Australia's Immigration Changes: What Indian Students and Workers Must Know

Australia has long been a favored destination for Indian students and professionals seeking quality education and promising career opportunities. However, recent policy shifts under Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's Labor government are reshaping the immigration landscape, particularly affecting Indian nationals.

Key Changes Impacting Indian Nationals

1. Decline in Visa Approvals

The Australian government's tightened immigration policies have led to a significant reduction in visa approvals for Indian nationals:

• Student Visas: Approvals have dropped from 102,696 in 2022–23 to 50,516 in 2023–24.

  
  

• Temporary Skilled Visas: Numbers decreased from 27,402 to 18,397 in the same period.

• Visitor Visas: Issued visas fell from 357,038 to 287,259.

These declines reflect the government's efforts to manage net migration more effectively.

2. Increased Visa Fees and Stricter Requirements

From July 2024, the fee for an Australian student visa rose from AUD 710 to AUD 1,600, with a proposed increase to AUD 2,000 in the 2025–26 financial year. Additionally, the government has introduced stricter English language proficiency requirements and increased financial capacity thresholds for applicants.

3. Changes to Post-Study Work Rights

The Temporary Graduate visa program has undergone significant changes:

• Age Limit: Applicants above 35 years are now excluded.

• Work Duration: Post-study work rights have been shortened.

• Eligibility Criteria: Stricter English language and financial requirements have been implemented.

These changes aim to ensure that only highly skilled and qualified individuals transition to permanent residency.

4. Focus on Skilled Migration

The Labor government's 10-year migration strategy emphasizes skilled migration to meet labor market needs while reducing overall net migration. Key aspects include:

• Net Migration Targets: Aiming for 250,000 in 2024–25, down from 510,000 the previous year.

• Salary Thresholds: Plans to raise minimum salary requirements for skilled visa categories.

• Regional Migration: Encouraging migrants to settle in regional areas to alleviate pressure on major cities.

5. Impact on International Education Sector

The increased visa fees and stricter regulations have raised concerns among educational institutions. Universities fear a decline in international student enrollments, which could impact revenue and the broader education sector. The government, however, maintains that these measures are necessary to maintain the integrity of the immigration system.

Australia's recent immigration policy changes signify a shift towards a more selective and skill-based migration system. While these measures aim to balance economic needs with social infrastructure, they present new challenges for Indian students and professionals aspiring to study or work in Australia. Prospective applicants must stay informed and prepared to navigate this evolving landscape.

For personalized guidance and assistance with your immigration journey, consider visiting A2Zimmi to schedule a consultation with experienced professionals.