New migration strategy: Australia clarifies exemptions for Indian nationals

Key PointsNearly 108,000 Indian nationals are currently on student visas in Australia.A trade agreement allows Indian students and skilled migrants to stay longer in Australia than other nationals.Indian and other international students will no longer have access to two-year extended post-study work rights.

The Australian government said the reduced period of stay for a Temporary Graduate Visa (TGV) under the new migration policy didn’t apply to Indian nationals due to a trade agreement signed between the two countries last year.

It means the TGV duration for Indian students will remain two years for a Bachelor’s degree, three years for both Master’s by coursework and research, and four years for a PhD.

Under the new migration strategy, the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese-led Labor government has reduced the TGV duration for other nationals from three to two years for a Master’s by coursework and four to three years for a PhD.

The federal government recently announced a new migration strategy. Credit: Sahil Makkar

Gold Coast-based registered migration agent, Seema Chauhan, said the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trader Agreement (ECTA) came into force on 29 December 2022.

“The proposed changes under the new migration strategy by the Australian government regarding TGV duration will apply to all international students except those from India,” Ms Chauhan said

Extension of post-study work rights

The ECTA, however, doesn’t guarantee that Indian students will receive an extension on their TGVs.

Indian students, like all other international students, will no longer have access to the two-year extended post-study work rights for study in areas of skills need.

Department of Home Affairs

“Only applicants who studied in a regional area will be eligible for an extension,” according to the migration strategy document.

Indian Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and Information and Communications Technology (ICT) professionals holding a Bachelor’s degree with first-class honours will be eligible for up to a three-year stay from 29 December, 2023, an increase from the current duration of two years.

English proficiency

The Australian government has announced that increased English requirements will apply to all students and TGV applicants.

“Strong English language skills support high-quality education outcomes and help graduates prepare for the skilled workforce should they wish to apply for a graduate visa after their studies,” the government said.

Closer scrutiny

The government has previously said it wanted only genuine students to study in Australia and that it would closely scrutinise all future applications.

It will replace the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) with a new Genuine Student (GS) requirement to improve the application process.

“The new application process will provide clarity on how applications are assessed and help the Department of Home Affairs identify non-genuine students,” it said.

“All students studying at high-risk providers will be subject to greater and more targeted scrutiny, as will those seeking to extend their stay through applying for multiple visas in Australia,” the government added.

Ms Chauhan said genuine students shouldn’t panic.

“There haven’t been significant changes in the new policy except for a slight increase in English requirements, which students can cope (with) easily,” she said.

“Offshore Indian students should choose the right course and opt for skills required in Australia.

“Onshore students should work in their areas of skills and study. It will increase their chances of permanent residency,” Ms Chauhan added.

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