The reform of the immigration system is one of the important things that Australia is planning in the near future, including the major adjustment of the skilled migration points system.
According to 7 News, Australia's skilled migration scoring system may usher in a major overhaul for the first time in 10 years.
Source: 7 News
It is reported that after deciding to reduce the number of immigrants, the Australian government plans to carry out a "whole-form reform" of the skilled migration score system.
A discussion paper was exposed in the media, which highlighted possible changes to the scoring test. This is the first time since 2012 that the scoring test system has been reformed.
The Australian Migration System Review report notes that the points system should focus more on employment-related matters and calls for clearer guidance for potential migrants, focusing on industries with skills shortages and recognising the abilities of young people.
Source: 7 News
According to the ABC, the public document, known as the Review of the Points Test, shows that the government proposes the following seven key reforms:
1. The scoring test should give priority to the consideration of talented international students who can contribute to skilled positions in Australia;
2. Those with high education should get higher scores;
3. Those with long-term work experience can get higher scores. Temporary workers who have been refused sponsorship by their employer can continue to maintain their employment relationship with the employer to gain work experience, thereby increasing their chances of passing the marking test.
4. The scoring test should focus on the skills that are required in Australia now and in the future.
5. Scoring tests can better attract young immigrants who will help meet the challenges of an aging population.
6. When conducting the scoring test, the potential contribution of the applicant's partner should be fully recognized.
7. The transitional arrangement of the scoring test needs to consider the balance of fairness and certainty.
Clare O'Neil。 图源：7 News
Home Secretary Clare O'Neil said the reform of the points system would help improve Australia's immigration system, "Our goal is to create a leaner, more well-planned and more strategic immigration system to better serve Australia." ”
"We are significantly reducing migration levels, and this is the largest drop in migration in Australia's history, outside of war or pandemic. ”
She was in favour of adjusting the scoring test and making it "the core of the future permanent skilled migration program", through which two-thirds of permanent skilled immigrants would be selected.
Source: 7 News
A discussion paper shows that while the points system may be overhauled, the mechanism should still provide a pathway for temporary immigrants who are seeking permanent residence or citizenship.
"When temporary migrants have a clear understanding of the requirements to obtain these statuses, it will help reduce their risk of exploitation. ”
"Getting the scoring test right in place is essential to restore permanent residency to the centre of the immigration system and maximise Australia's economy. ”
The new points system may aim to reduce the risk of skilled migrants being exploited by employers and prevent applicants from being forced to accept unequal work treatment in order to successfully immigrate.
图源：Daily Mail
In order to reduce the number of immigrants, the Australian government chose to start from the root cause - tightening student visas, resulting in some students from specific countries being "blocked" by universities.
The institutions include one of Australia's top eight universities, while many have introduced strict "xenophobia" measures, prohibiting or restricting students from high-risk countries, such as India and Nepal.
Source: SMH
According to SMH, Australia has updated the risk level of higher education institutions and will give priority to student visa applications from low-risk institutions.
According to the report, the University of Adelaide said that the school only accepts applications from Indian undergraduates under the age of 20, and the upper age limit can be relaxed to 22 years old if the applicant has credits in hand.
In addition, the university also refuses to accept applications from any Indian student who has been refused a visa from Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand or the United Kingdom.
Source: SMH
Central Queensland University, which has a risk rating of 2, said it would no longer offer English courses for Indian and Nepalese students.
At the same time, the university will no longer admit any applicants from outside India and Nepal who are over 25 years old and/or married, except for postgraduate students, "and we are going to take these measures now in order to control the risk level to the greatest extent." ”
Edith Cowan University will also no longer accept applications from Indian, Nepalese or Pakistani students for English or Academic Pathway Programs.
Affiliated Edith Cowan College has likewise stated that it will no longer accept applications from Pakistani and Indian citizens for certain diploma programs.
Source: SMH
In the year to March this year, the rejection rate of overseas student visas hit a record high, while the approval rate fell to a record low of 78.4%, the data showed.
Western Sydney University cancelled some student registrations earlier this semester in an effort to minimise visa refusals. The school's risk level will be lowered to Level 2 this week.
The University of New England (UNE), which is located in a remote area, has been reduced from a risk level of 2 to a minimum of 3. Chancellor Chris Moran said: "The new visa rules have hit smaller institutions particularly hard. ”
New immigration policies have made it more difficult for some international students to enter Australia, and now many universities are calling for "a level playing field for all students and institutions".
A spokesperson for Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil said the government was working with the education sector to help institutions cope with the changes.
Nowadays, the scoring system for skilled immigrants may welcome a major change, but the visa for international students is still gradually tightening, and you must pay attention to the details and choose carefully when applying for schools.
Source: SMH