The Australian government is trying to improve the enrollment of foreign students via its migration plan. This approach has been expanded by the most recent modification to the post-study work visa (Subclass 485). The most notable aspect of this adjustment is that Australia has, for valid reasons, separated India into its groups. There is a single law that governs the entire world, but there is a special rule just for India that will help Indian students who want to study in Australia.
The Australian government has announced that, as of July 1, 2024, the Temporary Graduate Visa would operate differently. Here, we examine modifications to Australia’s two post-study work visa categories. The entire system has, to put it simply, been redesigned.
Major Age-Related Eligibility Change
Age is one of the main modifications to the qualifications for eligibility to apply for the Post-study Work Stream and Graduate Work Stream (formerly known as the Post-Vocational Education Work Stream).
To apply for any of these employment streams, a candidate must be at least 35 years old as of July 1, 2024. The Post-Vocational Education Workstream will be open to those who possess an associate degree, diploma, or trade certificate that is associated with the designated occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
Australia noticed a pattern where people who arrived on tourist visas frequently decided to change them to student visas. This conversion clause was just removed. Most onshore applicants will no longer be eligible to apply for the post-study work stream. For the most part, Indian applicants for study visas to Australia are far younger than 35, so they have nothing to be concerned about.
Change of Post-Study Work Visa Duration
While we take note of this development, we can lift our collars. For people seeking a bachelor’s degree (with first-class honours in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), including ICT), the Post-Higher Education Workstream will give up to three years of work authorization. As stipulated in the Australian Indian – Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI–ECTA), this facility will only be accessible to Indian nationals. For international students, this course lasts for two years.
Similarly, Indian students pursuing doctorates in Australia would be granted an additional year of work permit. This implies that Indian students will have four years to work, whereas students from other nations will have three years. Indian students are being given preference over students from other nations for the first time in a long time. This is how it appears:
- A bachelor’s degree that can take up to two years, with honours
- A three-year bachelor’s degree with first-class honours in STEM fields, including ICT.
- Masters programme, with up to three years of expanded coursework and research
- Doctoral degrees (PhD): four years maximum
When Is It Best to Apply for a Student Visa to Australia?
It all depends on the applicant’s goals when applying for an Australian student visa. Under the existing criteria, it will be difficult for anyone who simply wants to travel to Australia and is using a student visa as a method of travel to be approved. Australia’s initial move in this approach was to replace Genuine Temporary Entrants (GTEs) with Genuine Student Requirements (GSRs).
Rebuilding the Education Sector
Nearly every major economy in the globe, including the UK, Australia, and Canada, is fundamentally redesigning its educational system. In this kind of situation, it’s essential to understand the immigration requirements for these nations. Before applying for a student visa, one must be fully informed of the new guidelines.
