Are you planning to study, work, or settle in Australia? If so, you’re probably aware that migration policies are constantly evolving to meet the country’s changing needs. In December 2023, Australia released a significant update to its Migration Strategy. This new plan is set to make important changes to the way visas are managed and how migrants can integrate into the Australian workforce.
These changes are designed to address labour shortages, improve fairness in the migration system, and make the immigration process better for students, workers, and those seeking permanent residency.
In this blog, we’ll break down what these updates mean for you, whether you’re an international student looking to study in Australia or a skilled worker aiming for permanent residency.
Please Note: This article serves as a general guide to help you understand the topic, with information accurate as of the publication date. We recommend consulting a registered migration agent or check The Department of Home Affairs for precise, up-to-date guidance tailored to your specific circumstances.
Clearer Pathways to Stay and Work After Your Studies
One of the most exciting updates in the new Migration Strategy is the introduction of clearer post-study pathways. The government is committed to offering international students more opportunities to stay and work in Australia after they finish their studies.
What’s New?
The strategy outlines specific post-study work options, including the chance to stay for a limited time and, for some graduates, pathways to permanent residency. If your skills and qualifications are in demand, you might even qualify for permanent residency.
How This Affects You?
With clear pathways laid out for graduates, you’ll have a much better idea of your options after completing your studies. If you’re keen on staying longer to gain work experience, these new pathways make it easier for you to plan your next steps. These clear post-study pathways provide better career opportunities and give you more flexibility in building your future in Australia.
But it’s not just about staying after your studies – let’s look at the changes to the visa requirements that can impact your application process.
The New Genuine Student (GS) Requirement
The Australian Government has introduced a change to the way student visa applications are assessed. The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement has been replaced with the Genuine Student (GS) requirement, which aims to ensure that only students who are truly committed to studying in Australia are granted visas.
What’s New?
The GS requirement includes a set of questions you must answer within your student visa application. These questions help the Department of Home Affairs assess whether you are a genuine student applicant, ensuring that students are fully committed to their studies.
How This Affects You?
This change is good news for students like you who want a safe, supportive environment to study. The GS requirement helps make sure that the student experience is genuine, which can help create a more rewarding journey in Australia. By making sure that the right students are applying, the GS requirement helps ensure that your experience in Australia is positive and supportive.
Now, let’s look at some updates to the English language requirements for student and graduate visas, which could affect your visa application process.
Changes to English Language Requirements
If you’re applying for a student visa or a temporary graduate visa, you might need to update your English language skills. As of 23 March 2024, Australia has increased the English language requirements for several visa types, aiming to ensure that you’re fully prepared for life in Australia, both academically and professionally.
What’s New?
- For Student Visas, the minimum IELTS score has increased from 5.5 to 6.0.
- For Temporary Graduate Visas (TGV), the required IELTS score has gone up from 6.0 to 6.5.
- Specific requirements also apply to other visa categories like ELICOS courses and university pathway programs.
How This Affects You?
These higher scores are meant to support your learning and employment outcomes. If you’re planning to take an English test, you’ll need to prepare for these updated scores to ensure you meet the new visa requirements. While this might require more preparation on your part, the updated requirements are there to support your success in both your studies and your future career.
With these updated language requirements, let’s now take a closer look at how Australia is strengthening the quality of its educational providers.
Strengthening Education Provider Integrity
Australia is also focusing on ensuring that international students receive the best quality education. A new unit, the VET Integrity Unit, has been established to strengthen the integrity of the education system and ensure that education providers meet high standards.
What’s New?
The Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act is being updated to tighten the existing ‘fit and proper’ provider test for education institutions. This ensures that you, as a student, will receive a top-notch education.
How This Affects You?
These changes mean that your experience in Australia will be more reliable, as education providers will be thoroughly vetted. This ensures that your qualifications are recognised and of high quality. The focus on education provider integrity helps ensure that your time and investment in Australia will be worth it, giving you a better chance at success after your studies.
Moving on from education, let’s now look at the updates to the Temporary Graduate Visa, which can impact your post-study work opportunities.
Simplified Temporary Graduate Visas
The Australian Government has simplified the new Skills in Demand Visa, making it easier for graduates to gain valuable work experience and possibly move towards permanent residency.
What’s New?
A new 2 to 4-year Skills in Demand Visa has been introduced for graduates working in high-demand skilled jobs. If you’re working in a skilled job during your post-study work period, you may be eligible to apply for this visa.
How This Affects You?
This change provides you with more time to gain work experience and increases your chances of qualifying for permanent residency if your skills are in demand. The simplified process for post-study work visas helps you take full advantage of your qualifications and the skills you bring to Australia’s economy.
Lastly, let’s take a look at some other significant changes, including new migration pathways and faster visa processing.
Other Significant Changes
Beyond the main updates, Australia is introducing other changes that will affect how migrants apply for visas and settle in the country.
What’s New?
- Faster Visa Processing: The Australian Government has improved processing times to make the visa application process quicker and less stressful.
- Regional Migration Benefits: There are new programmes designed to encourage skilled workers to migrate to regional areas, with added support to help them settle outside of major cities.
- Pacific Engagement Visa: This visa aims to strengthen ties with Pacific nations by providing more migration opportunities for workers from these regions.
- Higher Minimum Salary for Skilled Workers: The Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TMSIT) has been increased from AUD 70,000 to AUD 73,150. Employers sponsoring skilled workers will now need to meet this higher salary threshold.
- The TSS Visa Is Gone: The Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa has been replaced by the Skills in Demand Visa, targeting high-demand jobs across various industries.
- New Occupation List: A Core Skills Occupation List has been introduced, which outlines the professions currently in high demand. If your profession is on this list, your visa application may be processed more quickly.
- Easier Permanent Residency: For skilled workers, the pathway to permanent residency is becoming clearer and more accessible, especially for those working in high-demand occupations.
How This Affects You?
These changes create more opportunities for skilled workers to migrate to Australia, especially those willing to settle in regional areas, helping fill labour shortages in critical sectors.
These additional changes make it easier and faster for you to access the right visa and settle in Australia, whether you’re interested in working in a major city or a regional area.
Final Thoughts
Australia’s Migration Strategy changes bring a range of exciting opportunities for international students and skilled workers. As these changes take effect, it’s essential to stay informed and prepared to make the best decisions for your individual circumstances. By staying up to date on the latest developments, you can optimise your chances of success and ensure that your plans align with the evolving migration landscape.
Remember, Knowbal is here to help you make the most of these changes and support you throughout your journey. Contact us today to get started on your migration plans!