Hello from Migration Guru! As a leading immigration lawyer dedicated to helping you navigate the complexities of Australian migration law, I’m here to update you on the latest changes that impact international students and temporary graduates. The Australian Government has recently announced new English language requirements for both Student and Temporary Graduate visas. These changes, effective from 23 March 2024, are part of the broader Australian Migration Strategy and aim to enhance the quality of educational experiences for international students.
Key Highlights:
1. Elevated English Language Requirements for Temporary Graduate Visa (TGV):
The IELTS test score requirement has been raised from 6.0 to 6.5, with a minimum score of 5.5 in each of the four test components: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. This change reflects a higher proficiency level to ensure that Temporary Graduate visa holders can effectively engage in the Australian workforce and community.
Additionally, the test validity window has been shortened from 3 years to 1 year. This means that applicants for the Temporary Graduate visa must provide evidence that they’ve completed an English language test within 1 year immediately prior to submitting their visa application.
2. Increased English Language Standards for Student Visa:
The IELTS test score for Student visas has been increased from 5.5 to 6.0, setting a higher benchmark for incoming international students. This adjustment underscores the importance of English proficiency for successful academic integration.
For students undertaking packaged English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS), the required IELTS score has been raised from 4.5 to 5.0. This aims to ensure that students enrolling in ELICOS have the necessary language skills for the program. However, there are no changes for students who are currently studying English through ELICOS.
For students pursuing university foundation programs, the IELTS requirement is now set at 5.5.
Implications and Next Steps:
These changes reflect Australia’s commitment to providing high-quality education and fostering a skilled workforce. As an international student or a temporary graduate, it’s crucial to meet these updated requirements to ensure a smooth visa application process and a successful experience in Australia.
If you’re planning to apply for a Student or Temporary Graduate visa on or after 23 March 2024, make sure to meet the new English language requirements. It’s advisable to check with your educational institution or visa consultant for specific guidance and to ensure that your English language test scores meet the updated standards.
At Migration Guru, we understand that visa requirements can be complex and ever-changing. If you have any questions or need assistance navigating these new English language requirements, our experienced team is here to support you. Don’t hesitate to reach out for personalized advice and guidance to help you achieve your educational and migration goals in Australia.
For more information contact Our team via email at info@migrationguru.com.au or by calling 07 3036 3800. Readers are encouraged to follow us on Facebook for all the updates.
Best regards,
Ranjita Pillai
Leading Immigration Lawyer
Migration Guru
