Australia has always been a major destination for higher education. Its world-class universities and diverse courses have attracted international students. However, recently Australia has announced some important changes in student visa rules, which will come into effect from 23 May 2024. In this article, we will analyze these new rules in detail, which may affect your study experience.
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Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) replaced with Genuine Student Requirement (GSR)
From 23 May, Australia has announced the replacement of the “Genuine Temporary Entrant” (GTE) requirement with “Genuine Student Requirement” (GSR). This change may tighten the visa application process and present new challenges for students.
Difference between GTE and GSR
- GTE (Genuine Temporary Entrant):
o The purpose of GTE was to ensure that students were coming to Australia with the sole intention of studying and not to obtain a visa. Under this, the students’ personal circumstances, educational background, and future plans were assessed.
o Under GTE, visa officers tried to ensure that students were willing to stay in Australia temporarily and had a plan to return to Australia.
- GSR (Genuine Student Requirement):
o The main purpose of GSR is that students have to prove that they are fully dedicated to studying in Australia. In this, there will be more focus on the educational plan of the students and their future plans.
o Under GSR, students will have to provide more clear and detailed information, clarifying their study objectives, career plans, and the benefits of studying in Australia.
Potential impact
- Challenges for students:
o Under the GSR, students will have to state their study objectives more clearly and in detail. This process may be more challenging for students, especially those who do not have a clear educational plan.
o Under the new standards, visa application acceptance rates may be affected, and students may have to make more effort to strengthen their applications.
- Stringency of application process:
o The implementation of the GSR will make the application process even more stringent. This may make the application process difficult for students whose applications lack clarity of educational objectives.
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Changes to the English language requirement
Australia has also announced changes to the English language requirements. English language proficiency is a crucial part of the visa application process, and changes to its standards may affect students.
Existing and new standards
- Existing standards:
o Currently, most universities and education institutions require students to achieve a minimum score on IELTS, TOEFL, or other recognised 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 may be made more stringent. These changes may put students at greater risk, especially those whose English language skills are still developing.
Possible impacts
- Higher standards required:
o Under the new English language standards, students may be required to have a higher level of English proficiency. This may affect the likelihood of visa application acceptance.
- Impact on application process:
o The new standards may make the visa application process more difficult, especially for students whose English skills are limited. This may affect application acceptance rates.
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Reduction in duration of post-study work visa
Australia has also announced a reduction in the duration of the post-study work visa (PSWV). The PSWV is granted to students who have completed their degree in Australia and it allows them to work in Australia.
Existing and new rules
- Existing rules:
o Currently, the duration of a post-study work visa is generally between two to four years, depending on the student’s educational qualification and degree level. For PhD holders, the duration can be up to three to four years.
- New rules:
o Under the new rules, the duration of the PSWV will be reduced. This change may give students less time to work and gain experience. Also, it may affect the chances of applying for permanent residency.
Possible impact
- Fewer opportunities:
o The reduction in the duration of the PSWV may give students fewer opportunities to work in Australia. It may also affect the chances of permanent residency.
Possible impact
- Fewer opportunities:
o The reduction in the duration of the PSWV may give students fewer opportunities to work in Australia. It may also affect the chances of permanent residency.
- Increase in 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 a suitable job.
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Skills in Demand Visa: A New Possibility
Although 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.
New Visa and its Importance
- Skills in Demand Visa:
o The Skills in Demand visa is a new four-year visa, which is specifically for those who have gained skilled job experience during the post-study work visa. Under this visa, qualified students will get the opportunity to work more 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 may make it easier for them to obtain permanent residency 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 longer in Australia and further develop their skills. This may also clear the path to obtaining permanent residence.
- Increased attractiveness:
o This new visa may make Australia even more attractive to international students, especially those who want to work in high-skilled fields and are seeking permanent residence.
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Overall impact and recommendations
The overall impact of these new rules of Australia may be a mix of many challenges and opportunities for international students.
5.1. Impact on students
Difficulty of application: When the new rules come into force, students may face more difficulties to obtain PGWP. In particular, if they cannot work in fields that are on the Labor Market Shortage List, they will not get a visa.
Educational decisions: Students will have to be more careful when choosing their educational programs. They will have to ensure that they study in fields that are in line with the Canadian labour market requirements.
Future planning: Possible changes in the PGWP rules may affect students’ future plans. They will have to ensure that they plan to work and obtain permanent residence in Canada after their studies.
