Morrison Govt. Announced Some Changes in Graduate Visa 485 to Support International Students

The Morrison Government plans to introduce further targeted measures to provide additional support to the international education sector as the international borders reopen. Over $37 million will be able to support the international education providers affected by Covid-19. Additional grants and extended regulatory fee warriors are the elements of this. Apart from this, several changes to the visa will also help provide flexibility to all international aspirants planning to return to the country.

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About The New Changes –

The new changes will help in safeguarding the rights of international aspirants. Also, for up to two to three years, the temporary graduate visa will get an extension for masters. Alan Tudge, Minister for Education and Youth, revealed that the announcement will help to overcome the pandemic for the academic year 2022. Minister Tudge also revealed that it would help ensure the quick return of students. It provides incentives for aspirants and institutions and will get advantages to come to Australia, which was earlier not possible. The Innovation Grants extension will help English language providers who had a tough time during the pandemic.

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The Latest Data –

As of August 2021, the latest data revealed that internal enrolments are down by 17% than in August 2019. Among all this, the ELICOS has experienced around 71% decline, the greatest one. Alex Hawke, Minister for Immigration, Citizen, Migrant Services and Multicultural Education Sector, revealed that the changes made to the visa concerning the international education sector offer students the needed reprieve as the borders are ready to reopen.

The Targeted Changes –

The changes are specifically made to target internal students and also to improve the country’s economic condition. It will also help in attracting and retaining skilled workers.

What Does The Package Include?

• For 2022, the regulatory fee relief includes $27.8 million, and it comprises fees for Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA), the Tuition Protection Service (TPS) Levy, Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA), and Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) registrations.
• Until 31st of December 2022, an extension is provided to the FEE-HELP loan fee exemption. It benefits aspirants from public and higher education universities.
• An additional $9.4 million is allocated for the Innovation Development Fund extension to deliver additional short-term targeted support. It is given to private English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS) provides diversifying offerings into offshore and online delivery.

What Does The New Visa Mean?

• Aspirants of Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485 who cannot travel to Australia because of the pandemic can now apply for a replacement visa. It allows former and current Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa holders whose visa has also expired after or on the 1st of February 2020 can reapply for a new one for the same time.
• For this visa, the Morrison Government will extend the stay for two to three years wishing to do Master. Graduates of the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector will also get a two-year Temporary Graduate visa.
• The setting of the new visa will extend existing measures for temporary graduates to recognize time spent offshore studying online. It counts to qualify for a temporary graduate visa.

All these things will help in the implementation of the Australian Strategy for International Education. For any information, aspirants can speak to Registered Migration Agent Perth at from ISA Migrations & Education Consultants. They will guide students about the latest updates!