The Genuine Student Test will replace the Genuine Temporary ­Entrant requirement, which disqualifies student visa applications which include statements about the intention to stay in Australia after study.

The change was made after international education sector representatives pointed out the disingenuous nature of dismissing applications for student visas based on international students being honest about their post-study intentions.

International students are required to outline their plans after studying in Australia in a 300-word statement. Applications that suggest international students intend to stay in Australia are refused.

“For those who do want to stay – and if we want to attract the skills that we need particularly in STEM and allied health – we’re cutting off our nose despite our face by denying them entry because they wouldn’t mind migrating to Australia,” International Education Association of Australia chief executive Phil Honeywood said.

There were 283,573 student visas granted in the first half of the 2022-23 program year, 166,891 of these visas were granted to applicants from outside Australia. The subclass 500 student visa allows successful applicants to stay up to 5 years in line with their study requirement, work up to 48 hours per fortnight during semester and costs $A710. Students are required to maintain an 80 per cent attendance rate at a minimum.

Currently, up to 90 per cent of student visas for vocational education and training courses take less than 46 days to process from the time of application, while 90 per cent of student visas for tertiary courses are processed in as little as two weeks.

“We want to ensure that high-performing students, with the skills we need, are given the chance to stay,” Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil said in April, adding that international students were a “very ­important part of the puzzle” to reform the immigration system and address economy-damaging skills shortages in Australia.

The post Australia Student Visa Test Changed to Allow Honesty appeared first on Easy Migrate.

Migrate to Perth, Western Australia

Words by Emma Gallagher

Australia is one of the largest countries on our planet, and Western Australia (known as WA) is the largest state. WA covers an impressive third of Australia’s landmass. The Indian Ocean borders WA to the west and north, the Great Australian Blight and the Southern Ocean to the south, South Australia to the southeast and the Northern Territory to the northeast. 

The States capital Perth, is known for being one of the most isolated cities in the world. The closest city is Adelaide in South Australia, which is a short 2,200km away. Perth may be isolated, but this has not stopped Perth becoming one of Australia’s fastest-growing cities over the last decade.

Due to the mining boom, Western Australia is full of young people from all over the world working in every industry and profession.

Why you should move to Perth

Perth has fantastic public transport, excellent bicycle/pedestrian paths that run for hundreds of kilometres along some of the world’s most beautiful coastline. There are numerous vast open spaces throughout the city and suburbs alike filled with walks, lakes, parks and shaded areas to escape the midday sun. Try to imagine what it would be like to live in a city where the public facilities are better than fantastic, free hot showers at the beach and free sizzling barbecues to use at the many beaches and parks.

Regional Area and Regional Visas

Western Australia is a regional area (including Perth), meaning that you can apply for the new regional visas subclass 491 and 494. To apply for a State Nominated Skilled visa (subclass 190 or 491), you must be nominated by a State or Territory such as the Government of Western Australia (WA). To be eligible for WA nomination you must meet both the Department of Home Affairs (Home Affairs) criteria for the nominated visa and the WA criteria for State nomination.

DAMA Area

Western Australia’s Goldfields region currently has an active Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) agreement. DAMA is a formal agreement between the Australian Government and a regional, state or territory authority. It provides access to more overseas workers than the standard skilled migration program. 

Study Pathways

Western Australia has world-class education institutions like Edith Cowan and Curtin Universities. It is to see why thousands of international students come in their droves not only they receive some of the education in the world, but they provided with a safe environment to study and has a strong economy. It is a resource-rich growth state, providing the opportunity for industry work experience and part-time work while you study. Not mention some students may be eligible for Graduate visas pathways which can lead to Australian permanent residency once they complete their studies.

With over 2 million people, including a mix of cultures from all around the world, speaking over 170 languages and practising over 100 religions, you’ll always feel welcome and respected in Western Australia.   

Western Australia is not the only part of Australia that allows valid applicants to apply, The Gold Coast, Queensland, Northern Territory, Regional Victoria, Regional New South Wales, South Australia and Tasmania all are open to immigration applications.

If you would like more information on getting started on your journey to Australia, please fill in our initial Online Assessment form to see if you qualify. You can book a face-2-face appointment, telephone or Skype with one of our Registered Migrations Agents through our online booking calendar.

The post Western Australia Now Open for Migration appeared first on Easy Migrate.

The McGowan Government released the following Media Statement today Thursday 16th August 2018:

• McGowan Government moves to attract more international students to Western Australia
• High achieving graduates attending WA’s universities will be targeted
• Attracting international students boosts the economy and helps creates jobs for Western Australians 

An additional Graduate Skilled Migration List will be introduced to attract the best global talent with the advanced qualifications, skills and experience and help grow Western Australia’s share of the international education market.

The McGowan Government will give high achieving education graduates – PhD, Masters, Honours and other higher degree graduates – a pathway to skilled migration.

It is expected the changes will attract an increased number of high-quality international students to the State and help grow our share of the international education market.

The State Government’s existing Skilled Migration Occupation List will not be affected, with the policy of not including occupations such as bricklayers, electricians and mechanics remaining in place.

Priority consideration for skilled migration under the State Nominated Migration Program will be granted to the best and brightest international students graduating from WA universities.

These students are essential to maintaining the competitiveness of Western Australia’s universities in creating knowledge and building capacity for scientific and technological development and strengthening the future workforce.

Information about eligibility and how to apply will be available on the Department of Training and Workforce Development’s migration portal in coming months at http://www.migration.wa.gov.au

The McGowan Government has also committed $2 million to develop a detailed and comprehensive International Education Strategy, which is expected to be announced later this year.

Comments attributed to Premier Mark McGowan:

“Attracting the best and brightest of international university students represents a major step in our commitment to increasing Western Australia’s share of the international education market.

“We need to send a message to the world that we welcome international students, and their friends and families. Perth is an attractive, supportive destination to live, study and work.

“A key part of our Plan for Jobs includes an investment of $2 million to develop an International Education Strategy to grow and diversify the knowledge economy while creating jobs.”

Comments attributed to Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery:

“Encouraging international students to choose Western Australia as a destination for study and work will help boost our economy and create WA jobs.

“We have excellent universities and our weather and lifestyle are second-to-none.

“We’re confident that investment in international education and our International Education Strategy will see growth in the sector.”

To speak to one of our student consultants today, please call +61-8-92214888, email easystudy@easymigrate.com or click here.

#AustralianMigrationMadeEasy

The post BREAKING: WESTERN AUSTRALIA INTRODUCES NEW INTERNATIONAL STUDENT STRATEGY appeared first on Easy Migrate.