Amid the uproar after the Australian Government announced its updated Immigration Strategy on 11 December 2023, there are questions about the impact of the eight key measures and 25 new policy commitments announced and the future immigration reform.

Does this mean they are less likely to migrate to Australia? Will the permanent resident program be strengthened to admit only highly qualified workers? Will it mean that Indian students are less likely to move to Australian universities? Will it have a negative impact on my chances of getting into an Australian university?

There are approximately 120,000 Indian students enrolled in Australia (as of August 2023), and the fate of Indian students seeking to study at Australian universities may be affected.

The first assurance came from Australia’s High Commissioner Philip Green that the commitments agreed upon between India and Australia under the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) will continue under the new immigration strategy.

Shortly after the transition strategy was announced, Mr. Green said, “It will take four years to complete a master’s degree and a Ph.D.”, he said.

What is ECTA and how will ECTA protect Indian students when Australia’s new immigration reforms are implemented?

Effective from 29^th December 2022, ECTA will provide Indian students with post-study work visas as per the agreement,” it clarifies. After completing their studies, students enrolled in diploma courses can apply for a visa. The validity period is up to 18 months.

Similarly, students pursuing a bachelor’s degree can now apply for a work visa for up to two years after graduation, and students pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree can now apply for a visa for up to four years This means you can work in Australia for up to four years. “Over the next one to four years, more than 100,000 Indian students will benefit from post-study work visas under the agreement,” ECTA said.

The new immigration strategy will not have a negative impact on the future of Indian students in Australia. However, as part of the reforms, Australia has cracked down on undocumented international students and language rules have also been tightened. International students must obtain a score of 6 or higher on the International English Language Testing System “IELTS”. Closer inspection of documents will definitely increase your rejection rate. The government announced it would invest in $19 million in the Home Office’s Student Visa Integrity Unit.

However, serious students need not worry about the possibility of studying in Australia,” said Mamta Shekhwat, founder of gradding.com, an overseas study platform with offices in Udaipur and Jaipur (Rajasthan). The exact number of students per year is not yet clear, but it is likely to be halved by 2025. But Shekhwat believes visas can be approved if students are well prepared and their “risk assessment” is solid.

 “Strict measures against international students were already evident last quarter when document verification was far more intensive than when Australian universities opened their doors to international students after the end of the coronavirus pandemic. It is important to remember that students make a significant contribution to the national treasury of the destination country, which is why no country can completely close its doors to international students”, says Shekhwat, who has helped nearly 2 million students to study abroad.

Will the transition strategy affect students who are already registered for the next academic year?

“No,” says Mohammed Feezam, Marketing Director at Ives Australia (aivesaustralia.com) in Melbourne, which is a licensed immigration company licensed by the Australian government’s Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA).

“The Australian Government has not yet announced when the changed rules will come into effect, so Indian students who have already confirmed their admissions need not worry,” Fazeem added, adding that this strategy The aim is to “thwart the attempts of imposters,” he said.

Students who enter the country in the name of education quickly end up in low-skilled jobs, which has a huge impact on local economies and employment opportunities. But what is the best way to approach the approval process?

“Always go to his MARA agent,” say his MARA agents, brothers Rashid Backer and Hiyas Backer of AivesAustralia.com. He also said “It is a little-known fact that only registered migration agents, legal practitioners, and exempt persons can legally provide immigration assistance in Australia.”

Under the Immigration Act 1958 that provides immigration assistance in Australia, it is a legal requirement for migration agents to be registered with the OMARA (Migration Agents Registration Authority),” added Bakkar, who divides his time between offices in Dubai and India. “It is not necessary to use a registered migration agent to apply for a visa. However, especially if your case is complex, you may need the professional assistance of a registered migration agent.”

What about professionals planning to migrate to Australia? Will this number also go down?

“The Migration Strategy aims at the temporary migration of skilled workers to meet skills needs and promote labor mobility. The new Skills-in-Demand visa will increase the number of migrants in the labor market. It is planned with three targeted pathways and visa settings to facilitate worker mobility. New commitments include: A new specialist skills pathway will make it easier for Australia to attract highly skilled workers in sectors such as technology and green energy. Core Skills Pathways also allows you to meet the needs of your targeted workforce with a simpler and regularly updated list of the skills that Australia needs. But more clarity will emerge once immigration caps are announced,” Fazeem added, adding that he believes the new rules will streamline labor market inspections and visa processing.

How can Trenity consultants help?

Known for our skill and experience, Trenity Consultants provides excellent support with student immigration to Australia. We offer tailored advice, guaranteeing smooth visa applications, paperwork preparation, and adherence to Australian immigration regulations. Students get a trustworthy companion in Trenity Consultants, which raises the chances of students having a fruitful and fulfilling time studying in Australia. Visit our website to know more.