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The Australian Government has recently decided to reduce the maximum eligibility age for temporary graduate visas (TGVs) from 50 to 35. This new immigration policy has sent shockwaves through the Indian student community, leaving many feeling confused and concerned about their future plans. The confusion lies in whether this policy applies to the already enrolled students or to future admissions. This new policy was announced as part of earlier migration reforms to tighten Australian student visa rules for international students and low-skilled workers.
The Australian government justified the change by aiming to attract "early career professionals" and "more employable" graduates. Additionally, the government aims to combat "visa hopping" – where tourists visit Australia on a visitor visa and later enroll themselves in bachelor or diploma courses to apply for a Australian student visa. However, for Indian students, a lot of whom come from families that traditionally prioritize higher education later in life, the sudden age cut-off has created uncertainty and disrupted long-held aspirations.
Key Takeaways
- Many international students studying in Australia are currently experiencing confusion due to recent policy changes, particularly regarding the reduction in the age limit for temporary graduate visas.
- In response to the uncertainty, a significant number of students are exploring alternative visa options, such as the employer sponsorship visa. This particular visa allows regional employers to sponsor skilled overseas workers to address labor shortages, providing work rights for two to three years.
- The new policy also raised the IELTS requirement for TGV applicants from 6.0 to 6.5, and student visa applicants from 5.5 to 6.0.
- Indian students pursuing a two-year diploma course can avail 18 months of work rights under the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA).
- For Masters in Australia, work rights under AI-ECTA extend to three years. Additionally, students pursuing PhD in Australia enjoy work rights for four years post-completion.
- Students enrolled in undergraduate STEM courses in Australia (science, technology, engineering, and maths), ranging between three to four years, face uncertainty. Initially proposed as a five-year work visa for STEM graduates, the revised policy now grants only two to three years. Those with first-class honors receive a three-year work permit, while others receive two years.
The current policy has sparked fury among some international students studying skills in demand. They fear the changed policy may restrict their ability to work in Australia if they graduate after turning 36. The cutting of the age limit for TGV to 35 years reflects the Australian government's preference for younger and genuine students to pursue education in their country.
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