Important Update for Students

Skilled Migration Update

On 31 March 2003, the Minister for Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs, Philip Ruddock, announced changes to take effect on 1 July 2003 within the general skilled migration category.

These changes are subject to amendments to the Migration Regulations.

The changes in summary are:

1. overseas students will be required to have completed at least 2 years study while physically in Australia before they qualify for bonus points or the work experience exemption;
   
   
2. 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;
   
   
3. an increase in the points from 10 to 15 awarded for a skilled occupation on the Migration Occupation in Demand List (MODL) and from 15 to 20 for having a job offer in relation to an occupation on the MODL;
   
   
4. 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
   
   
5. 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.