Australian Government Takes Action on Migration Strategy
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in Australia Immigration News, Australian Migration Strategy & Policy, Graduate Visa, Student Visa
This Saturday, March 23, marks a pivotal moment as the Albanese Government fulfils crucial commitments outlined in the Migration Strategy and addresses key recommendations from the Migration Review. Building upon last year’s efforts to phase out pandemic-era concessions, such as unrestricted working hours for international students and the Pandemic Event visa, the government is taking further steps to enhance the integrity and quality of Australia’s education and migration systems.
Enhanced English Language Requirements
To elevate the educational experience for students and mitigate potential workplace exploitation, the government will raise the English language requirements for student and graduate visas. These adjustments, based on findings from the Migration Review, will increase the requirement from IELTS 5.5 to 6.0 for student visas and from IELTS 6.0 to 6.5 for graduate visas.
Crackdown on High-Risk Providers
Under Section 97 of the ESOS Act, the government now possesses the authority to suspend high-risk education providers from recruiting international students. Warning notices will be issued to the highest risk providers, giving them a six-month grace period to rectify their practices. Failure to comply will result in suspension from recruiting international students.
Introduction of Genuine Student Test
To deter individuals from exploiting the student visa system for employment purposes, a new Genuine Student Test will be implemented. This test will assess students’ study intentions and economic circumstances, ensuring that they genuinely intend to pursue education in Australia
Preventing Misuse of Visitor Visas
To safeguard the integrity of offshore student visa checks, “no further stay” conditions will be more rigorously applied to visitor visas. Prospective students seeking entry to Australia should apply for student visas offshore to prevent misuse of visitor visas.
Statement from Minister for Home Affairs and Cyber Security, Clare O’Neil
Since September, the Government’s proactive measures have led to significant reductions in migration levels, with recent international student visa grants down by 35% compared to the previous year. The actions taken this weekend will not only continue to lower migration levels but also fulfill our commitments to rectify the shortcomings inherited in the migration system.
Stay tuned for further updates as the Albanese Government remains committed to ensuring a fair and transparent migration process while upholding Australia’s reputation as a global education destination.
Source
Department of Home Affairs, Australia
