Canada, Australia and UK introduce tougher immigration measures impacting students | Explained
PTC Web Desk: Canada, Australia and United Kingdom (UK) have recently announced changes to their immigration policies, introducing new rules that affect their respective immigration fee. These changes have raised concerns primarily among students and those considering moving abroad for various reasons.
The Canada's government has doubled the immigration fee, while Australia has toughened the English test for students. Similarly, Britain has made five alterations to its immigration policy.
Experts say they should not ignore the root cause of all these issues, "which is the lack of opportunities in India. Hence, many youngsters are looking to move abroad".
They added that the situation in Australia has been challenging for some time. The rules there, such as the visa rules and then the strictness for permanent residency, are already quite tough.
Canada's new rules
For students going to study in Canada, the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has doubled the fees, along with several changes in work permits. Under IRCC, international students have to show a sufficient amount to sustain themselves in Canada. The required amount has been increased from $10,000 to $20,635. These new rules will be implemented starting from January 1, 2024.
In addition to the increase in IRCC fees, the Canadian government had earlier granted permission for full-time work during studies, valid until December 31, 2023. Now, Canada has extended this provision until April 30, 2024.
Another rule is related to the work permit. The 18-month work permit rule has been terminated from January, with those whose work permits are expiring by December 31, 2023, eligible to apply for an 18-month work permit. Some online study will still count towards PGWP eligibility until September 2024.
Australia to cut annual intake
The Australian Government has announced that it will reduce the annual intake of visas to fix its 'broken' immigration system within two years. Australia aims to decrease the annual intake to 250,000 by June 2025. The new plan will toughen visa rules for international students and skilled workers. It will also involve a more rigorous examination for visa applications for those in the 'Shortage Occupations' list, reducing their salaries by 20%.
Moreover, the Family Visa income threshold to apply for the next spring has been increased from £18,600 to £38,700. The government advised immigration advisers to reconsider the Graduate Visa route for 'halting the abuse.'
UKs rigorous immigration measures
The UK Government has announced significant measures to curtail immigration, including raising the minimum salary for skilled foreign workers seeking visas to work in the country. This decision follows a record high net migration of 745,000 in 2022.
The proposed actions involve restricting international students from bringing their families to the UK, except for those enrolled in postgraduate research programmes. Furthermore, there will be an increase in the salary requirement for foreign workers to £38,000 (equivalent to around Rs 40,01,932).
Key highlights of the UK Immigration Plan:
Restricting overseas care workers from bringing family dependents and making it obligatory for care firms in England to be registered with the Care Quality Commission in order to sponsor visas.
Increasing the earnings threshold to £38,700 starting from spring for skilled worker routes, in line with the median full-time wage for these professions.
Discontinuing discounted shortage labour from abroad by ending the 20% salary deduction for shortage occupations and reorganising the Shortage Occupation List.
Doubling the minimum income requirement for family visas to £38,700, matching the threshold set for skilled workers.
Implementing stricter rules for students bringing their family members to the UK, with a review of the graduate route by the Migration Advisory Committee.
- PTC NEWS
