International Students Face Stress as Visa Deadline Approaches | Australia Immigration Updates

This change will cut the post-graduation stay duration from four years to just two years, creating urgency for students who need to apply under the existing rules to maximize their post-study work opportunities in Australia.

Visa Application Challenges

To apply for the Temporary Graduate visa, international students must provide a completion letter from their university. This document verifies that they have fulfilled their course requirements. However, with the policy change deadline approaching, obtaining this letter promptly has become a critical concern. The new policy stipulates that after July 1, fresh international graduates will only be able to stay in Australia for two years instead of four. Therefore, students must secure their visas before the deadline to retain the longer stay period.

Specific Challenges at UniSA

Several UniSA international students, particularly those who have completed or are about to complete their coursework, have reported severe stress and anxiety due to administrative delays in issuing completion letters. Despite their requests for expedited processing, only international students over the age of 35 are receiving prioritized assistance. This is because the new policy will bar students under 35 from applying for the Temporary Graduate visa after July 1, unless they hold Hong Kong or British National Overseas passports.

University Response

UniSA has communicated that it cannot expedite the release of completion letters for all students under 35, citing the need to maintain rigorous academic and governance standards. This response has led to frustration among the affected students, who feel that their professional futures are at risk. Many students have reported sleepless nights and emotional distress, fearing that without the longer visa duration, they will be less attractive to Australian employers and may be forced to return to their home countries.

Broader Impact and Responses

International students from various programs, including Bachelor of Nursing, Master of Engineering, and Master of Data Science, have expressed concerns about their employability in Australia if limited to a two-year visa. They argue that a shorter visa duration reduces their appeal to employers, who may prefer hiring candidates with longer work eligibility. Some students feel that their significant financial investment in their education, which often exceeds $70,000, is being undermined by these policy changes.

Support from Other Universities

Other universities in Australia, such as Flinders University and the University of Adelaide, are taking steps to support their international students through this transition. Flinders University is prioritizing requests for accelerated delivery of completion letters, while the University of Adelaide is providing support and guidance through its International Student Support services.

Statements and Advocacy

A UniSA spokesperson acknowledged the impact of the visa changes and mentioned that the university is advocating for solutions with higher education bodies. Despite these efforts, many students feel marginalized and anxious about their future prospects in Australia. They argue that the university's inability to accommodate their requests for early completion letters is hindering their professional and personal growth.

In summary, the impending policy change has created a stressful situation for many international students at UniSA. While the university has taken some steps to address the issue, the broader implications of the policy change continue to cause significant concern among the student community.