The Australian Government’s Migration Strategy that was released on 11 December 2023 aims to improve international education programs and assist graduates in achieving their career objectives.
Summary of changes for student visa
1. New financial capacity requirement
Any student visa applications submitted on or after May 10, 2024, must comply with the new financial requirements. The minimum financial requirement for Student and Student Guardian visas will be $29,710 for an individual student starting on May 10, 2024.
3. New Genuine Student requirement
Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirements have been replaced with a list of targeted questions as of March 23, 2024, under the new Genuine Student requirement.
4. New English language requirements
All applications for student visas and temporary graduate visas must meet the new English language proficiency requirements as of March 23, 2024.
To understand if you are going to be affected by these changes, contact the Best Migration Lawyers in Melbourne.
Upcoming changes
1. Temporary Graduate Visa
The duration of post-study work visas will vary. However, the Temporary Graduate visa will still allow you to gain valuable work experience and showcase your skills to Australian employers. You may apply for the new 4-year Skills in Demand visa if you continue to work in a skilled job during your post-study period, which creates a clearer pathway to permanent residency. This change is intended to take effect on July 1, 2024.
2. New age limit for subclass 485 Visa
The age limit for Temporary Graduate Visa applicants will be reduced to 35 years of age or under. This change is intended to take effect on July 1, 2024. Masters (research) and doctoral degree (PhD) graduates will continue to be eligible for a Temporary Graduate Visa if they are under 50 years of age.
3. Onshore Student visa applications will be restricted
Certain visa holders, such as Visitor and Temporary Graduate visas, will no longer be able to apply for student visas while in Australia as of July 1, 2024.
The complete list of visa holders that will be unable to apply for a student visa onshore are:
- Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate)
- Subclass 600 (Visitor)
- Subclass 601 (Electronic Travel Authority)
- Subclass 602 (Medical Treatment)
- Subclass 651 (eVisitor)
- Subclass 771 (Transit)
- Subclass 988 (Maritime Crew)
- Subclass 995 (Diplomatic Temporary) – primary visa holders only
- Subclass 403 (Temporary Work) International Relations)) – Domestic Worker (Diplomatic or Consular) stream
- Subclass 426 (Domestic Worker (Temporary) – Diplomatic or Consular)
Are you planning to apply for student visa? Contact the Best Migration Lawyers in Melbourne to discuss your options and know whether you will be affected by these changes.
