This is a crucial time for students who dream of studying in Australia. From the upcoming 23rd May 2024, Australia’s student visa rules are going to undergo some major changes. These changes are important for students who are planning to study in Australia in the future or are already studying there. In this article, we will analyze these new rules in depth and understand how they will affect the student experience and future plans.
- Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) replaced with Genuine Student Requirement (GSR)
From 23rd May 2024, Australia has decided to replace the “Genuine Temporary Entrant” (GTE) requirement with “Genuine Student Requirement” (GSR). This change marks a significant change in the visa application process, which may make it even more challenging for students to obtain a visa.
Difference between GTE and GSR
- Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE):
o The purpose of GTE was to ensure that students are entering Australia with the intention of studying only and their aim is not to obtain permanent residence in Australia through obtaining a visa. It examines the personal circumstances, educational background, and future plans of the students.
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Genuine Student Requirement (GSR):
o The purpose of GSR is to ensure that students are genuinely entering Australia to study and have a clear educational purpose. Under this, students must clearly present their study objectives, career plans, and the benefits of studying in Australia.
Possible impact
- Difficulty of application:
o The GSR requirement will make the visa application process even more stringent. This will require students to prove that their purpose of studying in Australia is clear and genuine. This may be difficult for students who cannot clearly present their plans.
- Educational decisions:
o Students will have to be more careful about their educational decisions. They will have to ensure that their field of study and career plan is clear and concrete, so that they can meet the GSR standards.
- Changes in English Language Requirements
English language proficiency is an important part of the visa application process, and Australia has decided to change its standards as well. This move is aimed at maintaining Australia’s high educational standards.
Existing and New Standards
- Existing Standards:
o Currently, most universities and education institutions require students to have a minimum score in IELTS, TOEFL, or other recognized English language tests. This ensures that students can effectively understand and complete their course in Australia.
- New Standards:
o Under the new rules, the minimum English language score requirement will be made more stringent. This may cause more difficulties for students, especially those whose English language skills are still developing.
Potential impacts
- Higher standard requirement:
o Students may need a higher level of English proficiency to obtain a visa. This may be a challenge for students who are not yet fluent in the English language.
- Impact on application process:
o Stricter English language requirements may make the application process more difficult, making it more challenging for students to obtain a visa.
- Reduction in duration of Post-Study Work Visa
Australia has also announced reduction in the duration of Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV). PSWV is an important visa for students who have completed their studies in Australia and now they plan to work in Australia.
Existing and New Rules
- Existing Rules:
o Currently, the duration of Post-Study Work Visa ranges between two to four years, depending on the educational qualification and degree level of the student. For PhD holders, this duration can be up to three to four years.
- New Rules:
o Under the new rules, the duration of PSWV will be reduced. This will give students less time to work and gain experience in Australia. It may also affect the possibility of applying for permanent residency.
Possible Impact
- Fewer Opportunities:
o Reduction in the duration of PSWV may reduce work opportunities for students. This may also affect the chances of permanent residency in Australia, as the time to gain experience will be reduced.
- Increased competition:
o The reduction in the duration of the visa may increase the competition in the search for work. This may make it difficult for students to get suitable jobs, as companies may not be interested in hiring employees for a short period of time.
- Skills in Demand Visa: A New Possibility
While the reduction in the duration of PSWV may be a challenge, Australia has introduced a new “Skills in Demand” visa, which may open up a new possibility for students.
The New Visa and its Importance
- Skills in Demand Visa:
o The Skills in Demand visa is a new four-year visa, which is exclusively for those who have gained skilled job experience during the post-study work visa. Under this visa, eligible students will get an opportunity to work for longer periods in Australia and obtain permanent residency.
- India-Australia Cooperation and Trade Agreement:
o With this visa, Indian students can get special benefits under the India-Australia Cooperation and Trade Agreement, which can make it easier for them to obtain permanent residence in Australia. This agreement also strengthens trade and cultural ties between Australia and India.
Possible Impacts
- New Opportunities:
o With the Skills in Demand visa, students will have the opportunity to work in Australia for a longer period of time and further develop their skills. This can also clear the path to obtaining permanent residence.
- Increased Attractiveness:
o This new visa can make Australia even more attractive to international students, especially those who want to work in high-skill fields and are seeking permanent residence.
- Overall Impact of the New Rules
These new rules of Australia can present many challenges and opportunities for international students.
5.1. Impact on students
- Difficulty of application:
o With the new rules coming into force, students may face more difficulties in obtaining student visas. The visa process may be more challenging, especially due to the stricter GSR and English language requirements.
- Educational decisions:
o Students will have to be more careful when choosing their educational programs. They will have to ensure that they clearly understand their purpose of study and properly represent their future plans.
- Career planning:
o The reduction in the duration of PSWV and new visa options such as Skills in Demand visa may force students to change their future plans. They will have to make their career plans in such a way that they are eligible to work in Australia and obtain permanent residence.
