Meeting aims to clear visa issues, 24/3/06

Letter to the Editor - The Bendigo Advertiser
29 Month 2006

Dear Sir/Madam

Your report about the recent meeting with Bendigo employers over immigration requirements (Meeting aims to clear visa issues, 24/3/06) confuses the visa conditions for international students with those for general skilled migrants.

People applying for general skilled migration visas must pass a points test. They are awarded points according to several criteria including their qualifications, age and level of English language ability. They also must satisfy health and character checks.

There are no limits on the number of hours a person holding a general skilled migration visa can work in a week.

International students can apply for a general skilled migration visa if they want to stay in Australia after their studies finish.

On the other hand - and this is where your report confuses readers - people applying for student visas do not need to pass a points test. However, they are assessed on their ability to pay for their stay in Australia and they need to satisfy health and character checks.

International students who want to work while studying must apply for a permit. They are generally allowed to work for no longer than 20 hours a week during study terms. There is no limit on the number of hours international students may work during holidays.

Sandi Logan
National Communications Manager
Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs