The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on overseas students. Many of them were physically unable to return to Australia to finish their studies.
The Australian government enacted new laws and regulations to allow students to return and begin the curriculum, guaranteeing that all overseas students may complete their education. Continue reading to learn more.
The Seven New Rules Regarding Australia Study Visa Requirements
On July 20th, the Australian government announced new restrictions for student visas. The new visa requirements are intended to help overseas students by making it easier for them to apply.
Alan Tudge, Australia’s Immigration Minister, announced new laws through Twitter:
1. Australia welcomes international students.
On July 20, 2020, the Australian government started issuing student visas to all destinations outside of Australia.
It implies that when Australia reopens its borders to overseas students, they will already have their visas and will be able to continue with their trip plans.
2. Visa relaxations for post-work-study students (Temporary Graduate Visa – Subclass 485)
Students and graduates who have been subject to travel restrictions since March 20, 2020, will now be eligible to apply for and get a Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa from outside Australia.
3. Take into account online classes
July 20, 2020: As a result of COVID-19, the government will now consider any online educational programmes attended outside of Australia as part of the Australian Study Requirement for existing and newly accepted students.
Image Source (Google)
4. Student Visa Extension at No Cost
July 20, 2020: International students can apply for a student visa at no cost if they are unable to complete their enrolled course at an Australian university during the visa validity period due to the pandemic.
5. More time to submit papers
July 20, 2020: Applicants are given an extension to submit English Language Test Results that have been affected since March 2020 due to COVID-19.
The government will also give applicants extra time to submit bio metrics, health exams, character certificates, and other services that were affected by COVID-19.
6. Students can now apply for a work visa after finishing their studies.
July 20, 2020: Graduates with a student visa are now eligible to apply for a Post-study employment visa if they are outside of Australia and unable to enter due to travel limitations.
Nota bene: The government makes steps to assist and relieve overseas students on temporary visas. A total of $200 million was donated to charity, including $7 million going to the Red Cross.
7. The government will look for international students.
The government is also assisting students who have been stranded in Australia for more than a year because to COVID-19. The government is enabling students to access their Australian superannuation funds (FUNDS) ahead of schedule.
In addition, the government is taking efforts to safeguard overseas students against eviction from rented housing, with equivalent protection legislation available to all Australian citizens.
Updates on Australian Visas and Immigration According to Australia’s 2022-2023 Migration Program planning levels, 160,000 visa spots will be available in the fiscal year 2022. In the post-pandemic scenario, the Australian government will prioritise economic recovery and social cohesion results.
| Australia’s Migration Program planning levels | |||
| Stream | Category | In 2021-2022 | For 2022-2023 Program Year |
| Skill
|
Employer sponsored | 22,000 | 30,000 |
| Regional | 11,200 | 25,000 | |
| State/Territory Nominated | 11,200 | 20,000 | |
| Skilled Independent | 6,500 | 16,652 | |
| Business Innovation & Investment | 13,500 | 9,500 | |
| Global Talent (Independent) | 15,000 | 8,448 | |
| Distinguished Talent | 200 | 300 | |
| Skill visas: Total | 79,600 | 109,900 | |
| Family | Partner
[estimate only, not subject to a ceiling] |
72,300 | 40,500 |
| Parent | 4,500 | 6,000 | |
| Child
[estimate only, not subject to a ceiling] |
3,000 | 3,000 | |
| Other family | 500 | 500 | |
| Family visas: Total | 77,300 | 50,000 | |
| Special eligibility | 100 | 100 | |
| TOTAL MIGRATION PROGRAM | 160,000 | 160,000 | |
109,900 Australia PR visas will be granted in 2022-2023 under the Skill Stream. Specifically designed to improve the productive capacity of the Australian economy, the Skill Stream fills skills shortages in the labour market.
50,000 permanent residents via the Family Stream will be welcomed by Australia in 2022-2023. Australia’s Family Stream is mainly made up of Partner visas that allow Australians – permanent residents and citizens – to reunite with family members from overseas.
Significant Changes in Visa Allocations in 2022
- Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) visa seats rose to 16,652 from 6,500 in 2021-2022.
- The number of State Nominated Skilled Visas has been increased from 11,200 to 20,000.
- Regional visa spots have been raised from 11,200 to 25,000.
- Global Talent visa seats have been decreased from 15,000 to 8,448 in 2021-2022.
- There are no restrictions on Partner visas.
Skill Steam visa slots can be reassigned among different categories according to changing economic conditions.
Image Source (Google)
Reduced availability of Family Stream visas
Under the Family Stream, 50,000 Australia PR visas will be available in 2022-2023. The allotment for 2021-2022 was 77,300 visas. The family stream of Australian immigration consists mostly of applicants for Australia partner visas.
While there is an apparent decrease in numbers, it should be noted that there will be no restriction or cap on the total number of Partner visas for Australia that may be awarded in 2022-2023. According to estimates, Australia will award around 40,500 Partner visas throughout the programme year.
Australian Government COVID-19 Refunds
If you paid for a visa application or visa extension that was impacted by the COVID-19 travel limitations, you may be eligible for a refund of your Visa Application Charge (VAC). Only if your name appears as the ‘payer’ on your original VAC receipt may you request a refund.
- A reimbursement of the Visa Application Charge (VAC) is possible .
- Visa for Visitors (subclass 600)
- Visa for Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482)
- Visa for Temporary Work (Skilled) (subclass 457)
- Visa for students (subclass 500)
- Marriage Prospective Visa
Refunds of VAC are given in cases where COVID-19-related travel limitations prevent the visa holder from travelling to Australia.
In general, until December 31, 2022, an Australian visa VAC refund can be sought online.
The Australian government has created two new Regional Visas.
November 18, 2020: The Australian government has added a few additional requirements to two new regional visas that were announced in November 2019.
The new guidelines are intended to provide skilled employees greater flexibility:
1. Skilled Work Regional Subclass 491 (Provisional Visa)
Skilled workers and their families can now live, study, and work in government-designated regional areas of Australia for a period of five years.
After three years, they can apply for Permanent Residence in Australia.
Applicants for this Visa must be nominated by an Australian Government Agency (491 Occupation List) or sponsored by a family member living in the regional area (MLTSSL list).
2. Skilled Employer Sponsored Subclass 494
This visa has taken the place of the 187. (RSMS Visa). The government has set up 10,000 spaces for applicants to apply for this visa.
To qualify for this visa, the candidate must have employer sponsorship for 5 years and at least 3 years of skilled employment.
It has a 45-year age restriction, and the candidate must fulfill English and AMSR criteria.
Impact of Covid 19 on Australian Student Visa Holders
According to current data, there has been a 4.7 percent decrease in the visa application procedure for international students from March 2020 to June 2020. Because of the pandemic, Australia restricted its borders to Australian students.
The outcome is shown in the table below:
| Student Visa Holders in Australia | ||
| Categories | March | June |
| Foreign Affairs or Defense | 4505 | 4342 |
| Higher Education | 340,494 | 330,419 |
| Independent ELICOS | 25,419 | 17,758 |
| Non-Award | 8,997 | 3,386 |
| Postgraduate Research | 27,396 | 26,198 |
| Schools | 18,935 | 17,503 |
| VET | 162,194 | 160,642 |
The data below shows the number of students taking online classes in and outside Australia due to border closure and are pursuing their graduation.
Previous rules that are still relevant for the Australian student visa in 2022
Numerous rules are attached to the Australian student visa Conditions. They are unchanged and are vital.
- Must obey Australian laws
- Severe penalty if engaging in illegal activities
- Cannot stay more than the specific time
- If you want to stay longer, you have to apply for a new student visa
- If you want to stay, you can apply for other visas
- There are special considerations if your visa expires before graduation
- In special cases, the officials will grant you a visitor visa
- However, you must submit a letter containing the date of graduation from the education provider
- You can travel in and out of Australia
- You or your family members cannot work until you have started the course
- You can only work for 40 hours per fortnight
- Your family members can work for 40 hours in a period of two weeks
- The family members accompanying must meet the character and health requirements
- Make sure to get your superannuation fund before you leave Australia
- It is only applicable if:
- You had a job
2. You were more than 18 years of age
3. You have paid AUD 450 or higher in the form of tax in one month
Other Important FAQs
What is an Australian Study Visa?
Australia is a hotspot for international students, who want to pursue higher studies, but you need to get a student visa to do that.
Since July 2016, Australia has introduced a student visa (subclass 500) for international students.
With a student Subclass 500 Visa, you can:
- Take part in your desired educational program.
- Your family members can accompany you to Australia.
- You can apply online for the selected program in or outside Australia.
- chances to pr after completing the course
What are the different types of student visas and their validity?
The different Australian student visas and their validity:
| Visa Types | Valid for |
| Student Visa (subclass 500) | 5 years |
| Visitor Visa (subclass 600, 601, 651) | 3 months |
| Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417 and 462) | 4 months |
| Student Guardian Visa (subclass 590) | 3 months or 20 hours per week |
| Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) | 18 months to 4 years |
| Training Visa (subclass 407) | 2 years |
What are the different language tests and their requirements?
The different language tests and their minimum requirements :
| Exam | Minimum Score Required | Minimum Score for 10 weeks ELICOS | Minimum Score for 20 weeks ElICOS |
| IELTS | 5.5 | 5 | 4.5 |
| TOEFL-iBT | 46 | 35 | 32 |
| CAE | 162 | 154 | 147 |
| PTE | 42 | 36 | 30 |
| Occupational English Test | B for each test component | NA | NA |
ELICOS – English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students
What is the processing time For an Australian Study Visa?
It usually takes a minimum 1 month to maximum 3 months to process Australian Study Visa.
Visa process time for a Student Visa applicant are:
| Stream | Processing Time |
| Foreign Affairs or Defense Sector | 20 days |
| Postgraduate Research Sector | 39 days |
| Independent ELICOS Sector | 23 days |
| Vocational Education and Training Sector | 36 days |
| Higher Education Sector | 17 days |
What is the eligibility criteria for an Australian Student Visa?
The eligibility criteria for Australian student visa:
- Apply for a course
- Provide Evidence of CoE or Confirmation of Enrollment
- Letter of Support
- Letter from Educator
- Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement
- Health Insurance
- English Language (IELTS, PTE, TOFEL) certificates
- Sufficient Funds
- Sign the Australian Values Statement
What are the documents required for an Australian Student Visa?
The documents required for an Australia student Visa:
- Passport
- Offer Letter
- OSHC (Overseas student Health Cover)/ Insurance
- Evidence of Financial Capacity for 12 months
- Proof of stay and return airfare (Minimum $20,000 excluding Tuition costs)
- Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Proof
- English Proficiency (IELTS score) Test Scores
Note: Students from New Zealand do not require a student visa to study in Australia.
Can students enter Australia now?
International students could return to Australia by year-end of 2020 or 2022.
Is Australia granting Australia student visas?
According to the Department of Home Affairs, the Australian Government has started issuing student visas for students present in all locations outside Australia. It means that very soon, international borders are going to be re-opened for students.
What is the minimum wage for students in Australia?
Currently, the minimum wage for a student in Australia is $18.23. Apart from that, they can also earn $719.20 in their 40 hours per week period.
What is an OSHC in Australia?
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is an insurance program under the Australian Medicare system.
It provides health insurance coverage to international students in Australia. The students can pay for OSHC through their Australian University.
OSHC will cover the student’s medical expenses along with:
- Hospital expenses
- Doctor Visits
- Ambulance
- Prescription and Medicines
International students should apply for OSHC before their enrolment in an Australian educational institution.
Conclusion
These are the new changes in Australian Student Visa requirement that an Indian Student should know:
- Australia opens its border for international students
- Post-work-study visa relaxations (Temporary Graduate Visa – subclass 485)
- Consideration of Online Classes
- Extension of Student Visa-Free of Charge
- Additional time to submit documents
- Students can now apply for a Post- Study work visa
- Government will take care of International Students
If you are confused about the new changes in Australian student visa requirements, you can contact us immediately. We will be pleased to help you in any way we can.
CHECK YOUR ELIGIBILITY FOR PR VISA
