Immigration change on Australian Student Visa

Australia’s Department of Immigration and Citizenship has introduced a change to permit all initial Student Visa holders to work once they’ve started a course of study.

In addition to this change, the Australian Student Visa lodging fee will go up by $20.

Announced on the 15th of April 2008, this new improvement by the Department of Immigration on the Student Visa that allows overseas learners to work while studying, will assist them in funding their stay in Australia.

Previously, Student Visa holders had to apply for work rights after starting their course in Australia. This they had to do by filling out an extra form and paying a new fee.

From 26 April 2008, Student Visa holders will be able to access these work rights automatically once they have commenced their course of study in Australia.

Students from all over the world have been flocking to Australian schools and universities as part of a quest for adventure, international study opportunities and a means of immigration.

Australia has emerged as one of the most promising countries for overseas students to study in, especially since it opens a pathway to immigration.

According to experts, some of the major drawcards for overseas learners are the flexibility of course content and cordial student-teacher relations. Also, it's much cheaper to study in Australia compared to studying in other first-world countries, especially since course fees and the cost of living can also now be well balanced, as students are allowed to work while studying.

Students from all over the world are drawn to the idea of sampling a way of life different from their own over a span of three to four years.

Australian universities are also extremely popular with foreign graduate level students who are interested in immigration to the world’s friendliest country, as they may be entitled to apply for an Australian Permanent Residence Visa while completing their degrees.

In addition to all the other benefits, overseas students can qualify for an 18-month temporary visa after they've obtained an Australian qualification in Australia as a result of at least two years' study.

This little perk is especially attractive to candidates who were interested in immigration to Australia, but were unable to pass the points test.

Once they have a temporary visa, they can use those 18 months to remain in Australia to build up work experience and, if needed, improve on their English, which in turn will score them some valuable points that could qualify them for either a Permanent Residence or Provisional General Skilled Migration Visa.

If you fancy yourself a bit of an explorer and like the idea of studying in Australia, find out if you qualify, by filling in our free visa eligibility assessment. A brand new adventure in another country could be closer than you think!

Read more about Student Visas & immigration

Rochelle works for Migration Expert Australia, a global leader in online immigration services. For more information on Australian Student Visas & Living in Australia, visit www.MigrationExpert.com today.