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Japan, Malaysia, Taiwan, and South Korea have all set ambitious new international enrolment targets. These are:
- Japan: 400,000 by 2033
- Malaysia: 250,000 by 2025
- Taiwan: 320,000 by 2030
- South Korea: 300,000 by 2027
To date, this is the progress the four destinations have made:
- Japan: 279,275 international enrolments as of May 2023 (+21% over 2022).
- Malaysia: Between 115,000 and 170,000 enrolments currently (estimates vary). Malaysia tends to report application volumes publicly rather than enrolment volumes. Looking at this measure, Malaysian institutions received 58,285 applications in 2023, a 14% increase over 2022 following a 28% increase the previous year. Asia contributed the most growth – especially East Asia (+22% over 2022).
- Taiwan: 116,040 in 2023, representing a 90% recovery from foreign enrolment losses in the pandemic. Just over 6 in 10 (61%) of Taiwan’s international students are from “New Southbound Policy” (NSP) countries: Brunei Darussalam, Burma, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, Australia, and New Zealand.
- South Korea: 205,170 as of March 2023 (+23% over 2022).
South Korea is thus approaching the volume of Japan’s current foreign enrolment as it adheres to a strategy known as the Study Korea 300K Project. That strategy aims to position South Korea as one of the world’s top 10 study abroad destinations by 2027.
The following table shows top markets for each of the four Asian destinations. It also demonstrates the large number of Vietnamese students opting to study in Asia as opposed to the West. For example, South Korea enrols more Vietnamese students than do Canada (17,175) and the US (21,900) combined.
Immigration New Zealand has expanded the eligibility for work visas for partners of some foreign students in the country.
Accompanying dependants can now apply for a Partner of Student Work Visa with open work rights if their partner is studying in “a specified level 7 or 8 bachelor’s or bachelor’s (honours) degree that will lead directly to professional registration required for a Green List role.”
Green List roles are occupations that have been classified as being in high demand by the New Zealand government. They include positions in health care, STEM fields, and others.
The new policy offers a significant benefit to accompanying children of Green List-enrolled students as well in that: “For partners who are now eligible, their dependent school-aged children can be treated as domestic students. The children can apply for a Dependent Child Student Visa so they will not have to pay tuition fees to go to school. This currently applies to anyone with a Partner of a Student Work Visa.”
The news follows the recent announcement of New Zealand’s full-year enrolment figures for 2023. The country’s schools, universities, language institutes, and vocational institutions together hosted 69,135 international students last year, a 67% increase in total foreign enrolment over 2022.
This represents 60% of the international student base in 2019, when over 115,000 international students were enrolled.
For additional background, please see:
- “New Zealand hosted over 69,000 international students in 2023“
- “New Zealand: Foreign enrolments climbed steadily through 2023 but full recovery will take years“
- “New Zealand moves to active footing for student recruitment with new national strategy“
Source: https://monitor.icef.com/2024/07/new-zealand-expands-work-rights-for-accompanying-dependants-of-foreign-students/
Quality of education at Aotearoa New Zealand’s educational institutions is reflected in the latest survey by the Brazilian Educational and Language Travel Association (Belta), presented in May. The survey was conducted between March and April 2024 with students and international education agents from all regions of Brazil.
ENZ’s Bruna de Natale (center) with Belta leadership shows the latest issue of Belta’s annual magazine which features Aotearoa New Zealand. Photo: Belta.
According to the latest survey by Belta (Brazilian Educational & Language Travel Association), New Zealand ranks seventh on the list of preferred educational destinations for Brazilian students. The survey interviews 836 students and 569 international education agents along with companies who work in the international education sector in Brazil.
Respondents who chose New Zealand said their choice was based on New Zealand’s excellent positions in various international rankings for quality of life, education, civil rights protection, government transparency, and women’s safety/rights. Other factors are being able to study and work during the study programme, and New Zealand’s natural beauty and cultural attractions.
International education professionals attended the Belta survey launch event. Photo credit: Belta
According to the survey, the main objective of students participating in a study abroad program is to fulfil the dream of experiencing different countries and cultures (39.6%); the second is the interest in language studies (27.2%).
The majority (77%) of those who said they went abroad to learn a new language chose English when travelling. The quality of education is another reason cited by respondents who chose New Zealand. All universities in New Zealand are ranked among the top 2% in the world by major international indices, such as QS World Universities and THE – Times Higher Education.
Bruna de Natale, Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) Market Development Manager in Brazil, said, “The Belta survey is the most important source of consistently updated international education data in Brazil. It is very encouraging that Brazilians continue to perceive New Zealand as a safe, trusted and quality education to develop their academic and professional goals.,”.
The data from the Belta Survey 2024 reinforces the international Better Life Index, which measures variables that constitute the quality of life in countries of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). In this survey, New Zealand is ranked as one of the best countries in the world to live in.
Source: https://www.enz.govt.nz/news-and-research/ed-news/nz-among-top-10-preferred-educational-destination-for-brazilian-students?utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_EMupYX9X8QPSAIR-MG61b1SNzh-RT9xSArZllLGYged_xaV33_seMhTvzb-biY-Sdq8TJxRoMiFW_8crPHDlCTcy8BA&_hsmi=316271345&utm_content=316271345&utm_source=hs_email
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has proposed several regulatory changes to the international student sector, announced on June 20 for a 30-day review and comment period. These changes include enhanced compliance reporting for Canadian institutions and schools, new powers for IRCC, and modifications to student work limits.
The proposed regulations will:
- Grant IRCC the authority to suspend study permit processing for non-compliant institutions.
- Require students to apply for a new study permit when transferring to a different institution.
- Increase the limit on off-campus work during study from 20 hours per week to 24 hours per week.
The most significant change is the new compliance reporting and suspension authority given to IRCC. This move intersects with the federal-provincial jurisdiction divide in Canada. The draft regulations state:
“The administration of the International Student Programme (ISP) is a shared responsibility between IRCC and Provinces and Territories (PTs). IRCC sets policies for international student entry, establishes study permit conditions, and decides on study permit issuance.”
“For Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) to host international students, they must be designated by the province or territory based on agreed standards with IRCC. PTs set their own standards for DLIs, inform IRCC about institutions to be added or removed from the public DLI list, which lists institutions allowed to receive students in their jurisdiction.”
The proposed regulations would allow IRCC to have a greater role in overseeing and sanctioning DLIs. IRCC justifies this change as a way to maintain industry integrity and address several issues:
- Currently, the federal government cannot compel DLIs to report as part of the compliance program and letter of acceptance verification system. Without reporting, IRCC cannot reliably determine if a student is attending the DLI and complying with study permit requirements or detect fraudulent letters of acceptance.
- IRCC cannot impose conditions on non-compliant DLIs, such as suspending study permit processing. This means IRCC must issue study permits to students attending non-reporting DLIs.
- IRCC cannot compel international students to notify the department if they change DLIs. This lack of notification can lead to issues in confirming student attendance and compliance with study permits, and potentially circumvent study permit caps.
The new regulations will require post-secondary DLIs to submit mandatory reports. IRCC will also be empowered to suspend study permit processing for non-compliant DLIs for up to 12 consecutive months.
“The regulatory amendments would allow IRCC to effectively respond to integrity challenges and address unethical behaviors that undermine the program,” states IRCC. The enhanced letter of acceptance verification system will enable IRCC to verify each letter before processing study permit applications. Codifying biannual compliance reports will help close existing compliance gaps. Requiring international students to obtain new study permits when transferring DLIs will allow IRCC to better track student compliance and identify changes in DLIs.
These proposed changes come after significant policy shifts in Canada, including a cap on foreign enrolment and changes to post-study work rights. The country has seen substantial growth in international student numbers, with over a million foreign students in Canada by the end of 2023, a nearly two-thirds increase in five years.
Source: https://monitor.icef.com/2024/07/canadas-immigration-ministry-proposes-new-compliance-regime-for-institutions-and-schools/
Migration Program planning levels
On 14 May 2024, the Australian Government announced that the planning levels for the 2024–25 permanent Migration Program will be set at 185,000 places.
This Migration Program aims to address skills shortages in priority sectors and prioritize visa processing for regional Australia, while also building a domestic pipeline of highly skilled workers.
Recognizing the significant contributions of all migrants to social cohesion, the 2024–25 Migration Program focuses on strengthening family and community bonds in Australia.
A well-targeted, skills-focused Migration Program supplements the working-age population, boosting participation rates and expanding the labour force.
The 2024–25 permanent Migration Program consists of the following components:
- Skill stream (132,200 places, approximately 71% of the program) – Designed to enhance the productive capacity of the economy and address skill shortages in the labour market, particularly in regional Australia.
- Family stream (52,500 places, approximately 28% of the program) – Predominantly comprising Partner visas, this stream allows Australians to reunite with family members from overseas and provides pathways to citizenship. Within this stream:
- An estimated 40,500 Partner visas are planned for 2024–25, noting that this category is demand-driven.
- An estimated 3,000 Child visas are planned for 2024–25, also noting that this category is demand-driven.
- Special Eligibility stream (300 places) – This stream includes visas for individuals in special circumstances, such as permanent residents returning to Australia after a period overseas.
| Visa Stream | Visa Category | 2023–24 Planning levels | 2024–25 Planning levels |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skill | Employer Sponsored | 36,825 | 44,000 |
| Skilled Independent | 30,375 | 16,900 | |
| Regional | 32,300 | 33,000 | |
| State/Territory Nominated | 30,400 | 33,000 | |
| Business Innovation & Investment | 1,900 | 1,000 | |
| Global Talent (Independent) | 5,000 | 4,000 | |
| Distinguished Talent | 300 | 300 | |
| Skill Total | 137,100 | 132,200 | |
| Family | Partner1 | 40,500 | 40,500 |
| Parent | 8,500 | 8,500 | |
| Child1 | 3,000 | 3,000 | |
| Other Family | 500 | 500 | |
| Family Total | 52,500 | 52,500 | |
| Special Eligibility | 400 | 300 | |
| Total Migration Program | 190,000 | 185,000 |
2024–25 permanent Migration Program planning levels
The 2024–25 permanent Migration Program has been set at a planning level of 185,000 with an approximate 70:30 split between the Skill and Family streams.
Employer Sponsored visa category
The Government has increased the planning level for Employer Sponsored from 36,825 visas in 2023–24 to 44,000 visas for the 2024–25 permanent Migration Program.
This planning level builds on the expanded pathway to permanent residence introduced by the Government from November 2023. It will allow a greater proportion of temporary migrants to secure permanent residence in a timely manner through the Temporary Residence Transition Stream.
State/Territory Nominated visa category
The Government has increased the planning level for the State/Territory Nominated category to 33,000 visas, and the planning level for the Regional category to 33,000 visas for the 2024–25 Migration Program.
Together these categories, which both contain visas nominated by state and territory governments, account for 36 per cent of the overall planning level and 50 per cent of the Skill stream.
Increasing the planning levels for the State and Territory Nominated and Regional categories will allow jurisdictions to attract skilled migrants to meet their specific economic and labour force challenges. Increases to the Regional category planning level will also support key commitments in the Migration Strategy to support regional Australia, in addition to priority visa processing.
Skilled Independent visa category
In the 2024–25 Migration Program, the Government has allocated 16,900 places for Skilled Independent visas. This is a decrease compared to the 2023–24 program allocation of 30,375 places, but still well above the COVID-era planning levels of 7,500 and 6,500 places in 2020–21 and 2021–22 respectively.
Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP) visa category
The Government has reduced the planning level for the BIIP from 1,900 visas in 2023–24 to 1,000 visas for the 2024–25 permanent Migration Program.
As part of the Migration Strategy, the Government announced that it would not provide any new allocations for the BIIP while a new talent and innovation visa was considered. This new visa – to be called the National Innovation visa – will be available at the end of 2024.
The BIIP will be closed permanently from July 2024 and new applications for the Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) (subclass 188) visa will no longer be able to be lodged. The Migration Review concluded that the BIIP is delivering poor economic outcomes for Australia. This has been supported by other studies, including work undertaken by the Treasury, Productivity Commission and the Grattan Institute.
Subclass 188 BIIP visa applications that have been lodged will continue to be processed in line with Government priorities and the Migration Program planning levels. BIIP policy guidance will be tightened to ensure that all business migrants coming to Australia through this program have overall had a successful business career and will bring an economic benefit to Australia.
Those who hold a subclass 188 visa and meet the relevant criteria for the grant of the Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) (subclass 888) visa will still be able to continue on this pathway after July 2024.
Reducing the planning level for BIIP will ensure the 2024–25 permanent Migration Program is focussed on highly-skilled individuals who will help to support a stronger, more robust, economy.
Global Talent visa category
The Government has slightly reduced the planning level for the Global Talent Visa Program to 4,000 visas for the 2024–25 Migration Program.
This planning level aligns with the Government’s broader reforms around talent and innovation, and accounts for the last year of the Global Talent visa program as it transitions to new arrangements using the forthcoming National Innovation visa. Through the new visa, the Government will provide a permanent visa pathway for the most exceptional talented migrants – such as high performing entrepreneurs, major investors and global researchers. National Innovation visas granted in 2024-25 will be counted within the Global Talent visa Program.
Home Affairs will manage the transition to the new National Innovation visa to ensure applicants, including existing applicants of the Global Talent visa, are supported in the application process. Existing Global Talent visa applicants will not be adversely affected by the transition. Visa applicants will be assessed against the eligibility criteria at the time of their application.
Family stream
The Government has maintained the size of the family stream. Family migration is an important element of Australia’s migration system. It allows Australian citizens and permanent residents to reunite with their family members and contribute to stronger social cohesion outcomes. The Australian Government recognises that immigrant parents can make valuable social contributions to their families and local communities.
The Partner visa category is the largest component within the family stream. From 2022–23, the Partner program moved to a demand driven model which:
- recognises the social, economic and demographic benefits of family reunification and the Partner visa program in particular
- provides the flexibility to adjust the program in line with expected demand and help to reduce the Partner visa pipeline and processing times for many applicants.
The Parent visa program has been maintained at 8,500 places while the Other Family (including Aged Dependent Relative, Remaining Relative and Carer programs) visa category has been maintained at 500 places.
The Child visa program allows Australian residents to sponsor their dependent or adopted child or an orphaned relative. The Child program is demand-driven and remains set at 3,000 places for planning purposes only. The Australian Government prioritises the reunification of a child with an Australian parent or family sponsor. This ensures we uphold our international obligations to consider the best interest of a child as a primary consideration.
2024–25 permanent Migration Program consultation
The size and composition of the Migration Program is set each year alongside the Australian Government’s Budget process.
To inform the planning levels and policy settings of the 2024–25 Migration Program, consultation occurred with:
- state and territory governments
- academia
- industry
- unions
- community organisations.
When planning the Migration Program, the Australian Government considers the following:
- Public submissions
- Economic and labour force forecasts
- International research
- Demand for permanent visa programs
- Net overseas migration
- Economic and fiscal modelling.
The Department invites public submissions as part of the planning process for future Migration Programs. Submissions to inform the 2024–25 Migration Program have now closed. For more information, see Australia’s 2024–25 Migration Program.
Source: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/what-we-do/migration-program-planning-levels
In 2023, the language training industry in Canada carried on recovering from the pandemic. According to a recent annual report from Languages Canada, which was created by industry research experts BONARD, enrollment in Canadian language courses, including English and French, was 112,564 last year, with 1,234,447 student weeks of instruction given.
That volume for 2023 is equivalent to 82% of pre-COVID student weeks and 75% of pre-pandemic student populations. Approximately 92% of those student weeks were devoted to learning the English language, with the remaining 4% being devoted to learning French. Of that total, just over 80% (83%) were provided by private providers, with state institutions running language programmes for the remaining 17%.
Students enrolled in English- and French-language training programmes in Canada, 2019–2023 (left); Student weeks delivered by English and French language training providers in Canada, 2019–2023 (right). Source: BONARD/Languages Canada
In 2023, in-person education accounted for about two thirds (63%) of all student weeks, with 30% of instruction being provided online (for both domestic and international students). The last six percentile of student weeks were delivered using a mixed methodology.
The bulk of students were enrolled in academic preparatory courses, pathway programmes, or general language study, as can be seen in the overview below.
Enrolments in language studies in Canada, by course type, for 2023. Source: BONARD/Languages Canada
Where do students come from?
In Canada, more than three out of every four language learners (76%) are from Asia or Latin America. Highlighting the top 10 sending markets for 2023 is the infographic that follows. In 2023, all of those top sending nations saw growth over the previous year, with the exception of Colombia, which saw a -6% fall.
Top ten sending markets for Canadian language-learning programmes, 2023. Source: BONARD/Languages Canada
Visa status and visa challenges
Numerous students who had a guest visa (designated as “eTA” or electronic travel authorization in the legend below) attended a Canadian language programme, according to the accompanying chart. However, a sizable portion also entered Canada via a study permit or temporary residency visa.
Student numbers by visa type, 2023. Source: BONARD/Languages Canada
The report adds that, “In 2023, the fastest-growing visa category was the Temporary Resident Visa (TRV). The number of students entering Canada through the TRV route increased from 8,559 in 2022 to 16,588 in 2023, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. This also caused a drop in the average course duration seen predominantly in the private sector. On the other hand, the number of students on study permits decreased from 17,191 in 2022 to 15,990 in 2023 due to issues with visa processing and refusals.”
As we have seen in other destinations this year, however, Canadian language schools report that visa issues prevented thousands more students from pursuing their studies in 2023. The report estimates that at least 2,671 students were not able to travel to Canada as planned due to processing delays for temporary resident visas, and that a further 4,479 students were not able to travel due to study permit delays.
This means that visa processing issues disrupted the travel plans for a minimum of 7,150 language students in 2023 – a number equivalent to 7% of the total enrolment for the year. Commenting in a foreword to the report, Languages Canada Executive Director Gonzalo Peralta said, “In 2019, Canada’s language programmes generated CDN$6.7 billion and 75,000 jobs, mostly derived from export revenues. In 2023, that figure decreased to CDN$5.5 billion and 62,000 jobs. This drop was not due to lack of opportunity, promotional efforts, or support from some areas of government, but was primarily due to immigration policy.”
Source: https://monitor.icef.com/2024/07/canadas-language-training-sector-reached-82-of-pre-pandemic-benchmark-in-2023/
New Zealand hosted over 69,000 international students in 2023
Short on time? Here are the highlights:
- New Zealand’s foreign enrolment reached over 69,000 in 2023, up 67% over 2022.
- China, India, Japan, South Korea, and Thailand are the top five source markets.
- In 2023, the number of international students in New Zealand represented 60% of the pre-pandemic number.
New Zealand’s schools, universities, language institutes, and vocational institutions together hosted 69,135 international students in 2023, a 67% increase in total foreign enrolment over 2022. This represents 60% of the international student base in 2019, when over 115,000 international students were enrolled.
During the pandemic, New Zealand’s borders were closed for longer than any of the other leading English-speaking destinations, fully re-opening only in the summer of 2022. This is part of the reason for the slower recovery of New Zealand’s international student numbers. Another factor is that New Zealand’s international education strategy prioritises balance over limitless growth. The goal is the development of a sustainable sector that brings economic, social, and cultural benefits to the whole country.
Dr. Linda Sissons, Acting Chief Executive of Education New Zealand, commented:
“Over 69,000 enrolments from international students all over the world is good news for our education sector and positive for our communities. It confirms that New Zealand is an attractive place to study, offering a quality learning experience inside and outside the classroom in a safe, welcoming environment. New Zealand is a small country and for many students, rubbing shoulders with people from other cultures gives them a greater understanding of the issues facing our complex world. In this time of fragile geopolitics, the melting pot of campus life can help build greater understanding and tolerance.”
The most growth occurred in the university and English-language sectors The university sector – the largest segment of New Zealand’s overall international education industry – has recovered the most fully of all the sectors, reaching 86% of pre-pandemic volumes for a total of 29,065 students (+21% over 2022). But the English-language sector expanded the most year-over-year, enrolling 9,569 students in 2023 versus only 1,565 in 2022 (+511%), and the schools sector also expanded significantly to 14,125 (+138%).
New Zealand’s Private Training Establishments (PTEs) and Te Pūkenga (New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology) enrolled 59% and 74% more international students in 2023 than 2022, respectively.
Top markets New Zealand education institutions remain heavily reliant on China (35%) and India (17%), which together make up more than half the total enrolment (52%). This reliance on the top two source markets is similar to Canada and the US (51% and 52%, respectively), but higher than what we see in Australia and the UK, where Chinese and Indian students make up 45% and 41%, respectively, of the total foreign enrolment.
After China and India, Japan is New Zealand’s third-largest source market (10%), South Korea is the fourth (5%), and Thailand is the fifth (4%). No other country composes more than 4% of the total foreign enrolment.
Speaking to the issue of diversification, Education New Zealand’s Dr. Sissons said:
“Enabling a thriving and globally connected New Zealand through world-class international education is a government priority. We are actively diversifying our recruitment efforts to reach international students in a broad range of countries.”
Source: https://monitor.icef.com/2024/07/new-zealand-hosted-over-69000-international-students-in-2023
Introduction
The Australian Government has introduced new amendments to the Migration Regulations 1994, impacting onshore student visa applications. The latest amendment, Migration (Specification of Categories of Visas that Preclude a Person from Lodging a Student Visa Application in Australia) Amendment Instrument (LIN 24/051) 2024, specifies additional categories of substantive temporary visas that prevent individuals from applying for a Student (Subclass 500) visa or a Student Guardian (Subclass 590) visa while in Australia. These changes take effect from July 1, 2024.
Overview of the Amendment
Under Item 1222(5)(c) of Schedule 1, LIN 24/051 amends the earlier IMMI 16/016 by adding six new visa subclasses to the list of those ineligible to apply for onshore student visas. This amendment aims to regulate the visa hopping phenomenon and ensure that the integrity of Australia’s visa system is maintained.
Impacted Visa Subclasses
The following six substantive temporary visa subclasses have been added to the list of those ineligible for onshore student visa applications:
- Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485)
- Electronic Travel Authority (Subclass 601)
- Medical Treatment (Subclass 602)
- eVisitor (Subclass 651)
- Maritime Crew (Subclass 988)
- Visitor (Subclass 600) – This includes the entire subclass, expanding the restriction from the previously specified Sponsored Family and Approved Destination Status streams.
Key Changes and Implications
- Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) Visa Holders: Individuals on a Temporary Graduate visa will no longer be able to transition directly to a student visa while in Australia. They must now leave the country to apply for a new student visa.
- Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) Holders: Previously, only the Sponsored Family and Approved Destination Status streams were restricted. Now, the entire subclass is included, meaning no visitor visa holders can apply for a student visa while in Australia.
Rationale Behind the Amendment
The amendments aim to curb the practice of visa hopping, where individuals exploit temporary visas to remain in Australia for extended periods by sequentially applying for different visas. This move is intended to strengthen the integrity of the Australian visa system and ensure that it serves its intended purpose.
Conclusion
The LIN 24/051 amendment introduces significant changes for those planning to apply for student visas while onshore in Australia. By including additional temporary visa subclasses in the list of those precluded from onshore applications, the Australian Government seeks to enhance the regulation of its visa system. Prospective students and guardians must now be more strategic in their visa planning and may need to make applications from outside Australia.
Key Dates
- Commencement Date: July 1, 2024
For further information, individuals are encouraged to consult the full text of the LIN 24/051 amendment and seek professional advice if needed.
This new amendment highlights the importance of understanding and adhering to visa regulations when planning to study in Australia. Ensuring compliance will help maintain the integrity of the Australian immigration system and provide a fair process for all applicants.
New Rule Effective Immediately
Effective immediately, international students in Canada are no longer permitted to apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) at a Canadian border crossing. This announcement was made by Canadian Immigration Minister Marc Miller on 21 June 2024.
Closing a Loophole
The new regulation aims to close a loophole where students have been bypassing processing times for PGWP applications filed within Canada by accessing same-day immigration services at border crossings. This practice, known as “flagpoling,” has been a common method for students to expedite their work permit applications.
Impact on Border Resources
According to a statement from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), flagpoling consumes significant resources at the border, diverting officers from their primary enforcement duties, causing delays for travelers, and slowing down the movement of goods. From 1 March 2023 to 29 February 2024, PGWP applicants accounted for about one-fifth of the foreign nationals attempting to flagpole.
Minister’s Statement
Minister Miller emphasized that while the contributions of international graduates to Canada’s labor market are valued, flagpoling is unnecessary. He stated, “The time and effort required to process applications from ‘flagpolers’ takes officers on both sides of the border away from their crucial role in protecting the safety, security, and prosperity of Canadians and Americans. This measure will help prevent this practice while maintaining the integrity of our immigration system.”
Study Permit Expiry and Work Permit Application
IRCC highlighted that in most cases, a study permit expires 90 days after the expected completion of an international student’s study program. Eligible students who apply online for a PGWP before their study permit expires can work full-time while waiting for approval on a work permit. They receive an automated letter to show employers, and the work permit is mailed directly to the student upon approval.
Reducing Same-Day Immigration Services
In conjunction with the ban on flagpoling for PGWP applicants, IRCC has reduced the availability of same-day immigration services at 12 ports of entry across Canada. This change aims to allow border services officers to efficiently process the large volume of travelers during peak periods and to focus on other key priorities, such as managing high-risk travelers and facilitating trade.
Enhancing the Online Application Process
To further support international graduates, IRCC is working to speed up processing times for PGWP applications filed within Canada. The online application process for foreign graduates is being simplified, and PGWP holders are allowed to start working for a new employer immediately, without waiting for a new PGWP application to be processed before making a job change.
Conclusion
The new rule banning PGWP applications at Canadian border crossings is designed to streamline immigration processes, reduce resource strain at borders, and maintain the integrity of Canada’s immigration system. International students are encouraged to apply online for their post-graduation work permits to ensure a smoother transition into the Canadian workforce.
If you intend to pursue your education in Australia, preparing for the student visa interview is crucial. The Australian Government has a rigorous selection process, and being ready for challenging questions can significantly increase your chances of success. In this guide, we outline frequently asked questions and provide advice on how to answer them effectively.
Purpose of Your Trip
What is the purpose of your trip to Australia?
Your answer should be concise and clear, outlining your intention to pursue a specific degree or study program in Australia.
Why did you choose Australia for education?
Explain your motivation for selecting Australia over other countries, highlighting factors such as world-class universities, a variety of courses, and promising career prospects after graduation.
Previous Visits and University Details
Have you been to Australia before?
Answer truthfully. If you have, mention the reason for your visit and the duration of your stay.
Which college or university are you going to in Australia?
Provide the name of the institution where you have been accepted. Make sure you pronounce the name correctly.
Where is your college or university located?
Demonstrate your awareness of your institution’s exact location and its surrounding area’s specialties.
Why did you choose college over university?
If you chose a college, explain why it was a better fit for your goals, such as offering a specific course you wanted.
Course and Career Plans
Can you briefly describe the university you’ve selected?
Highlight key features of the university and what attracted you to it.
Did you apply to any other colleges or universities?
Be honest about any other applications you made and the responses you received.
Why have you chosen this course?
Explain how the course aligns with your career goals and why it is essential for your future.
Do you intend to stay in Australia once your degree is over?
Justify your decision to return home after completing your course, demonstrating your commitment to your home country.
Tell me about your course.
Provide an overview of the course and its structure to show your interest and understanding.
What is the duration of your course?
State the correct duration, such as one or two years, depending on your course.
When does your course start and finish?
Be aware of the commencement and end dates of your course and answer honestly.
How much does the chosen course cost?
State the cost in Australian dollars (AUD) as shown on your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
How are you going to pay for the course?
Answer carefully, emphasizing that your financial support comes from reliable sources and not part-time work.
Is this course available in your home country?
Explain why studying in Australia is a better option than in your home country.
Do you plan to continue studying in Australia after your course ends?
Be honest about your future plans, whether you intend to continue studying or return home.
Do you have any plans to get PR in Australia after completing your course?
State that your intention is to return home after your studies, as the student visa does not provide a direct path to permanent residency.
Personal and Family Details
How many colleges did you receive acceptance to?
Answer truthfully about the number of acceptances you received.
What do you plan to do during your semester break?
Share your plans openly, such as spending time with family in your home country.
Do you have any plans to work in Australia?
Indicate that your primary focus is your studies and that you do not plan to work in Australia.
Where did you graduate from before applying for a student visa in Australia?
Provide the name of your previous institution and your academic credentials.
Why did you change your course of study?
If applicable, explain the reasons for changing your field of study sincerely and clearly.
How many siblings do you have?
Provide details about your siblings, their residence, and occupation.
What do you know about the work limitations of an Australian student visa?
Demonstrate your awareness of the work restrictions, such as the 40 hours per fortnight limit during the semester.
Who is funding your studies and accommodation in Australia?
Give a verifiable response, mentioning the person or entity funding your education and stay.
Tell me about your sponsor’s annual income and occupation.
Provide accurate details about your sponsor’s income and occupation, aligning with your supporting documents.
How many individuals depend on your sponsor for financial support?
Show that your sponsor can support you financially without any issues.
Language Proficiency and Personal Commitments
Why is your IELTS or TOEFL score so low?
Answer honestly, providing your original exam transcript and explaining any efforts to improve.
Why should a student visa be granted to you?
State the benefits of studying in Australia and how your enrollment will contribute to the university.
What if your visa application is rejected?
Express your determination to reapply, highlighting the importance of studying in Australia for your future.
Do you own any property in your home country?
List your possessions, such as vehicles, houses, or businesses, to demonstrate your ties to your home country.
Is your partner coming with you or not?
Answer honestly about whether your partner will accompany you to Australia.
How would you handle financial difficulties during your stay in Australia?
Assure the case officer that your sponsor can cover any financial difficulties.
Do you pay any income tax?
Confirm that you are a responsible tax-paying citizen if applicable.
What is your most recent qualification?
State your latest educational qualification, whether it’s a high school diploma or a degree.
Have there been any gaps in your studies?
Explain any gaps in your education honestly, providing valid reasons.
What are your plans after returning back to your country?
Highlight how the course will help you achieve your career goals upon returning home.
By thoroughly preparing for these questions, you can approach your Australian student visa interview with confidence and clarity.