Australia’s new two-tier student visa system prioritizes “sustainable” educational institutions for faster processing, aiming to manage the surge in international student arrivals. This strategy, implemented ahead of the May 17 election, seeks to balance economic benefits with the capacity of the education sector and address associated resource strains. The system also complements the new Skills in Demand visa, designed to address critical labor shortages.
The German Consulate in Mumbai has introduced flexible options for Indian students facing visa delays, ensuring they can still join the upcoming winter semester in Germany. The consulate is working to streamline the visa application process, and offers alternative document submission options to help students avoid missing their start dates.
New Zealand’s government is urging prospective students to submit their visa applications at least three months ahead of their intended study start date to avoid potential delays. This advice comes as the country prepares for a surge in applications during the peak season between October and February.
The arrest of a Pakistani student in Canada on terrorism charges has sparked intense scrutiny of the country’s study permit system. The incident has fueled anti-immigration sentiment and highlighted the challenges faced by international students, particularly those on post-graduate work permits. A protest by former international students demanding extended work permits, a fair pathway to permanent residency, and other reforms has begun in Brampton, Ontario.
New Zealand is increasing visa fees for most categories starting October 1, 2024, affecting student and work visas. While fees are rising, Pacific nations will continue to receive subsidized rates. The government aims to align fees with processing costs, while maintaining competitive rates compared to other countries.
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has outlined steps he has implemented to curb migration, including reducing student dependent applications by 80% and scrapping a rule that allowed employers to pay immigrant workers 20% less than UK citizens. The new rules will also make it harder for overseas care workers to bring dependent relatives to the UK. Critics say the measures will be a ‘total disaster’ for the health and care sector, which relies heavily on immigrant workers.
