Australian government in order to cut immigrant intake to the island continent have strategized to announce strict visa rules for skilled workers and international students entering the country. The Australia government plans to continue this for over next two years.
Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil revealed the modifications, emphasizing the need to overhaul an apparent “broken” migration system. Clare O’Neil emphasized that the government’s approach goes beyond mere numerical adjustments, concentrating on shaping Australia’s future through a broad migration experience.
Australia Work Visa: Skills in Demand Visa
“This new visa will give workers more opportunity to move employers and will provide clear pathways to permanent residence for those who want to pursue them,” the review says.
There are three pathways to the four-year visa, with each pathway defined by skill level.
One for specialists’ skills, attracting highly skilled workers from sectors such as technology and energy. That pathway will be open to eligible applicants earning at least $135,000 in any occupation except trade workers, machinery operators and drivers, and laborers.
One for core skills to meet workforce needs with a “simpler” regularly updated occupation list to be developed over time reflecting the job market in Australia.
Third pathway is for an essential skills pathway, with a labor shortage focus for those on lower incomes, yet to be developed.
Australia Student Visa
Australian government introduced new policies for Australia Student Visa. This will require international students to attain higher scores on English proficiency tests, with increased inspection on second visa applications to extend their stays.
Under the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), students applying for a Graduate visa will need a score of 6.5 up from 6.0 and for student visa applicants will need a 6.0 up from 5.5.
The Australia government believes the new paths will add $3.4 billion to the budget’s bottom line over the decade.
Australia Student Visa for Indians
Australia’s High Commissioner to India, Philip Green has said, “Commitments agreed between India and Australia under the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA) will be upheld under the new Migration Strategy.”
Indian graduates will remain eligible to stay on a Temporary Graduate Visa for
– Two years for a bachelor degree
-Three years for the completion of a Master’s degree
-Four years for the completion of a PhD.
Australia Migration Influx
A predicted peak in net immigration at 510,000 in 2022 to 2023, largely driven by international students, caused Australia government to take decision on the Australia Work Visa and Australia Student Visa. Official data indicates a foreseen decline to around one fourth of a million in 2024 to 2025 and 2025 to 2026, balancing with pre-Covid levels.