The major change to take place on the 18th April as far as international students are concerned will be the lowering of the English requirement in order to be granted the 485 and 476 visas.
Enable lower English language test scores to be specified for the Skilled Recognised Graduate and Temporary Graduate visas so that these visas can be more responsive to Australia's labour market requirements. The tests and scores will be specified in an instrument made by the Minister.
Time of Invitation for Points tested GSM applicants
Allow an English language test score to be accepted for points tested skilled visas if the test was conducted three years before the applicant was invited to apply for the visa, rather than three years before the application was lodged. This ensures that English test scores do not become invalid between the invitation to apply for the visa and the application being lodged
457 Sponsorship Requirements
Extend the time frames in which an approved sponsor must notify the department of certain events relating to the sponsored person (for example, a change in work duties). The amendment extends the time frame from 10 working days to 28 calendar days to ensure there is sufficient time to comply with the requirement. It also reduces confusion for businesses as it would align with other comparable reporting periods that must be met by business
Booking for Medical Tests
Repeal the requirement that an applicant for a Temporary Graduate visa must provide evidence of having made arrangements for medical examinations at the time of application for the visa. The amendment removes an unnecessary burden on applicants as many applicants may not be required to have a medical examination to meet the health requirement at the time of decision for the visa
Limiting overseas flight crews
Limit the number of domestic flights that foreign aircrew are permitted to work on while holding a Special Purpose visa. The amendments provide a limit of two connecting domestic flights for foreign air crew and one connecting domestic flight for positioning foreign air crew (persons forming crew on departure). This ensures that opportunities for Australian workers on domestic flights are protected
