The rejection rate of immigration visas for studying in Australia has surged, and the number of immigrants has exceeded one million!
In mid-February, Australia issued updated regulations on student visas and 485 visas.
In FY 2022-23, nearly 600,000 student visa applications were received, with a rejection rate of less than 10%.
However, in 2023-24 (until the end of December 2023), the default rate almost doubled to almost 20%.
Visa changes from previous periods include:
01 At this stage, the new changes to the Australian student visa are as follows.
Financial Capability Requirements As of October 1, 2023, **Financial ability requirements for student visa applications have been updated.
Removal of COVID-19 benefits during COVID: COVID-19 proposed student visa benefits and relaxation of restrictions will expire.
strengthening of integrity requirements - the migration strategy includes measures against genuine students - this - this - this - this - this - this - this - this - this - this - this - this - these measures will be introduced gradually from the beginning of 2024.These measures will be phased in from 2024.
Ministerial Decree No. 107 on Priority Applications for International Students, which will come into force on 15 December 2023, will prioritize visa applications from international students and their legal guardians to help expedite the processing of visa applications from truly merit students enrolled in low-risk organisations.
Expiration of benefits for students in special occupations: On 31 December 2023, the temporary relaxation of student visa working hours for students working in aged care will end.
02 Change the definition of a graduate work visa:
Reduction of the duration of work visas: The work visas for master's degree holders will be changed from three years to two years, and the work visas for holders of occupations in short supply can be extended for another two years.
Age Limit: The upper age limit for applicants is 35 years old, and applicants beyond this age cannot be granted a 485 visa. The age limit is particularly strict because Australia needs young people.
Applicants under the age of 36 may also apply.
Higher language skills: Applicants must achieve a higher level of language: IELTS score increases from 6 to 65 points, and the results are valid for one year only.
Restrictions on the transfer of student visas: The 485 student visa will be restricted, and international students will not be able to stay in Australia indefinitely.
Streamlining the application process Australia** is expected to further streamline the application process to improve efficiency.
Hong Kong Channel: Five-year visa unchanged! Hong Kong applicants are allowed to stay in Australia for five years.
Students reacted to varying degrees of concern and confusion about the change.
On the one hand, this policy adjustment creates greater uncertainty for students who are about to graduate or have already obtained a degree, especially those who are already planning for their future.
On the other hand, it is also argued that such adjustments could provide more opportunities for Australian society to promote youth employment and development.
The following are the recommended strategies to deal with the impact of the new policy:
Plan ahead For students who are about to graduate or have already graduated, it is essential to plan ahead. They should keep an eye out for the latest policy changes and be prepared to answer accordingly.
Improving Language ProficiencyAs the language requirements increase, it is recommended that students start preparing for the IELTS exam during their studies in order to meet the new requirements when applying.
Look for opportunities through different pathways: In addition to the 485 visa, you can also consider other options, such as employer sponsorship, for long-term residence or career development in Australia.
Overall, the changes to the Australian student visa and 485 visa policies have created new challenges and opportunities for international students who are about to complete their studies or are already in Australia. In the face of these changes, it is important to remain positive, flexible and find what works for you.
In addition, an appendix has been added to the 11th edition"Australian Immigration and Citizenship Program Administration"。This appendix contains the latest data and information on the administration of the Australian immigration program.
Data updated at the end of the second quarter of the 2023-24 program year (December 31, 2023).
This strategy is an indication of the possible future direction of Australian migrants.
The most important points are presented below and should be fully understood:
i.Migration strategy.
As outlined in the Migration Strategy published on 11 December 2023, Australia** has taken significant steps to reform Australia's immigration system.
To achieve the goals set out in the Migration Strategy, eight key actions are being implemented, complemented by 25 new policy initiatives on top of existing commitments.
These reforms will make Australia's immigration system more fit for purpose to ensure economic prosperity and security.
ii.75th Anniversary of Australian Citizenship.
More than 6 million people from 200 countries have become Australian citizens since Australia celebrated its 75th anniversary in 1949.
Between July 1, 2023 and December 31, 2023, the number of people naturalized by applying for permission increased by 13% compared to the same period in 2022.
The average processing time for decision naturalization applications in December 2023 decreased by 14% compared to December 2022.
Of the 42,447 applications submitted between 1 July 2023 and 31 December 2023, 15,937 were approved under the new route for direct naturalisation to Australia by New Zealand nationals.
iii. Strengthening humanitarian assistance programmes.
The 2022-2023 Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance Plan was fully implemented, with 17 875 visas issued; In 2023-2024 it is planned to increase to 20 000 places; In 2023-2024 it is planned to expand to 20 000 places.
As of December 31, 2023, a total of 12,937,851 eligible visas (ROS) have been issued, and permanent residence visas have been issued to Temporary Protection Visa (TPV) and Shelter Visa (SHEV) holders.
iv.Measures to address skills and labour shortages.
Since 1 July 2023, more than 26 000 new Skilled Worker visa applications have been submitted.
The 34 employment contracts in the field of elderly care will come into effect on January 5, 2024.
As of December 31, 2023, the number of immigrant cooperatives in force in designated areas has increased by more than 90% compared to 2022.
As of 31 December 2023, 13,073 Australian Labour Mobility (PALM) visas have been issued for the Pacific region.
122,388 working holiday visas were issued between 1 July 2023 and 31 December 2023.
v.Tourist visas to promote tourism.
The number of tourist visa holders increased by 3 compared to 20223%。
Between July 1, 2023 and December 31, 2023, there was a 40% increase in tourist visa applications and a 28% increase in final approvals compared to the same period in 2022.
The Australian Department of Immigration administers Australia's immigration program by ** and responding to changes in the international environment to ensure that workers, businesses and all Australians can benefit from it.
vi.Work visa applicants.
Regarding the work visa for university graduates, this document contains more details than the above.
The Post-Graduation Work Visa (formerly TR) becomes a Post-Occupation Work Visa, the Post-Study Work Visa (PSW) and the Regional Area 2 Visa become a Post-Graduation Work Visa, and the PHE becomes a Regional Visa. The visa becomes a regional visa. Regional visas.
These reforms will be debated before they are introduced in mid-2024. Australia** has shown a decisive and planned approach to this reform, which will provide clearer guidance for those looking to study or migrate.
vii Student visa applicants.
Student visa data shows that the rejection rate is the highest in nearly a decade, but it is encouraging to see that the rejection rate for Chinese applicants is still close to 90%.
Australia** has revised the criteria for issuing student visas to pay more attention to the applicant's comprehensive qualifications and career choices.
The study visa is no longer just a means to solve the labor shortage, but an important tool for selecting the best talent. To increase the success rate, applicants must choose the right course and stick to their studies.
The choice of field of study is also a decisive factor in enrolling in a university program.
There are 15 common sectors with skill shortages, such as engineering, accounting, marketing, and information technology, that should be considered.
Due to the shortage of workers in these occupations in Australia, it is advisable to consider employer sponsorship to increase your chances of getting PR.
In conclusion, Australia** wants to improve the quality of student visa holders and promote the development of Australian skills, rather than seeing study abroad as just a way to make money.
If you want to study abroad or immigrate, act now to seize the opportunity and plan for the future.
viii.The total number of immigrants is more than 1 million.
A new report found that nearly a third of Australia's population was born overseas, the highest in a century, according to The Telegraph on February 18. According to the report, the population growth caused by immigration is already beyond Australia's capacity.
According to the Institute of Public Affairs, a conservative think tank, data released by the Bureau of Statistics some time ago showed that the total number of permanent and long-term migrants in Australia will exceed 1 million for the first time in 2023.
According to the report, the proportion of immigrants in the total population will reach 167%, which is 1. since 1950, when the post-war migration wave peakedThe highest level since 85%.
The Daily Telegraph).
The proportion of new immigrants in Australia's total population is twice as high as the post-war average, and the proportion of foreign-born people (31%) is higher than in comparable countries such as New Zealand (29%), Canada (21%), the United States (15%) and the United Kingdom (14%).
Daniel Wilde, a spokesperson for the Australian Migration Association, said the latest figures released by the Bureau of Statistics were further evidence that the number of migrants to Australia was increasing at an unprecedented scale. This has put tremendous pressure on housing and critical infrastructure and exacerbated labor shortages.
However,"Lack of proper planning has led directly to housing shortages, rising costs of living for families, and burdens on education, health and welfare systems. It is clear that the federal** immigration program is not planned, unregulated, and does not meet the expectations of society"。
Dan Tihan, a spokesman for immigration, said the report showed that Australians were facing issues such as the rising cost of living, a housing crisis and rents**, and that the Commonwealth** should be ashamed that it had taken in a million migrants in one year.
Dan Tayhan (Daily Telegraph).
He said:"These people are going to live in **? There are not enough homes to accommodate the growing population"。I don't believe Anthony Albanez will keep his promises, nor do I believe he will be able to solve *** border security and immigration issues.
The report warns that the public's perception of the goodness of the post-war immigration program has been undermined by the failure to plan and develop policies that support current levels of immigration.
According to the report, the latest opinion polls show that the Australian public does not approve of the current immigration policy.
According to an April 2023 IPA survey, 64% of Australians believe:"The Federal** proposal to add 650,000 immigrants in 2023 and 2024 is too much"。