Australia has long been a top choice for Indian students pursuing high-quality education and bright career prospects overseas. However, the Australian visa landscape is constantly evolving, making it challenging for international students to stay updated with the latest requirements and news. To help you navigate this process, we've created this comprehensive guide to the latest visa changes, requirements, and deadlines.

 Introduction

At IDP Education Australia, we understand how critical it is to stay informed about the latest developments in visa policies. This guide covers everything you need to know about recent visa changes, including financial requirements, English language proficiency, and post-study work opportunities. We'll also provide tips to improve your chances of a successful visa application.

If you have any questions or need assistance with your Australian visa application, contact us now for free visa advice, or book a free appointment with our education counselors.

190 Visa Update

New South Wales (NSW) has revised its focus, similar to Victoria (VIC), emphasizing specific job sectors while allowing all job categories to apply. Here's what you need to know:

• Priority Sectors: Health, Education, and Infrastructure are top priorities, followed by Information and Communication Technology, Agriculture, and Trade Occupations.
• EOI Points: Expression of Interest (EOI) points continue to play a crucial role.
• Residence Requirement: The six-month residence requirement remains unchanged. However, traveling overseas for holidays will not affect your eligibility.
• Work Experience: More work experience increases your chances of success in the FY23-24 period.
• Applicant Eligibility: Both onshore and offshore applicants have equal chances.

 491 Visa Update

NSW is currently discussing policies related to the 491 visa. Key point includes Regional Work Requirement: Likely continuation of the 'one year in regional work' requirement, with no more direct entry without regional experience.

Important Update for South Australia Nomination Program

South Australia has made significant changes to its nomination occupation list, adopting a strategy similar to Victoria. The high-performance SA graduate stream and regional workstream have been removed, with selections now based on the Registration of Interest (ROI) process to align with the state’s evolving labor market needs.

New Eligibility Criteria for South Australian Graduates

• Employment Requirement: Must be currently employed full-time for the last six months (minimum 30 hours per week) in a job aligned with your nominated occupation.
• Limited Nomination Spots: Meeting eligibility criteria does not guarantee an invitation to apply for nomination. Factors considered include temporary visa expiry, age, skilled work experience in South Australia, and the nature of employment in priority sectors like Health, Medical Sciences, Trades, Construction, Early Childhood and Teaching, Digital Technology, Food and Agribusiness, Creative Industries, Tourism, and Hospitality.

 Measures Introduced by the Albanese Government

To uphold integrity in international education and support genuine students, the government has introduced several measures:

1. Elimination of Concurrent COE: Institutions can no longer issue concurrent Confirmations of Enrollment (CoE) for supplementary courses alongside primary study programs.
2.  Increased Financial Requirements: Students must now show evidence of $24,505 in savings, a 17% increase from current levels.
3.  Enhanced Scrutiny for High-Risk Students: More rigorous examination for high-risk student groups, requiring additional documentation to prevent fraudulent applications.
4.  Suspension Certificates for High-Risk Providers: Under the ESOS Act, the government may issue suspension certificates to education providers with high visa refusal rates, barring them from enrolling international students.
5.  Ongoing Integrity Measures: Continued efforts to strengthen the integrity of international education, included in the forthcoming Migration Strategy.

2023–24 State and Territory Nomination Allocations

Nomination allocations determine the number of new primary applicants each state or territory can nominate in a program year. These new applications are added to the existing caseload in various visa categories, impacting the overall processing times and chances of success.

 Conclusion

Staying informed about the latest visa changes and requirements is crucial for Indian students planning to study in Australia. By understanding these updates and preparing accordingly, you can navigate the visa application process more effectively and increase your chances of success. For personalized assistance and advice, contact our experts at IDP Education Australia today.

Stay tuned for more updates and insights to help you achieve your educational and professional goals in Australia!