Overseas students undertaking studies in Australia
after 1 July 2003 will be required to meet the 2 year study
requirement being introduced from that date.
The changes, in summary, are:
(i)
Overseas students will be required to have completed
at least 2 years study while physically in Australia before
they qualify for additional points or the work experience exemption
(overseas students studying towards a degree, diploma or trade qualification
in Australia on 31 March 2003, who apply for general skilled migration
before 1 April 2004, will be required to meet the current provision
that requires 1 year of full time study in Australia).
(ii)
The award of 5 additional points for overseas
students who study and reside in regional Australia or a low population
growth metropolitan area for at least 2 years;
(iii)
An increase in the points from 5 to 10 awarded
for a skilled occupation on the Migration
Occupation in Demand List (MODL) and from 10 to 15 for having
a job offer in relation to an occupation on the MODL;
(iv)
An increase in the points from 5 to 10 awarded
for completion of an Australian upper second class Honours (or higher
degree) or Masters qualification following completion of an Australian
bachelor degree, both obtained while studying in Australia; and
(v)
An increase in the points awarded from 10 to
15 for completion of an Australian Doctorate with a minimum of 2
consecutive years of full time study while physically in Australia.
Should you require any further information on this
or any other visas, please contact us by e-mail at
.