Student body slams new rules on immigration

THE head of a new international student body says the government's immigration changes hit student residency hopes.

The new Council of International Students Australia is also calling for the reform of work restrictions on students and increased student accommodation. It also wants NSW and Victoria to finally extend travel concessions to international students.

CISA president Robert Atcheson, a 32-year-old Texan studying law at the Australian National University, said that in cracking down on dodgy colleges exploiting the system, the government was also targeting students.

"They have come here under a legislative expectation that if they complete their studies they would be eligible to apply for permanent residency, and they are already here and have already paid their fees," Mr Atcheson told The Australian.

The government has narrowed the number of occupations eligible for permanent residency, putting more emphasis on employer sponsorship. The changes are partly aimed at stamping out the practice, facilitated by unscrupulous colleges, of students studying vocational courses like hairdressing and cookery simply to secure residency with no intention of working in the course area.

The government is offering graduates hit by the changes an 18-month visa in which to try to secure work experience and sponsorship.

But the international education sector fears that a backlash from frustrated students caught out by the changes could damage Australia's reputation overseas.

Source:http://www.theaustralian.com.au/higher-education/student-body-slams-new-rules-on-immigration/story-e6frgcjx-1225890939874