Australia’s education minister Alan Tudge, has pledged a rapid increase in international students returning next year with hopes tens of thousands could be welcomed.
Alan Tudge on Friday told an international education conference the federal government was considering ways to rapidly expedite the return of students.
“Looking into next year, my expectation is that we will have very significant numbers coming in,” he said.
“I cannot put a figure on that just yet, but my hope would be that tens of thousands can return.”
Mr Tudge said limits would apply in the short-term but he remained hopeful caps would be scrapped to allow demand to drive student numbers rather than available places.
“When that occurs, I am confident that students will return in significant numbers.”
Australia will restart international travel from November with citizens and permanent residents the first priority for arrivals and departures.
Skilled migrants and students from overseas are expected to be next, ahead of tourists.
“These are all very promising and they are happening this year,” Mr Tudge said.
The education minister also wants a greater diversity of students entering Australia, which has largely relied on five countries but particularly China and India.
Mr Tudge said a concentrated market had financial risks and could also diminish local and overseas students’ experience.
“Some universities have responded to this through limits on international students and limits on proportion of students from any one country,” he said.
“We would obviously like to see universities themselves taking the lead on this, but we are also thinking deeply about policies to help facilitate this.”
He said a greater diversity of courses for international students should be more closely aligned with Australia’s skill needs so more people could become long-term residents.
International students to return to NSW from December 2021
NSW is expected to have around 500 international students return in December, while details around a South Australian plan are also being finalised.
From December 2021, a small, but increasing number of international students enrolled with New South Wales (NSW) education providers will have the opportunity to return to Australia to continue their studies on campus.
Under the pilot returns program, 500 students will return to the Australian state this year as part of the Australian Government-approved New South Wales International Student Arrivals Pilot Plan.
The plan sees 250 fully vaccinated students allowed to return to Australia in the first two weeks of December, followed by another 250 students in the second two weeks of that month.
Participating students must be fully-vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccination recognised by Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) before they arrive in Sydney, and will be required to quarantine in purpose-built student accommodation in Sydney (regardless of which education provider they are enrolled with).
The selection of students for return to Australia, and the funding of the pilot program, will be managed and run by the New South Wales tertiary sector.
“This is an important milestone for NSW and reinforces the State’s standing as a world-leading study destination, especially for any international student considering NSW as the next place to learn and live in their education journey,” the announcement from Study NSW says.
The success of the pilot program will determine the next steps regarding its future expansion, which could involve school students by that stage.
The Australian Government continues to work closely with all of Australia’s states and territories on further development of student return and arrival plans.
International students could return to Victoria by the end of 2021
Here’s the latest news in Australia for international students — hundreds could return to Victorian universities by the end of the year.
In the latest news in Australia for students, hundreds of international students could reportedly return to Victoria by the end of the year following the state government’s approval of a plan to revive the 14 billion Australian dollar international education sector that has been badly affected by COVID-19.
Quoting a senior government source, The Age said 120 international students could be permitted to arrive in Victoria per week. Universities could cover the hotel quarantine costs under a plan to be sent to the Commonwealth for approval by the end of the week.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison and his Party now acknowledge that migration is crucial to economic growth and prosperity.
AFTER TELLING temporary entrants to “return to their home country” at the beginning of Covid19 pandame, just 12 months ago and cutting the Migration Program ceiling by 30,000 per annum to “bust congestion” as part of his 2019 pre-election plan, Australia’s Prime Minister Scott Morrison now says we must overhaul temporary migration in the post-COVID era to fill rapidly emerging skill shortages.
Recently the Minister for Immigration Alex Hawke said that:
“Convinced that the migration program will be a huge part of how we recover from COVID.”
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg says Australia has the “opportunity to attract some of the most skilled and highly qualified individuals from across the world”.
And with no reference to the Prime Minister telling temporary entrants to go home or cutting immigration to “bust congestion”, Chair of the Joint Standing Committee on Migration, Julian Leeser, said:
“Australia needs to replace the skilled migrants that left our shores as a result of the pandemic. Without the return of skilled migration, Australia’s economic recovery will be severely hampered and it will be harder to create more jobs for Australians.”
Why Australia is changing its immigration policy? No one believes congestion has been “busted” by the recent lockdowns or that cutting the migration program by 30,000 per annum would have busted congestion. That was just Scott Morrison making up a rationale for Dutton’s earlier cut to the program, as well as a bit of convenient dog-whistling.
And if immigration is to now be increased, how will that be done? There is great potential for the Government to make a mess of this, especially if done at the same time as the Department of Home Affairs is implementing a major IT upgrade.
There are likely five main drivers for why the Morrison Government is proposing to increase immigration:
Ongoing employer anger at the changes Peter Dutton made in 2017-18 to employer-sponsored migration;
Recommendations of the Royal Commission on Aged Care will require a very substantial increase in the number of qualified aged and health care staff to bring aged care delivery to the proposed standard and to meet the increasing demands of a much larger aged care population. This increase cannot possibly be delivered solely by training more Australians;
Pressure from the agricultural and international tourism industries to address their workforce and related challenges;
Pressure from universities due to the number of university staffwho have lost their jobs following a sharp fall in revenue from overseas students and the Government’s decision to not grant universities access to JobKeeper; and
Likely advice from Treasury that further ageing of Australia’s population over the next 10-20 years will make high rates of real economic growth impossible to deliver.
Employer-sponsored migration
Employer-sponsored skilled temporary entry visas declined significantly after the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) and then made a remarkable recovery as the stimulus into the Australian economy rapidly reduced unemployment.
The rise in unemployment from 2014 again resulted in a fall in skilled temporary visas. That decline continued as changes to this visa introduced by Peter Dutton plus a slowing in visa processing saw a large decline in 2017-18. While there was a short recovery in 2018-19, that was due to backlog clearance rather than an increase in applications. The decline continued in 2019-20 and there is likely to be a further fall in 2020-21 due to COVID.
While he will not say so, the recommendations of Julian Leeser’s Committee are designed to undo many of the changes Peter Dutton made in 2017-18. But is that the most sensible way forward?
I managed Australia’s migration and temporary entry arrangements for over a decade and can attest that employers seeking to fill a genuine skill shortage are mainly interested in speed, flexibility and certainty.
They don’t want to be messed about by the kinds of bureaucratic delays Peter Dutton specialised in when they need to fill a key vacancy.
Employer-sponsored visas being used to undercut job opportunities of Australians, especially for entry-level job vacancies given high youth unemployment amongst Australians without post-school qualifications;
Use of employer-sponsored visas to suppress wages and exploit overseas workers; and
Sponsoring employers avoiding their obligations to train Australians.
In this context, it is extraordinary that Leeser ignores the most important policy lever available. That is the minimum salary that every sponsor of a skilled temporary entrant must pay. An appropriately set minimum salary, with minimal scope to use “in-kind” non-cash benefits, effective enforcement and severe penalties for non-compliance, is by far the most effective way to minimise the key risks of skilled temporary entry.
From the checks I have been able to make, it seems the minimum salary requirement for skilled temporary entry may not have been substantially increased since 2013. If that is correct, we can only conclude that skilled temporary entry has been part of the Government’s agenda, as explained by former Finance MinisterMathias Cormann, to slow wages growth in Australia.
If the Government wants to overhaul skilled temporary entry to deliver the speed and flexibility employers desire, it must strengthen the minimum salary requirement, with an appropriate concession for employers in regional Australia.
If not, it will risk, for example, the large corporate aged care providers in Australia using skilled temporary entry to undermine the recommendations of the Royal Commission on Aged Care which wants to increase the qualifications and wages of aged care workers rather than to have them continue to be exploited.
To secure the large numbers of more qualified health and aged care workers that Australia will need, Australia will need to source many of these workers through the overseas students’ program. Attracting sufficiently qualified health and aged care workers directly from overseas will be difficult as countries in Europe, Japan and North America will be competing for the same workers.
In this regard, Leeser is right to propose more sensible pathways to permanent residence for overseas students and other temporary entrants. These are the same pathways Dutton made a mess of in 2017-18. For regional Australia, where the demand for qualified health and aged care workers will hit earlier and harder, the Government will also need to revisit the Regional Employer-Sponsored category that Morrison announced with his 2019 Population Plan.
Predictably, that category has turned out to be a total lemon.
Universities will need to switch the focus of their overseas student programs towards health and aged care, and away from the traditional focus on accounting and business. But at a time university finances are heavily stretched, that will be difficult.
The Government will need to assist universities to make the transition to health and aged care training for both domestic and overseas students.
Agriculture and international tourism industries
Both of these industries are pressing the Government for assistance with their labour needs.
Working holidaymakers and work and holiday visa holders have been a traditional source of labour used by these industries. But the number of these visa holders had been in steady decline well before COVID-19 hit, from a peak of around 180,000 in December 2013 to around 140,000 in December 2019, and less than 50,000 in December 2020 and continuing to fall fast.
This is despite a significant expansion in the number of countries with which Australia has a work and holiday agreement as well as expanded opportunities for these visa holders to secure further stay in Australia.
The decline prior to COVID is likely the result of extensive media and social media reports of exploitation of these visa holders, as well as the special “backpacker tax” that has been in place in recent years. Since COVID, with few arriving and large numbers leaving, it was inevitable their numbers would fall sharply.
The Seasonal Worker Programme has, to a small degree, offset the decline in working holidaymakers. However, this scheme has also been plagued by reports of exploitation and abuse, including an extraordinary 22 deaths of people while in Australia on this very small visa as well as serious complaints from some Pacific Island Governments.
Despite the risks of exploitation, the Government has steadily reduced regulations around this visa and shifted the cost burden from employers and labour-hire companies to workers. The farm lobby wants further deregulation and the creation of a U.S.-style agricultural visa, which has often been described as a new form of slavery.
Research shows that Australia continues to be one of the most affordable overseas study destinations, with costs of living and course fees significantly lower than the USA and UK. Reports that Australia will significantly increase tuition fees and other costs are not correct. In spite of its small population, Australia has the third largest number of international students of English speaking nations.
Research shows that Australia continues to be one of the most affordable overseas study destinations, with costs of living and course fees significantly lower than the USA and UK. Reports that Australia will significantly increase tuition fees and other costs are not correct. In spite of its small population, Australia has the third largest number of international students of English speaking nations.
Reasons to be cheerful: Australia adds up for international students
New data from English language testing company IDP Education is sending an upbeat signal to Australian universities that international students may be ready to come back in big numbers as COVID-19 begins to receding.
When IDP Education published its results in August it said anecdotally 74 per cent of overseas students wanted to resume their studies once the pandemic was over.
“International students know the cost of study in Australia and they know the limits of post-study work rights, but they are still keen to come,” says Andrew Barkla from IDP Education.
In an interview with The Australian Financial Review on Thursday, chief executive Andrew Barkla said the company now had hard numbers showing “a pipeline of 82,000 students who have applications for the next six months and are ready to go”.
Given Australia accounts for 47 per cent of the student volumes that IDP places internationally, Mr Barkla agreed it was reasonable to expect at least 38,000 customers of the company were thinking of coming to Australia.
And given that 120,000 international enrolments could be expected in Australian universities in 2021, the fact that one provider alone could speak for up to a third of that volume was encouraging.
IDP has a dominant position with the International English Language Testing System, which it developed with the British Council and Cambridge University.
“These are students who want an onshore campus experience. But more than that they know their circumstances,” Mr Barkla said.
“They understand the price the universities charge. They know the cost of living and how the dials are set for post-study work rights. So they have the complete picture and they still want to come.”
The next step was for government to send a signal that the door is open to international students. Pilot programs to fly students to Australia were important even if the numbers were only small because they signalled a government commitment to the scheme.
Pilot programs needed
“We need to get these pilot programs moving. We need a level of public confidence so students and families see they can be done in a secure and safe way that benefits the public as well as the students,” Mr Barkla said.
“Pilot programs are a signpost that Australia is prioritising the opening up of the international sector.”
The Northern Territory said it would accept 100 international students and South Australia will take 300, although neither has committed to a date. By contrast, the UK is taking any international student arrivals and Canada is accepting any who can proved face-to-face teaching is their only option.
Australia also had not done as well as Canada and the UK in supporting students stuck in the country during the ban on international travel.
But on post-study work rights, which are important for international students who want work in their host country to pay off education, Australia was “not doing too badly”, Mr Barkla said.
A single reform to post-study work rights would make a difference: allowing overseas students who are studying online to include the online study they do in their home country towards a work-visa entitlement, instead of being able to include only those hours physically studying in Australia.
He doubted there would be a long-term setback from Australia’s political dissonance with China.
“The Chinese family who is looking to send their child overseas – they are pretty savvy. And they’re pretty connected beyond what they read in the Chinese press,” Mr Barkla said.
Interest to study in Australia increasing
“I’ve been in webinars and on roadshows in China and, looking forward, the interest in Australia and the UK as a study destination is increasing. If anything, it’s the geopolitical tension between China and that US gets more attention.
“So the number of parents who would normally be looking to the US are now shifting their interest to the UK or Australia.”
In a recent interview with the Financial Review the vice-chancellor of the University of NSW, Ian Jacobs, said he was optimistic on the outlook for universities because demand for education was moving to a higher level.
“In the 19th century, primary education was extended to most people. In the 20th century, it was secondary education. In the 21st century, tertiary education will be available to all,” he said.
“And Australia is placed to deliver that, face-to-face, online, short or long courses, undergraduate and postgraduate.”
His optimism is shared by Mr Barkla. After in initial pandemic-related fall, IDP’s English language testing volumes have returned to 55 per cent of what they were pre-COVID-19.
As restrictions ease the company has plans to open another 50 labs globally to add capacity.
IDP Education has a business model universities would envy, and could possibly learn from.
When COVID-19 hit Mr Barkla asked staff to accept a 20 per cent cut in salary (a higher percentage for senior executives), and in return he would guarantee no job losses. Within five days 100 per cent of staff had signed up.
At the height of the crisis it raised $250 million in the market to bolster its cash position, and so far it has burned through just $27 million.
Australia government student visa fee relief for student effected by COVID-19
The Australian Government has been making several changes to visa requirements in recent weeks.
One of the most notable is that applicants will be given
additional time to hand over their English language results and
complete biometric and health checks, allowing future students who’ve been impacted by COVID-19 the chance to finish their visa applications.
In addition to these measures, Immigration Minister Alan Tudge has announced that current international students who will be unable to complete the requirements of their student visa due to COVID-19 will be able to lodge another student visa application free of charge.
This will certainly be warmly welcomed by the thousands of international students who’ve been worrying about what the future will hold for their education in Australia.
What is the fee waiver?
The fee waiver means that any international student who is unable to complete the requirements of their student visa due to the pandemic, will be able to reapply without paying the usual application fees. This fee waiver came into effect at midnight on Wednesday 5 August 2020.
A spokesperson for the Department of Home Affairs has confirmed that the waiver will only be available to students who had a valid visa from 1 February 2020:
“A visa application fee waiver will be available to students
who held a student visa on or after 1 February 2020 and
who were unable to complete their course within their original visa validity due to the impacts of COVID-19.”
This fee waiver will only apply to new applications and no refunds will be offered to those who applied before midnight 5 August 2020.
Even if you are eligible to receive the fee waiver, there are some extra steps that must be taken in order to receive the free application.
First, you’ll need to submit COVID-19 Impacted Students form from your education provider, in addition to your visa application.
This form will have to be signed by your education provider, showing how the pandemic has affected your visa requirements.
As well as fee waivers, the Australian Government has announced that the eligibility requirements for a post-study work visa have been relaxed. If you’ve been impacted by COVID-19 and are enrolled with an Australian education provider, you may be eligible for the following:
New or current student visa holders who have been forced to undertake online study outside Australia due to the pandemic will be able to count this toward the Australian Study Requirement.
Graduates who have been affected by the travel restrictions put in place to control the spread of COVID-19 will be able to receive a temporary graduate visa outside of Australia.
It’s clear from these announcements that the Australian Government wants to make sure that international students will be safe in the knowledge that they will be able to continue their education in Australia.
Usually Education agents assist international students to secure a place in an Australian school. While institutions can enrol students directly, they also work with the global student agent network such as IEA-A International Network. You may choose to use a qualified education agent, usually known as a student counsellor, academic adviser, or student recruiter in your home country, or one based in Australia, to guide you through the process of choosing a school and enrolling.
Also based on your home country, your education agent with deep knowledge of Australian visa system, will manage your student visa application that could be critical for getting your student visa successfully. IEA-A has Australian office and in your local country so our services start in your country and continue in Australia.
Why you need a Qualified Education Agent Counsellor ?
Education agents help reduce the stress of choosing a school in another country. Understanding your options, with someone who speaks your language, can be very reassuring. It is important through that that your agent is knowledgeable, up-to-date on student visa and curriculum changes, and has your best interest at heart. We hear stories of students who arrive for their first day of class to find out that the school has never heard of them. The education agent industry can attract unethical people, so do your research to make sure you are working with a good agent!
In this section, we provide guidance on using agents. Our qualified principal Migration Agent and education councillor Mrs. Feriha Guney (Qualified Education Agent Counsellors QEAC number: C102). (Migration Agent – MARN:0960690) is one of the industry expert with over 15 years of experience and thousands of satisfied international student, can assist you herself or with a number of education counsellors or migration Agents/Lawyer work with her.
Some of the benefits of using a qualified education agent
If you agent is not qualified or experienced could cost you not only your visa fee or time but also he/she can damage your education career and even may change your life. On the other hand a qualified and experienced education agent, coudl help you to build your education career and even after a successful life, by doing:
conduct an interview to understand your needs and goals
make suggestions for the best institutions and programs to help you reach your goals
assist you to collect all of the documents you will need for your application
guide you through the application process
review your statement of purpose and provide information on interview process
guide you through the visa process once you have been accepted by an institution
help you prepare for the move and your arrival in Australia
organisation of airport pick-up and accommodation
provide information on how to find job in Australia and regulations
provide information on how to get Australian Tax number if you want to work
provide information on how to open bank account
provide information on how to get Australian Mobile Phone services
provide information on how to extend / change your visa while you are studying (may require additional fee)
provide information on how on Graduate work visa after your graduation of apply (may require additional fee)
provide information on how to apply a permanent skill visa
Education agents fees
When working with an agent, is very important to understand how the agent makes money. You will find that most experienced and qualified education agents offer their services for understanding your education career, checking your “statement of purpose” as well as preparation for the interview, finding right school for your education purpose, helping you to have school acceptance, counselling and the enrolment process fee which it depends of the country of application (as requirements for each country is different).
Although some inexperienced agent may offer their services free of charge, you should question their qualification and experiences that may cost your education career or even change your life forever. In addition to that you may or may not be charged for any school application fees that arise such as the school assessment (the schools charge the agent for this service). You will also be charged for the visa application fee which is paid to the government of Australia.
If you are applying in Australia, IEA-A usually will not charge you a fee. However if you are applying from overseas and if your home country considered in a risky country, there yoru application need to be prepared professionally and reviewed by expert before making application, so we may charge you an application fee.
Best Agent location – in your home country or in Australia or in both?
Should you use an agent in your country, or one based in Australia? There are benefits and drawbacks to each options.
IEA-A usually offer both location support, in your home country for visa application and assessing your application according to your home country requirements, in Australia for on-going help and support. This way you have benefit of Using an education agent based in your country, you are dealing with somebody who is local and understand your education system.
Education Counsellor in your home country should also be very knowledgeable about visas for nationals of your country. The interview process can take place over the phone or face to face in your native language, and all the paperwork and applications can be processed locally.
When an education agent located in Australia, you have representation when you arrive, and can expect very good relationships with, and knowledge about, Australian education providers. Your agent can assist with airport pickup, accommodation, and in some cases even help you to understand how you can get a job while you are studying.
How do I know if an agent is knowledgeable?
The migration agent system is regulated by the Australian government. Registered migration agents can counsel on migration visas, student visas, or both. If you are working with a migration agent who is also a student agent, we suggest you use one who is registered with the Office of the MARA to ensure they are up-to-date on visa rules. In addition, you can also find out whether a night and overseas agent has been banned from working in migration.
Although it is not mandatory, the Qualified Education Agent Counsellors qualification managed by the PIER Education Agent Training, ensures an agent understands student visas and regulation, especially if you are working with an education agent in your country. The qualification is not mandatory currently, but it can be a good indication of the quality of the agent. See if your agent has right qualification.
All IEAA Education counsellors and migration Agents have required qualifications and lead by our principal Director Ms. Feriha Guney who has both qualification as Registered Migration Agent and Education Agent (Mrs. Feriha Guney (Qualified Education Agent Counsellors QEAC number: C102). (Migration Agent – MARN:0960690 ) and over 15 years of experience on both fields.
Five Australian university are among the world’s top 50 universities and 7 are in the top 100, according to a major global ranking that shows Australian universities have made overall improvements in all measures, including teaching, employability and research.
Australian National University is the highest ranked in the country at 20th place in the 2018 QS World University Rankings.
It is followed by the University of Melbourne, ranked at 41, the University of New South Wales at 45, the University of Queensland at 47 and the University of Sydney at 50.
Monash University, with a rank of 60, and the University of Western Australia at 93 round out the seven Australian universities in the top 100.
An institution’s rank is determined by its academic and employer reputations, student-to-faculty ratio, citations per faculty, and international faculty and student ratios.
A total of 37 Australian Government universities are included in this year’s ranking, which covers 959 universities around the world and measures performance in research, teaching, employability and internationalisation.
Belinda Robinson, chief executive of peak sector body Universities Australia, said the ranking is especially important to international students choosing a university.
“Global rankings are a major factor for many international students in deciding where to study, so they’re also very important to the $22.4 billion a year that international students bring into Australia’s economy,” Ms Robinson said.
“These impressive rises underscore the global competitiveness of Australia’s universities and the excellent quality of our education and research on the world stage.”
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is the top ranked university in the world for the sixth consecutive year, followed by Stanford University, Harvard University, the California Institute of Technology, the University of Cambridge, the University of Oxford, University College London, Imperial College London, the University of Chicago and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology.
MIT has been described as “the nucleus of an unrivalled innovation ecosystem” by QS Quacquarelli Symonds, the education analysis firm behind the ranking, which notes that companies created by the university’s alumni have a combined revenue of $2 trillion, the equivalent of the world’s 11th largest economy.
Research director at QS Quacquarelli Symonds, Ben Sowter, said the improved ranking of Australian universities can be partially attributed to the changing political climate in countries such as the US and UK increasing Australia’s comparative popularity.
“Higher internationalisation scores certainly reflect coherent international outreach efforts made by university marketing departments,” Mr Sowter said. “However, they also reflect the increased desirability of Australian higher education in the light of current political situations in the United States and United Kingdom – typically Australia’s main Anglosphere competitors.
“Improvements in scores for Academic Reputation can be attributed to both the type of teaching innovations … and the standard of research emanating from Australia’s universities.”
Skilled visa applications for 11 occupations were temporarily closed by the Victorian Government for certain ICT occupations from 11 November 2016 till 6 March 2017 which was later revised and extended till 30 June 2017.
Due to the high number of ICT applications that Victoria receives, the state government is changing the application process for ICT occupations. The aim of this is to reduce processing times and improve experience.
Those interested in applying for Victorian nomination (in ICT occupations), are advised to follow these steps:
Then we will submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) in DIBP’s SkillSelect, and indicate your interest for Victorian nomination. You do not need to notify Victoria that you have submitted an EOI.
There is no set timeframe to expect an invitation after submitting an EOI. Invitations are not guaranteed. If selected, an email invitation to apply for Victorian visa nomination will be sent to your email address used for the EOI.
If you receive the invitation. we will submit an online application for Victorian visa nomination within 14 days of receiving the invitation. Note that you must be able to demonstrate that you still meet the claims that were in your EOI when you were invited. It is recommend that you have all your supporting documents ready before you submit your EOI in SkillSelect, as the 14 days cannot be extended.
If you are successfully nominated by the Victorian Government, you will receive a SkillSelect invitation to apply for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) .
Then we will submit a visa application to DIBP within 60 days of being nominated by Victoria.
Selection considerations
The Victorian Government will review and select the top ranking ICT candidates from SkillSelect, who have indicated Victoria as their preferred state.
Candidates who are selected to apply are still required to meet Victoria’s minimum eligibility requirements, including demonstrating employability and commitment to Victoria, and are not guaranteed nomination.
If you are not selected by the Victorian Government, you will not receive an email. Your EOI will continue to be considered for as long as it remains in DIBP’s SkillSelect system.
Current Occupations eligible to apply for Victorian visa nomination
For more details, visit Victorian Government’s website.
Previously Australian government had announced from 1st of July 2017, many changes to 457 visa are coming in to effect that it will introduce some reforms to Australia’s temporary employer sponsored skilled migration programmes. The reforms were to include abolishing of Temporary (Skilled) (subclass 457) visa (457 visa) and replacing it with a completely new Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) visa from March 2018.
The changes from 1st July 2017
For existing 457 visas, the STSOL (Short-Term Skilled Occupation List ) will be further reviewed on the bases of advice from the Department of Employment. The MLTSSL (Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List) will be revised based on outcomes from Department of Education and training’s 2017-18 SOL review.
English language salary exemption threshold, which exempts applicants whose salary is over $96,400 from the English language requirement, will be removed.
Policy settings about the training benchmark requirement will be made clearer in legislative instruments.
Provision of penal clearance certificates will become mandatory.
For existing 457 visas, before 31st December 2017, the Department of Immigration and Border Protection will start collecting the Tax File Numbers of 457 Visa holders and will match the data with Australian Tax Office’s record to make sure the visa holders are not paid less than their nominated salary.
The Department will also commence the publication of details relating to sponsors sanctioned for failing to meet their obligations under the Migration Regulation 1994 and related legislation.
The Changes from March 2018
From March 2018, the 457 visa will be abolished and replaced with the TSS visa.
The TSS visa will be comprised of a Short-Term stream of up to two years, and a Medium-Term stream of up to four years.
The Short-Term stream is designed for Australian businesses to fill skill gaps with foreign workers on a temporary basis, where a suitably skilled Australian worker cannot be sourced.
The Medium-Term stream will allow employers to source foreign workers to address shortages in a narrower range of high skill and critical need occupations, where a suitably skilled Australian worker cannot be sourced.
The Short-Term stream will include the following criteria:
Genuine entry: A genuine temporary entrant requirement.
Renewal: Capacity for visa renewal onshore once only.
Occupations:
For non-regional Australia, the STSOL will apply.
For regional Australia, the STSOL will apply, with additional occupations available to support regional employers.
English language requirements: A requirement of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) (or equivalent test) score of 5, with a minimum of 4.5 in each test component.
The Medium-Term stream will include the following criteria:
English language requirements: a requirement of a minimum of IELTS 5 (or equivalent test) in each test component.
Renewal: Capacity for visa renewal onshore and a permanent residence pathway after three years.
Occupation lists:
For non-regional Australia – the MLTSSL will apply.
For regional Australia – the MLTSSL will apply, with additional occupations available to support regional employers.
Eligibility criteria for both streams will be:
Work experience: at least two years’ work experience relevant to the particular occupation.
Labour market testing (LMT): LMT will be mandatory, unless an international obligation applies.
Minimum market salary rate: Employers must pay the Australian market salary rate and meet the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold.
Character: Mandatory penal clearance certificates to be provided.
Workforce: A non-discriminatory workforce test to ensure employers are not actively discriminating against Australian workers.
Training requirement: Employers nominating a worker for a TSS visa will be required to pay a contribution to the Skilling Australians Fund. The contribution will be:
payable in full at the time the worker is nominated;
$1,200 per year or part year for small businesses (those with annual turnover of less than $10 million) and $1,800 per year or part year for other businesses.
The detailed policy settings for several of these requirements will be finalised through the implementation process. Further details on these requirements to inform stakeholders will be available in due course.
Who is affected?
Current 457 visa applicants and holders, prospective applicants, businesses sponsoring skilled migrants and industry.
Existing 457 visas continue to remain in effect.
457 visa applicants that had lodged their application on or before 18 April 2017, and whose application had not yet been decided, with an occupation that has been removed from the STSOL, may be eligible for a refund of their visa application fee.
Nominating businesses for these applications may also be eligible for a refund of related fees.
Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) have released two Skilled Occupations List (SOL). This list comes into effect from 1st July, 2017.
The Short‑term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) will be applicable for Subclass 190 (Skilled—Nominated visa) or Subclass 489 (Skilled—Regional (Provisional) visa.
The Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) will be applicable for General Skilled migration visas – Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa), Subclass 489 (Skilled Regional Provisional Visa who are not nominated by a State or Territory government agency) and Subclass 485 (Graduate Temporary Visa) visa applications.
As part of its reforms to skilled migration announced in April, the Government will update the lists on a six monthly basis to ensure the best outcomes for Australian workers and employers alike.
The updated lists are based on extensive consultation with industry and advice from the Department of Employment and the Department of Education and Training.
The Minister for Immigration and Border Protection Peter Dutton said, “The occupation lists are designed to be dynamic. Revisions to the occupation lists are just one element of the Government’s reforms strengthening the integrity of Australia’s employer sponsored skilled migration programmes and raising the productivity of skilled migrants.”
MANDATORY CRIMINAL CHECKS INTRODUCED
All visa applicants are now required to undergo mandatory criminal checks as part of their application.
MAXIMUM AGE REQUIREMENT LOWERED & ENGLISH TEST TIGHTENED
From 1 July 2017, all permanent skilled visas will have tightened English language and lower maximum age requirements.
Medium and Long‑term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
The following table is the Medium and Long‑term Strategic Skills List.
Item
Occupation
ANZSCO code
Assessing authority
Specified for only certain classes (see subsection 2)
1
construction project manager
133111
VETASSESS
2
project builder
133112
VETASSESS
Y
3
engineering manager
133211
(a) Engineers Australia; or (b) AIM
4
child care centre manager
134111
TRA
5
medical administrator
134211
VETASSESS
Y
6
nursing clinical director
134212
ANMAC
7
primary health organisation manager
134213
VETASSESS
8
welfare centre manager
134214
ACWA
9
accountant (general)
221111
(a) CPAA; or (b) ICAA; or (c) IPA
10
management accountant
221112
(a) CPAA; or (b) IPA; or (c) CAANZ
11
taxation accountant
221113
(a) CPAA; or (b) IPA; or (c) CAANZ
12
external auditor
221213
(a) CPAA; or (b) IPA; or (c) CAANZ
13
internal auditor
221214
VETASSESS
14
actuary
224111
VETASSESS
15
land economist
224511
VETASSESS
16
valuer
224512
VETASSESS
17
architect
232111
AACA
18
landscape architect
232112
VETASSESS
19
surveyor
232212
SSSI
20
cartographer
232213
VETASSESS
21
other spatial scientist
232214
VETASSESS
22
chemical engineer
233111
Engineers Australia
23
materials engineer
233112
Engineers Australia
24
civil engineer
233211
Engineers Australia
25
geotechnical engineer
233212
Engineers Australia
26
quantity surveyor
233213
AIQS
27
structural engineer
233214
Engineers Australia
28
transport engineer
233215
Engineers Australia
29
electrical engineer
233311
Engineers Australia
30
electronics engineer
233411
Engineers Australia
31
industrial engineer
233511
Engineers Australia
32
mechanical engineer
233512
Engineers Australia
33
production or plant engineer
233513
Engineers Australia
34
aeronautical engineer
233911
Engineers Australia
35
agricultural engineer
233912
Engineers Australia
36
biomedical engineer
233913
Engineers Australia
37
engineering technologist
233914
Engineers Australia
38
environmental engineer
233915
Engineers Australia
39
naval architect
233916
Engineers Australia
40
agricultural consultant
234111
VETASSESS
41
agricultural scientist
234112
VETASSESS
42
forester
234113
VETASSESS
43
medical laboratory scientist
234611
AIMS
44
veterinarian
234711
AVBC
45
physicist (medical physicist only)
234914
ACPSEM
46
early childhood (pre‑primary school) teacher
241111
AITSL
47
secondary school teacher
241411
AITSL
48
special needs teacher
241511
AITSL
49
teacher of the hearing impaired
241512
AITSL
50
teacher of the sight impaired
241513
AITSL
51
special education teachers (nec)
241599
AITSL
52
medical diagnostic radiographer
251211
ASMIRT
53
medical radiation therapist
251212
ASMIRT
54
nuclear medicine technologist
251213
ANZSNM
55
sonographer
251214
ASMIRT
56
optometrist
251411
OCANZ
57
orthotist or prosthetist
251912
AOPA
58
chiropractor
252111
CCEA
59
osteopath
252112
AOAC
60
occupational therapist
252411
OTC
61
physiotherapist
252511
APC
62
podiatrist
252611
(a) APodA; or (b) ANZPAC
63
audiologist
252711
VETASSESS
64
speech pathologist
252712
SPA
65
general practitioner
253111
MedBA
66
specialist physician (general medicine)
253311
MedBA
67
cardiologist
253312
MedBA
68
clinical haematologist
253313
MedBA
69
medical oncologist
253314
MedBA
70
endocrinologist
253315
MedBA
71
gastroenterologist
253316
MedBA
72
intensive care specialist
253317
MedBA
73
neurologist
253318
MedBA
74
paediatrician
253321
MedBA
75
renal medicine specialist
253322
MedBA
76
rheumatologist
253323
MedBA
77
thoracic medicine specialist
253324
MedBA
78
specialist physicians (nec)
253399
MedBA
79
psychiatrist
253411
MedBA
80
surgeon (general)
253511
MedBA
81
cardiothoracic surgeon
253512
MedBA
82
neurosurgeon
253513
MedBA
83
orthopaedic surgeon
253514
MedBA
84
otorhinolaryngologist
253515
MedBA
85
paediatric surgeon
253516
MedBA
86
plastic and reconstructive surgeon
253517
MedBA
87
urologist
253518
MedBA
88
vascular surgeon
253521
MedBA
89
dermatologist
253911
MedBA
90
emergency medicine specialist
253912
MedBA
91
obstetrician and gynaecologist
253913
MedBA
92
ophthalmologist
253914
MedBA
93
pathologist
253915
MedBA
94
diagnostic and interventional radiologist
253917
MedBA
95
radiation oncologist
253918
MedBA
96
medical practitioners (nec)
253999
MedBA
97
midwife
254111
ANMAC
98
nurse practitioner
254411
ANMAC
99
registered nurse (aged care)
254412
ANMAC
100
registered nurse (child and family health)
254413
ANMAC
101
registered nurse (community health)
254414
ANMAC
102
registered nurse (critical care and emergency)
254415
ANMAC
103
registered nurse (developmental disability)
254416
ANMAC
104
registered nurse (disability and rehabilitation)
254417
ANMAC
105
registered nurse (medical)
254418
ANMAC
106
registered nurse (medical practice)
254421
ANMAC
107
registered nurse (mental health)
254422
ANMAC
108
registered nurse (perioperative)
254423
ANMAC
109
registered nurse (surgical)
254424
ANMAC
110
registered nurse (paediatrics)
254425
ANMAC
111
registered nurses (nec)
254499
ANMAC
112
ICT business analyst
261111
ACS
113
systems analyst
261112
ACS
114
analyst programmer
261311
ACS
115
developer programmer
261312
ACS
116
software engineer
261313
ACS
117
ICT security specialist
262112
ACS
118
computer network and systems engineer
263111
ACS
119
telecommunications engineer
263311
Engineers Australia
120
telecommunications network engineer
263312
Engineers Australia
121
barrister
271111
a legal admissions authority of a State or Territory
122
solicitor
271311
a legal admissions authority of a State or Territory
123
clinical psychologist
272311
APS
124
educational psychologist
272312
APS
125
organisational psychologist
272313
APS
126
psychologists (nec)
272399
APS
127
social worker
272511
AASW
128
civil engineering draftsperson
312211
(a) Engineers Australia; or (b) VETASSESS
129
civil engineering technician
312212
VETASSESS
130
electrical engineering draftsperson
312311
Engineers Australia
131
electrical engineering technician
312312
TRA
132
radio communications technician
313211
TRA
133
telecommunications field engineer
313212
Engineers Australia
134
telecommunications network planner
313213
Engineers Australia
Y
135
telecommunications technical officer or technologist
Tasmanian state government offer a new visa category that could provide visa-holders a pathway to Australian permanent residency.
Apart from the Skilled Independent visa that allows visa-holders to settle anywhere in Australia, different Australian states and territories have their own immigration programs which are run in accordance with their particular skills and economic requirements, under which the states nominate eligible applicants for skilled migration.
Tasmania, an island state off Australia’s south coast has introduced a new visa category for overseas applicants which will allow them to live and work in the state for four years and also offers a pathway to permanent residency in Australia.
From 1 July this year, a new category for the Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 489) has been introduced for Tasmanian state nomination for overseas applicants. They are eligible to apply for this category as offshore applicants.
Visa subclass 489 allows visa holders to live and work in Tasmania for up to four years.
A state nomination from Tasmania adds 10 points to a skilled visa applicant’s overall score required to qualify for a visa under Australia’s Department of Immigration and Border Protection point test.
After having lived in the state for at least two years and worked full-time (35 hours per week) for at least one year during their stay, visa holders become eligible to apply for permanent residency in Australia.
In order to apply for this visa, an applicant is required to nominate an occupation from Tasmania’s Skilled Occupation List and provide sufficient proof of employment opportunities in the state. Applicants can also secure a genuine offer of employment from employers.
According to the Migration Legislation Amendment Regulations 2017 that came into effect on 18th November 2017, an existing condition, 8303 has been amended to expand its scope. Under the new migration rules, many Australian temporary visas will be subject to a condition that will enable the Immigration Department to cancel a person’s visa if they are found to be involved in online vilification based on gender, sexuality, religion, and ethnicity.
Before 18 November 2017, the condition that earlier applied to only a few visas, is now applicable to most temporary visas applied for on. This condition now also applies to
temporary graduate visa (Subclass 485)
skilled regional (485),
student visa and
visitor visa.
The Immigration Minister now has the power to cancel a visa if there is evidence of a visa holder engaging in harassment, stalking, intimidation, bullying or threatening a person even if it doesn’t amount to a criminal sanction. These activities may include public ‘hate speech’ or online vilification targeted at both groups and individuals based on gender, sexuality, religion, and ethnicity.
The Department of Immigration says that the new change: “It sends a clear message, explicitly requiring that the behaviour of temporary visa holders is consistent with Australian government and community expectations. It advises visa holders what sorts of behaviour can result in visa cancellation.”
The Immigration Department says its officers have the discretion to determine whether the condition has been breached. They also have the discretion to not cancel the visa even when the condition has been breached.
No one should break the law but even behaviour that may not necessarily warrant a criminal sanction can be deemed a breach of this condition. So it is important to remember that your actions online may have consequences just like your real-life actions.
Australia’s international education industry has strengthened across the board, pushing student numbers to new record levels according to the latest data. But doubts have started to emerge over how long the country can maintain its growth streak.
Records continued to fall for Australian international education, but clouds are starting to form, as the country’s reliance on China increases.
The number of international students within Australia currently sits at 9.4% above the 554,200 for the whole of 2016
Year to October data, released by the Department of Education and Training, shows more than 606,700 international students have entered Australia so far in 2017, a 13% increase from the level achieved by the same time in 2016, while enrolments and commencements also experienced double-digit percentage growth.
“The more Australia can do to discover or seek out new markets, the better for the international education sector as a whole”
The surge in numbers has also pushed up total revenue, with the Australian Bureau of Statistics indicating the 12 months to September period grew to a landmark $29.4bn, up from $28.4bn last quarter.
The figure for students, enrolments and commencements as of October has already surpassed that for the whole of 2016.
The number of international students within Australia currently sits 9.4% above the 2016 total of 554,200, while enrolments and commencements – the number of new enrolments in a calendar year – are 7.5% and 2% higher, respectively.
English Australia noted September 2017’s figures were 6.7% down from September 2016
While the figures are welcomed in Australia, not all sectors and source markets experienced consistent improvements, casting doubt over how long the boom will last.
Although 3.3% above the previous year’s October figures, ELICOS stands alone as the only sector to not yet surpass 2016 totals, and after a strong first half of 2017, experienced two consecutive declines in commencements in August and September.
It was the only major sector to do so.
In its latest market analysis report, English Australia noted September 2017’s figures were 6.7% down from September 2016, representing “arguably the first poor month at the national aggregate level for ELICOS in recent years.”
Meanwhile, China further strengthened its position as Australia’s top source market, increasing 18% from the same period in 2016 and pushing its market share across all sectors from 27.5% to approximately 30%; reaching as high as 60% for some sectors.
Population growth will help propel Australia to become the world’s 11th biggest economy within a decade, a report predicts.
The London-based Centre for Economics and Business Research is forecasting Australia will climb two places on its world economic league table by 2026 from its current ranking of 13.
Countries that depend on brainpower to drive their economies will generally overtake those dependent on natural resources, with China tipped to replace the US as the world’s biggest economy in 2030, the centre says.
While Australia’s economic growth has been fuelled by resources in recent years, the centre also noted that it’s become one of the most popular countries in the world for inward migration.
The London-based Centre for Economics and Business Research is forecasting Australia will climb two places on its world economic league table by 2026 from its current ranking of 13. And it’s particularly Australia’s intake of migrants with highly sought-after skills that will help fuel its future growth.
“Australia is one of the most popular countries in the world for inward migration as well as having natural resources.
“The growing population means that the economy is forecast to rise from 13th largest in 2017 to 11th largest economy in 2026.
“Investment in urban infrastructure will need to accelerate as population increases.”
Australia welcomed 245,400 immigrants in the year ending June 30, 2017, a 27 per cent increase from the year before.
“The growing population means the economy is forecast to rise from 13th largest in 2017 to 11th largest economy in 2026,” said the centre’s 2018 World Economic League Table, which ranks the world’s economies by gross domestic product measured in US dollars at market prices to 2030.
As you will be aware, Australia has introduced health and safety measures and travel restrictions to prevent the spread of the novel Coronavirus.
We understand this may be confusing if you’re commencing your studies, so read the below information to find out if you are impacted by the changes, and where you can go for support.
Will I be impacted?
Anyone hoping to travel to and from Australia will be impacted by the recent changes as the Australian Government announced that:
A travel ban will be placed on all non-residents and non-Australian citizens coming to Australia, effective from 9pm on Friday, 20 March 2020
all Australian and residents will be able to return and are required to self-isolate for 14 days
all Australians are advised to not travel overseas at this time. This is the highest advice level (level 4 of 4).
Information about Coronavirus is updated regularly, so it’s important to keep up to date with latest news from Australia.
For the latest information about the Coronavirus in Australia, visit these websites:
Department of Home Affairs website, for the latest news on Australia’s travel restrictions. You can view and download up-to-date information for all types of visa holders in English or Chinese (simplified).
All travellers to Australia from midnight, 15 March 2020 are required to self-isolate for 14 days. Self-isolating means you’re required to stay in your local accommodation.
You’ll need to avoid going out into public spaces such as restaurants, supermarkets, workplaces, universities and any other public places that you will come into contact with people. Additionally, avoid receiving visitors into your home or local accommodation.
If you need more information on self-isolation, get more details by downloading the Isolation Guidance information sheet from the Department of Health website. If you need to use public transport (e.g. taxis, ride-hail services, train, buses and trams.), kindly follow the precautions listed in the public transport guide.
If you’re starting your studies during the time you’re required to self-isolate, contact your school or university to discuss your study options. Many universities have put in place measures to assist students who are required to self-isolate, such as delayed semester starts or online study options.
If you, or any friends and family start showing flu-like symptoms such as a cough, fever, sore throat or shortness of breath, it is important to contact your local doctor. You can also monitor your symptoms using the Coronavirus (COVID-19) symptom checker. Call before you visit and explain your symptoms and travel history to ensure they are prepared to receive you.
If you require immediate and urgent medical attention, you can call 000. Any ambulance and hospital fees will be covered by your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
These measures are put in place to limit the possibility of spreading the Coronavirus to the general population.
How do I get food and other essentials?
Ask others who are not in isolation to get food and other essentials for you. If you are new to the country and don’t know anyone who can help you, you can order your food and groceries online.
If you’re enrolled in Semester 1 2020 and unable to begin classes due to the travel bans or the 14-day self-isolation, you’ll need to get in touch with your university or school as soon as possible to discuss your enrolment.
Many Australian universities have delayed their semester start dates or have put in place changes to assist international students who have been impacted by the recent travel bans.
We recommend you contact your university or school as soon as possible to discuss your possible study options or deferring your studies to start at a later date.
You can also check out the following websites for current advice and information that may assist you:
If you have arranged for student accomodation and can’t travel into the country, then it’s vital you check in with your student accommodation about your next steps.
Some student accommodation providers may require you to provide additional information or may change or delay your accommodation arrangements.
Where can I go for support?
The outbreak of the novel Coronavirus presents an emotionally challenging situation for many international students. The spread of the virus may be causing you or your friends and family distress or anxiety, especially if you have loved ones in affected areas or have not been able to return home or to Australia because of the recent travel bans.
The Australian Government have created a dedicated and multi-lingual support service for international students. You can contact them via email or phone 1300 981 621 (8:00 am–8:00 pm AEDST Monday to Friday).
You can also visit the Australian Government Department of Education website to download the latest information, guides and FAQs for up-to-date general health and enrolment advice, where to access support services, and news on the latest immigration and border protection measures.
If you have flight arrangements in place, your plans may be affected by travel bans or cancelled flights.
Many major airlines and countries are cancelling flights or restricting entry. If you have overseas travel plans, it’s important to regularly check your airline’s website or contact the airline directly for next steps and travel options at a later date.
Changes to IELTS testing
There are currently changes being made to IELTS testing. Visit the IELTS website to find out if the changes will affect you.
As you will be aware, Australia has introduced health and safety
measures and travel restrictions to prevent the spread of the novel
Coronavirus.
Confirmed cases by local health district (LHD)
Across NSW – 25 March 2020
We understand this may be confusing if you’re commencing your studies,
so read the below information to find out if you are impacted by the changes,
and where you can go for support.
Will I
be impacted?
Anyone hoping to travel to and from Australia will be impacted by the
recent changes as the Australian Government announced that:
A travel ban will be placed on all non-residents and non-Australian
citizens coming to Australia, effective from 9pm on Friday, 20 March 2020
all Australian and residents will be able to return and are required to
self-isolate for 14 days
all Australians are advised to not travel overseas at this time. This is
the highest advice level (level 4 of 4).
Information about Coronavirus is updated regularly, so it’s important to
keep up to date with latest news from Australia.
For the latest information about the Coronavirus in Australia, visit
these websites:
Department of Home Affairs website,
for the latest news on Australia’s travel restrictions. You can view and
download up-to-date information for all types of visa holders in English or
Chinese (simplified).
All travellers to Australia from midnight, 15 March 2020 are required to
self-isolate for 14 days. Self-isolating means you’re required to stay in your
local accommodation.
You’ll need to avoid going out into public spaces such as restaurants,
supermarkets, workplaces, universities and any other public places that you
will come into contact with people. Additionally, avoid receiving visitors into
your home or local accommodation.
If you need more information on self-isolation, get more details by
downloading the Isolation Guidance information
sheet from the Department of Health website. If you need to use
public transport (e.g. taxis, ride-hail services, train, buses and trams.),
kindly follow the precautions listed in the public transport guide.
If you’re starting your studies during the time you’re required to
self-isolate, contact your school or university to discuss your study options.
Many universities have put in place measures to assist students who are
required to self-isolate, such as delayed semester starts or online study
options.
If you, or any friends and family start showing flu-like symptoms such
as a cough, fever, sore throat or shortness of breath, it is important to
contact your local doctor. You can also monitor your symptoms using the Coronavirus (COVID-19) symptom
checker. Call before you visit and explain your symptoms and travel
history to ensure they are prepared to receive you.
If you require immediate and urgent medical attention, you can call 000.
Any ambulance and hospital fees will be covered by your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
These measures are put in place to limit the possibility of spreading
the Coronavirus to the general population.
How do
I get food and other essentials?
Ask others who are not in isolation to get food and other essentials for
you. If you are new to the country and don’t know anyone who can help you, you
can order your food and groceries online.
If you’re enrolled in Semester 1 2020 and unable to begin classes due to
the travel bans or the 14-day self-isolation, you’ll need to get in touch with
your university or school as soon as possible to discuss your enrolment.
Many Australian universities have delayed their semester start dates or
have put in place changes to assist international students who have been
impacted by the recent travel bans.
We recommend you contact your university or school as soon as possible
to discuss your possible study options or deferring your studies to start at a
later date.
You can also check out the following websites for current advice and
information that may assist you:
If you have arranged for student accomodation and can’t travel into the
country, then it’s vital you check in with your student accommodation about
your next steps.
Some student accommodation providers may require you to provide
additional information or may change or delay your accommodation arrangements.
Where
can I go for support?
The outbreak of the novel Coronavirus presents an emotionally
challenging situation for many international students. The spread of the virus
may be causing you or your friends and family distress or anxiety, especially
if you have loved ones in affected areas or have not been able to return home
or to Australia because of the recent travel bans.
The Australian Government have created a dedicated and multi-lingual
support service for international students. You can contact them via email or
phone 1300 981 621 (8:00 am–8:00 pm AEDST Monday to
Friday).
You can also visit the Australian Government Department of
Education website to download the latest information, guides
and FAQs for up-to-date general health and enrolment advice, where to access
support services, and news on the latest immigration and border protection
measures.
If you have flight arrangements in place, your plans may be affected by
travel bans or cancelled flights.
Many major airlines and countries are cancelling flights or restricting
entry. If you have overseas travel plans, it’s important to regularly check
your airline’s website or contact the airline directly for next steps and
travel options at a later date.
Changes
to IELTS testing
There are currently changes being made to IELTS testing. Visit the IELTS website to find out if the changes
will affect you.
According to the Migration Legislation Amendment Regulations 2017 that came into effect on 18th November 2017, an existing condition, 8303 has been amended to expand its scope. Under the new migration rules, many Australian temporary visas will be subject to a condition that will enable the Immigration Department to cancel a person’s visa if they are found to be involved in online vilification based on gender, sexuality, religion, and ethnicity.
Before 18 November 2017, the condition that earlier applied to only a few visas, is now applicable to most temporary visas applied for on. This condition now also applies to
temporary graduate visa (Subclass 485)
skilled regional (485),
student visa and
visitor visa.
The Immigration Minister now has the power to cancel a visa if there is evidence of a visa holder engaging in harassment, stalking, intimidation, bullying or threatening a person even if it doesn’t amount to a criminal sanction. These activities may include public ‘hate speech’ or online vilification targeted at both groups and individuals based on gender, sexuality, religion, and ethnicity.
The Department of Immigration says that the new change: “It sends a clear message, explicitly requiring that the behaviour of temporary visa holders is consistent with Australian government and community expectations. It advises visa holders what sorts of behaviour can result in visa cancellation.”
The Immigration Department says its officers have the discretion to determine whether the condition has been breached. They also have the discretion to not cancel the visa even when the condition has been breached.
No one should break the law but even behaviour that may not necessarily warrant a criminal sanction can be deemed a breach of this condition. So it is important to remember that your actions online may have consequences just like your real-life actions.
After giving birth to your own baby since migrating down under you will had a number of comments made on this associated post asking what the immigration status, residency or citizenship status of your own baby will be following the birth.
With this in mind we thought to write up an article to summarise the residency and citizenship status of your baby should you be blessed with the birth of a new child whilst spending your time down under.
If you applied for your Permanent Residency visa before your baby was born the following circumstances will normally apply.
1.If your baby is born in Australia, and at least one parent is an Australian permanent visa holder or Australian citizen,
your baby is an Australian citizen by birth.
No Australian visa is required for this baby.
Baby born australian citizen
If your baby is born in Australia and neither parent is an Australian citizen or permanent visa holder,
your baby will generally automatically acquire the visa of either parent dependent on whichever visa is more “beneficial”.
If your baby is born outside Australia, and at least one parent is an Australian citizen otherwise than by descent,
your baby is eligible for Australian citizenship by descent.
If your baby is born outside Australia and at least one parent is an Australian citizen by descent and that parent was present in Australia lawfully for at least 2 years before your baby’s citizenship registration,
your baby is eligible for Australian citizenship by descent.
If your baby is born outside Australia, and neither parent is an Australian citizen,
your baby has no immigration status in Australia and will need a visa to enter Australia.
If I have my Australian visa, but not validated it, and my child is born outside Australia
If your Australian Visa has already been granted to you but you’ve not been to Australia to validate the Visa then you’re newborn child will not automatically be granted a visa as part of your own application.
You will have to advise the DIAC about the new addition to your family, as a change of circumstances before you validate your own Visa as your baby will have to be sponsored on a child visa in its own right.
This is normally a straight forward process however you should add at least 10 – 12 weeks for the new baby to be added.
Five Australian university are among the world’s top 50 universities and 7 are in the top 100, according to a major global ranking that shows Australian universities have made overall improvements in all measures, including teaching, employability and research.
Australian National University is the highest ranked in the country at 20th place in the 2018 QS World University Rankings.
It is followed by the University of Melbourne, ranked at 41, the University of New South Wales at 45, the University of Queensland at 47 and the University of Sydney at 50.
Monash University, with a rank of 60, and the University of Western Australia at 93 round out the seven Australian universities in the top 100.
An institution’s rank is determined by its academic and employer reputations, student-to-faculty ratio, citations per faculty, and international faculty and student ratios.
A total of 37 Australian Government universities are included in this year’s ranking, which covers 959 universities around the world and measures performance in research, teaching, employability and internationalisation.
Belinda Robinson, chief executive of peak sector body Universities Australia, said the ranking is especially important to international students choosing a university.
“Global rankings are a major factor for many international students in deciding where to study, so they’re also very important to the $22.4 billion a year that international students bring into Australia’s economy,” Ms Robinson said.
“These impressive rises underscore the global competitiveness of Australia’s universities and the excellent quality of our education and research on the world stage.”
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is the top ranked university in the world for the sixth consecutive year, followed by Stanford University, Harvard University, the California Institute of Technology, the University of Cambridge, the University of Oxford, University College London, Imperial College London, the University of Chicago and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology.
MIT has been described as “the nucleus of an unrivalled innovation ecosystem” by QS Quacquarelli Symonds, the education analysis firm behind the ranking, which notes that companies created by the university’s alumni have a combined revenue of $2 trillion, the equivalent of the world’s 11th largest economy.
Research director at QS Quacquarelli Symonds, Ben Sowter, said the improved ranking of Australian universities can be partially attributed to the changing political climate in countries such as the US and UK increasing Australia’s comparative popularity.
“Higher internationalisation scores certainly reflect coherent international outreach efforts made by university marketing departments,” Mr Sowter said. “However, they also reflect the increased desirability of Australian higher education in the light of current political situations in the United States and United Kingdom – typically Australia’s main Anglosphere competitors.
“Improvements in scores for Academic Reputation can be attributed to both the type of teaching innovations … and the standard of research emanating from Australia’s universities.”
Usually Education agents assist international students to secure a place in an Australian school. While institutions can enrol students directly, they also work with the global student agent network such as IEA-A International Network. You may choose to use a qualified education agent, usually known as a student counsellor, academic adviser, or student recruiter in your home country, or one based in Australia, to guide you through the process of choosing a school and enrolling.
Also based on your home country, your education agent with deep knowledge of Australian visa system, will manage your student visa application that could be critical for getting your student visa successfully. IEA-A has Australian office and in your local country so our services start in your country and continue in Australia. Why you need a Qualified Education Agent Counsellor ?
Education agents help reduce the stress of choosing a school in another country. Understanding your options, with someone who speaks your language, can be very reassuring. It is important through that that your agent is knowledgeable, up-to-date on student visa and curriculum changes, and has your best interest at heart. We hear stories of students who arrive for their first day of class to find out that the school has never heard of them. The education agent industry can attract unethical people, so do your research to make sure you are working with a good agent!
In this section, we provide guidance on using agents. Our qualified principal Migration Agent and education councillor Mrs. Feriha Guney (Qualified Education Agent Counsellors QEAC number: C102). (Migration Agent – MARN:0960690) is one of the industry expert with over 15 years of experience and thousands of satisfied international student, can assist you herself or with a number of education counsellors or migration Agents/Lawyer work with her. Some of the benefits of using a qualified education agent
If you agent is not qualified or experienced could cost you not only your visa fee or time but also he/she can damage your education career and even may change your life. On the other hand a qualified and experienced education agent, coudl help you to build your education career and even after a successful life, by doing:
conduct an interview to understand your needs and goals
make suggestions for the best institutions and programs to help you reach your goals
assist you to collect all of the documents you will need for your application
guide you through the application process
review your statement of purpose and provide information on interview process
guide you through the visa process once you have been accepted by an institution
help you prepare for the move and your arrival in Australia
organisation of airport pick-up and accommodation
provide information on how to find job in Australia and regulations
provide information on how to get Australian Tax number if you want to work
provide information on how to open bank account
provide information on how to get Australian Mobile Phone services
provide information on how to extend / change your visa while you are studying (may require additional fee)
provide information on how on Graduate work visa after your graduation of apply (may require additional fee)
provide information on how to apply a permanent skill visa
Education agents fees
When working with an agent, is very important to understand how the agent makes money. You will find that most experienced and qualified education agents offer their services for understanding your education career, checking your “statement of purpose” as well as preparation for the interview, finding right school for your education purpose, helping you to have school acceptance, counselling and the enrolment process fee which it depends of the country of application (as requirements for each country is different).
Although some inexperienced agent may offer their services free of charge, you should question their qualification and experiences that may cost your education career or even change your life forever. In addition to that you may or may not be charged for any school application fees that arise such as the school assessment (the schools charge the agent for this service). You will also be charged for the visa application fee which is paid to the government of Australia.
If you are applying in Australia, IEA-A usually will not charge you a fee. However if you are applying from overseas and if your home country considered in a risky country, there yoru application need to be prepared professionally and reviewed by expert before making application, so we may charge you an application fee. Best Agent location – in your home country or in Australia or in both?
Should you use an agent in your country, or one based in Australia? There are benefits and drawbacks to each options.
IEA-A usually offer both location support, in your home country for visa application and assessing your application according to your home country requirements, in Australia for on-going help and support. This way you have benefit of Using an education agent based in your country, you are dealing with somebody who is local and understand your education system.
Education Counsellor in your home country should also be very knowledgeable about visas for nationals of your country. The interview process can take place over the phone or face to face in your native language, and all the paperwork and applications can be processed locally.
When an education agent located in Australia, you have representation when you arrive, and can expect very good relationships with, and knowledge about, Australian education providers. Your agent can assist with airport pickup, accommodation, and in some cases even help you to understand how you can get a job while you are studying. How do I know if an agent is knowledgeable?
The migration agent system is regulated by the Australian government. Registered migration agents can counsel on migration visas, student visas, or both. If you are working with a migration agent who is also a student agent, we suggest you use one who is registered with the Office of the MARA to ensure they are up-to-date on visa rules. In addition, you can also find out whether a night and overseas agent has been banned from working in migration.
Although it is not mandatory, the Qualified Education Agent Counsellors qualification managed by the PIER Education Agent Training, ensures an agent understands student visas and regulation, especially if you are working with an education agent in your country. The qualification is not mandatory currently, but it can be a good indication of the quality of the agent. See if your agent has right qualification.
All IEAA Education counsellors and migration Agents have required qualifications and lead by our principal Director Ms. Feriha Guney who has both qualification as Registered Migration Agent and Education Agent (Mrs. Feriha Guney (Qualified Education Agent Counsellors QEAC number: C102). (Migration Agent – MARN:0960690 ) and over 15 years of experience on both fields. If you want to check your eligibility as a student visa o study ion Australia, send your resume and write to us on [email protected]
International education experts believe the country may benefit even more from political and economic changes in Britain and the United States.
International education’s value to Australia has surged past 20 billion Australian dollars ($14.8 billion U.S.), confirming the industry’s status as the country’s third-biggest earner and easily the largest export of services.
New figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics show that international education has shrugged off a cocktail of problems — including a high Australian dollar, officious visa administration and attacks against foreign students — to post a new revenue record.
Experts say the resurgence could accelerate, if Brexit and Donald Trump’s successful presidential campaign stem student flows to Australia’s two biggest competitors. Figures released last week showed that the growth in the number of Chinese students enrolling at U.S. institutions last year was the lowest in a decade.
Australia’s international education exports totaled 20.3 billion Australian dollars ($15 billion) last financial year, an 8 percent rise compared with 2014-15.
The figure includes fees and onshore spending on goods and services such as food and accommodation, as well as royalties, consultancies and other related services.
Most of the income came from foreigners studying at universities, with the higher education sector attracting about 14 billion Australian dollars ($10.4 billion).
Vocational training institutions earned about 3 billion Australian, English language colleges 1 billion and schools 800 million ($2.2 billion, $740 million and $592 million, respectively).
Universities Australia, which represents institutions, said international education helped sustain Australian living standards, supporting more than 130,700 jobs.
It said more than 320,000 students from 130 countries were currently studying in Australia’s universities.
“Through the exchange of students on a grand scale, we’re forging relationships that underpin our future diplomacy, trade, business links, cultural insight and personal connections,” said Universities Australia’s chief executive, Belinda Robinson.
Meanwhile, newly released government data reveal that Australia’s most prestigious universities are continuing to increase dramatically the number of international students they enroll, largely to help cover the costs of research.
While the national average was just shy of 20 percent international student enrollments, last year Melbourne University enrolled 18,384 overseas students — or 31.2 percent of its total enrollment, up from 16,140 the previous year.
Melbourne was followed by the Australian National University, with 28 percent international students.
The University of Sydney, University of New South Wales, Monash University, University of Technology Sydney and RMIT University all had more than one in four students from overseas.
Previous research has demonstrated that international students not only subsidize the teaching of domestic students but also keep afloat the multimillion-dollar research efforts of major universities.
However, Melbourne’s overseas student enrollments pale in comparison with Federation University in Ballarat, where 42.5 percent of students come from overseas, and Gold Coast-based Bond University, with 41.3 percent.
Local undergraduate students contribute 10,440 Australian dollars ($7,729) a year to study business. For international students, fees to study for a business degree next year range from 19,920 Australian dollars ($14,746) at the University of New England to 39,264 Australian dollars ($29,065) at research-intensive Melbourne University.
Phil Honeywood, chief executive of the International Education Association of Australia, warned that any increase in students deciding against the U.S. or Britain could be tempered by increased competition from Canada, China and New Zealand.
Australia’s Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) has released the new Skilled Occupations List (SOL) for 2016-17. The purpose of the country’s skilled migration programme is to attract “highly employable” people for migration, and it is the most common form of migration to Australia.
Australia is one of the biggest gainers through emigration, which is largely accomplished through its “skilled migration programme” which gives preference to skilled foreigners looking to make the country its new home.
The purpose of the country’s skilled migration programme is to attract “highly employable” people for migration, and it is the most common form of migration to Australia.
According to the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) new guidelines, these are some of the skills that will give you preference for emigration to Australia.
There are over 185 jobs listed – below is a general overview of the types of skills.
Chefs (excluding fast food or takeaway food services)
Plumbers
Gasfitters
Panel beaters
Carpenters
Fitters and turners
Welders
Engineers (Chemical, Electrical, Aeronautical, Agricultural and many others)
Telecoms (Network planners, Radio technicians, Engineers)
Systems Analysts
Programmers/Developers
Computer Network and Systems Engineers
Psychologists
Doctors, Surgeons and medical specialists
Registered Nurses and Midwives
Veterinarians
Actuaries, Auditors, Accountants
The Skilled Occupations List (SKO) is used for Skilled Independent Visa, Skilled Regional Provisional Visa and Graduate Temporary Visa applications.
In the same report, the DIBP has also released the Consolidated Sponsored Occupations List (CSO) which is used for Skilled Nominated Visa, Temporary Work Skilled Visa and Employer Nominated Scheme visa applications.
The CSO lists skills that companies in Australia are looking for, and employers or the state will sponsor for emigration into the country. The full list for both classes can be found here:Australia SKO and CSOLists
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