Let’s see what’s changing:

1. Genuine Student Requirement:

The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement is getting a makeover. It will now be known as the Genuine Student (GS) requirement. This means applicants will need to provide evidence to show they’re serious about their studies, helping the Department of Home Affairs sift out genuine students from the rest.

2. English Language Requirements:

Early in 2024, the Australian Government is ramping up the English language requirements for student visas. This is to better support students in their learning journey and future employment prospects.

Here’s what’s changing:

• For a Student 500 visa, the required IELTS (or equivalent) score is increasing from 5.5 to 6.0.
• For students taking an English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) before their main studies, the required score goes up from 4.5 to 5.0.
• Students enrolling in university foundation or pathway programs with reputable English language training will need a score of IELTS (or equivalent) 5.5.

3. Delayed Concurrent Enrollment:

4. Increased Financial Proof:

Additionally, international students will need to prove they have more savings when applying for a student visa. This ensures they can support themselves financially during their stay in Australia.

These updates are designed to maintain the integrity of Australia’s education system and provide a supportive environment for students to thrive. So, if you’re planning to study in Australia, make sure you’re prepared for these changes. Good luck with your studies abroad!

Book a consultation with our migration agent to learn how to create a successful student visa application. 

The Australian Government has made a new plan to fix some problems with their immigration system. Here are some important things to know:

Migration Plan:

• They will plan immigration for more than just one year.
• Fewer people will be allowed to move to Australia in the coming year, and this will continue for some time.
• They are replacing a visa called Temporary Skilled Shortage with a new one called Skills in Demand. This new visa has different rules depending on how much money you earn and what kind of job you have.

Skills in Demand Visa:

• The Skills in Demand visa will be replacing the Temporary Skilled Shortage (subclass 482).
• The Skills in Demand Visa lets people stay in Australia for 4 years.
• People with this visa can change their job sponsor within 180 days.
• If you have this visa, you can apply for permanent residency.
• They are making it easier for employers to hire people from overseas.

Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) Levy:

• Discussions about a new payment model for the SAF Levy allowing smaller increments over time.

Labour Market Testing (LMT):

• The requirement to advertise on Workforce Australia has been scrapped.
• The LMT advertising period will increase from 4 to 6 months.
• Government indicates a gradual phasing out of the LMT requirement

Points Test – General Skilled Migration:

• A new points test will be developed to streamline skilled migration.

Student Visas:

• Replacing the ‘Genuine Temporary Entrant’ requirement with the ‘Genuine Student Test.’
• Efforts to control the number of student visa applications being processed.
• Increased English language test score requirements.
• Reduction in the list of eligible courses and restrictions on course swapping.

Temporary Graduate Visas:

• Prohibition on applying for another student visa.
• Reduced eligibility age from 50 to 35 years.
• Increased English language test score requirements.
• Extended eligibility for students in regional areas.

Regional Migration:

• Increased support for regional areas with fast-tracking of regional visa applications.
• Collaboration with regional areas to identify population needs and skill shortages.

Working Holiday Makers:

• No dramatic changes announced yet, but potential changes to length of stay and the 88-day work requirement are being discussed. 

Global Talent and Business Innovation and Investment:

• Focus on applicants who can make a substantial contribution to Australia.
• Consideration of a new ‘Talent and Innovation’ visa.
• Expected continuation of the Significant Investor stream for the Business Innovation and Investment visa.

These changes are part of the Australian Government’s effort to reform its migration system, and the strategy is expected to be introduced in late 2024, subject to legislation being introduced. Further details are yet to be released, and updates will be provided as the changes roll out.

Book a consultation today to find out your migration options in Australia, all in one consultation.

For those dreaming of making Australia their permanent home, there’s great news on the horizon.

The Australian government is introducing significant changes to its migration system, aiming to make the journey from temporary to permanent residence smoother and more accessible for skilled workers.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the key changes that will take effect from November 25, 2023.

Why the changes?

The current pathways to Permanent Residence (PR) for temporary skilled visa holders often result in a growing number of ‘permanently temporary’ residents.

Recognizing this challenge, the government is dedicated to creating clearer pathways to PR for all Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa streams. The goal is not only to attract the skilled workers Australia needs but also to simplify the nomination process, providing certainty to both employers and TSS visa holders.

What’s Changing with the TSS Visa?

Starting November 25, 2023, exciting changes are coming to the Short-term Stream of the TSS visa:

• Lodging Applications in Australia:

Limits on the number of Short-term Stream TSS applications will be removed, allowing applicants to lodge multiple applications from within Australia.

• Travel Requirements for Expired Visas:

Short-term Stream TSS holders with visas expiring before the changes will need to travel outside Australia to lodge a third short-term Stream TSS application.

Enhancements to the TRT Stream:

For the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream of the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) and Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) visa subclasses, several positive changes are coming:

Eligible Visa Requirements:

• • • • Employers can nominate holders of all TSS visa streams, including Short-term and Labour Agreement streams.
      • Nominees must have held their TSS (or subclass 457) visa(s) for 2 out of the last 3 years before nomination.

Nominated Occupation Updates:

• • • • Nominated occupations will no longer be restricted by skilled migration occupation lists.
      • The nominated occupation must be listed in the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO), with the nominee continuing to work in the nominated occupation for their TSS visa(s).

Work Experience Adjustments:

The required period for TSS visa holders to have worked in a position with their sponsoring employer will be reduced to 2 out of the last 3 years before nomination.

Changes to Age Exemptions:

• • • • Age exemptions for regional medical practitioner applicants and high-income earning applicants aged 45 years and over will be adjusted to allow for a two-year pathway.
      • COVID-19 related age exemptions will be terminated as a result of the two-year pathway.

These changes mark a significant step towards providing more equitable access to PR for all TSS visa holders.

As we eagerly anticipate these improvements, Questra Immigration is committed to keeping you informed and assisting you in navigating these exciting updates.

Book a consultation today to find out your migration options in Australia, all in one consultation.