Australia has introduced stricter visa rules for international students due to a rise in migration, affecting the rental market. The changes were announced on March 21 to meet migration goals set in December 2023. Starting March 23, English requirements for student and graduate visas increased, with more authority to suspend providers breaking rules, especially risky ones like “ghost colleges.”
To address compliance issues, high-risk providers have six months to improve, or they can’t enroll international students. Also, unlimited work hours for students and the pandemic visa are now ended.
These changes were prompted by a 35% drop in recent international student visas. English requirements are now IELTS 6.0 for students and IELTS 6.5 for graduates. A new test will clarify intentions to deter work-focused applicants. These steps aim to ensure students come for education, improving migration balance.
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