Australian Visa Updates

Changes in 2024

Changes to Australian Student Visa
For student visa applications submitted on or after May 10, 2024, the financial requirement for Student and Student Guardian visas stands at $29,710 for an individual student. Effective March 23, 2024, all applications for student visas will be required to meet the updated English language proficiency standards. The minimum acceptable score for a student visa has been elevated from an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 5.5 to 6.0 (or its equivalent). For those students who are enrolled in an English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) before commencing their primary course of study, the minimum score has been raised from an IELTS score of 4.5 to 5.0 (or equivalent). Furthermore, students participating in university foundation or pathway programs that offer recognized English language training must now attain an IELTS score of 5.5 (or equivalent).

Furthermore, the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement has been substituted with the new Genuine Student (GS) requirement, which comprises a series of specific inquiries. These inquiries explore the applicant's current circumstances, including their ties to family, community, work, and financial situation. Moreover, they probe into the motivations behind selecting their course and Australia as their educational destination, the expected advantages of pursuing their chosen program, their academic background in Australia (if applicable), and if they possess a visa other than a student visa, they must justify their application for a student visa, along with any other relevant details they wish to provide.

Effective July 1, 2024, individuals who currently hold the visas specified below will no longer meet the requirements to apply for Student visas while staying in Australia. However, individuals who are applying for a student visa and have a genuine intention to study in Australia can still apply for a student visa from abroad. Those applying for an Offshore Student visa are not entitled to a Bridging visa that would allow them to stay in Australia while their application is being processed. While holding a Visitor visa, individuals are permitted to engage in studies for up to three months as long as their visa remains valid. If they plan to study for longer than three months, they must obtain a student visa from outside of Australia.

• Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate)
• Subclass 600 (Visitor)
• Subclass 601 (Electronic Travel Authority)
• Subclass 602 (Medical Treatment)
• Subclass 651 (eVisitor)
• Subclass 988 (Maritime Crew)

Changes to Temporary Graduate visa
As of 1 July, modifications have been made to the duration of post-study work visas, with the age limit for Temporary Graduate visa (TGV) candidates now set at 35 years or younger. Candidates who have completed a master's or doctoral degree will remain qualified for a TGV as long as they are below the age of 50. Despite this adjustment, the Temporary Graduate visa in Australia will continue to provide individuals with the opportunity to acquire essential work experience and showcase their abilities to Australian employers. Those who secure employment in a skilled position during their post-study work period may qualify to seek the recently introduced 4-year Skills in Demand visa. The initial stay durations for Indian nationals remain unaffected.

The minimum test score needed for a Temporary Graduate visa has been raised from an IELTS score of 6.0 to 6.5 (or equivalent), with a minimum score of 5.5 for each section of the test (reading, writing, speaking, and listening). Individuals holding passports from Hong Kong and British National Overseas (BNO) are exempt from meeting this heightened English language requirement. Their criteria remain at IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent), with a minimum score of 5.0 for each section of the test (reading, writing, speaking, and listening). Applicants are required to show proof that they have taken an English Language test, meeting these standards, within one year before the visa application date.

Changes in 2023

In 2023, the Australian government announced several modifications to its visa regulations to streamline the visa application process and attract more skilled workers and tourists to the country. Some of the key changes include the introduction of a new fast-track visa application processing for highly skilled workers in high-demand industries, such as technology and healthcare. This visa will allow qualified individuals to obtain a visa in a shorter amount of time, making it easier for them to work in Australia.

Additionally, the government has also made changes to the student visa program, allowing international students to work more hours per week while studying in Australia. This is aimed at making it more attractive for students to choose Australia as their study destination.

Furthermore, the government has also announced plans to expand the Working Holiday Visa program, allowing more young people from around the world to come to Australia for a working holiday. This will not only benefit the Australian economy but also promote cultural exchange and tourism.