5STAR Student Services

A Joint Peak Body Statement regarding the ELICOS National Standards set to commence in 2018 has clarified the situation regarding testing of English Language proficiency.

Contrary to some media reports over the past day, a new test is NOT being imposed to assess English-language proficiency among international students in Australia.  Australian education institutions already have some of the strongest standards in the world to ensure that international students can get the most benefit from studying and living here.

The Australian Government recently released updated national standards for ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students), which will apply from 2018.   Some media reports mistakenly suggested a new test is required as part of these new standards.

To be clear, there is no requirement for further standardised testing under the ELICOS National Standards 2018. Testing is only one form of assessment that may be considered and education providers will still set their own English language requirements for entry to their courses.

Crucially, also, the revised standards do not change the existing visa requirements to study in Australia – nor the pathways to further study.

It is important that potential students understand this will not make it harder to study in Australia. The ELICOS National Standards 2018 make minor amendments to existing standards to ensure quality is upheld in the future.

The main change amends the definition of an ELICOS course to bring all registered intensive English language courses within the scope of the ELICOS standards.  

STEP 1 - Find the right visa for you 

You can immigrate permanently to Australia through either the family, or employment visa programs. These visas will allow you to work and live indefinitely in Australia

 Family-Based Permanent Residency

If you have a member of your family unit that is an Australian citizen or Australian permanent resident, you may be eligible to immigrate to Australia. Migrant visas are available for:

¨       Partners

¨       Fiancé(e)s

¨       Children

¨       Dependent relatives

 Work-Based Permanent Residency

There are several pathways to Australian permanent residency through the worker category. The migrant worker categories are:

¨       Employer Sponsored Workers - When an Australian employer (government or private) sponsors a foreign national to work in Australia.

¨       General Skilled Migration - For people that are not sponsored by Australian employers but possess a skill valued in Australia.

¨       Skill Select - For workers possessing certain skills that Australia is in need of.

Migrants are not citizens. However, once you satisfy the residency test you can apply to become a citizen.

The Australian Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has a great tool to help you find which visa is right for you. https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/Trav/Visa-1?

STEP 2 - Check if you meet the visa requirements

The DHA website lists the eligibility requirements that you need to satisfy for each type of visa. For example, you may be required to have a relative that is an Australian citizen; skills that are on the published lists of skills which are in demand; a qualified sponsor; be under a certain age etc.

STEP 3 – Apply for an Australian Permanent Residency Visa *

After you’ve found the right visa and have checked you meet all the eligibility requirements, you can apply for it. Make sure the entire application is fully completed before submission.

Applications are available for download or to apply online at the DHA website. Most applications require you to submit supporting documents and an application fee.

* It is important to note that this can be a complex, time consuming and expensive process. We specialise in simplifying and streamlining it for you as well as maximising your chance of success!!

STEP 4 – Wait for a decision

The processing times for different types of visa application varies significantly. Average processing times are published on the DHA website. You may have to wait several weeks, months or years for a decision to be made on your application depending on the type of visa.

STEP 5 – Obtain the Visa

If your application is approved, you will receive your migrant visa and can live and work permanently in Australia. Australian migrant visas are issued in increments of five years, subject to renewal. As long as your visa is valid, you may enter and leave Australia freely. The benefits of permanent residency include:

¨       Right to work

¨       Right to apply for citizenship

¨       Right to public education

¨       Right to sponsor relatives to immigrate to Australia

¨       Right to travel freely between Australia and New Zealand without a visa

5STAR Student Services looks forward to helping you find the right visa and submitting your application to maximise your chance of migrating to Australia!!

MARN 1802311.

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