Australia Student Visa Rejection Reasons
While Australia is a popular destination for higher education, the student visa rejection rate can be unexpectedly high, even for seemingly qualified candidates. Common reasons for rejection include financial insufficiency, improper documentation, or an unclear intention to return after studies.
Understanding these visa rejection reasons can significantly improve your chances of success. In this article, we'll explore the most frequent causes and how to avoid them, ensuring your dream of studying in Australia becomes a reality.
Australia Work Visa for Indians: Guidelines
Below is an overview of the different types of work visas for Australia from India :
1. Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482)
The TSS Visa allows skilled workers to fill roles in Australia that locals cannot fill, requiring sponsorship from an Australian employer and valid for up to 4 years. It has short-term and medium-term streams, with the medium-term stream offering a pathway to Permanent Residency for specific occupations. Visa holders can work full-time for their sponsor and may apply for permanent residency if eligible.
2. Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
The Skilled Independent Visa is a points-based visa for skilled workers without employer or state sponsorship, granting Permanent Residency upon approval and full work rights across Australia. Applicants must meet a minimum points threshold and demonstrate skills in an occupation listed on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), allowing for flexibility to live and work anywhere in the country.
3. Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
This visa is for skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory and is based on a points system, granting Permanent Residency upon approval. Visa holders must live and work in the nominating state or territory for at least two years, offering full work rights and the chance to contribute to the region's economic development.
4. Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)
The Skilled Regional Visa enables skilled workers to live and work in regional Australia for 5 years. It requires nomination by a state or territory or sponsorship by a family member in a regional area. This visa offers a pathway to Permanent Residency via the Subclass 191 visa if residency and income criteria are met, helping address local skill shortages and promoting long-term settlement in regional areas.
5. Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)
The ENS Visa allows skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer for a permanent role to obtain Permanent Residency upon approval. It grants full work rights throughout Australia and is aimed at workers with skills in demand by employers, without imposing restrictions on location or employer after it's granted.
6. Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
This visa allows recent graduates from Australian educational institutions to gain work experience in their field of study, with a validity of 2 to 4 years depending on their qualification and study location. It offers full-time work rights and can lead to opportunities for applying for permanent visas as graduates accumulate relevant experience to meet residency requirements.
Australia Work Permit Visa Types for Indians
Below is a detailed look at the different work visas available for Indians, including eligibility criteria, duration, and the benefits associated with each.
1. Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482)
The Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482) allows Australian employers to address labour shortages by sponsoring skilled workers from overseas. It offers several streams to cater to different needs and circumstances:
- Short-term Stream: Enables employers to hire skilled workers for positions on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) for up to 2 years (up to 4 years if ITO applies). Cost: AUD 1,495 (INR 80,895).
- Medium-term Stream: Allows employers to address skill shortages by sponsoring workers for roles on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) or Regional Occupation List (ROL) for up to 4 years. Cost: AUD 3,115 (INR 168,780).
- Labour Agreement Stream: For skilled workers nominated through an employer with a Labour Agreement, offering up to 4 years of stay. Cost: AUD 3,115 (INR 168,780).
- Subsequent Entrant: Allows family members of existing TSS or subclass 457 visa holders to join them in Australia. Cost: AUD 1,495 (INR 80,895).
2. Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) allows skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, state, or territory to live and work permanently in Australia. There are different streams under this visa:
- Points Tested Stream: Designed for invited skilled workers aiming for permanent residency anywhere in Australia. Costs start from AUD 4,765.00 (INR 260,690.00). Applicants must be under 45 years old at the time of invitation and do not need a sponsor or nominator.
- New Zealand Stream: Available for eligible New Zealand citizens demonstrating a commitment to Australia, granting permanent residency. No application costs, but this visa is closed to new applications as of July 1, 2023.
- Hong Kong Stream: For eligible Hong Kong or British National (Overseas) passport holders who have shown commitment to Australia, facilitating permanent residency. Costs begin at AUD 4,765.00 (INR 260,690.00), with specific visa and residency requirements to be met.
3.Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
The Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) is for skilled workers nominated by a state or territory government in Australia, allowing them to live and work as permanent residents. The visa costs from AUD 4,770.00 (INR 261,080.00) and requires the applicant's occupation to be on the relevant skilled list, a suitable skills assessment, an invitation to apply, and meeting the points test.
Benefits include the ability to work and study anywhere in Australia, sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residency, and potential eligibility for Australian citizenship.
4. Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)
The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491) allows skilled workers to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia. There are two main types of this visa: the Main Applicant and the Subsequent Entrant.
- Subclass 491 - Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa:
This provisional visa allows skilled workers to live and work in regional Australia for up to 5 years. After 3 years, they can apply for permanent residency. Eligibility includes state nomination or relative sponsorship, having an occupation on the skilled list, a skills assessment, and meeting the points test. Costs start at AUD 4,770.00 (INR 261,080.00), with variable processing times.
2. Subclass 491 - Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subsequent Entrant):
This visa enables family members of Subclass 491 visa holders to join them in Australia for the duration of the primary visa holder's stay. Eligibility requires being a member of the family unit. Costs start at AUD 4,770.00 (INR 261,080.00), with variable processing times available in the visa processing time guide.
5. Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)
The Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) Visa allows skilled workers who are nominated by their employer to live and work in Australia permanently. There are three distinct streams under this visa:
1. Direct Entry Stream
The Direct Entry Stream is designed for skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer who do not currently hold a temporary visa. Eligibility requires nomination by an employer, an occupation on the eligible skilled occupations list, at least Competent English, and meeting health and character requirements.
This visa grants permanent residency and costs AUD 4,770.00 (INR 261,080.00). Processing times are variable and may be affected by high application volumes.
2. Labour Agreement Stream
The Labour Agreement Stream caters to skilled workers nominated by employers who have a labour agreement with the Australian government. Eligibility includes having a valid labour agreement, meeting the conditions specified in that agreement, and fulfilling health and character requirements.
This visa provides permanent residency and costs AUD 4,770.00 (INR 261,080.00). Processing times are variable and can be impacted by high application volumes.
3. Temporary Residence Transition Stream
The Temporary Residence Transition Stream is for skilled workers who have been employed full-time by an employer while on a temporary visa (such as 457 or TSS) and are now seeking permanent residency. Eligibility includes holding a relevant temporary visa, working full-time for at least two years with the employer, being nominated, and meeting health and character requirements.
This stream grants permanent residency and costs from AUD 4,770.00 (INR 261,080.00). Processing times are variable and may be affected by high application volumes.
6. Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) allows international students who have recently graduated from an Australian educational institution to live, study, and work in Australia temporarily. This visa has several streams, each catering to different qualifications and circumstances.
1. Post-Vocational Education Work Stream
This visa is for international students who have completed a relevant qualification in Australia. Applicants must hold an associate degree, diploma, or trade qualification and apply within six months of their Student visa.
The stay duration is up to 18 months (5 years for Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders). Cost: AUD 1,945.00 (INR 105,480.00). Processing times vary.
2. Post-Higher Education Work Stream
Designed for international graduates with a degree from an Australian institution, this visa allows stays of 2 to 3 years (up to 5 years for Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders).
Eligibility includes holding a degree from a CRICOS-registered course and applying within six months of a Student visa. Cost: AUD 1,945.00 (INR 105,480.00). Processing times vary.
3. Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream
This visa is for holders of a Post-Higher Education Work visa with a degree from a regional Australian institution. Applicants must have previously held a Post-Higher Education Work visa and reside in a regional area.
The stay duration is 1 to 2 years, depending on the educational institution's location. Cost: AUD 765.00 (INR 41,830.00). Processing times vary.
7. Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) Visa (Subclass 187)
The Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme Visa (Subclass 187) allows skilled workers to live and work in regional Australia permanently. This visa has two main streams:
1. Direct Entry Stream
This stream enables skilled workers nominated by an approved Australian employer for a job in regional Australia to live and work permanently.
Eligibility requires being under 45 years old and meeting skills, qualifications, and English language requirements. The cost is not specified as this stream is closed to new applications. Processing times vary based on application volumes.
2. Temporary Residence Transition Stream
This visa allows skilled workers on Subclass 457 or Subclass 482 visas, who have been working for their employer in regional Australia, to transition to permanent residency.
Applicants must typically have worked full-time for the employer for at least two years and be nominated by the employer. The cost is from AUD 4,770.00 (INR 261,080.00). Processing times can vary based on application volumes.
Australia Work Visa Fee
The cost of applying for an Australian work visa can vary depending on the type of visa and individual circumstances. Factors affecting these Australian work visa fees for Indians include the visa type, application complexity, and additional requirements such as health insurance and medical checks.
Here is a breakdown of the fees associated with different work visas:
|
Visa Type |
Application Fee (INR) |
Application Fee (AUD) |
|
Temporary Skill Shortage visa |
INR 80,895.00 |
AUD 1,495 |
|
Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) |
INR 260,690.00. |
AUD 4,765 |
|
Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) |
INR 261,080.00 |
AUD 4,770 |
|
Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491) |
INR 261,080.00 |
AUD 4,770 |
|
Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) |
INR 261,080.00 |
AUD 4,770 |
|
Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) |
INR 41,830.00 to INR 80,895.00 |
AUD 765 to AUD 1945 |
|
Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) Visa (Subclass 187) |
INR 261,080.00 |
AUD 4,770 |
Additional costs for the visa include mandatory health insurance (INR 25,000 to INR 50,000 or AUD 450 - AUD 900 annually), medical checks (INR 5,000 to INR 20,000 or AUD 90 - AUD 360), and possible surcharges for biometric collection or extra documentation.
Australia Work Visa Processing Time for Indians
The processing time for an Australian work visa can vary significantly depending on the type of visa, the completeness of the application, and other factors such as job sponsorship and demand for specific skills.
Below is an overview of the average processing times for various work visas:
|
Types of visas |
Processing Time |
|
Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) |
6 to 8 months |
|
Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme) |
7 to 12 months |
|
Subclass 187 (Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme) |
8 to 12 months |
|
Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional) |
6 to 9 months |
|
Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate) |
4 to 8 months |
Australia Work Visa Requirements for Indian Citizens
To successfully apply for an Australian work visa, Indian citizens must meet specific eligibility criteria, which vary depending on the visa type.
Below is a comprehensive list of mandatory requirements for each work visa type:
- Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482)
- English Language Proficiency: Minimum IELTS score of 5.0 (for the short-term stream) or 6.0 (for the medium-term stream).
- Age Limit: Must be under 45 years old.
- Skill Assessments: Required for some occupations. Skills must match the occupation listed on the relevant skilled occupation list.
- Health Checks: Mandatory health examinations to ensure fitness for work.
- Police Clearance: A criminal background check is required.
- Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
- English Language Proficiency: Minimum IELTS score of 6.0 in each band.
- Age Limit: Must be under 45 years old.
- Skill Assessments: Positive skills assessment is required for an occupation on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
- Health Checks: Comprehensive medical examination required.
- Police Clearance: Required from all countries where the applicant has lived for more than 12 months in the last 10 years.
- Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
- English Language Proficiency: Minimum IELTS score of 6.0 in each band.
- Age Limit: Must be under 45 years old.
- Skill Assessments: A positive skills assessment is required for an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list.
- Health Checks: Medical examination required.
- Police Clearance: A criminal background check is required.
- Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)
- English Language Proficiency: Minimum IELTS score of 6.0 in each band.
- Age Limit: Must be under 45 years old.
- Skill Assessments: A positive skills assessment is required for an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list.
- Health Checks: Mandatory health examination.
- Police Clearance: Required.
- Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (Subclass 186)
- English Language Proficiency: Minimum IELTS score of 6.0 in each band (or equivalent).
- Age Limit: Must be under 45 years old.
- Skill Assessments: Required if not applying under the Direct Entry stream; must have relevant work experience.
- Health Checks: Required.
- Police Clearance: Required.
- Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
- English Language Proficiency: No specific requirement unless applying for a job that mandates English proficiency.
- Age Limit: Must be under 35 years old.
- Skill Assessments: Not required unless applying for specific occupations.
- Health Checks: Required if staying more than 6 months.
- Police Clearance: This may be required based on circumstances and employment.
How to Apply for a Work Visa in Australia for Indians?
Applying for a work visa in Australia as an Indian citizen involves several steps. Start by determining the most suitable visa type based on your occupation and skills. Check your eligibility, ensuring you meet criteria such as age limits, skill assessments, and English language proficiency.
Gather required documents like passports, qualifications, test results, and clearances. If needed, complete a skills assessment and take an English test (IELTS or PTE). Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect and, if invited, apply via the ImmiAccount portal, uploading all documents and paying the fee.
Complete health and police checks, then monitor your application status until receiving your visa grant notification.
Reasons under Which Your Australia Work Visa Application Could Get Rejected
Below are frequent causes of Australian work visa denials:
- Incomplete Documentation: Missing or incomplete documents can lead to a rejection. Ensure all required documents are provided and meet the specified criteria.
- Failure to Meet Eligibility Criteria: Not meeting the visa's eligibility requirements, such as age limits, English language proficiency, or skill assessments, can result in a refusal.
- Inaccurate or False Information: Providing incorrect or misleading information can lead to immediate rejection. Always ensure that all details are accurate and truthful.
- Insufficient Proof of Skills or Experience: Failing to provide adequate evidence of your skills or work experience can affect your application. Make sure your skill assessments and work history are well-documented.
- Medical and Health Issues: Inadequate health clearances or failing the required medical examinations can result in a visa refusal.
- Criminal Record: Having a criminal record or failing to provide a police clearance certificate can lead to rejection.
- Failure to Meet Visa Conditions: Not adhering to the conditions of a previous visa or failing to provide evidence of meeting visa conditions can impact your application.
Takeaway
Understanding the requirements for an Australian visa for Indians is a great beginning to a work visa application. It includes knowing all the types of visa options, which are eligible under specific conditions, and the common pitfalls, such as incomplete documentation or incorrect information. You can have better chances by being adequately prepared with all the requirements fulfilled.
For personalised guidance and to ensure a smooth application process, consider reaching out to AECC. Contact us today to get started on your journey to working in Australia.
