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Originally designed to enhance job readiness, the “concurrent study” rule allowed international students in Australia to take additional courses alongside their main studies. Unfortunately, recent investigations have uncovered misuse of this rule, as some students were using it to switch to cheaper courses, leaving their primary university programs behind.

The use of concurrent study has risen significantly, with 17,000 concurrent enrollments reported in the first half of 2023. This is a stark contrast to the combined 10,500 enrollments during the same period in 2019 and 2022.

To tackle this problem, Education Minister Jason Clare has announced a change aimed at preventing what he calls “predatory ‘second’ providers” from enrolling students before they complete the required six months at their initial institution. This step seeks to prevent practices that could weaken education quality and harm the economic benefits of international education, an industry that’s a crucial part of Australia’s economy.

In addition, the government wants to ensure the financial stability of international students. Starting October 1st, foreign students applying for a visa will need to show evidence of A$24,505 ($15,693) in savings. This requirement is a 17% increase from the current amount and considers higher living costs students might face during their time in Australia.

Australia’s quick response demonstrates its commitment to maintaining the reputation and value of its international education sector. By closing this loophole and enforcing stricter financial standards, the government aims to uphold the industry’s quality and contribute to the country’s economic stability.

When you arrive in Australia, you’ll need to fill out a form called the Incoming Passenger Card. This form has different sections that you need to complete. This is usually provided to you in your flight juts before arriving in Australia or before boarding your last flight to Australia. If you did not receive it, you can request for one at the airport.

Let’s break down each part in simple terms:

Front Side:

1. Family Name: Write your last name in capital letters, like it’s written in your passport. If your name is too long, just use the available space.
2. Given Names: Put your first name as it appears in your passport. If you have a middle name, you can add it here.
3. Passport Number: Write your passport number.
4. Flight Number or Ship Name: Note down your flight number or ship name.
5. Intended Address in Australia: Write down where you’ll be staying while in Australia. For those residing in Australia it would be the home, for a tourist, they can include the first hotel or Airbnb they will be staying.
6. Planning to Live in Australia for a Year?: If you’re going to stay in Australia for at least a year, mark “Yes.”
7. Health Declaration: If you’re not an Australian citizen, answer these questions:
   • Tuberculosis: If you have tuberculosis, mark “Yes.”
   • Criminal Records: If you’ve been arrested or convicted, mark “Yes.”

Customs Declaration Section: You have to fill this part if you’re bringing certain things to Australia. If you have any doubt, it is best to mark it as YES and then you can discuss them with Australian Boarder Force officials when you arrive.

Answer these questions:

• Restricted Items: Declare things like medicines, steroids, illegal content, or weapons if you have them.
• Duty-Free Limits: If you bought more duty-free stuff than allowed, mark “Yes.”
• Expensive Items: If you’re bringing things worth more than $900, mark “Yes.”
• Business Items: If you’re bringing things to sell, mark “Yes.”
• Carrying More than $10,000: If you have over $10,000 cash, mark “Yes.”
• Food and Plants: Declare any food, plants, or animal products.
• Other Items: Declare things like dried fruit, traditional medicines, etc.
• Animal Products: Declare animals or animal-related stuff.
• Soil and Farm Animals: Declare if you have soil or were near farms.
• Recent Travel History: Declare if you’ve been in certain regions.
• Declaration: Confirm that your info is correct.

Back Side: Here’s what you need to do on the back:

• Your Contact Details: Give your phone number and email. You can share your full address or just the city.
• Emergency Contact: Share details of someone to contact in case of an emergency. This could be a friend or relative. If you do not have anyone in Australia you can even provide information of a relative in another country.
• Additional Information: Answer questions about where you came from, your job, and your reason for visiting.
• In the section marked A, B ,C – If you an Australian PR holder or citizen already made your first appearance in Australia mark C. The answer A is for those migrating for the firs time under PR.

The government will return the planning level for permanent migration in 2023-24 to 190,000 places. It had previously been increased to 195,000 in the Albanese government’s first budget last October.

It will allocate 137,100 places (around 70 per cent) to skilled migrants, in order to address persistent skill shortages. This is down slightly from 142,400 places in the 2022-23 program.
There will be 52,000 places allocated to the family stream, which is predominately made up of partner visas.

Partner and child visas will remain demand-driven.

Skilled visa applications priority

Skilled visa applications are processed in the following order of priority:​

1. Visa applications in relation to a healthcare or teaching occupation.
2. For employer sponsored visas, visa applications where the applicant is nominated by an Approved sponsor with Accredited Status.
3. Visa applications in relation to an occupation to be carried out in a designated regional area.
4. For permanent and provisional visa subclasses, visa applications that count towards the migration program, excluding the Subclass 188 (Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional)) visa.
5. All other visa applications.​

For all categories above, priority will be given to holders of eligible passports.

Within each category above, for provisional and permanent skilled visa applications, priority is given to visa applications where the primary applicant is located outside Australia at the time the visa application is made.

AITSL is the skills assessment body that applies to most teaching occupations.

• Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teacher (ANZSCO 241111)
• Primary School Teacher (ANZSCO 241213)
• Middle School Teacher (ANZSCO 241311)
• Secondary School Teacher (ANZSCO 241411)
• Special Needs Teacher (ANZSCO 241511)
• Teacher of the Hearing Impaired (ANZSCO 241512)
• Teacher of the Sight Impaired (ANZSCO 241513)
• Special Education Teachers (nec) (ANZSCO 241599)

The English requirement can be satisfied in two methods.

Option 1

Completion of at least four full years of study (or part-time equivalent) in higher education (university) in Australia, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom or the United States of America resulting in qualification/s comparable to the educational level of an Australian Bachelor degree (Australian Qualifications Framework Level 7) or higher. This study must include a recognised initial teacher education qualification.

Or

Option 2 An Academic version of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Test Report Form (TRF) that shows a score of at least 7.0 for both Reading and Writing; and a score of at least 8.0 for both Speaking and Listening. The IELTS test scores must appear on a single IELTS TRF and be the result of a test undertaken during the 24 month period prior to submitting an application.

Recently the assessing body allowed One Skill Retake which allows the applicants to do one English exam to satisfy the above criteria.

Other questions on English that may be useful to bear in mind.

Can I do other language tests aside from IELTS to satisfy the English language proficiency requirement?

No. AITSL will only accept an Academic IELTS Test Report Form. We do NOT accept PTE, PEAT, ISLPR, TOEFL, Cambridge or any other form of English language test.

Does AITSL accept the IELTS Online and Indicator tests?

AITSL is unable to accept the IELTS Online and Indicator tests. AITSL only accepts paper-based and computer-delivered academic version tests which are conducted at IELTS test centres.

What type of qualifications can be considered towards meeting the study option of the English language criterion?

An AITSL skills assessment can consider qualifications that are:

• completed in any of the six listed English speaking countries that results in award of a qualification; • of at least one year full-time study duration; and

• comparable to the educational level of an Australian bachelor degree (Australian Qualifications Framework Level 7) or higher.

Please note that to fulfill the study option of the English Language criterion (Option 1), your total study must equal four full years in any of the six listed English speaking countries (Australia, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom or the United States of America) and this study must include a recognised initial teacher education qualification. All components of the initial teacher education qualification including supervised teaching practice must be completed in one or more of the six countries listed.

Can recognition of prior learning or other credit transfer arrangements impact meeting the study option?

Yes, credit transfer arrangements, recognition of prior learning or advanced standing may impact how AITSL assesses an applicant’s ability to meet the study option which requires four full years of study in one of the listed countries.

Can a PhD be considered towards the study option of the English language criterion? AITSL will only consider a doctoral degree completed in one of the six listed English speaking countries to be a maximum of two years of full-time study towards meeting the study option of the English language criterion. Please note that the initial teacher education including the supervised teaching practice component must also have been completed in one of the six listed countries

​​​​​​​​​English language requirements generally apply to applicants wanting to study or work in Australia.

The Department of Home Affairs accepts scores from the following tests undertaken at a secure test centre for English language visa requirements: ​

• International English Language Testing System (IELTS), including One Skill Retake (OSR)
• Pearson Test of English (PTE)
• Cambridge English (CAE) (also known as C1 Advanced)
• Occupational English Test (OET), noting this is a test developed for health professional

​From 26 July 20​23 TOEFL iBT will no longer be offering English language tests for Australian visa purposes until further notice.

From 14 December 2022, IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR) is available for certain test takers. OSR allows test takers to retake one of the four test components in either reading, writing, speaking or listening (once only).

For Australian visa purposes, the Department will accept IELTS test results that include OSR, with the exception of applications for subclasses 476, 482, and 485​, which need scores from a single sitting/attempt.​​

VETASSESS the skills assessing body for many qualifications offers a Priority Processing service for General and Professional occupations which gives an opportunity to fast-track the application.

Priority Processing applications are completed and the outcome is provided within 10 business days.

There is high demand for Priority Processing, so applicants with evidence of an urgent need receive priority when places are allocated.

However, even if you do not have an urgent reason, you can still apply for Priority Processing. Applicants with evidence of an urgent need receive the first allocation of places, and any remaining slots are offered on a first-come-first-served basis to other applicants in the queue.

What is an urgent need?

Urgent reasons to apply for Priority Processing are:

• You have received an invitation from the Department of Home Affairs or an Australian state or territory government, which has an expiry date
• Your visa expires within eight weeks and you are unable to obtain another visa
• You are turning 33, 40 or 45 within eight weeks
• Your English test result (IELTS or PTE) expires within eight weeks
• Your Partner Skills Assessment or English test result expires within eight weeks

What does Priority Processing cost?

There is an additional cost of $806, excluding GST, for this service charged by VETASSESS from 9^th August.

Between 1900 and 1940, Australia experienced several significant events that shaped its history. These years witnessed the country’s transition from a collection of separate colonies to the formation of a united nation. Here are some of the noteworthy events during this period:

At the turn of the 20th century, Australia was made up of six separate colonies: New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, and Tasmania. In 1901, these colonies federated to form the Commonwealth of Australia. This event, known as Federation, marked a major milestone in Australian history as it established a unified political entity with its own constitution and federal government.

One of the first acts of the newly formed Australian government was to introduce the Immigration Restriction Act of 1901, commonly known as the White Australia Policy. This policy aimed to restrict immigration primarily to people of European descent and was intended to preserve the country’s perceived racial purity. The policy remained in effect for several decades and had significant social and political consequences.

In 1914, Australia joined World War I as part of the British Empire. The country’s involvement in the war had a profound impact on its society and identity. Australian soldiers participated in major battles, including the Gallipoli Campaign in 1915, which resulted in heavy casualties. The experiences of war and the sacrifices made by Australian servicemen and women contributed to a growing sense of national identity and pride.

Following World War I, Australia faced a period of economic hardship and social unrest. The Great Depression, which began with the stock market crash in 1929, had severe consequences for the Australian economy. Unemployment soared, industries suffered, and many people struggled to make ends meet. The government implemented various measures to address the crisis, including public works programs and protectionist policies aimed at supporting local industries.

In 1931, the Statute of Westminster was passed by the British Parliament. This statute granted greater autonomy to self-governing dominions within the British Empire, including Australia. It affirmed the legislative independence of Australia and marked an important step towards the country’s full sovereignty.

During the 1930s, tensions rose on the international stage, leading to the outbreak of World War II in 1939. Once again, Australia joined the conflict as part of the Allied powers. The war had a significant impact on the country, both in terms of military involvement and the home front. Australian forces fought in various theaters, including the Pacific, North Africa, and Europe.

In summary, between 1900 and 1940, Australia experienced significant events such as Federation, the implementation of the White Australia Policy, participation in World War I, the impact of the Great Depression, the passage of the Statute of Westminster, and involvement in World War II. These events helped shape Australia’s identity, politics, and society during this transformative period of its history.

The significant events of Australian History between this timeline is well documented in the National Film and Sound Archives. Here is a link to this amazing list of events and clips.

Winter is truly here in Australia. Here is a quick snapshot of cold winter mornings in June 2023. This is a time for some to snuggle up and never leave the house, and for others a sign that snow fields are worth a visit.

South-east Australia is shivering through some of its coldest temperatures in years, with brisk winds pushing the morning chill factor even lower.

Sydney experienced its coldest June morning on record on Monday the 19^th of June, with a minimum temperature of 1.8C at Olympic Park.

The minimum temperature in Canberra dipped to -5.6C on Tuesday the 20^th morning, while in Sydney it was 6.8C and Melbourne 5C.

Sydney’s minimum felt temperature was barely above zero at 0.5C, while Canberra felt like -9C and Melbourne felt like 3C.

Up until now, employers must afford TSS visa candidates a market salary rate at or above $53,900 (TSMIT). Historically, TSMIT was indexed annually, but it has not changed in over a decade. From 1 July 2023, the TSMIT will increase to $70,000. This change will not only impact employers who seek to nominate new skilled workers, but also existing skilled workers who face an imminent visa expiry date, which requires a new nomination to be submitted by their employer.

Increasing the minimum wage for temporary visa holders presents a complex issue with a range of potential benefits and drawbacks. On the positive side, raising the minimum wage ensures that temporary visa holders receive fair and equitable compensation for their work. This helps address concerns about exploitation and promotes a level playing field in terms of wages, ultimately improving working conditions for these individuals. Moreover, a higher minimum wage can lead to improved living standards for temporary visa holders, enabling them to meet their basic needs, cover living expenses, and reduce the risk of financial hardship. This contributes to their overall well-being during their stay in the host country.

Another advantage of increasing the minimum wage is the potential boost to motivation and productivity among temporary visa holders. Adequate compensation makes workers feel valued and incentivizes them to perform their tasks efficiently. This positive effect can result in improved outcomes for both employees and employers. Additionally, higher minimum wages can help reduce wage disparities between temporary visa holders and local workers, fostering a more balanced labor market and minimizing the risk of resentment or unfair treatment based on nationality or visa status.

However, there are also potential drawbacks to consider. One significant concern is the impact on job opportunities for temporary visa holders. If the minimum wage increases, employers may be less inclined to hire temporary visa holders due to the higher wage costs compared to other alternatives, such as local workers or automation. This reduction in job opportunities could limit employment options and potentially increase competition for available positions.

The economic burden on businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, is another drawback. Higher labor expenses resulting from increased minimum wages can impact their profitability and sustainability. This, in turn, may lead to job cuts, reduced hours, or increased prices for consumers. The potential economic implications could be substantial.

Furthermore, the competitiveness of industries that heavily rely on low-skilled labor could be affected by higher minimum wages for temporary visa holders. If labor costs rise significantly, businesses in these industries might struggle to compete with counterparts in other countries where wage requirements are lower. This could impact the attractiveness of the host country as a destination for temporary visa holders and potentially hinder overall economic growth.

Lastly, implementing and enforcing an increased minimum wage for temporary visa holders poses challenges. It requires effective monitoring and regulation to ensure compliance, which can be resource-intensive and may impose administrative burdens on authorities. Inadequate enforcement could undermine the intended benefits of the policy change.

In conclusion, increasing the minimum wage for temporary visa holders has both positive and negative aspects. While it aims to provide fair treatment, improve living standards, and enhance productivity, it may also result in reduced job opportunities, economic burdens on businesses, challenges in competitiveness, and policy complexity. Striking a balance between these factors is crucial to ensure a comprehensive approach that benefits both temporary visa holders and the broader economy.

The Australian government has introduced an expansion of post-study work rights for international students who complete specific qualifications at an Australian higher education institution. This exciting development grants an additional two years of work rights to graduates in various occupations and eligible qualifications, primarily in areas experiencing skill shortages such as healthcare, education, engineering, and agriculture. Notably, this extension is particularly beneficial for students who have studied or plan to study in regional areas, as they will retain the existing additional year of post-study work rights.

Starting from the 1st of July 2023, eligible students will now have the following increased post-study work rights:

• Four years for selected Bachelor’s degrees (plus an additional year in regional areas)
• Five years for selected Master’s degrees (plus an additional year in regional areas)
• Six years for all Doctoral degrees (plus an additional year in regional areas)

Regarding eligible occupations and qualifications, it is important to note that all doctoral studies are considered eligible for this measure, regardless of the field of study, and therefore, they are not individually listed. The qualifications provided in this document serve as a summary of the eligible qualifications. The Department of Education will release a comprehensive list aligned with CRICOS course codes before the implementation on the 1st of July 2023.

The changes in the Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) aim to strengthen the pool of skilled labor in Australia by extending the duration of post-study work rights for international students. For select degrees in areas where there is a verified shortage of skills, the Subclass 485 Post Study Work rights will be increased as follows:

• From two years to four years for select Bachelor’s degrees
• From three years to five years for select Master’s degrees
• From four years to six years for select PhDs

To ensure effective implementation and address relevant matters, a working group will be established to advise the Ministers for Home Affairs and Education. This group will consist of representatives from various organizations, including the Council of International Education, the National Tertiary Education Union, Universities Australia, and the Departments of Home Affairs and Education.

Furthermore, international students holding the Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) visa, who have been unable to travel to Australia due to COVID-19 border restrictions, will have the opportunity to apply for a replacement visa. Under normal circumstances, applicants are typically limited to one initial Subclass 485 visa throughout their lifetime, and an additional visa is only available based on regional work and study requirements.