International Students And New Migrants Information Pack 2023
- Ruth
- Nov 18, 2023
- 1 min read
This comprehensive information pack for international students and new migrants is an invaluable resource, designed to assist in a smooth transition to life in Australia. It covers vital topics such as visa application processes, travel preparations, and settling in Australia. Here's a summary of the key sections:
Offshore Preparation: This section provides guidance on how to apply for an Australian student visa, including understanding the Student Visa (Subclass 500), visa fees, and specific requirements like the Letter of Offer, Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, proof of sufficient funds, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and health and character requirements. It also touches upon bridging and online courses and navigating visa options in the context of COVID-19.
Transit: This part focuses on essential travel preparations, highlighting the importance of carrying proper identification documents, health travel documents, and travel insurance. It emphasizes the need to stay updated with changing travel requirements and documentation.
Onshore Settlement: Upon arrival in Australia, this section assists with practical advice on pick-up from the airport, finding accommodation, understanding public transport, seeking job opportunities, and joining networking community events. It also provides detailed information on social services available in Australia, including mental health support and medical insurance coverage.
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Moving to a new country as a student or new immigrant can be very exciting but equally stressful. People face language barriers, pressures from home, culture shock, loneliness or homesickness, or financial worries. All these experiences are normal, but they can make you feel anxious. Doing proper research before relocating is important as this reduces unnecessary stress. Disclaimer: Information in this document was accurate as of 11/11/2022. Please check with individual providers to confirm costs etc.
2.0 OFFSHORE
Before you come to Australia, it is advisable if you can afford to visit an immigration lawyer or agent with MARA who can advise you on what is required of you based on your visa category.
Make sure the agent you contact to use is registered with MARA, because they are regulated by the Australian Government and this also protects you as an immigrant in case of any disputes.
2.1 How to Apply for Your Student Visa
Arranging a student visa is a very important step. Even if you are starting your studies online, getting a student visa now will help you prepare for on-campus studies in Australia in future. A student visa could also help you get ready for a post-study work visa (Visa subclass 485). To apply directly to an Australian education provider, please download an application form from the provider's website, via the Course Search tool. If you need assistance applying for a course, an Australian education agent can help. However, you will still need to supply your agent with all the relevant documents to be submitted with your form. Relevant documents include:
Certificates that verify your previous study, including any qualifications you already have.
Evidence of your English language proficiency.
Certificates or documents that verify previous study or work experience if you are seeking course credits. These must be translated into English.
See below for more information on these documents.
2.2 Understanding the Student Visa (Subclass 500)
The Student visa (subclass 500) visa allows you to live, work and study in Australia for a maximum of five years, in line with your course.
On this visa, you are normally allowed to work a maximum of 40 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during study breaks. However, the Australian Government is temporarily allowing students to work over their normal limit of 40 hours per fortnight during term time across all sectors. Currently, students may also start working on arrival in Australia, and do not need to wait until their course commences.
Further information is available on the Department of Home Affairs website.
2.3 Visa Fees
In Australia, student visa fees are from AUD$650 per visa application* unless you are exempt. Australian student visa processing times vary from person to person. Visa processing times are available on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Student visa holders (including dependents) who arrived in Australia before 19 March 2022 can apply for a refund of their Visa Application Charge up until 31 December 2022. Further information is available on the Department of Home Affairs website.
*Prices are correct as at July 2022.
2.4 Student Visa Requirements
Here is a breakdown of everything you need to apply for an international student visa.
2.4.1 Letter of Offer
If your application is successful, you will receive a Letter of Offer from your chosen education provider.
Read the Letter of Offer carefully before you accept it. It will include your course details, enrolment conditions and fees you will need to pay if you accept the offer.
Make sure that you understand all your rights, including the refund arrangements; if you don’t start or finish your course, the agreement will be used to determine if you will receive a refund.
Do not accept the Letter of Offer if you are not happy with any of its terms.
Keep a copy of the Letter of Offer. You will need this copy so that you are aware of your rights and if you have to claim the institution.
2.4.2 Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
A Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) is a document that will be issued by your education provider that verifies your enrolment in a specific course. The CoE will be sent to you after you have accepted your offer and paid your deposit.
You must include a copy of this document in your visa application so that the Australian Government has proof that you are registered in your declared course.
2.4.3 Proof of English Proficiency
If you are not a native English language speaker, you’ll need to supply a certificate of results from an approved English language test, because Australian educational courses are taught in English. This certificate will prove to the Australian Government that you meet the minimum English proficiency levels needed to succeed in your given course.
There are only certain tests you can take that will be accepted by the Australian Government, but all are easily accessible from around the world.
There are varying minimum requirements for each education level, and institutions sometimes set these requirements higher for certain courses.
See studying and training visas on the Australian Department of Home Affairs website for more information and check the education provider’s website for English language requirements.
2.4.4 Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Requirement
To meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, you must write a statement that addresses two criteria:
That you are genuinely coming to Australia to study and not for any other reason.
That you will only be residing in Australia temporarily (and not overstaying your visa).
In your statement, include details on your ties to home (such as your friends and family, or a job that you have to return to) as well as the value of the course to your future career or academic goals.
By including these details, it will prove both your intention to return home at the end of your visa and your true intention to study in Australia.
2.4.5 Proof of Sufficient Funds
To receive an Australian student visa, you must prove that you have enough money to support yourself throughout your stay. There are two options for meeting this requirement:
Provide bank statements and evidence of grants or scholarships. This will prove that you have enough money to cover all your costs and expenses through your course, such as travel, course fees and rent.
Supply proof of your parent's or partner’s annual income, which must be AUD$62,222 in the year immediately before you apply. If you bring family members, the annual income must be at least AUD$72,592.
For more information on the minimum required funds, head to the Department of Home Affairs website, and navigate to 'Gather your documents'.
* Prices are correct as of 6 May 2021, refer to the Department of Home Affairs website for current price information.
2.4.6 Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
As an international student in Australia, you must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay.
If you don’t provide proof that you have bought this insurance, your student visa application will be denied.
OSHC will help you:
Pay for medical or hospital care while studying in Australia.
Pay for most prescription medicines.
Provide you with ambulance cover in emergencies.
While organising your health cover, also make sure you order an OSHC card for use at doctor appointments while you're living in Australia. Read more on our insurance page.
You can find out more about OSHC cover, including where to purchase OSHC at PrivateHealth.gov.au.
2.4.7 Health Requirement
The Australian Government requires all international students to be in good health before entering the country. As a result, you may need to undergo a health examination and provide a medical certificate confirming that you meet these health requirements.
2.4.8 Character Requirement
There are also certain character requirements that you must meet if you want to study in Australia. In your application, you’ll have to answer some basic questions about your character and past conduct. In some cases, you may even need to provide a police background check.
Other Requirements to Enter Australia
The Australian Government no longer requires people travelling to Australia to have a COVID-19 test before travel.
However, you will still need to check that you meet the requirements of your airline and any countries you transit through.
Updates on COVID-19 and Visas
2.5 Bridging and Online Courses
Many Australian providers are offering bridging and online courses for international students. To make sure your study outside of Australia (including online) is counted towards your degree, you will still need to have a student visa.
For more on this, check out the Australian Department of Home Affairs website.
Existing and New Students Impacted by COVID-19
Existing and new student visa holders who undertake online study outside Australia because of COVID-19 will be able to count this study towards their Australian Study Requirement for a post-study work visa (Visa subclass 485). For more on this, click here. For more on this, visit https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/covid19/visa-information/international-students/temporary-graduate-visa.
Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) Visa Holders
From 18 January 2022, Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa holders who are eligible for a replacement Temporary Graduate visa because they lost time in Australia as a result of COVID-19 international travel restrictions will have their visas extended to 30 September 2022.
This interim measure allows eligible Temporary Graduate visa holders to enter or remain in Australia to live and work until they can apply for a replacement Temporary Graduate visa from 1 July 2022. Further information is available on the Department of Home Affairs website: www.homeaffairs.gov.au/covid19/visa-information/international-students/temporary-graduate-visa.
2.6 Explore More Visa Options
Explore your visa options for studying in Australia via the Australian Department of Home Affairs' website.
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3.0 TRANSIT
Once you have fulfilled all offshore requirements, it is time to travel to your destination. You should ensure your air ticket is correctly booked and take note of the departure times. It is important to arrive at the airport at least one hour before departure time.
Being turned back by immigration authorities at destination or transfer points is a normal occurrence for travellers. This experience is usually frustrating and stressful for any traveller. This situation is avoidable if every traveller is well versed on the correct documentation they need to be armed with when on transit to another country.
Whether it is rules implemented at a short notice or papers presented in the wrong format or language, passengers and airlines can struggle to keep up with ever changing requirements. This is why it’s more important than ever to be well prepared for your trip and to make sure that you have the correct travel documents, especially when travelling internationally.
The following are the most important documents you need when on transit abroad:
3.1 Identification Documents
Every traveller must ensure they have their official identification documents ready and in their possession when travelling. Having multiple documentation such as your passport, national ID and driver's license is okay but not mandatory to carry all. The most important document needed is a valid passport. These other documents can only be of help if you lose your passport and need to take steps to prove your citizenship at your country’s embassy.
Your passport must not be up to date and not past its expiry date. It is good to note that most countries require a passport that is valid for six months after their planned arrival time. Therefore before your trip to Australia, make sure your documentation is in good order and up to date as per the rules and regulations that are in place
3.2 Health Travel Documents
Health travel documents are not new to international travel. Certain countries have long lasting entry requirements such as yellow fever vaccination certificates. This was however limited to specific countries whereas the COVID-19 travel document entry requirements have been enforced by the majority of countries around the world.
Currently, we are seeing a reduction in COVID-19 travel restrictions. Nonetheless, it is still important to check the latest rules before your departure as some might be implemented at a short notice.
3.3 Travel Insurance
Unforeseen situations can occur and they can be especially stressful when you are abroad. That is why travel insurance is important. Travel insurance can be summed up in two main categories:
· Insurance for medical expenses and
· Insurance for trip cancellations.
It is important to have a copy of your travel insurance certificate with you. Insurance companies often provide a printer-friendly card or summary that includes emergency contact details which you should always have with you or you can use their mobile app so that you have all the required information at your fingertips. It is also recommended to contact your insurance provider to verify what exactly is covered under your insurance plan.
4.0 ONSHORE
4.1 Pick up means from airport
Upon arrival at the airport, you need to either have someone waiting to guide you to your next stop or already have an address of where you will be living. The person picking you up may have their own means of transport and chauffeur you to your intended destination or they may elect to use available public means such as shuttle buses or taxis. There are rideshare options available too as well as car rental services.
4.2 Accommodation options
As you proceed to settle in, you will first need to secure adequate accommodation. You may start off by seeking the assistance of your school or the Kenyan community already settled here to help you find befitting housing. They can also guide you on strategically suitable areas to settle in with regard to what you intend to be engaging in while in Australia.
There are online resources such as Gumtree that will give you crucial leads on real estate, furniture and even electronics. You can browse through the thousands of postings available to find what best suits your needs.
Another reliable online resource to look at is ADSCT which is an Australian free classified website. It will assist you when house hunting as well as when you need to buy new or used vehicles, furniture, electronics and even find jobs.
Other useful websites are Tradingpost, Adeex Australia and Craigslist among others. Be sure to check these out.
4.3 Public transport movement
Movement from place to place is key in everyone's day to day. There is a myriad of places across the country that you will need to go to for various individual reasons. To aid you in this, there are resources available that will make for smooth sailing during your travels across Australia.
The Public Transport Victoria web page will help you plan your journeys and give you important information on ticketing as well as any disruptions as they arise.
You will need a Myki card in order to pay train fares when in Australia. This is a reloadable credit card used for ticketing. You will initially need cash loaded into the Myki card. The card is most commonly purchased at the post office or select train stations.
Ride hailing apps such as Uber and Lyft are also available for your utility just as they are back at home.
*Disclaimer: If you are a qualified driver with an overseas license, you will need to convert this into an Australian license if you intend to be living in Australia for six months and over. This applies to everyone, whether on a student or working visa.
4.4 Job opportunities
Once you are settled in and commence your job hunt, be sure to have all your documents in order. It is important to note that honesty is paramount during this process. Do not fabricate anything; from education to working experience. If found out, this may lead to dire consequences as this is deemed to be fraud as per Australian law.
There are many jobs that first-time entrants can engage in that do not need much qualification such as:
a.You can apply and get paid to deliver for Uber Eats using your car, motorbike or scooter if you have an overseas driving license. If you're fit enough, you can even do it as a cyclist.
b. Handy jobs in building and construction sites are readily available and advertised on classifieds where you can search and apply for what suits you.
c. Other good income-earning options that are readily available include mail delivery, babysitting, janitorial, and personal trainers among others.
The following is an important checklist of requirements when you're setting yourself up and applying for jobs in Australia either as an international student for part-time jobs or as an immigrant worker:
1) Bank account, open the free student options or online ones (e.g. ING) - You will need 100 points of ID (Passport, Visa, Birth certificate, Student ID, proof of address and/or Auspost Keypass )
2) Tax File Number. Apply directly through the ATO Government Website.
3) Unique Student Identifier (USI). You may need to apply for this before you start any course in Australia. Here is the link to apply for a Student USI: https://www.usi.gov.au/students/get-a-usi
4) Australian Business Number (ABN) to work independently as a sole provider. Apply through the ABR Government Website.
5) You may be asked for proof of address documents (2 or 3). The following may be used:
· Mobile Phone Bill (Get a sim-only plan if you already have a phone. Bill can be downloaded from the app or you can get a physical bill posted to you at a fee. All are acceptable)
· If you have a subscription/utility bill under your name, you can use that as well.
· You can get a bank letter confirming your account details. This will have your address at the top.
· You can use a school reference letter confirming your address.
· Your Auspost Keypass will have your photo and address. (So will act as Photo ID and Proof of address too)
· Your Working with Children Check ID will have your photo as well.
If you would like to venture into being a disability support worker, you should fulfill the following requirements:
1. Two local reference checks available on email and contactable by phone.
2. First Aid and CPR Certificates
3. Vaccination Records or evidence that you have booked to have one done.
4. NDIS Screening Check or evidence you have applied for one.
5. Visa and Passport Copy.
6. Drivers Licence Copy.
7. COVID Infection Control Training - COVID-19 Infection Control Training. https://covid-19training.gov.au/login
8. NDIS Module Training - NDIS Module Training https://training.ndiscommission.gov.au/login/index.php
9. Certificate III/IV in either Disability/Aged Care/Individual Support/Mental Health/Community Service/Youth and Family - Enrol in one from a verifiable RTO. (Do not use those fake overseas certificates that we have recently been seeing in applications)
10. Police Check can be completed online via http://cited.ly/gzrqxzc
11. Working with Children Check - Apply at the post office.
For other training, kindly refer to the below info:
1. Autism Awareness: - General Information, 30 minutes free training. Autism Introduction Training.
2. Manual handling for healthcare workers - Face to Face.
3. Medication administration - Medication Safety Training.
4. Food Safety - Offered as a free assessment with a certificate. Take the hospital/aged care option. Food Safety Training can be found here:- https://dofoodsafely.health.vic.gov.au/index.php/en/
4.5 Available networking community events
There are Kenyan community groups available both in-person or online that are great for networking. A few examples of online communities that you may join where interesting networking events are posted are:
Kenya Community in Victoria
https://web.facebook.com/groups/kenyacommunityvictoria
A page run by Kenyans who live in the State of Victoria. Here you get to connect with Kenyans and be in the know on anything that's going on that may be of interest to you
Kenyans In Australia
https://web.facebook.com/kenyansinaustralia
A page aggregating events of relevance to Kenyans in Australia. This will keep you up to date on social as well as entertainment events involving Kenyans in Australia
Queens Group
A ladies group which also runs different programs focused on Kenyan women living in Australia
One Family One Love Group
A welfare group run by Kenyans
4.6 Social services
Mental health and well-being is paramount to productivity. If left unchecked, bad mental health can deal a detrimental blow to anyone's hopes of succeeding in a foreign country. Luckily, there are various social services available that are specifically designed to combat this, chief among them being the free guidance and counselling that is provided by most schools.
Medical is also an important aspect that should be pressed upon anyone entering a foreign country. Be sure to check out OSHC which is a medical insurance cover that is tailored for international students holding a student's visa and their dependants. This will help cater for your medical needs during the entirety of your student visa period in Australia.
There are charity organisations such as The Salvation Army, Vinnies among others who offer food banks to aid those affected by hunger in Australia. They would be of tremendous help if one is unfortunate to have befallen into the conundrum of food insecurity while in Australia.
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