Study Abroad: Australia Doubles International Student Visa Fees in Migration Crackdown

The international student visa fees have increased from A$710 to A$1600 while visitor visa holders and students with temporary graduate visas are banned from applying onshore for a student visa. Along with this change, several previously announced elements of the migration strategy also come into effect, including:

• Increasing the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) from $70000 to $73150 based on annual indexation, the second increase under this government after it was frozen for a decade at $53900. 
• Shortening the duration of Temporary Graduate Visas and reducing the age eligibility 
• Enhancing mobility for temporary skilled migrants to reduce exploitation and drive productivity, by extending the time temporary skilled migrants can stay in Australia between employer sponsors from 60 days to 180 days. 
• Implementing the Strengthening Employer Compliance Bill 2023 to provide new criminal measures against employers engaging in the exploitation of migrants
• Introducing the workplace Justice Visa Pilot to enable temporary visa holders to remain in Australia for a short period when pursuing workplace justice

Visitor Visa for Parents of International Students in Canada

Official data released in March indicated that net immigration surged by 60% reaching a record high of 548800 people in the year leading up to 30th September, 2023. This new fee places Australia significantly higher than its competitors with the US charging approximately $185 and Canada around C$150 ($110) for student visas. In addition to this fee increase, the government is closing existing loopholes that allow foreign students to extend their stay in Australia continuously. In March, English language requirements for these visas were made more stringent.

Work Visa Rules for New Zealand Accredited Employers Modified

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