News
Changes to the length of time a graduate visa holder is allowed to stay in Australia will not affect citizens of India after the Government said it will uphold commitments it made under a trade agreement.
The Department of Home Affairs has officially recognised the length of stay promised under the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) will be upheld for holders of the Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa.
The agreement says international students who are Indian citizens are allowed to live and work in the country for up to 18 months upon completion of diploma or trade qualification, up to 2 years upon completion of bachelor degree (including honours), up to 3 years upon completion of bachelor degree (including honours), up to 2 years upon completion of masters by research and masters by coursework and up to 4 years upon completion of doctoral degree.
Late last year, Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neill and Immigration Minister Andrew Giles said the current Australian Labor government would aim to reduce net overseas migration to Australia to 250,000 by 2025.
International students make up the largest section of migrants who stay in Australia long term without a clear pathway to permanent residency and the Government has expressed its desire to move towards more “permanent forms of migration.”
Under the plan, graduates (not from India) will see the length of time they are allowed to stay in Australia reduce to 2 years for a Bachelors degree, 2 years for a Masters by coursework, 3 years for a Masters by research and 3 years for a PhD.
On top of this, only migrants who have studied in a regional area will be allowed to apply for a 1-2 year second Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa and only if they study in a regional area.
Stricter requirements around English language proficiency and tightening of the rules around accrediting educational providers, it is even more important to get the right advice when planning your life in Australia.
Easy Migrate provide a complete migration advisory service and can help you to navigate not only the legal side of your migration journey, but also help you find your feet in a foreign land.
Call the experienced team at Easy Migrate to get the very best advice from those who know how the system works and know how you can secure your future in Australia.