NEW STUDENT AND TEMPORARY GRADUATE VISA MEASURES
In the latest migration strategy unveiled in December 2023, significant changes have been outlined for the subclass 500 student visa and the 485 temporary graduate visa.
Let's delve into the details together.
1. English Language Requirements:
Student Visa 500: Currently set at a minimum score of 5.5 IELTS (or equivalent score for another test), the new score will be elevated to 6.0.
For those undertaking an ELICOS English course only, there are no changes. However, if the ELICOS course is part of a study package, the minimum score will increase from the current 4.5 IELTS (or equivalent) to 5.
Additionally, for University Foundation or Pathway programs delivering English language training, the required test score for students will be IELTS 5.5 (or equivalent).
Temporary Graduate Visa (TGV) 485: The minimum score required for a TGV will rise from IELTS 6.0 to 6.5 (or an equivalent score in another test), with a minimum score of 5.5 required for each component of the test (reading, writing, speaking, and listening).
Important: the test validity window for a TGV will be reduced from the current 3 years to 1 year. Therefore, TGV applicants will need to provide proof of having completed an English language test within 1 year immediately before the visa application date.
2. Changes in Student visa Assessment and Decision Procedures:
Ministerial Direction No.107 establishes prioritization of student visas (and Student Guardian visas) caseload based on the risk-level of the schools. Educational institutions are classified according to a risk level ranging from 1 (least risky) to 3 (most risky). While all student visa requests will be assessed, priority will be given to applications made for courses of study at less risky institutions, whereas requests made for riskier ones will experience longer decision times. Visa requests that include children under 18 will also be given priority.
This priority system has already commenced on 15 December 2023.
Attention will be strengthened on key areas of student visa applications, including the circumstances of the applicant, such as their academic or career progression, and the usefulness of the intended study to their future career prospects. The aim is to prevent student visa requests from non genuine- students: those who do not meet the requirements will not have the student visa approved.
We expect these changes to begin early this year.
You can read the Migration Strategy- Student and Graduate visa measures fact sheet here while more info about the Ministerial Direction 107 can be found here.
The Migration Strategy plan has unveiled important changes in the immigration scenario! Check out our blog post about what’s coming!
If you need assistance with applying for your visa, do not hesitate to contact us!