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Immigration matters are often complex and can have long term implications for internationals students. We strongly advise you not to rely on information from friends and rumours.
For general Student Visa information or the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC)
For information on;
- Bringing Family
- Working while studying
- Extending your stay
- Changing Courses or Education Providers
- Visa application document checklists
- See ... More information for students
On-line applications for Students including Permission to work while on a student visa. For information on "Permission to work on a student visa" see this fact sheet available from the Student Centre or employment information here.
Download Powerpoint slides from Amanda Chan's presentation on 19 July 2007
Applying for permanent residency
Throughout the semester ISS conducts seminars on applying for permanent residency as an international student. These seminars usually coincide with the Returning Home workshop each semester. Permanent Residency Information Sharing Group is available from ISS approximately once every two weeks. Please check with ISS for session times. At this stage individual consultation is not available.
Changes to the General Skilled Migration Programme
International students considering applying for permanent residency upon completion of studies please take note. New changes will come into effect on 1 September 2007. In summary, those include:
- minimum English proficiency level will be IELTS 6 (instead of 5)
- students will be awarded extra points for higher English proficiency level and related skilled work experience in Australia
- a new 18 months Skilled-Graduate visa will be available for international students completed two years' study in Australia seeking to gain work experience on-shore
12 months work experience is needed to access Migration Occupation in Demand List (MODL) bonus points
Below please find a summary of changes as quoted from a email from David Rome, Interim CEO of the Australian Vice-Chancellor's Committee:
“On 6 April 2007, the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Kevin Andrews, and the Minister for Education, Science and Training, Julie Bishop, announced changes to the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program. The changes take effect from 1 September 2007.
The threshold level of English language proficiency will be raised from an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 5 (vocational) to 6 (competent). Applicants applying for trade occupations will still have to meet the current threshold of IELTS 5. Under the points test system, bonus points will be given to applicants who achieve English language scores above the threshold level and additional points will be allocated for skilled work experience in Australia. Migration Occupation in Demand List (MODL) points will only be awarded to applicants with at least 12 months experience in their nominated occupation or one that is closely related.
International students who are unable to meet the points requirements for a permanent skilled visa (but meet the threshold IELTS requirement of 6) will be able to apply for an 18 month Skilled-Graduate visa to build on their skills and work experience. This visa will have unrestricted work rights. The changes aim to ensure that overseas students who decide to stay on in Australia after completing their studies have a much better chance of competing for jobs in their chosen vocation.
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Further to this, MODL points will now be less useful for students seeking permanent residence immediately after graduation, as they will require 12 months work experience to access these points. .... With the advent of the 18 month skilled graduate visa, students will have time to gain work experience (and the associated visa points) in their chosen profession and may not have to rely on accessing 60 MODL points to secure access to the GSM program.
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For further information and a list of Frequently Asked Questions, please check the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) website:
http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-skilled-migration/changes/index.htm ”
A "Pathway to Permanent Residency" seminar to be conducted by Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) staff is forthcoming on Thursday10 May 2007. Please watch ISS News for further information.
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