Australia hikes student visa fees by 125 per cent, here is how Indians will be affected
In a move that could affect thousands of Indian nationals hoping to pursue higher studies and settle in Australia, the country has hiked visa fees to more than double. Effective from July 1, visa fees have increased from A$710 (around Rs 40,000) to A$1,600 (around Rs 90,000) for international students wanting to study in Australia.
Can't apply for student visa from Australia?
This is one of the many changes Australia has introduced for accepting international students into the country, in an effort to reduce the number of migrants. One of the major changes in Australia's new student visa policy is that those who are already in the country on certain visas, including Visitor and Temporary Graduate visas, will not be eligible to apply for student visas.
Also read:?Some Australian Universities Are Imposing A 'Blanket Ban' On Indian Students
End to visa-hopping
Only visa applications from offshore applicants who demonstrate a genuine intention to pursue studies in Australia will now be considered. According to Australian authorities, this is aimed at curbing 'visa-hopping,' where students and other temporary visa holders exploit loopholes in the rules to continuously extend their stay in Australia.
However, student visa applications submitted within Australia before July 1, 2024, will proceed without being affected by these new rules. Additionally, holders of Working Holiday Maker and Work and Holiday visas are exempt from these changes, and their current visa statuses will remain unchanged.
Savings requirement for student hiked
Under the new regulations, holders of visitor visas are permitted to study for up to three months while their visa is valid. Individuals planning to pursue studies exceeding this period must apply for a student visa from outside Australia.?
The Australian government has also made changes to the savings requirement for student visas, increasing the minimum savings needed from A$24,505 (Rs 13.5 lakhs) to A$29,710 (Rs 16.4 lakhs).
Also read:?Canada Plans To Curb Housing Crisis With Cap On International Students
With the increase in student visa fees, studying in Australia is set to become costlier for international students compared to countries like the US and Canada.?
Stayback extended to 180 days
According to the new rules, the duration for which temporary skilled migrants can remain in Australia between employer sponsors has been extended from 60 days to 180 days. Employees will now have 180 days from the date they finish working with their current employer to find another approved sponsor to nominate them, be granted a different visa, or leave Australia.
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