australian update - EMK Global Australia

August 31, 2024

SkillSelect Invitation Round

By Shaleem Danish Australia, News

Invitation rounds outcomes

Overview

Invitation rounds will be run periodically during the program year for:

Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) – Family Sponsored.

In each round, invitation numbers may vary depending on the number of onhand applications.

State or territory government nominations for skilled visas will not be affected by the departmental invitation rounds.

For results of previous SkillSelect invitation rounds, see Previous rounds.

Occupation ceilings

Occupation ceilings do not apply to these visa subclasses:

Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) – State and Territory Nominated

Invitation process

The highest ranked EOI, by points score, will be invited to apply for their visa before an EOI with a lower points score.

For EOIs who have equal points scores, we will determine the time and date at which the EOI reached its score for that subclass. We call this a ‘tie break’ or the ‘date of effect’. The EOI with an earlier date of effect will be invited before EOIs with a later date of effect.

Current round

Invitations issued on 13 June 2024

The table below shows the number of EOIs invited, and the tie break month and year, for the SkillSelect invitation round on 13 June 2024.

Visa subclass	Total EOIs Invited	Tie break date – month and year
Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)	5,292	05/2024
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) – Family Sponsored	0	N/A

Invitations issued by occupation and minimum score invited

Occupation*	Subclass 189* Minimum scored
Accountant (General)	100
Actuary	95
Aeronautical Engineer	95
Agricultural Consultant	95
Agricultural Engineer	95
Agricultural Scientist	95
Airconditioning and Mechanical Services Plumber	65
Analyst Programmer	95
Architect	85
Audiologist	85
Biomedical Engineer	95
Biotechnologist	95
Bricklayer	65
Cabinetmaker	65
Carpenter	65
Carpenter and Joiner	65
Chef	95
Chemical Engineer	95
Chemist	95
Child Care Centre Manager	85
Chiropractor	85
Civil Engineer	90
Civil Engineering Draftsperson	85
Civil Engineering Technician	85
Clinical Psychologist	85
Computer Network and Systems Engineer	100
Construction Project Manager	85
Dancer or Choreographer	95
Developer Programmer	100
Diagnostic and Interventional Radiologist	85
Drainer	65
Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teacher	85
Economist	95
Electrical Engineer	90
Electrician (General)	65
Electrician (Special Class)	70
Electronics Engineer	95
Emergency Medicine Specialist	85
Endocrinologist	95
Engineering Manager	95
Engineering Professionals nec)	95
Engineering Technologist	95
Environmental Consultant	95
Environmental Engineer	95
Environmental Research Scientist	95
External Auditor	95
Fibrous Plasterer	65
Food Technologist	95
Forester	95
Gasfitter	65
General Practitioner	85
Geophysicist	95
Geotechnical Engineer	85
Glazier	65
ICT Business Analyst	100
ICT Security Specialist	100
Industrial Engineer	95
Internal Auditor	95
Joiner	65
Land Economist	95
Landscape Architect	85
Life Scientist (General)	95
Life Scientists nec	95
Lift Mechanic	65
Management Accountant	100
Management Consultant	95
Marine Biologist	95
Materials Engineer	95
Mechanical Engineer	90
Medical Diagnostic Radiographer	85
Medical Laboratory Scientist	85
Medical Practitioners nec	85
Metal Fabricator	85
Metallurgist	95
Microbiologist	95
Midwife	85
Mining Engineer (excluding Petroleum)	95
Motor Mechanic (General)	95
Multimedia Specialist	95
Naval Architect	100
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist	85
Occupational Therapist	85
Other Spatial Scientist	95
Paediatrician	85
Painting Trades Worker	65
Pathologist	85
Petroleum Engineer	95
Physicist	95
Physiotherapist	85
Plumber (General)	65
Production or Plant Engineer	90
Psychiatrist	85
Psychologists nec	85
Quantity Surveyor	85
Registered Nurse (Aged Care)	85
Registered Nurse (Child and Family Health)	85
Registered Nurse (Community Health)	90
Registered Nurse (Critical Care and Emergency)	85
Registered Nurse (Medical Practice)	85
Registered Nurse (Medical)	85
Registered Nurse (Mental Health)	85
Registered Nurse (Paediatrics)	85
Registered Nurse (Perioperative)	85
Registered Nurse (Surgical)	85
Registered Nurses nec	85
Roof Plumber	65
Secondary School Teacher	85
Sheetmetal Trades Worker	85
Shipwright	105
Social Worker	85
Software and Applications Programmers nec	95
Software Engineer	100
Solicitor	95
Solid Plasterer	65
Special Needs Teacher	85
Specialist Physician (General Medicine)	85
Speech Pathologist	85
Statistician	95
Stonemason	65
Structural Engineer	85
Surveyor	95
Systems Analyst	100
Taxation Accountant	95
Telecommunications Engineer	95
Telecommunications Field Engineer	100
Telecommunications Network Engineer	95
Telecommunications Network Planner	90
Transport Engineer	85
University Lecturer	95
Valuer	95
Veterinarian	95
Wall and Floor Tiler	65
Welder (First Class)	85
Zoologist	95

_{* Results could indicate that no EOIs were available to be invited, or EOIs were available but did not meet parameters to receive an invitation.}
_{Note – ‘nec’ means ‘not elsewhere classified’.}

Total invitations issued during 2023-24 program year

Visa subclass	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun
Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)	0	0	0	0	0	8,300	0	0	0	0	0	5,292
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) – Family Sponsored	0	0	0	0	0	79	0	0	0	0	0	0

The above figures do not include invitations issued for state and territory government-nominated visa subclasses. State and territory governments nominate throughout the month for specific visas.

State and Territory nominations

2024-25 program year

The number of EOIs that have received nominations from state and territory governments from 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025.

Visa subclass	ACT	NSW	NT	Qld	SA	Tas	Vic	WA
Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)	37	14	9	<5	<5	97	<5	18
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) State and Territory Nominated	23	10	9	<5	<5	7	<5	<5

Source: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skillselect/invitation-rounds

August 30, 2024

The National Planning Level 2025: What it means for you

By Shaleem Danish Australia, News

The Australian Government has announced that a National Planning Level will apply to the international education and training sector from 2025.

On 27 August 2024, the Australian Government announced that a National Planning Level (NPL) will put limits on the growth of international student programs each year. For 2025, new student commencement numbers for Australia’s universities will be set at around 2023 levels.

Why has an NPL been put in place?

Australia remains a top study destination globally and there have been large increases in the number of students choosing to study in Australia in recent years.

A new NPL will help Australia’s education and training providers to manage this growth. It will also help to ensure that providers can continue to deliver high-quality programs, offer comprehensive student support services and best prepare their students for future employment in their chosen career.

What are the numbers?

National Planning Level limits will apply from 1 January 2025, with a total of 270,000 new international student commencements for the 2025 calendar year. This does not include enrolments or offers. It is the actual number of international students starting a course. If a student starts a second course at the same provider, also in calendar year 2025, it will not be counted under that year’s planning limit.

From 1 January 2025, new commencements will be divided between Higher Education and VET:

Public universities will have a total of around 145,000 commencements.
Private universities and NUHEPs will have around 30,000.
VET providers will have around 95,000.

This means that most public universities in Australia will be able to enrol more new international students in 2025 than they did before the COVID-19 pandemic. Some universities will even welcome more new students in 2025 than in 2024.

Who is not affected?

Current international students will not be affected by these changes.

Other student cohorts that will not be affected by the NPL also include:

International students enrolled at an Australian provider or partner provider campus around the world, studying an Australian transnational education (TNE) or twinning program
School students
Higher degree by research students
‘Standalone’ ELICOS students
Non-award, including Study Abroad and Exchange students
Australian Government sponsored (and partner sponsored) scholars
Students from the Pacific and Timor-Leste.

What protections are there for students?

Australia offers a wide range of student support services and protections. A range of recent policy changes were made before the announcement of the NPL. These changes have further strengthened student protections. This means that education and training providers must meet even stricter requirements before offering courses to international students.

Australia values and welcomes international students

International students from all over the world are welcomed and valued in Australia. International students bring new ideas and skills to our society, diverse perspectives to our classrooms and communities, and sought-after talent to Australia’s workforce.

Australia’s global campus offering will continue to include options for studying on campus at locations across Australia, online programs, transnational pathway and twinning programs, and Australian and partner provider campuses around the world.

Source: www.studyaustralia.gov.au

August 30, 2024

The cost of living in smaller Australian cities

By Shaleem Danish Australia

There are many benefits to studying in a smaller student city in Australia. One advantage can be a cheaper cost of living compared to larger cities.

There are incredible benefits to studying in smaller student cities in Australia (also known as regional cities or centres). But it’s not just the relaxed lifestyle, unique environments and friendly communities in smaller cities that attract many international students each year. There are also some financial advantages.

If you’re thinking of studying in Australia, here’s a guide to help you understand how much your everyday life might cost if you choose a smaller city.

What are the smaller cities of Australia?

n general terms, smaller cities and major towns are those located outside of Australia’s major cities (Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane).

The map below shows all the places across Australia where you can study:

The Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs have created categories for the cities of Australia. This serves as a guide for the different incentives that are offered for studying in smaller cities and regional centres. For example, one of these incentives is additional post study work rights.

Cost of living

Some smaller student cities will have a similar cost of living to the major cities. But most do have more affordable rental accommodation, transport and entertainment options.

The cost of groceries won’t change too much from city to city across Australia, especially if you shop at one of the major supermarkets that operates nationally. However, you can usually find local markets with cheaper fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and dairy products.

How to research the cost of living in smaller cities

It’s very important to understand how much it costs to live in Australia so that you can plan to have enough money while you study.

1. Get an estimate of your salary

Start by working out how much money you could earn by working while you study, in line with your student visa conditions. Here are some ways to get an estimate of your potential earnings:

Go to a job search site such as SEEK.com and look at part-time and casual jobs that you could do when studying. Some ads will offer a salary guide.
Find out what the minimum wage is in Australia.

There are some important things to keep in mind:

It might take you some time to find a job.
You might not make as much money as you expected.
You can only work up to 48 hours in a fortnight during study terms and semesters (unlimited during study breaks).

That’s why it’s important to come to Australia with some savings.

2. Use the Cost of Living Calculator

You can get an estimate of the cost of living in the major regional cities (Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, Darwin and Hobart) using our Cost of living calculator. The major cities (Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney) are also included in this tool so you can compare costs with some of the smaller student cities.

3. Chat to international students in Australia

Chat to student ambassadors on our site and ask them directly about cost of living.

4. Work out your weekly grocery costs

Check out the websites for major grocery stores in Australia such as Coles, Aldi and Woolworths to get an idea of how much your weekly groceries would cost.

5. Compare accommodation costs

When choosing where to study, accommodation is one of the most important considerations. The good news is that smaller student cities often have a wider variety of housing options and less competition for rental accommodation.

To get an idea of accommodation costs:

Research rentals on realestate.com.au
Research shared living on sites such as Flatmate Finders
Shortlist some education providers and enquire about their student accommodation costs.

Search for courses in smaller cities

Start your education journey to Australia today. Use our Course Search tool to look at courses in the smaller cities. You can also use our university list as a guide.

We hope to see you in Australia soon!

Source: studyaustralia.gov.au

August 28, 2024

South Australia’s 2024-2025 General Skilled Migration program

By Shaleem Danish Other

In 15 August 2024, South Australia announced the state nominated skilled migration program for 2024-2025.

There are 464 occupations are available for the onshore streams and 427 occupations are open for the offshore stream. With onshore stream, there are 3 sub-streams for the applicants who meet requirements can submit a Registration of Interest (ROI) through one of the following streams:

Skilled Employment in South Australia stream – for applicants who have shown commitment to South Australia and have South Australian work experience in their skilled occupation.
South Australian Graduates stream – for applicant have graduated and work in SA in their skilled occupation.
Outer Regional Skilled Employment stream – for skilled migrants who are currently living and working in an outer regional area of South Australia in their nominated occupation may be eligible for state nomination through the Outer Regional Skilled Employment stream.

The general eligible under those streams are:

Have an active EOI on Department of Home Affairs’ SkillSelect system
Currently live and work in South Australia
The applicant’s nominated occupation is eligible under the eligible stream on South Australia’s Skilled Occupation List
Be under 45 years of age at time of state nomination is approved
Have a valid and positive skills assessment
Have at least Competent English (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent)
Score at least 65 points in the Department of Home Affairs’ points test (including state nomination points)

Apart from those general requirement, each streams has it own requirement as following:

Skilled Employment in South Australia stream: The applicant have been residing and working in South Australia for at least the last 12 months, in a full-time (at least 30 hours per week) job.

Australian Graduates stream:

The applicant have completed their qualification at a South Australian education provider
Have resided in South Australia for at least one year during their studies
Have been residing and working in South Australia for at least the last 6 months in a full-time job (at least 30 hours per week).

Outer Regional Skilled Employment stream: The applicant ave been living and working in Outer Regional SA for the last 9 months, and be currently employed, in a full-time job (at least 30 hours per week).

For the prospective skill migrants currently residing offshore and would like to apply for the Offshore stream, South Australia will be assessing candidates on merit by the following factors:

English language ability
Skilled employment years (at least 3 to 5 years) and field of skilled employment
EOI points

Quota for visa 190/491 for South Australia are 3.800 slots

• Visa 190: 3.000 slots

• Visa 491: 800 slots

August 28, 2024

Victoria 2024-25 Skilled Migration Visa Nomination Program

By Shaleem Danish Other

Victoria’s 2024-25 skilled visa nomination program (subclass 190 and subclass 491) is opened from 14 August 2024.

The Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs has allocated 5,000 skilled visa nomination places to Victoria for the 2024-25 program.

Victoria’s allocation consists of:

Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) – 3,000 places
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) – 2,000 places

There are some changes in the 2024-25 FY:

Submitting a Registration of Interest (ROI):
To be invited to apply for Victorian skilled visa nomination, applicant must firstly make or update an Expression of Interest (EOI) via the Australian Government’s SkillSelect and then submit ROI.
All Registrations of Interest submitted in previous years have expired. The applicant must submit a new ROI
Employment requirement

For visa 190, there is no minimum work experience and hours of work requirement. If the applicant is living in Victoria and not working, working in non-skilled employment, or working for an employer not physically located in Victoria, they are still eligible to apply for nomination, but they are not eligible to claim earnings in their ROI. If they are living overseas, they are not required to claim earnings in their ROI.

For visa 491, if the applicant is living in Victoria, they must provide an estimate of their annual earnings in their ROI. If they are not working, working in non-skilled employment, or working for an employer who is not physically located in regional Victoria, they are not eligible to apply for nomination. If they are living overseas, they are not required to claim earnings in their ROI.

August 26, 2024

Tasmania 2024-25 State Nomination Migration Program

By Shaleem Danish Other

The Australian Government has provided Tasmania’s skilled nominated visa allocation for the 2024-25 program year.

A total of 2860 nomination places have been issued this year as part of Tasmania’s allocation of state and territory nominated visa categories. These include:

Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa: 2,100 places
Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) visa: 760 places

There are some updates for the 2024-25 program includes:

Changes to priority attributes

Green priority attributes have been reduced for the Tasmanian Skilled Employment, Skilled Graduate Established Resident and Business Owner pathways. Some previously green attributes have been moved to a new “orange-plus” category.

Candidates with at least one orange-plus attribute will be a high priority and highly likely to receive an invitation to apply for nomination within six months. The higher the orange-plus attributes a candidate attains, the sooner an invitation will be issued.

All subclass candidates with at least one orange-plus attribute will be invited to apply for nomination this program year.

Employment must be skilled (ANZSCO Skill Levels 1-3) to claim orange-plus attributes.

19 new occupation groups, comprising 78 individual occupations, have been added to the Tasmanian Onshore Skilled Occupation List for the subclass 190 Tasmanian Skilled Employment pathway. Candidates with a skills assessment and directly related employment qualify for permanent visa nomination after six months of work.

The following 19 occupation groups have been added to the TOSOL.

1311	Advertising, Public Relations and Sales Managers
1322	Finance Managers
1342	Health and Welfare Services Managers
1351	ICT Managers
2223	Financial Investment Advisers and Managers
2231	Human Resource Professionals
2242	Archivists, Curators and Records Managers
2321	Architects and Landscape Architects
2325	Interior Designers
2326	Urban and Regional Planners
2343	Environmental Scientists
2713	Solicitors
3112	Medical Technicians
3114	Science Technicians
3129	Other Building and Engineering Technicians
3611	Animal Attendants and Trainers
3991	Boat Builders and Shipwrights
4111	Ambulance Officers and Paramedics
5996	Insurance Investigators, Loss Adjusters and Risk Surveyors

Changes to income thresholds in minimum eligibility requirement and priority attributes based on updates to Australian median and average earnings and the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold.

Employment with a related skills assessment as Chef, Cook, or Café or Restaurant manager in a fast casual restaurant or café business is now accepted

An updated critical roles list (for gold priority in the Tasmania Skilled Employment, Skilled Graduate and Established Resident pathways). 37 occupations have been added to the critical roles list and 30 have been removed.

Added

Removed

135111 Chief Information Officer
135112 ICT Project Manager
135199 ICT Managers nec
224211 Archivist
224212 Gallery or Museum Curator
224213 Health Information Manager
224214 Records Manager
233311 Electrical Engineer
233411 Electronics Engineer
233911 Aeronautical Engineer
233912 Agricultural Engineer
233913 Biomedical Engineer
233914 Engineering Technologist
233915 Environmental Engineer
233916 Naval Architect / Marine Designer
233999 Engineering Professionals nec
234211 Chemist
234212 Food Technologist
234213 Wine Maker
261111 ICT Business Analyst
261112 Systems Analyst
261113 User Experience Designer (ICT)
261211 Multimedia Specialist
261212 Web Developer
263111 Computer Network and Systems Engineer
263112 Network Administrator
263113 Network Analyst
263211 ICT Quality Assurance Engineer
263212 ICT Support Engineer
263213 ICT Systems Test Engineer
263299 ICT Support and Test Engineers nec
411211 Dental Hygienist
411212 Dental Prosthetist
411213 Dental Technician
411214 Dental Therapist
411311 Diversional Therapist
411411 Enrolled Nurse

133111 Construction Project Manager
133112 Project Builder
133211 Engineering Manager
232212 Surveyor
232213 Cartographer
232214 Other Spatial Scientist
232411 Graphic Designer
232412 Illustrator
232413 Multimedia Designer
232414 Web Designer
233211 Civil Engineer
233212 Geotechnical Engineer
233213 Quantity Surveyor
233214 Structural Engineer
233215 Transport Engineer
234111 Agricultural Consultant
234113 Forester / Forest Scientist
234711 Veterinarian
252111 Chiropractor
252112 Osteopath
311112 Agricultural and Agritech Technician 312111 Architectural Draftsperson
312113 Building Inspector
312114 Construction Estimator
312116 Surveying or Spatial Science Technician 312199 Architectural, Building and Surveying Technicians nec
312211 Civil Engineering Draftsperson
312212 Civil Engineering Technician
312511 Mechanical Engineering Draftsperson
312512 Mechanical Engineering Technician

August 15, 2024

UK Universities achieve new record with 758,855 international students in 2022-2023

By Shaleem Danish Australia, News

UK universities experienced record international enrolments in the 2022-2023 academic year, reaching a new high of 758,855 students — a 12% increase from the previous year. The UK hosted a total of 758,855 international students during the last academic year – with India, China and Nigeria sending the most students, new data released by HESA today revealed. It marked a record high for students coming to the UK, beating the previous record set in the 2021/22 academic year, when there were 675,200 international students. India sent more students to the UK than any other overseas nation in 2022/23, with students from this country representing just over a quarter (26%) of non-EU students. It was the first time since 2018/19 that another country took China’s top spot as the country sending the most overseas students to the UK. Some 173,190 students from India chose the UK for study opportunities in 2022/23 – a 39% increase compared to the previous year and 145,650 more students than in 2018/19, the data showed. Meanwhile, China sent 154,260 students (a 2% increase on the previous year), Nigeria 72,355 (a 66% increase) and Pakistan 34,960 in the same year. Of countries in the EU, France was the biggest sending country, with 10,305 students travelling to the UK. This was followed by Ireland, sending 9,410 students, Italy, sending 9,220, and Spain, sending 8,730.

While the number of non-EU international students in the UK rose between 2021/22 and 2022/23 – going from 555,060 to 663,355 – the number of international students from the EU fell. Some 95,505 EU students came to the UK in 2022/23, compared to 120,145 the previous year. It was the second year in a row that EU student numbers declined year on year after this cohort reached a peak in 2020/21, with 152, 910 students.

University College London logged the highest number of international students of all UK HE institutions in 2022/23, with 28,120 overseas students. It was followed by BPP University, with 19,205 international students, The University of Manchester, with 18,515, and the University of Hertfordshire, with 17,095.

HESA’s data for the 2022/323 academic year has been published three months later than anticipated, with the organisation blaming the delay on the challenges of bringing in a new data model.

new-visa-rules-for-onshore-visa-application-in-australia

June 28, 2024

New Visa Rules for Onshore Student Visa Applications in Australia

By Mishal Australia, News

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.

June 26, 2024

Preparing for an Australian Student Visa Interview: Key Questions and Answers

By Mishal Australia, News

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.

recent-changes-in-visa-conditions-8107-8607-8608-in-2024

June 24, 2024

Recent Changes in Visa Conditions 8107, 8607, and 8608 in 2024

By Mishal Australia, News

Starting from July 1, 2024, the Australian Government is set to introduce significant changes to visa conditions 8107, 8607, and 8608 as part of the New Migration Strategy. These changes aim to enhance labor productivity, prevent worker exploitation, and support the labor market mobility of temporary migrants. The adjustments will affect holders of Temporary Work (Skilled) visa (subclass 457), Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482), and Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (provisional) visa (subclass 494).

Key Changes to Visa Conditions 8107, 8607, and 8608

Extended Time Periods for Visa Holders

If visa holders of subclasses 457, 482, and 494 cease working with their sponsoring employer, they will now have more time to:

Find a new sponsor
Apply for a different visa
Arrange to depart Australia

New Time Limits

Visa holders will be allowed up to:

180 days at a time, OR
A maximum of 365 days in total during the visa grant period.

What Visa Holders Can Do During This Time

During the extended time periods, visa holders are permitted to work for other employers, including those in occupations not listed in their most recent approved nomination for sponsorship. This change aims to help workers maintain their standard of living while they search for new sponsors.

Important Restrictions

Visa holders cannot work for another employer until they have finished working for their sponsoring employer unless they are exempt.
Visa holders must continue working in their nominated profession while employed by their sponsoring employer.
Visa holders are prohibited from engaging in any employment that conflicts with any licenses or registrations required for their chosen occupation, as well as any terms and conditions that apply to their visas.

Obligations for Sponsors

Sponsors must notify the Department of Home Affairs within 28 days of any changes, such as when a visa holder resigns or when sponsorship ends. For more detailed information, sponsors can visit the official website: Sponsorship Obligations for Standard Business Sponsors.

Implementation of the Changes

The changes in visa conditions 8107, 8607, and 8608 will apply to both existing 457, 482, and 494 visas and those issued on or after July 1, 2024. Any periods during which a visa holder stopped working with their sponsor before July 1, 2024, will not count towards the new time limits.

Are You a 457, 482, or 494 Visa Holder?

If you are a visa holder worried about these new changes, it is crucial to seek authentic and updated information regarding your visa conditions and obligations. Contact our team of experts and immigration lawyers at The Migration for customized solutions to your specific concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Visas are Affected by Changes in Visa Conditions 8107, 8607, and 8608?

The affected visas include:

Temporary Work (Skilled) visa (subclass 457)
Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482)
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (provisional) visa (subclass 494)

How Much Time Will Visa Holders Have to Find a New Sponsor?

Visa holders of subclasses 457, 482, and 494 will be provided with:

180 days at a time, OR
A maximum of 365 days in total during the visa grant period.

During this time, visa holders can work for other employers.

increase-in-the-federal-court-and-tribunal-fee-from-1-july-2024

June 21, 2024

Federal Court and Tribunal Fee Increases from 1 July 2024

By Mishal Australia, News

Fee increases for Federal Courts and Tribunals have been officially gazetted and will take effect from 1 July 2024. These adjustments will impact application fees for various reviews and filings, reflecting an upward revision from the previous fee structure. Below is a detailed breakdown of the new fees.

Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) Fee Increases

From 1 July 2024, the application fees for reviews by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal will be as follows:

Type of Review	New Fee	Previous Fee	Reduced Fee (50%)
Review of a migration decision under Part 5 of the Migration Act 1958	$3,496	$3,374	$1,748
Review of a protection visa decision under Part 7 of the Migration Act 1958	$2,151	$2,076	N/A

Note: The fee for a review of a protection visa decision is generally payable only if the application is unsuccessful.

Federal Circuit Court Fee Increases

The fees for filing an application with the Federal Circuit Court for a migration decision will also increase from 1 July 2024:

Type of Application	New Fee	Previous Fee	Reduced Fee
Full fee for filing an application	$3,920	$3,785	N/A
Reduced fee under s 2.06A	$1,960	$1,890	N/A

Accessing More Information

Members seeking further details on these fee increases are advised to consult the Government gazette. Additional information is available on the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) website and the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia website.

These fee changes emphasize the necessity for applicants and practitioners to stay informed about the evolving costs associated with legal processes in Federal Courts and Tribunals.

can-you-bring-your-family-to-australia-on-a-student-visa-subclass-500

June 17, 2024

Can I Bring My Family to Australia on a Student Visa?

By Mishal Australia, News

Yes, you can bring your family to Australia on a student visa. You can add your family members and dependents while submitting your application for a student visa in Australia. While submitting your initial application for a student visa, you can include your family in your application, or you can wait until your course starts before inviting them to join you.

Even if you don’t intend to travel to Australia with your immediate family, you should list them on your visa application. Your family members won’t be able to travel to Australia with you later if you don’t declare them in your visa application.

Who Can You Add to Your Student Visa Application?

You can add your immediate family members to your student visa application, including:

Your spouse or de facto partner.
Your dependent children under 18 years of age.
Your partner’s dependent children under 18 years of age.

What Are the Eligibility Requirements for Bringing Family Members on a Student Visa?

As an international student, you must fulfill the following eligibility requirements to bring your family members on a student visa:

Relationship Evidence: Submit evidence of your relation with your dependant family members. This can include identity documents such as birth and marriage certificates.
Financial Requirements: You must be financially stable enough to support your family during their stay in Australia. Submit evidence of financial stability in the form of bank statements.
Health and Character Requirements: Your family members will also have to show proof that they fulfill certain character and health requirements. For this purpose, they need to provide evidence of medical exams and police clearance documents.

Bringing Your Partner on a Student Visa

You can add your spouse or de facto partner to your student visa application as a secondary applicant. For this purpose, you must submit evidence to support your relationship with your partner, including a marriage certificate and evidence of combined accommodation. Moreover, you and your partner must demonstrate that you are genuine temporary entrants.

Remember that your partner may have different work rights than you. In addition, you can also check the visa conditions and work rights by the visa grant letter or using the Visa Entitlement Verification Online system (VEVO).

Bringing Your Children on a Student Visa

You can bring your children to Australia if they are under 18 years of age while submitting a visa application. However, if they are 18 or above, they must apply for their own visa. In Australia, the cost of sending any dependent children to a public or private school falls on you. Australia’s school age is around five years old, while each state and territory may have a different start date.

There are child care centers on or close to the campuses of Australian educational institutions. Consider choosing a health care service that aligns with you and your child’s best interests.

Bringing Your Parent to Australia on a Student Visa

You can bring your parents to Australia with you if you are a student under the age of 18 so that they can offer support and care to you during your stay. But they must be:

A parent or family member who is at least 21 years old.
Financially independent enough to support both you and them while they’re visiting.
Capable of offering you housing, welfare, and more assistance.

For this purpose, your parents must apply for a Student Guardian visa. Keep in mind that your parents cannot work in Australia and must live with you during their stay. Moreover, they must be genuine temporary entrants.

Bringing Your Family at a Later Time on a Student Visa

Even if your family members do not intend to go to Australia right away, they must be listed on your student visa application. They won’t be able to accompany you to Australia on a student visa at any point if you don’t include them on your application.

How to Apply?

Your family member or members may later apply via ImmiAccount as a subsequent entrant, independent of your application. After submitting your application and before your visa application is decided, if someone becomes a member of your family, you need to notify the Department of Home Affairs of the change in your situation.

Conclusion

So by now, you’ve got the answer to your question “Can I bring my family to Australia on a student visa?”. You can add your immediate family members to your application for a student visa or you can also invite them after starting your course in Australia. However, if you have any questions or confusion, it is better to consult an immigration lawyer instead of trying on your own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my spouse work in Australia if they come on a student visa? Yes, your spouse can work in Australia, but their work rights may vary depending on your visa conditions and the course you are studying.
What is the cost of bringing my family to Australia on a student visa? The cost includes visa application fees, school fees for children, and living expenses. It is essential to show financial capability to support your family.
Can my children attend public schools in Australia? Yes, your children can attend public schools, but you will be responsible for their school fees.
Can I bring my family to Australia after I have already started my course? Yes, you can invite your family members to join you after you have started your course, provided you included them in your initial visa application.
What happens if I don’t include my family in my initial visa application? If you do not include your family members in your initial visa application, they will not be able to accompany you to Australia later on the same visa.

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Tag Archives: australian update

Invitation rounds​​​​​​​​​ outcomes

Overview

Occupation ceilings

Invitation process

Current round

Invitations issued on 13 June 2024

Invitations issued by occupation and minimum score invited

Total invitations issued during 2023-24 program year

State and Territory nominations

2024-25 program year

Why has an NPL been put in place?

What are the numbers?

Who is not affected?

What protections are there for students?

Australia values and welcomes international students

What are the smaller cities of Australia?

Cost of living

How to research the cost of living in smaller cities

1. Get an estimate of your salary

2. Use the Cost of Living Calculator

3. Chat to international students in Australia

4. Work out your weekly grocery costs

5. Compare accommodation costs

Search for courses in smaller cities

Introduction

Overview of the Amendment

Impacted Visa Subclasses

Key Changes and Implications

Rationale Behind the Amendment

Conclusion

Key Dates

Purpose of Your Trip

What is the purpose of your trip to Australia?

Why did you choose Australia for education?

Previous Visits and University Details

Have you been to Australia before?

Which college or university are you going to in Australia?

Where is your college or university located?

Why did you choose college over university?

Course and Career Plans

Can you briefly describe the university you’ve selected?

Did you apply to any other colleges or universities?

Why have you chosen this course?

Do you intend to stay in Australia once your degree is over?

Tell me about your course.

What is the duration of your course?

When does your course start and finish?

How much does the chosen course cost?

How are you going to pay for the course?

Is this course available in your home country?

Do you plan to continue studying in Australia after your course ends?

Do you have any plans to get PR in Australia after completing your course?

Personal and Family Details

How many colleges did you receive acceptance to?

What do you plan to do during your semester break?

Do you have any plans to work in Australia?

Where did you graduate from before applying for a student visa in Australia?

Why did you change your course of study?

How many siblings do you have?

What do you know about the work limitations of an Australian student visa?

Who is funding your studies and accommodation in Australia?

Tell me about your sponsor’s annual income and occupation.

How many individuals depend on your sponsor for financial support?

Language Proficiency and Personal Commitments

Why is your IELTS or TOEFL score so low?

Why should a student visa be granted to you?

What if your visa application is rejected?

Do you own any property in your home country?

Is your partner coming with you or not?

How would you handle financial difficulties during your stay in Australia?

Do you pay any income tax?

What is your most recent qualification?

Have there been any gaps in your studies?

What are your plans after returning back to your country?

Key Changes to Visa Conditions 8107, 8607, and 8608

Extended Time Periods for Visa Holders

New Time Limits

What Visa Holders Can Do During This Time

Important Restrictions

Invitation rounds outcomes