIL CONSTRUCTION DESIGN

• Advanced Diploma in Civil Construction Design is a two-year course with a tuition fee of roughly AUD 12,000 per year.
• One of the advantages of the course is that you can get a skills assessment done by Engineers Australia without any work experience and apply for a 485 Graduate Visa, and then further for any of the GSM visas.
• The occupation related to this course is on the medium- and long-term skills list, which means that this occupation is eligible for all three GSM visas, including 189, 190, and 491.

After obtaining this qualification, potential job roles may include:

• Civil Engineering Technician
• Civil Engineering Design Draftsperson
• Civil Engineering Draftsperson
• Senior civil construction designer
• Structural Engineering Drafting officer
• Road Design Draftsperson

Number 2: TEACHER

 A Bachelor of Teaching is a 4-year degree with a tuition fee of approximately AUD 18,000 per year.

• For those with a relevant degree, a Master of Teaching is a two-year course.
• Teachers are on the medium-term list with several PR application options, and they are also a high priority in processing, similar to Registered nurses.
• Different universities have different admission criteria, so be sure to check with us if you are interested in this course.
• Under a Ministerial Direction, Teaching currently receives priority processing.

Skills assessment: Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL).

To work as a teacher, you will need to register as a teacher after completing your course.

In-demand teachers in Australia include:

• Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teacher
• Middle School Teacher
• Primary School Teacher
• Secondary School Teacher
• University lecturer
• Special Education Teachers

Number 1: REGISTERED NURSES

Registered Nurses have the highest priority in processing.

• Registered nurses are on the medium-term list with several PR application options such as Skilled Visa (Subclass 189, 190, and 491), Employer-Sponsored Visa, and DAMAs.
• A Bachelor of Nursing is a 3-year degree with a tuition fee of roughly AUD 30,000 per year.
• One of the basic requirements for enrolment in this course is an English test result equivalent to IELTS 7 bands in each module.
• Skills assessment: Australian Nursing & Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC).

As a Registered Nurse, you may choose from various specialties, including:

• Aged Care
• Mental Health
• Critical Care and Emergency
• Medical
• Perioperative
• Midwife

GUIDE TO OBTAINING PR AS A REGISTERED NURSE IN AUSTRALIA

Many more course options can provide you with a pathway to permanent residency. Please contact us if you are looking for something that suits your career needs.

In December 2023, the Australian Government introduced in the Migration Strategy the Skills in Demand Visa with three pathways: Specialist Skills, Core Skills, and Essential Skills. The new Skills in Demand visa will replace the Temporary Skills Shortage 482 Visa and provide more flexibility to workers and employers. The Skills in Demand Visa are set to be implemented in late 2024.

Do you need help with an Australian visa application?

Our team of experienced Immigration Lawyers and Migration Agents look forward to assisting you with your visa application.

Based in Adelaide, South Australia, we provide Australian Immigration advice to people and businesses from all over the world.

You can book an appointment online or call us at (+61) 8 8351 9956.

Changing courses can be a strategic move if your goal is to obtain permanent residency (PR) in Australia. The Department of Home Affairs (DoHA) offers a range of immigration or visa options pathways, where certain courses or credentials might carry greater weight and enhance your chances of PR eligibility for international students. 

If you are a student visa holder and you are deciding to switch courses, it's vital to ensure ongoing compliance with the course and visa requirements. Otherwise, your visa may be cancelled.

You need to understand your situation and decide whether you are planning to change the course provider as well or not.

Furthermore, in selected circumstances, it is mandatory to apply for a new student visa (subclass 500).

You would require a new Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE) and/or may require a new student visa, If:

• You are changing the course but staying with the same education provider (e.g. Australian University, School, or College) then you may go ahead (subject to education providers criteria) and do it unless you fall into scenario 1*.
• You are changing the institution as well as the course, then you must have completed at least 6 months with your current education provider. Otherwise, you require a new student visa, refer to scenario 2**.
• The 6-month period is referred to as the principal course of study, also known as the main course of study, which is associated with the initial Student Visa. If the student is enrolled in a package of courses, the principal course is the highest-level course within the package. Refer to Scenario 3***.
• If you are contemplating transferring to a new education provider, it's important that your current education provider assesses or considers your transfer request. Prior to attempting to enroll with a new education provider, ensure you understand your current education provider's transfer policy and the obligations outlined in your written agreement.
• If you are currently enrolled in a non-AQF (Australian Qualifications Framework) course and wish to transfer to an AQF course, there is no requirement to apply for a new student visa, as long you hold a current valid student visa, however, you would require a new CoE. 

Because of the recent changes, concurrent enrollments are now prohibited for international students in the first six months of study. This means that during the initial six-month period, you can only enroll in one course.

*Scenario 1: If you are planning to change from your current course to one of a lower Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) level or a non-AQF level of study, then you must apply for a new student visa.

**Scenario 2: If you are changing both the course and the provider and will not study at the same or higher AQF level or changing from an AQF level 10 course (doctoral degree) to an AQF 9 course (Master’s degree), you would be required to hold a new student visa.

***Scenario 3: If you have enrolled in a packaged course (e.g. a diploma course leading to a Bachelor's program), in general, it implies that you must have completed 6 months of the Bachelor's program (main course), otherwise, you would need to apply for a new Student visa.

Updates to Student and Graduate Visas in Australia: English Requirement and New Genuine Student

Do you need help with an Australian visa application?

Our team of experienced Immigration Lawyers and Migration Agents look forward to assisting you with your Student Visa application.

Based in Adelaide, South Australia, we provide Australian Immigration advice to people and businesses from all over the world.

You can book an appointment online or call us at (+61) 8 8351 9956.

Recent changes to Australia's student visa and graduate visa policies signal a significant shift in the landscape of international education and post-study opportunities in the country. Starting from March 23, 2024, these updates include an increase in the English language requirements and the introduction of the Genuine Student Requirement.

English Language Requirement

Student Visas:

• The minimum test score for English proficiency will rise from an IELTS score of 5.5 to 6.0 (or equivalent). For PTE the minimum test score is now 50.
• For those enrolling in ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students), the required score will increase from IELTS 4.5 to 5.0 (or equivalent). For PTE the minimum test score is now 36.

Graduate Visas:  

IELTS:

• The English requirements will go up from IELTS 6.0 to 6.5 (or equivalent) with a minimum score of 5.5 for each component of the test (reading, writing, speaking, and listening).

PTE:

• An overall band score of at least 57; for the listening test component a score of at least 43; for the reading test a score of at least 48; for the speaking test component a score of at least 42; and the writing test component of the PTE — a score of at least 51.

Big Impact on the Graduate Visa:

The validity period for the English test has been reduced from three years to just one year prior to the application date, a change that may present challenges for many applicants.

The new Genuine Student Requirement

The Department of Home Affairs has recently updated its website to include crucial information on the Genuine Student (GS) requirement, set to take effect on March 23, 2024. This update aims to provide applicants and stakeholders with a comprehensive understanding of the GS criterion, including what evidence and information should be incorporated into the application. The GS is replacing the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE).

What is the Genuine Student Requirement?

The Genuine Student requirement is designed to assess an applicant's intention to genuinely pursue studies in Australia.

Key Factors in Assessing the Genuine Student Requirement

The assessment of whether an applicant meets the GS requirement will consider various factors, including:

Applicant's Circumstances: This can include the reasons for choosing a particular course, the relevance of the course to the applicant's past or proposed future employment in their home country or a third country, and the potential for the course to enhance the applicant's career prospects.

Immigration History: The Department will look into the applicant's previous travel to Australia and other countries, including compliance with visa conditions and the laws of those countries.

Compliance with Visa Conditions and Other Relevant Matters: Any previous history of visa compliance, as well as other matters deemed relevant by the Department, will be taken into account.

Plans to be a Skilled Migration Now Acceptable

The GS criterion also acknowledges that there are post-study pathways available for students who may be eligible, recognizing the potential for students to transition to other visa categories following their studies.

This is a welcome change from the previous GTE requirement, which required the applicant to make a statement about why they desperately wanted to leave after their studies.

Contact us if you need assistance with your Student or Graduate Visas. As soon as we have more updates about the Student and Graduate Visas, we will post them on our website and social media channels: TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram.

Do you need help with an Australian visa application?

Our team of experienced Immigration Lawyers and Migration Agents look forward to assisting you with your visa application.

Based in Adelaide, South Australia, we provide Australian Immigration advice to people and businesses from all over the world.

You can book an appointment online or call us at (+61) 8 8351 9956.

Australia is one of the top choices for foreign students when it comes to education. Although, studying in Australia is incredibly exciting and rewarding for student from all over the world, there are some things a student visa holder should not do while holding a student visa.

Here are 5 such things that a student visa holder should avoid doing:

Working more than permitted:

Student visa holders are allowed 48 hours per fortnight during their course is in session. Students are not allowed to work up until their course starts. Make sure you adhere to these limitations to avoid violating your visa conditions.

Not maintaining health insurance:

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory for the duration of your stay in Australia. Ensure you keep your health cover active and up to date to avoid any issues.

Not informing changes in circumstances:

If there are any changes in your circumstances such as change of address, or relationship status, you must inform the Department of Home Affairs within the specified timeframe.

Not attending classes:

Student visa holders are expected to maintain satisfactory attendance in their enrolled courses. Failure to attend classes regularly can lead to visa cancellation.

Not complying with any of the above may have a negative impact on your student visa. In some situations, your student visa may get cancelled.

For any advice specific to your situation, please contact us. We will be happy to help!

Do you need help with an Australian visa application?

Our team of experienced Immigration Lawyers and Migration Agents look forward to assisting you with your visa application.

Based in Adelaide, South Australia, we provide Australian Immigration advice to people and businesses from all over the world.

You can book an appointment online or call us at (+61) 8 8351 9956.

Australia has been known for exceptional high-quality education and a quality lifestyle, with four of its cities – Adelaide, Perth, Melbourne, and Brisbane being in the top 10 livable cities the world over.

Australia is home to 43 universities, some of them in the world’s top 100 Universities.

Australia is a safe and welcoming country; most students want to settle in Australia and get Australian Permanent Residency.

It is to be mentioned here that only a qualification cannot get a Permanent residency in Australia; you would also need to work in your occupation for a year or two to secure PR options in Australia.  So, you must have a genuine interest in the subject you study, and you are willing to work in the area after completing your study.

Being in the migration industry long enough, we have seen many students push themselves into a course of study for PR purposes, and after a few months, they want to change their major because they did not have any interest in the subject.

To follow the article about “where I should study in Australia ”, international students may be in the middle of career pathway (Big cities with giant organizations and job opportunities to grow) and PR pathway (Regional areas with higher chances of getting permanent residency).

The 2 goals do not normally share the same way for most international students. So which states in Australia are the best for each type?

Click here to read the article >

Before choosing suitable courses to study, we may need to look at some points to understand better how you will get an Australian permanent residency.

There are two most popular visa streams to get Australian PR:

• Skilled Visa (Subclass 189, 190, and 491)
• Employer-Sponsored Visa (Subclass 482, 494, DAMA and 186 Visa)

The standard requirements listed in those streams are:

• Qualification of your study that meets the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF)
• Postive Skill Assessment
• Work experience in nominated occupation
• English and Age requirements

Book an Appointment

Here we discuss a few courses from the Australian Permanent residency point of view.

Here are certain things you should consider about courses that can lead to Permanent Residency in Australia:

• You must complete a minimum of two years of study in Australia, depending on the level or course of study.
• Your study program should be CRICOS
• You should apply for a PSWV (Post Study Work Visa 485) 485 visa or Temporary Graduate Visa 485 within six months of completing your course in Australia.
• You must follow ANZSCO(Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations) job descriptions.