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Category Archives: News

January 15, 2024

Introduction

Embarking on a journey of international education is an exciting prospect, and choosing Malta as your study destination opens doors to a unique and enriching experience. This study guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the process involved in obtaining a student visa for Malta, ensuring a smooth transition to your educational adventure.

Study in Malta: Student Visa and Permit

Malta, being a member of the Schengen Area with border control-free arrangements, has visa requirements on par with other Schengen countries like Germany or Italy. EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens can relocate to Malta with ease, staying as long as they want after completing the registration process. Non-EU individuals, including UK nationals, must obtain a visa to visit or reside in Malta.

What Visa do I need to study in Malta?

You do not need to apply for a visa in order to study in Malta if you hold a European passport, as was stated in the previous section. Furthermore, there is a list of nations that do not need any kind of visa as long as the course you come to study in Malta is shorter than three months.

Nonetheless, if required, you may apply for the following visas:

Icono Schengen Short-Stay Visa

This visa is intended for all students from nations that do not have visa exemptions. You can enroll in up to three-month courses while using this visa.

Student Visa

For courses that last longer than three months. This kind of visa is applied for after you arrive in Malta (unless you have a passport from Ecuador, Bolivia, or the Dominican Republic). It is valid for the same amount of time as the course you are enrolled in, and it permits up to 20 hours of work per week for students.

You can always write to us if you’re unsure of which visa to apply for or how to proceed.

Applying for a Student Visa

Required Documents:

If you are not from the EU and wish to obtain a study visa for Malta, you generally need to follow these steps:

  • Your passport
  • Proof of your English level – this can be proven through a TOEFL iBT exam
  • Transcripts of your past education 
  • A completed application form – you’ll be able to find this form on the school’s website

Application

Navigating the application process involves submitting required documents, academic transcripts, and completing online application forms.

  1. Use our contact form to get in touch with us.
  2. We select your course and show you a range of options based on your financial situation and areas of interest.
  3. We submit an application to the school (we assist you throughout the entire process).
  4. Seek alternatives for short-term lodging (we can offer direction and advice).
  5. Now all you need to do is purchase your plane tickets to Malta and pack your bags.

Visa Process

Once you receive an acceptance letter from your chosen institution, you can initiate the visa application process. Ensure that you meet all the necessary criteria and provide accurate information.

Study Options:

Universities

These are some of the most well-liked options from our selection of the best schools and promotions.

University Courses

In addition, we provide a large selection of courses leading to undergraduate and graduate degrees as well as certificates. Since English is the language of instruction for all of these courses, fluency in it is required.

Reach out to us for guidance and assistance in making the right decision!

Tuition Fee

Tuition fees in Malta are determined by your nationality and the specific program you are enrolled in. However, even if fees are applicable, they remain relatively low and are assessed on a per-semester basis.

For Maltese citizens and nationals of the EU, EEA, and Switzerland, tuition is free of charge. Third-country nationals, on the other hand, are required to pay €1080 ($1300) per semester for most courses, with science and engineering courses being charged at €1360 ($1640). The fee structure does not vary significantly based on the level of study.

Upon preparing to come to Malta, a deposit ranging from €240 to €1080 ($290 to $1300) must be paid.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Various scholarships and grants are available for international students, offering financial support based on merit or need.

Student loans in Malta are exclusively available to Maltese citizens, requiring international students to be financially self-sufficient during their studies. Nevertheless, there are various scholarships accessible to international students.The Ministry for Education provides a comprehensive list of available scholarships here, with the ENDEAVOUR Scholarships Scheme standing out as a prominent option. This scheme primarily targets individuals engaged in research with viable ideas. Further details about this scholarship can be found here. Additionally, some educational institutions offer their own scholarships, and applicants are encouraged to explore and determine the relevance of these opportunities to their chosen field of study.

Work Opportunities for Students

Part-Time Work Regulations

International students can explore part-time work opportunities, adhering to regulations to balance work and study commitments.

Internship Possibilities

Internship programs offer practical experience, enhancing employability upon graduation.

Advantages to study in Malta

Malta is a popular destination for international students each year, and its educational institutions enjoy a stellar reputation worldwide. You can therefore be confident that studying in Malta won’t compromise the caliber of your education. Malta is among the nations that permit students to work during their studies. There’s always a shortage of jobs in hospitality and tourism because this is such a tourist-friendly country. The minimum wage in Malta is $777 euros per month, although most people make much more. This is sufficient to support you while you study and save money for a trip to another country in the future.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Malta presents a compelling option for students seeking a global education experience. By understanding the study guide for obtaining a student visa, you pave the way for a successful and enriching academic journey.

January 12, 2024

Every year, the UK attracts hundreds of thousands of international students, maintaining a consistently high level of popularity. With its diverse population and renowned educational institutions, the UK naturally becomes a preferred destination for students worldwide. For those seeking an English-language education, what better place to study than the country that originated the language?

Table of Content

  • Introduction
  • UK as a Study Destination
  • Document Required for a UK Student Visa
  • Scholarships and other Fundings
  • Working While studying

Introduction

  • Hosting a population exceeding 500,000 international students.
  • Stands as the second most sought-after destination for studying abroad. 
  • Providing an array of distinctive academic programs, including unconventional fields like ethical hacking, surf science and technology, puppetry design, and numerous others. 
  • The UK universities take pride in their global standing as leaders in cutting-edge research. 
  • Serves as a vibrant center of culture, adorned with enriching heritage sites and world-class museums.

Level of study in UK

  • Foundation Year and HND
  • Undergraduate Studies
  • Graduate Studies
  • Postgraduate Studies
  • Individual Honors
  • Joint Honors
Intakes in UKJanuary to February, September to October, April/May for selected courses
English RequirementsEnglish Proficiency test like IELTS, PTE, TOFEL, UCLES
DurationSubject to the Degree program
Entry requirementSubject to the Universities and Courses

Reach out to us for guidance and assistance in making the right decision!

Documents Required for a UK Student Visa

Checklist for UK Visa Application:

  • Completed visa application form in full.
  • Original passport and all relevant travel documents.
  • One passport-sized photograph.
  • Financial proof to sustain your stay.
  • If under 18, parental consent is required.
  • Tuberculosis test results for citizens from specific countries.
  • Confirmation of visa application fee. 
  • Immigration Health Surcharge.
  • Submission of Self-assessment form Appendix 8 with attached documents (not applicable for online applications).
  • Additional requirements may apply based on your country of origin.

Application Procedure

Navigating the application process involves submitting required documents, academic transcripts, and completing online application forms. 

  1. Use our contact form to get in touch with us.
  2. We select your course and show you a range of options based on your financial situation and areas of interest.
  3. We submit an application to the school (we assist you throughout the entire process).
  4. Seek alternatives for short-term lodging (we can offer direction and advice).
  5. Now all you need to do is purchase your plane tickets to Malta and pack your bags.

Scholarships and other Fundings

Scholarships offered by UK universities can be immensely advantageous for international students enrolled in academic programs in the UK.

These scholarships play a pivotal role in extending financial aid to international students who might face challenges accessing resources comparable to those available to domestic students. Given the elevated tuition fees for international students and the additional costs associated with traveling worldwide to study at a UK university, scholarships become a crucial means of alleviating the financial strain of pursuing education abroad by offering essential financial support.

Working while studying

While pursuing your education, you may have the opportunity to work, but it is subject to strict regulations. The maximum allowable work hours are specified on your visa sticker or Biometric Residence Permit (BRP).

Conclusion

The United Kingdom offers a rewarding experience for international students, boasting an outstanding education system and a plethora of world-class universities. This provides compelling reasons to consider studying in the UK. In the upcoming sections, let’s delve deeper into various aspects of studying in the UK, including the top cities, courses, the UK student visa process, accommodation options, the cost of living, the university application procedure, and more. This exploration aims to provide you with a thorough comprehension of studying in the UK, facilitating informed decisions for your educational journey.

January 12, 2024

“Recent changes have occurred in Australia’s international student visa rules this year, but what lies ahead in the future remains uncertain. What can we expect moving forward?”

Introduction

The Australian government has consistently strengthened the international education sector by implementing various modifications to student visas. Here is a compilation of noteworthy visa changes announced this year that have had an impact on international students, coupled with a glimpse into what the future holds for this cohort in the upcoming year.

The influx of international students to Australia has been steadily increasing, and the government acknowledges that the student program is currently receiving a substantial number of applications.

Simultaneously, with the return of international students post the COVID-19 pandemic and border closures, the federal government has been escalating its efforts to combat the exploitation of the visa system.

In a recent statement, Education Minister Jason Clare emphasized, “International education is a key national asset – it is the largest export that doesn’t come out of the ground.”

The Evolution of Visa Rules in 2023

Work limitation

In July of 2024,, the federal government reintroduced a maximum weekly work hour limit of 24 hours for international students. This measure aims to discourage the misuse of student visas for employment purposes.

Following this, in August, the government addressed the loophole associated with the ‘concurrent certificate of enrolment.’ This action prevents the practice of transferring international students between courses within the first six months of their arrivals.

Moreover, the COVID-era visa, Subclass 408, which had previously allowed thousands of international students to work without restrictions, was officially closed as of September this year for all new applicants.

English Language Criteria

From 2024,  there will be an elevation in the English language requirements for international student and temporary graduate visas. As per the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), individuals applying for a Graduate visa are now required to attain a score of 6.5, an increase from the previous threshold of 6.0.

Likewise, those seeking a student visa must now reach a score of 6.0, as opposed to the earlier requirement of 5.5

Other updates

As a result, the government has proposed alterations to the duration and eligibility criteria for post-study work rights.

Under these revisions, the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa will reduce post-study work rights for Master’s by coursework degrees from three to two years and for PhDs from four to three years.

Additionally, the maximum age for international students eligible for a temporary graduate work visa will be decreased from 50 to 35 years old.

Furthermore, adjustments to the work experience requirement for a Temporary Skills Shortage visa (and the upcoming Skills in Demand visa) will provide more opportunities for Temporary Graduates visa holders to transition to skilled visas.

Perspectives from Students

Students share their insights into navigating visa changes, offering advice and firsthand accounts of their journeys through the evolving international student visa landscape.

Conclusion

In conclusion, navigating the evolving landscape of international student visa rules requires a multifaceted approach. Understanding the historical context, current regulations, and future trends empowers students and institutions to adapt successfully.The announcement of these changes aims to “enhance integrity in international education and provide assistance to authentic students.

December 11, 2023

A new migration strategy has been released by the Australian Government on 11 Dec 2023.

As part of this strategy, the government aims to help return migration to near pre-pandemic levels by next financial year, and introduce a number of new commitments to improved the overall outcomes of the migration program.

New Commitments to achieve Migration Strategy

1. New Skills in Demand visa

The Government will introduce a new 4-year temporary skilled worker visa—the Skills in Demand visa. The simpler and better targeted Skills in Demand visa will replace the complex single employer sponsored Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa.

Key Features of the new visa will include:

  • Guaranteed pathways to permanent residence: Skills in Demand visa holders will have a pathway to permanent residence. Periods of employment with any approved employer will count towards permanent residence requirements. Temporary skilled migrants will also be enabled to apply for permanent residence through self-nominated independent pathways, for example, through a reformed points test.

  • More time to find a new job: If the employment relationship with a sponsor ceases, visa holders will have 180 days to find another sponsor and can work during this period.

  • Trailing employer fees: The Government will explore a model for employers to pay trailing charges and fees (e.g. monthly or quarterly) to make hiring a new migrant less onerous.

  • Public register of sponsors to assist mobility: A public register of approved sponsors, including the number of migrants sponsored and their occupations, will be developed to assist migrants wishing to find a new sponsor.

2. New Specialist Skills Pathway

The Specialist Skills Pathway is the first pathway within the Skills in Demand visa and will be available to applicants who meet the general eligibility criteria (for example, be nominated by an approved employer, meet the health and character requirements).

Key requirements are:

  • work in any occupation except trades workers, machinery operators and drivers, and labourers
  • 💰earning at least $135,000 (the Specialist Skills Threshold) and no less than Australian workers in the same occupation. The threshold income corresponds with the 90th percentile earnings for all workers in Australia

Processing Time: The Government will commit to a service standard of 7 days median visa processing time for workers in the Specialist Skills Pathway.

3. New Core Skills Pathway

The Core Skills Pathway is the second pathway in the new Skills in Demand visa and most temporary skilled migrants will come through the Core Skills Pathway.

Key requirements are:

  • occupation is on a new Core Skills Occupation List, which relates to occupations identified by Jobs and Skills Australia as being in shortage or where Australia has committed to providing access to our labour market in relation to that occupation through international trade agreements
  • paid a salary at or above the TSMIT (to be retitled the Core Skills Threshold, when the new system is implemented), or the relevant average market salary where it is above the TSMIT.

4. Legislate indexation of income thresholds to maintain system integrity

The Government will index the new Core Skills and Specialist Skills Thresholds in line with annual movements in Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings. This indexation requirement will be specified in legislation to provide clarity and predictability for migrants and employers, as recommended in the Migration Review.

5. Streamline labour market testing requirements to reduce complexity

The Government will immediately move to streamline labour market testing by removing the requirement to advertise positions through Workforce Australia and will subsequently increase the validity period from 4 to 6 months. As Jobs and Skills Australia’s role further matures, the Government will consider moving away from employer conducted labour market testing towards mechanisms for robust and genuine independent verification of labour market need.

6. Establish a best practice service level agreement for visa processing times and a modernised accreditation pathway to better compete for talent

The Government will establish a median service standard of 21 days for the new Skills in Demand visa and 7 days for the Specialist Skills Pathway.

The Government will aim to modernise the accreditation pathway, which will further help approved sponsors gain streamlined access to the migrant workers they need. These requirements for becoming an accredited sponsor favour large and established businesses, and disadvantage smaller businesses, especially start-ups, acting as a brake on innovation. The Government will open the accredited sponsor program to start-ups that have received venture capital from a registered venture capital fund. This will be balanced by strengthening integrity in the approved sponsor application process.

7. Reformed Points Test

The current points test used to select independent skilled migrants is complex and does not effectively attract migrants best able to contribute to Australia’s long-term prosperity. It includes factors which are likely to be poor predictors of success in the labour market, such as regional study or community language skills. Australia’s current points test also does not effectively capture age and skill trade-offs, despite both being strong predictors of migrant success and fiscal impact.

Secondary Applicant Skills: Grattan Institute has suggested that more consideration should be given to the skills of secondary applicants. Points offered via the test for different migrant characteristics should be re-calibrated to reflect the contribution those characteristics make to migrants’ contribution to the welfare of the Australian community.

Better Options for Graduate Working in Skilled Jobs: The reformed points test will also seek to better reward skill level over perseverance, which will mean for example, faster pathways for international student graduates who are working in skilled jobs in the labour market, but fewer pathways for graduates not working in skilled jobs.

Age, Experience and Education Re-Balancing: The Treasury estimates that a skilled migrant arriving at the age of 45 would need a starting salary of $160,000 to match the lifetime fiscal impact of a skilled migrant arriving at age 30 with a starting salary of $100,000. Balancing this out, some older migrants may have achieved high level skills which can deliver major economic benefits to the nation over their remaining working career. This might be better reflected in the reformed points test.

The Government will publish a discussion paper later in 2023 outlining the proposed approach to the redesign of the points test and will further consult on proposed changes. This will also consider impacts to State/Territory nominated and Regional visas, given these are points-tested visa programs.

8. Increased English Language Requirements for International Students

In early 2024, the Government will increase English language requirements for the Student and Temporary Graduate visas:

  • the test score required for a Temporary Graduate visa will increase from an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score (or equivalent) of 6.0 to 6.5
  • the test score required for a Student visa will increase from IELTS (or equivalent) 5.5 to 6.0
  • the test score required for students undertaking an English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) before their main course of study will increase from IELTS (or equivalent) 4.5 to 5.0
  • the test score required for students undertaking university foundation or pathway programs that deliver reputable English language training will be IELTS (or equivalent) 5.5.

9. New Genuine Student Test

The government will replace the existing Genuine Temporary Entrant requirement to acknowledge that post-study temporary migration (and beyond) pathways are available for those who may be eligible. At the same time, the new Genuine Student test will be clear that the vast majority of international students in Australia will return home.

Two new Ministerial Directions will be introduced to support the integrity of processing in the student visa caseload.

The first Ministerial Direction will outline key areas of consideration to support decision makers, including the circumstances of the applicant, such as their academic or career progression and the usefulness of the intended study to their future career prospects. The Direction will be clear in setting the expectations of students who come to complete study in Australia. Those who do not meet those requirements will not be granted a student visa.

The second Ministerial Direction will focus on the prioritisation of processing the visa caseload. A processing priority Ministerial Direction will prioritise student visa applications based on risk-level of providers and will come into effect by the end of 2023, in time to support processing for the 2023–24 student visa peak season. Higher risk providers will experience slower processing times as visa decision makers consider the integrity of a provider, as well as the individual student applicants.

10. Improved DHA Student Visa Integrity unit to reduce misuse of Australia’s student visa system

To complement the introduction of the new Genuine Student test, the Government will invest $19 million to significantly bolster the student visa integrity unit in Home Affairs. This investment will allow for greater scrutiny at the point-of application to better identify non-genuine students and help build new analytical capabilities to identify students, facilitators and agents who misuse student visas post-arrival. This strengthened student visa integrity unit will also help support ASQA’s new integrity unit through cross-agency compliance activities.

11. Strengthen requirements for international education providers

The Government will act to assist regulators as they address unscrupulous provider behaviour through further legislative change. The Government will engage further with the sector in the development of its response and any implementation of these or similar measures.

This work will be complemented by the development of an International Education Strategic Framework. Working with the sector and the Council for International Education, the Government will ensure Australia’s valuable international education sector continues to prosper in delivering high quality education to genuine students.

12. Restrict onshore visa hopping

Australia’s student visa program has a proud history of attracting talented students from around the world. More recently, it has been used by some international students and other temporary visa holders to visa hop from visa to visa to extend their stay in Australia when they have little prospect of becoming permanent residents. This has contributed to a growing cohort of ‘permanently temporary’ former international students living in Australia.

Using the new Genuine Student test, the Government will require any eligible students applying inside Australia to provide evidence in their application to demonstrate that any subsequent course is furthering their career or academic aspirations, such as undertaking a practical VET course to complement their degree, or undertaking research to gain a Masters qualification in their field of expertise. Prospective international students who cannot demonstrate this sensible course progression from their initial course of study will not meet the Genuine Student test.

This change, combined with future proposed changes to the points test and other skilled visa settings, helps the graduates working in skilled jobs stay permanently, while reducing the number of graduates that are left in limbo and that stay despite having fewer prospects of permanent residence.

13. Strengthen and simplify Temporary Graduate visas

The government will introduce the following changes to Temporary Graduate Visas:

Shorter post-study work rights: The duration of an initial TGV will be shorter. The extension of post-study work rights will no longer be available. Only applicants who studied in a regional area will be eligible for an extension. TGV length under new settings will be:

Initial TGV

  • 2 years for Bachelor Degree
  • 2 years Masters by coursework
  • 3 years for Masters by research
  • 3 years for PhD

Eligibility for a second TGV

    • 1–2 years for study in a regional area (dependent on location)

Age Limitation: Maximum eligible age for a TGV will be reduced to 35.

Limited Graduate Visa Products: TGV streams will be re-named as Post-higher Education Work and Post-Vocational Education Work streams to be more descriptive for the relevant applicants. The Replacement Stream of the TGV and the subclass 476 visa will be abolished.

Clearer visa processing times: TGV processing times for the Post-Higher Education Work Stream will be backed by a 21-day service standard.

Clearer post graduate visa pathways: The work experience requirement for a Temporary Skills Shortage visa (and future Skills in Demand visa) will be changed to give TGV holders more opportunity to move on to a skilled visa. Proposed reforms to the points test will also give graduates working in skilled jobs faster pathways to permanent residency.

14. Develop a public register of approved sponsors to enable monitoring and oversight

The Government will develop a public register of employers who are approved to sponsor temporary migrant workers, to encourage public transparency, monitoring and oversight, and promote productivity-enhancing worker mobility. This will help migrant workers find new sponsors and give migrant workers a resource to check that a sponsoring employer is legitimate.

15. Longer Term Migration Planning Levels

The multi-year planning model, in collaboration with states will extend the planning horizon of the permanent Migration Program beyond its current 12 months and enable a better planning effort to meet the strategic, structural and long-term challenges that we face as nation and in our cities and regions.

16. Improved Skill Assessments and Recognition Procedures

There are currently 39 skilled migration assessing authorities approved by the Minister for Skills and Training to undertake skills assessments for 650 occupations. The government will implement new standards for skilled migration assessing authorities to optimise outcomes for Australian employers and migrants

17. Priority Processing for Regional Visas

The Government will immediately alter Ministerial Direction 100 to make visa processing for migrants sponsored by employers in regional Australia its top visa processing priority. This will help further streamline visa processing for businesses located in regional Australia who are sponsoring skilled workers.

18. Abolish unnecessary and duplicative visas to simplify the visa system

To start reducing the administrative burden, the Government will initially reduce the number of visa subclasses by 20, for example by merging offshore and onshore visa classes such as the subclass 101 Child visa (offshore) and the subclass 802 Child visa (onshore) into a single Child visa. We will close some temporary visas that are no longer receiving new applications and merge others that essentially perform the same purpose.

19. Improve Administration and Technology

Investment of $84m to reduce the visa backlog and visa processing times and Investment of almost $27.8m to improve the visa ICT system has been undertaken.

Read the full report here.

Source: Department of Home Affairs

November 5, 2023

Forming Strong Software Development Teams

From 25, November 2023* (subject to the approval of regulation changes), the Australian Government will be making changes to the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) (subclass 482) and

Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream of the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) (subclass 186) visas to provide a simpler and clearer pathway to permanent residence for TSS visa holders.

The changes will provide employers and holders of TSS visas with more certainty and ensure Australia attracts and retains the skilled workers it needs.​

Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482)

From 25 November 2023* the Government plans to remove the limit on the number of Short-term stream TSS visa applications that visa holders can make in Australia.

This change is intended to apply to new TSS visa applications made on or after 25 November 2023. Short term-stream TSS holders with visas expiring before 25 November 2023 will need to travel outside Australia to lodge a third short term-stream TSS application.

Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) Temporary Residence Transition Stream

Changes planned for TRT stream nomination requirements include:

  • allowing employers to nominate holders of all streams of TSS visas (including Short-term and Labour Agreement streams).
  • removing the requirement for nominated occupations for the TRT stream to be assessed against a skilled migration occupation list. The nominated occupation will need to be listed in the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) and the nominated worker will need to continue to work in the occupation nominated for their TSS visa(s).
  • reducing the period of time a TSS visa holder must hold their visa and work in their nominated position or occupation to be eligible to be nominated by their employer for the TRT stream to two out of the three years before nomination.

Changes to the TRT stream nomination requirements are intended to apply to new ENS and Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme nomination applications and applications that are yet to be finally determined as at 25 November 2023*.

Changes planned for TRT stream visa application requirements include:

  • updating age exemptions for regional medical practitioner applicants and high income earning applicants aged 45 years and over to allow for a two-year pathway.
  • ending COVID-19 related age exemptions that will become redundant as a result of the two-year pathway.

These changes are the first step in providing more equitable access to PR for all TSS visa holders whilst the government continues work on reforms to the skilled visa programs following the development of the Outline of the Government’s Migration Strategy and in response to the findings of the Review of the Migration System 2023.

The Department’s website will be updated closer to implementation.

Source: Australian Government – Department of Home Affairs

October 24, 2023

🚨 This is your final opportunity to submit an application for a 408 COVID-19 Pandemic Visa.

From September 2, 2023, to January 31, 2024, only individuals who currently hold a COVID-19 Pandemic event visa are eligible to apply for a new COVID-19 Pandemic event visa.

Please note that starting from February 1, 2024, the COVID-19 Pandemic event visa program will no longer accept applications.

If you submit your application on or after September 2, 2023:

  • You will be required to pay a Visa Application Charge (VAC). Additional charges apply for each family member applying for the visa with you.
  • If your application is approved, your visa will permit a stay in Australia for a maximum of six months.

For those who applied before September 2, 2023, if your application is approved, your visa will allow a stay in Australia for up to 12 months (or up to 2 years for TGV holders). 📅🇦🇺

September 5, 2023
September 5, 2023

Country Profile – Vietnam

Population
As of June 2021, Australia was home to 268,170 individuals of Vietnamese origin, marking a notable increase of 29.2 percent from the 207,620 recorded in June 2011. The Vietnamese-born community stands as the sixth-largest migrant group in Australia, representing 3.6 percent of the overseas-born population and 1.0 percent of the total Australian population.

Key Characteristics of Vietnamese-born Migrants in Australia:

  • Median age: 48.4 years, which is 10.1 years higher than that of the general population.
  • Gender distribution: Females constitute 56.3 percent, while males make up 43.7 percent of this group. [Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Australia’s Population by Country of Birth]

Permanent Migration
Australia’s Permanent Migration Program encompasses both economic and family migration, serving as the primary pathway to obtain permanent residency. It comprises three main categories:

Skill Stream Visas
The Skill stream is tailored for individuals possessing the skills, qualifications, and entrepreneurial aptitude most in demand within the Australian economy. This stream encompasses seven components:

  1. Business Innovation and Investment
  2. Distinguished Talent
  3. Employer Sponsored
  4. Global Talent (Independent)
  5. Regional
  6. Skilled Independent
  7. State/Territory Nominated

Family and Child Stream Visas
The Family stream facilitates the permanent migration of close family members, including partners and parents, of Australian citizens, permanent residents, and eligible New Zealand citizens. Moreover, it provides avenues for additional family members, such as aged dependent relatives, carers, remaining relatives, and orphan relatives, to unite with their families in Australia.

Child visas enable the permanent migration of children born to Australian citizens, permanent residents, and eligible New Zealand citizens. The Child visa includes two categories: Child and Adoption visas.

Special Eligibility Visas
Special Eligibility visas grant former residents and specific individuals who have served in the Australian Defence Force the opportunity to establish permanent residency in Australia.

The subsequent table presents the scale of permanent migration from Vietnam categorized by the respective migration streams.

Migration category2018–192019–202020–212021–22
Business Innovation and Investment4783681,1441,339
Employer Sponsored736569410821
Skilled Regional 111n/an/an/a
Skilled Independent4251568227
State/Territory Nominated538702433612
Regional 2n/a669343481
Global Talent (Independent) 3n/a107325247
Partner2,6972,2454,7492,421
All other categories647582634544
Total places granted5,5325,3988,1206,492

Source: Department of Home Affairs

1 The Skilled Regional category closed to new applications from 1 July 2019.

2 The Regional migration category commenced 1 July 2019.

3​ Global Talent (Independent) category commenced 4 November 2019.

Temporary Migration to Australia

Australia welcomes individuals from around the world for temporary stays, catering to various purposes. These temporary visits can encompass leisure, business, education, employment, specialized activities, and more, often extending beyond three months. There are six primary categories of temporary residents, though not all categories apply to migrants from every country.

Visitor Visas
Visitor visas serve individuals primarily visiting Australia for holidays, tourism, recreational activities, or to reunite with family and friends. They may also be used for certain short-term business endeavors that do not involve employment in Australia.

Working Holiday Maker Program
The Working Holiday Maker Program offers young adults the opportunity to embark on an extended holiday experience in Australia while engaging in short-term work and study activities.

Student Visa
The Student visa program facilitates international students’ arrival in Australia to pursue full-time studies in registered courses.

Temporary Resident (Skilled Employment) Visa
This visa category enables businesses to sponsor skilled overseas workers when they cannot find suitably skilled Australian citizens or permanent residents to fill specific skilled positions.

Other Temporary Visas
Other temporary visas encompass a diverse range of categories, allowing individuals to undertake short-term, specialized work, contribute to social and cultural development, strengthen international relations, or participate in training programs beneficial to Australia.

New Zealand Citizens
Under the 1973 Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement, New Zealand citizens have the privilege of freely entering and departing Australia. They can also establish indefinite residency in Australia upon the granting of a Special Category visa (subclass 444).

The following table provides data on the number of visa grants issued to migrants from Vietnam, covering Visitor, Student, Temporary Resident (Skilled Employment), and Working Holiday Maker visas.

Temporary visa category2018–192019–202020–212021–22
Visitor72,85256,0016,12425,167
Student11,98810,7066,7769,243
Temporary Resident (Skilled Employment)1,4017064651,076
Working Holiday Maker3439223811,945
Other temporary visa grants 13,4942,9522,5562,822
Total temporary visa grants90,07871,28716,30240,253

Source: Department of Home Affairs

1Excludes Transit visa (subclass 771), Border visa (subclass 773) and Maritime Crew visa (subclass 988).

Main Occupations
The following table shows the main occupations for nationals of Vietnam, based on Skill stream migration outcomes and Temporary Resident (Skilled Employment) visa grants.

Period Temporary Resident  (Skilled Employment) visasNo. of migrantsSkill stream migrationNo. of migrants
2021–22
 Accountants​62​Accountants190
 Chefs​54Registered nurses​87
 Software and applications programmers​51Software and applications programmers​79
 Bakers and pastrycooks​42Chefs​51
 Cooks​33Cafe and restaurant managers​36
 Auditors, company secretaries and corporate treasurers​12Civil engineering professionals​31
 ICT​ business and systems analysts9Cooks​27
 Management and organisation analysts​8Early childhood (pre-primary school) teachers​25
 Mechanical engineering draftspersons and technicians​8Social workers​21
 Cafe and restaurant managers​7Chemical and materials engineers​19
2020–21
 Bakers and pastrycooks36Accountants110
 Software and applications programmers24Software and applications programmers70
 Cooks23Registered nurses49
 Accountants19Civil engineering professionals28
 Chefs18Bakers and pastrycooks21
 Other personal service workers11Medical laboratory scientists20
 Cafe and restaurant managers10ICT business and systems analysts20
 Advertising and marketing professionals5Chefs20
 ICT business and systems analysts5Cafe and restaurant managers13
 Actuaries, mathematicians and statisticians< 5University lecturers and tutors13
2019–20
 Software and applications programmers35Accountants172
 Bakers and pastrycooks30Registered nurses86
 Cooks24Software and applications programmers56
 University lecturers and tutors14Cooks49
 Cafe and restaurant managers13Cafe and restaurant managers44
 Chefs13Bakers and pastrycooks41
 Accountants11Civil engineering professionals27
 Ministers of religion9Chefs25
 Other personal service workers9University lecturers and tutors22
 Management and organisation analysts8Agricultural and forestry scientists21
2018–19
 Accountants43Accountants160
 Chefs34Software and applications programmers76
 Software and applications programmers32Registered nurses43
 Cooks29Cooks38
 Bakers and pastrycooks21Cafe and restaurant managers30
 University lecturers and tutors19Civil engineering professionals26
 Ministers of religion11Chefs18
 Auditors, company secretaries and corporate treasurers9Auditors, company secretaries and corporate treasurers17
 Cafe and restaurant managers8University lecturers and tutors16
 Structural steel and welding trades workers8Bakers and pastrycooks16​

Source: Department of Home Affairs

Note: To protect the privacy of individuals, various data confidentiality techniques have been applied. These techniques include:

  • data masking — using primary and secondary suppression methods for values that are deemed to be a disclosure risk
  • perturbation — a data security technique that allows for random data adjustment to prevent the release of identifiable data.

Note: Occupation level information is available for primary applicants only, and is based on Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations unit level data.​

Geographic Distribution
The following table shows the geographic distribution of migrants, based on permanent additions for the Skill and Family streams, international student visa grants, and Temporary Resident (Skilled Employment) visa grants.

PopulationNSWVic.QldSAWATas.NTACT
Census 2021 (%)
Of all persons322620710212
Of Vietnamese-born3836977112
Permanent additions – 2021–22 (%)
Skill stream283212136523
Family and Child stream4137856011
Temporary visa grants – 2021–22 (%)
International student visa grants293810145212
Temporary Resident (Skilled Employment) visa (primary) grants35381048031

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics and Department of Home Affairs

​​Note: Permanent additions consist of two components; those persons who, while already in Australia on a temporary basis, are granted permanent residence status or those persons who have subsequently arrived from overseas during the reporting period and are entitled to stay permanently in Australia.

Country Ranking
This table uses rankings to show the significance of Vietnamese migration for the past four financial years.

Ranked position of migrants2018–192019–202020–212021–22
Population in Australia 16666
Regionaln/a998
Employer Sponsored1313146
Total Skill stream9987
Total Family and Child stream3455
International students6664
Temporary Resident (Skilled Employment) visa13171814
Visitors1616812

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics and Department of Home Affairs

1 Population level data is by country of birth and lags one year behind the financial year specified. Data based on the estimated residential population at 30 June; 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021.
​​​

Source: https://shorturl.at/kwY57

September 5, 2023
September 5, 2023

Country Overview – Pakistan

Population
As of June 2021, Australia was home to 95,980 individuals of Pakistani origin, a substantial increase from the 34,150 recorded in June 2011. This Pakistani-born community now ranks as the nineteenth largest migrant group in Australia, representing 1.3 percent of the overseas-born population and 0.4 percent of the total Australian population.

Notable Characteristics of Pakistani-born Migrants in Australia:

  • Median age: 32.9 years, which is 5.4 years younger than the general population.
  • Gender distribution: Males make up 59.4 percent, while females account for 40.6 percent of this group. [Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Australia’s Population by Country of Birth]

Permanent Migration
Australia’s Permanent Migration Program encompasses various pathways to achieve permanent residency, including economic and family migration. It also accommodates individuals on humanitarian grounds.

Skill Stream Visas
The Skill stream caters to individuals possessing skills, qualifications, and entrepreneurial abilities that are in high demand within the Australian economy. This stream comprises seven distinct components:

  1. Business Innovation and Investment
  2. Distinguished Talent
  3. Employer Sponsored
  4. Global Talent (Independent)
  5. Regional
  6. Skilled Independent
  7. State/Territory Nominated

Family and Child Stream Visas
The Family stream enables the permanent migration of close family members, including partners and parents, of Australian citizens, permanent residents, and eligible New Zealand citizens. Additionally, it offers opportunities for other family members such as aged dependent relatives, carers, remaining relatives, and orphan relatives to join their family in Australia.

Child visas facilitate the permanent migration of children of Australian citizens, permanent residents, and eligible New Zealand citizens, encompassing two categories: Child and Adoption visas.

Special Eligibility Visas
Special Eligibility visas grant permanent residency to former residents and specific individuals who have served in the Australian Defence Force.

The following table presents the size of permanent migration from Pakistan categorized by the respective migration streams.

Migration category2018–192020–202010–212021–22
Business Innovation and Investment434679103
Employer Sponsored489403326360
Skilled Regional 193n/an/an/a
Skilled Independent1,353451231117
State/Territory Nominated1,387674573688
Regional 2n/a1,2237621,358
Global Talent (Independent) 3n/a169276221
Partner1,2281,0441,809704
All other categories14612665183
Total places granted4,7394,1364,1213,734

Source: Department of Home Affairs

1 The Skilled Regional category closed to new applications from 1 July 2019.

2 The Regional migration category commenced 1 July 2019.

3 Global Talent (Independent) category commenced 4 November 2019.

Temporary Migration in Australia
Temporary migration to Australia serves various purposes, accommodating individuals who wish to stay in the country temporarily. These purposes range from tourism and business visits to specialized activities such as medical treatment, education, skilled work, and working holidays. Temporary stays can extend beyond three months, and there are six primary categories of temporary residents, with the applicability of these categories varying for migrants from different countries.

Visitor Visas
Visitor visas are predominantly utilized by individuals visiting Australia for leisure, tourism, recreational purposes, or to reunite with family and friends. They can also be employed for specific short-term business activities that do not involve working within Australia.

Working Holiday Maker Program
The Working Holiday Maker Program offers young adults the opportunity for an extended holiday experience in Australia, coupled with short-term work and study engagements.

Student Visa
The Student visa program enables international students to pursue full-time studies in registered courses within Australia.
Temporary Resident (Skilled Employment) Visa
This visa type permits businesses to sponsor skilled overseas workers if they are unable to find a suitably skilled Australian citizen or permanent resident to fill a particular skilled position.

Other Temporary Visas
Other temporary visas encompass a wide array of categories, catering to individuals who wish to undertake short-term, specialized work, contribute to social and cultural development, strengthen international relations, or participate in training programs beneficial to Australia.

New Zealand Citizens
Under the 1973 Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement, New Zealand citizens enjoy the privilege of freely entering and leaving Australia. They can also reside in Australia indefinitely upon the grant of a Special Category visa (subclass 444).
The subsequent table illustrates the number of visa grants issued to migrants from Pakistan for Visitor, Student, and Temporary Resident (Skilled Employment) visas.

Temporary visa category2018–192019–202020–212021–22
Visitor13,43310,679​9656,239
Student7,3227,6536,3865,164
Temporary Resident (Skilled Employment)689433317666​
Other temporary visa grants 13,6254,0352,0592,640
Total temporary visa grants25,06922,8009,72714,709

Source: Department of Home Affairs​

1​ Excludes Transit visa (subclass 771), Border visa (subclass 773) and Maritime Crew visa (subclass 988).

Main occupations
The following table shows the main occupations for nationals of Pakistan, based on Skill stream migration outcomes and Temporary Resident (Skilled Employment) visa grants.

2021–22
 Auditors, company secretaries and corporate treasurers54Accountants382
 Accountants​45Electrical engineers107
 Software and applications programmers​37Software and applications programmers​​​92
 General practitioners and resident medical officers ​27Industrial, mechanical and production engineers87
 ICT business and systems analysts​16Other engineering professionals72
 Electrical engineers​10Civil engineering professionals70
 Chefs10Computer network professionals46
 Other engineering professionals​9Chefs​41
 Civil engineering professionals​8ICT business and systems analysts​40
 Motor mechanics​​8Auditors, company secretaries and corporate treasurers36
2020–21
 Software and applications programmers21Accountants201
 General practitioners and resident medical officers14Software and applications programmers94
 Accountants8Electrical engineers61
 Industrial, mechanical and production engineers6Industrial, mechanical and production engineers54
 Other medical practitioners6Other engineering professionals47
 ICT business and systems analysts6Civil engineering professionals46
 Chefs6Computer network professionals33
 Auditors, company secretaries and corporate treasurers5ICT business and systems analysts32
 Computer network professionals5Database and systems administrators, and ICT security specialists27
 Cooks5Chemical and materials engineers21
2019–20
 General practitioners and resident medical officers28Accountants336
 Accountants10Software and applications programmers82
 Software and applications programmers10Other engineering professionals51
 ICT business and systems analysts7Electrical engineers48
 Cooks7Civil engineering professionals40
 Auditors, company secretaries and corporate treasurers6ICT business and systems analysts40
 University lecturers and tutors5Industrial, mechanical and production engineers38
 Computer network professionals5Computer network professionals38
 Electrical engineers< 5Motor mechanics34
 Industrial, mechanical and production engineers< 5Auditors, company secretaries and corporate treasurers27
2018–19
 General practitioners and resident medical officers31Accountants226
 Accountants24Software and applications programmers122
 Auditors, company secretaries and corporate treasurers22Electrical engineers105
 Cooks15Telecommunications engineering professionals99
 ICT business and systems analysts13Industrial, mechanical and production engineers86
 Software and applications programmers12Computer network professionals70
 Motor mechanics10Other engineering professionals50
 Chefs9Civil engineering professionals49
 Computer network professionals8Database and systems administrators, and ICT security specialists48
 University lecturers and tutors7ICT business and systems analysts44​​​

Source: Department of Home Affairs

Note: To protect the privacy of individuals, various data confidentiality techniques have been applied. These techniques include:

  • ​data masking — using primary and secondary suppression methods for values that are deemed to be a disclosure risk​
  • perturbation — a data security technique that allows for random data adjustment to prevent the release of identifiable data.

Note: Occupation level information is available for primary applicants only, and is based on Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations unit level data.

Geographic distribution
The following table shows the geographic distribution of migrants, based on permanent additions for the Skill and Family streams, international student visa grants, and Temporary Resident (Skilled Employment) visa grants.

PopulationNSWVic.QldSAWATas.NTACT
Census 2021 (%)
Of all persons322620710212
Of Pakistani-born3835768213
Permanent additions – 2021–22 (%)
Skill stream3120​59101646
Family and Child stream3640767012
Temporary visa grants – 2021–22 (%)
International student visa grants372713710114
Temporary Resident (Skilled Employment) visa (primary) grants4336639111

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics and Department of Home Affairs

​Note: Permanent additions consist of two components; those persons who, while already in Australia on a temporary basis, are granted permanent residence status or those persons who have subsequently arrived from overseas during the reporting period and are entitled to stay permanently in Australia.

Country ranking
This table uses rankings to show the significance of Pakistani migration for the past four financial years.

Ranked position of migrants2018–192019–202020–212021–22
Population in Australia 121191819
Regionaln/a554
Employer Sponsored16161515
Total Skill stream88119
Total Family and Child stream99914
International students1511813
Temporary Resident (Skilled Employment) visa21222419
Visitors383723​28

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics and Department of Home Affairs

Population level data is by country of birth and lags one year behind the financial year specified. Data based on the estimated residential population at 30 June; 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021.

Source: https://shorturl.at/CDRV1

September 4, 2023
September 4, 2023

To obtain an Australian police check for immigration purposes, it’s crucial to follow the correct process to ensure that you receive an official police clearance accepted by immigration authorities. Here are the steps to apply for an Australian Federal National Police Check:

  1. Determine the Need: Before applying, ensure you know which visa category requires a police check. Common visas that may require a police check include Graduate Visas (485), Employer Sponsored Visas, Partner Visas, and Skilled Visas.
  2. Avoid Generic Searches: Avoid searching “Australian police check” online and choosing the first option you see. It’s important to apply for the specific police check required by immigration.
  3. Don’t Visit Local Police Stations: Local police stations only provide state-level police checks, which may not meet immigration requirements. You need a national police check.
  4. Cost: The cost for an Australian Federal National Police Check is currently $42.
  5. Online Application: Apply for the police clearance online using the official website provided by the Australian Federal Police (AFP). Here is the link: Australian Federal Police National Police Check Application
  6. Identity Verification: During the application process, you will need to provide 100 points of identification (ID). Ensure you have clear scans or copies of these documents ready. Common forms of ID include:
    • Passport
    • Bank card
    • Bank statement
    • Lease agreement
    • Birth certificate
  7. Complete the Application: Follow the instructions on the AFP’s website to complete the application form. Provide accurate information and attach the necessary ID documents as specified.
  8. Payment: Pay the required fee of $42 as part of the online application process. Ensure you use a secure payment method.
  9. Processing Time: Wait for the processing of your police check. Processing times can vary, so check the AFP website for estimated processing times.
  10. Receive the Police Clearance: Once your police check is processed, you will receive the clearance certificate. Keep this document as it may be required for your visa application.

Remember to check the specific immigration requirements for your visa category and ensure you apply for the correct type of police check. Following the official process outlined by the Australian Federal Police will help ensure that you receive an accepted and valid police clearance for immigration purposes.

August 31, 2023
August 31, 2023

The Albanese Labor Government will close the Pandemic Event visa from February 2024, providing certainty as its necessity wanes. The visa is limited to existing holders from 2 September 2023, promoting integrity. This action, alongside other measures, supports Australia’s post-pandemic recovery and migration system improvement, addressing backlog and delays.

August 31, 2023

A new study by EnglishUSA and BONARD based on a survey of 289 English language programme providers (ELPs) provides a comprehensive look at the state of the English-language training sector in the US.

The US is now the third-largest destination for English-language study, in terms of numbers of students hosted, after Australia and the UK. As we see in the chart below, the total volume of ELP student weeks in the US was comparable to that of the UK and Canada, but still lagging behind the global leader, Australia. The reports adds, “According to the global data for 2022, it is evident that the majority of destinations saw a consistent resumption of student mobility. The global ELP sector recovered 65-70% of its 2019 levels.”

ELP student weeks by destination, 2018–2022. Source: EnglishUSA/BONARD

ELP student weeks by destination, 2018–2022. Source: EnglishUSA/BONARD

The 2022 Annual Report on English Language Programs in the USA is the first of its kind and is intended to be a benchmark against which future iterations of the survey can be compared. It will complement the data collected by other established sources, such as IIE’s Open Doors surveys and SEVIS by the Numbers reports, by drilling down into enrolment details such as age groups, student sources, course types, visa types, and more.

There was robust participation in the EnglishUSA/BONARD study among US ELPs that have been clamouring for more specific data with which to understand their audience and refine their recruitment strategies. Most respondents (61%) were EnglishUSA members. Overall, EnglishUSA says there were 750 active ELPs operating in the country at the time of the survey.

Cheryl Delk-Le Good, EnglishUSA’s executive director, says that a steady recovery of ELP enrolments is underway, but that the pace of recovery is not consistent across the country – and is constrained to some degree by a high rate of visa refusals for English-language students applying to the US relative to those applying to other types of programmes.

The survey also highlights the huge contribution of the ELP sector to the US economy: an estimated US$1 billion, of which US$800 million is accounted for by the business of the 289 survey participants. On average, students spend US$1,060 per week on tuition and other expenditures and US$10,695 for their entire stay in the US.

The findings

The 289 responding programmes enrolled 70,580 students in 2022. Those students collectively studied for over 714,000 student weeks, with an average stay of 10.1 weeks. Most students in US ELPs are adults (84%), with the junior segment responsible for just 16% of enrolments. This is not surprising given the distance that students from the top three markets – Japan, France, and China – are travelling to attend US ELPs. The top five sending markets for 2022 are as follows:

  1. Japan (8,695 students)
  2. France (6,070 students)
  3. China (4,885 students)
  4. Colombia (4,020 students)
  5. Brazil (3,885 students)

Students are much more likely to book their programmes directly with an ELP (45%) than any other way, though agents send a significant proportion of students as well (25%). Fewer are likely to enrol on the basis of word of mouth (12%) or institutional agreements (10%).

Ms Delk-Le Good considers the agent channel to be “still underused and misunderstood in the US” and says “EnglishUSA is working on changing this perspective [to encourage] working with all types of partners.”

Visa issues persist

While visa processing times are improving and visa approvals are up over 2019, Ms Delk-Le Good said what “cannot be ignored is the high rate of denials to applicants applying for an English language programme.”

Most ELP students chose the F-1 visa route (62%). The next largest group was those who for various reasons did not need a visa (25%). Only 6% used the B-1 route.

Student visa denials were far and away the most cited challenge by survey respondents (67%), followed by “the lingering effects of COVID-19” (50%), and visa processing times (also 50%).

Ms Delk-Le Good echoed respondents’ frustration about high visa rejection rates, noting the role that the ELP sector plays in the overall international education industry in the US. The health of the sector – in the US and elsewhere – has a direct bearing on college and university enrolments given that it is often the first type of programme international students enrol in before going on to study at other levels. In a follow-up comment to ICEF Monitor, Ms Delk-Le Good added:

“Since the time of the data collection period, visa processing times have improved overall and members have not reported long visa appointment wait times for their students. Although there are still anecdotes of lower priority being given for English language students when requesting an expedited visa appointment.

[In addition,] members continue to report F-1 visa denials for bona fide students with strong credentials and there are still some countries for which our members report having higher numbers of denials than what should be considered typical.

EnglishUSA will continue to advocate to the Department of State Consular Affairs officers that attendance at English language programmes is not in itself a reason for refusing a student visa application. F-1-approved schools should be treated as equal.

The economic impact of our sector may appear small within international education as a whole, but our government leaders need to acknowledge that English language programmes are all accredited and meet the requirements for F-1 visa approval. Schools in turn follow the SEVP procedures and vet candidates to the best of their ability before issuing the F-1. There is no reason these students should be treated as any less serious about their studies or that these schools should be treated as any less rigorous.”

Source: Icef Monitor

See more: https://monitor.icef.com/2023/08/steady-recovery-underway-for-us-english-language-training-sector-but-visa-issues-persist/

Contact us for a detailed consultation.

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