TAFE Study to PR Announcement

[connaust]

International Student Migration recent announcement from Holmesglen TAFE Melbourne, nothing new, but clear explanation of situation:

Australian government announced changes to the General Skills Migration program which have an impact on international students. In brief, these changes are:

 

1. The Migration Occupations in Demand List (MODL) has been revoked.

2. A new Skilled Occupation List (SOL) is to be implemented in mid 2010. However, this list will not be available until April 2010.

3. Students applying for permanent residency will be required to have an occupation on the SOL. Hence a lot will depend on what occupations are on this list.

4. There is a clear emphasis in the new regulations separating study from migration.

5. Greater emphasis and preference will be given to students with employer or state government sponsorships. Students will be encouraged and may apply for a visa to work in Australia on graduation and look towards gaining employer sponsorship and work experience.

6. Student visa holders with a trade/technical qualification will need to have an IELTS level of 6.0. With these changes the government is aiming to diversify international student enrolments away from high volume courses such as cookery, hairdressing and automotive. They want students doing courses at more advanced levels (diploma, degree) in occupational areas that are in demand in the Australian economy (health, engineering, etc.)

 

 

The government has said that it wants to continue the skilled migration program and to continue to accept international students for permanent residency.