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  Rise in fraudulent applications prompts universities to tighten admissions process In a significant development, Australia has introduced student visa restrictions targeting applicants from six Indian states—Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Jammu & Kashmir—following a concerning increase in fraudulent applications. Authorities and institutions have reported that a growing number of individuals are misusing the student visa route as a backdoor to permanent residency, rather than for genuine academic pursuits. Universities Respond with Tighter Measures Reacting to this trend, several Australian universities have implemented strict measures. Some institutions have completely halted applications from these regions, while others have intensified scrutiny through enhanced verification processes. This shift comes amid fears that a surge in non-genuine applications could tarnish the credibility of Australia’s international education sector—a vital contributor to the nation’s economy. Collaboration with Government for Greater Oversight To restore confidence and ensure transparency, some universities are now working closely with the Australian Department of Home Affairs to apply stricter checks on student visa applications. This collaboration aims to protect the integrity of the visa program while deterring misuse. Genuine Students Face Frustration and Uncertainty The decision has sparked confusion and disappointment among genuine Indian applicants and education consultants. Many fear that legitimate students are being unfairly penalized due to blanket restrictions that do not differentiate between authentic and non-authentic cases. With India being one of the largest sources of international students in Australia, these restrictions could have long-term implications on student mobility and bilateral educational cooperation. Experts Call for Balanced Policy and Dialogue Industry experts stress the need for a balanced approach that addresses visa integrity without discouraging deserving candidates. The mid-year admission cycle is fast approaching, and uncertainty looms large for many students who have already begun the application process. Analysts warn that unless the issue is addressed through diplomatic dialogue and policy revision, it could strain India-Australia educational ties. The Way Forward While the restrictions are currently not uniform across all institutions, the move has prompted a larger conversation about the need for robust but fair immigration policies. The Australian government is now walking a tightrope—trying to protect the country’s security and the reputation of its education system, while also making sure that genuine international students aren’t unfairly turned away. To know more about study abroad opportunities, contact RBS Intellect today!

  Are you aware that traveling or studying in Australia will become more expensive? As of April 1, 2025, the Australian government has increased visa application fees by up to 13% across various categories, affecting Indian nationals who wish to study, work, or visit. New Rate of Student Visas in Australia: For instance, the Student visa (subclass 500) currently costs approximately AUD 1,808 (Rs 96,800), up from AUD 1,600 (Rs 85,600). New Rate of Visitor & Work Visas in Australia: Visitor and work visas have also increased similarly. A visitor visa that used to cost AUD 150 (Rs 8,030) now costs around AUD 169.50 (Rs 9,070), while a work visa that used to cost AUD 1,000 (Rs 53,530) now costs approximately AUD 1,130 (Rs 60,490). New Rate of Temporary Work Visas in Australia In February 2025, the government had already increased fees for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), which gained popularity with international students finishing their studies in Australia. The minimum application charge for principal applicants rose from AUD 1,945 to AUD 2,235, a 15% rise.  For further applicants above the age of 18, the charge is currently AUD 1,115.  Below 18, it’s AUD 560. The prices of various streams of the Temporary Graduate visa, such as the Post-Higher Education Workstream and the Post-Vocational Education Workstream, are the same.  The Second Post-Higher Education Workstream charges a reduced fee of AUD 880, while secondary applicants pay AUD 225 and AUD 440, depending on their age. The Department of Home Affairs clearly stated that the changes were made to reflect inflation and the cost of processing visas. Increased Tuition Fees in Australia The Visa hike was not enough; Australia has increased the tuition fees for International students in 2025. The University of New South Wales and the University of Melbourne have increased their fees by 7%. University of Melbourne engineering is now on offer for AUD 56,480 per year. Clinical Medicine courses are now costing up to AUD 112,832 per year. Australia’s recent decision to double student visa fees—from AUD 710 to AUD 1,600—has sparked strong reactions from both students and education consultants. While the government says the increased revenue will support domestic education initiatives, industry experts warn it could drive international students to look beyond traditional destinations like Australia, the US, the UK, and Canada.  With rising operating costs and policy shifts, many are now considering alternative study destinations that offer better value and support. The world of international education is changing fast, and at RBS Intellect, we get that. If you’re thinking about studying abroad but aren’t sure where to start, we’re here to help.  Whether it’s choosing the right country, finding the right course, or exploring scholarships, our team is ready to guide you every step of the way. Let’s make your study abroad journey smoother, smarter, and more affordable. Reach out to us today!

  New Zealand is making significant changes to its “golden visa” program, officially known as the Active Investor Plus visa, to attract high-net-worth individuals. The government has announced that from April 1, the visa will be streamlined into two categories, with a broader range of acceptable investments. Most notably, the English language requirement will be removed, making it easier for immigrants to qualify. Why is New Zealand Changing its Investor Visa? After experiencing a recession in 2024, New Zealand’s government is focused on economic recovery. One major challenge has been a shortfall in available capital, which has prompted a revision of foreign investment regulations. The government aims to attract wealthy individuals who can contribute to the country’s economy while taking advantage of the country’s stable and secure environment. Key changes to the visa program include: Scrapping the English language test, making the visa more accessible to non-English-speaking investors. Adjusting the required time investors must spend in New Zealand, offers more flexibility. Expanding the types of acceptable investments creates more opportunities for foreign capital to flow into the economy. The Impact of Previous Investor Visa Rule Changes The Active Investor Plus visa has historically brought in an average of NZ$1 billion ($570 million) annually. However, interest dropped sharply after rule changes in late 2022. Since then, only 43 applications have been fully approved, contributing just NZ$545 million in nominated investment funds. The amount transferred into New Zealand was even lower, raising concerns about the visa’s effectiveness under the previous regulations. Why New Zealand? According to Immigration Minister Erica Stanford, these changes are designed to make New Zealand a more appealing option for investors who seek a safe and stable business environment. “Capital is highly mobile and in an increasingly complex world, people are looking for a safe and stable country to do business. We are now making our investor visa simpler and more flexible to incentivize investors to choose New Zealand as a destination.” By removing the English requirement and making the Active Investor Plus visa more flexible, New Zealand is positioning itself as a prime destination for wealthy investors. These changes are expected to revive interest in the investor visa program and bring much-needed capital into the country, helping drive economic recovery and long-term growth. For high-net-worth individuals looking for a new home and business opportunities, New Zealand’s revamped golden visa could be the perfect gateway to a prosperous future. Contact RBS Immigration today for expert guidance on securing your New Zealand Investor Visa!

  Starting April 1, 2025, New Zealand will implement significant changes to the Active Investor Plus Visa to attract high-value investors, simplify the application process, and encourage more active investments. These updates are designed to make New Zealand a more appealing destination for investors by offering lower-risk investment options and streamlined immigration requirements. Key Changes to the Investor Visa New Zealand’s revised Active Investor Plus Visa will introduce two simplified investment categories: Growth Category – Requires a minimum investment of NZD 5 million. Balanced Category – Requires a minimum investment of NZD 10 million. The Balanced category now allows a broader range of investments, including: Bonds and property investments New residential developments New or existing commercial and industrial developments Simplified Immigration Requirements To encourage active investments, the government has introduced relaxed immigration conditions: Investors opting for approved active investments may now spend less time in NZ. The investment timeline is now shorter – visa holders must complete investments within six months of approval. A six-month extension may be granted if needed. The English language requirement is removed, making the visa more accessible to a wider range of investors. Other Important Updates The New Zealand government has also introduced additional changes to enhance flexibility: Removal of investment caps – Investors can place higher amounts without restrictions. New investment payment rule – The full investment amount must be paid to qualify for a resident visa. On-call investments option – Applicants can temporarily hold funds in acceptable assets (bonds, term deposits, listed equities, bank accounts) for up to six months before transferring them to managed funds. Newborn children of investors will now be eligible for a Dependent Child Resident Visa. What This Means for Investors These updates make investing in New Zealand more attractive and less risky while providing greater flexibility. Investors can continue applying through the existing online application system, which will be updated to reflect these changes. Further details will be announced to clarify the implementation process. How RBS Immigration Can Help At RBS Immigration, we specialize in guiding investors through the New Zealand Active Investor Plus Visa process. Our expert team can help you: Understand the new investment categories and eligibility criteria. Guide you to navigate the application and documentation processes. Understand the investment process and select the appropriate investment option.  Ensure compliance with New Zealand’s immigration laws for a smooth transition. With these relaxed rules, now is the perfect time to invest in New Zealand. Whether you’re looking to expand your business, invest in property, or secure residency, the Active Investor Plus Visa offers a unique opportunity. Contact RBS Immigration today for expert guidance on securing your New Zealand Investor Visa!

  While top education countries like Canada, the UK, and Australia make immigration progressively harder for students, New Zealand is rising as a savior. New Zealand introduces immigrant-friendly changes in post-study work visas that benefit students. Study in New Zealand, a place that welcomes you with open arms and helps students like you to achieve your dreams. What makes them the top pick in the student community right now? The New Zealand Government recently announced that international students who are willing to pursue their postgraduate diploma for 30 weeks or take a transfer for a master’s degree are now able to opt for the PSW (Post-Study Work Visa). For example, suppose a student has just completed a degree that is PSW visa eligible and switches to another high-level qualification that is not PSW visa eligible. In that case, they will have 12 months from the end date of their student visa for the initial qualification to apply for it. What is this 30-week policy? The 30-week policy enables you to apply for a three-year New Zealand Post-work Visa (PSW). To avail yourself of this opportunity, you must apply for a full-time study 30-week master’s degree. Eligible applicants must have a verified New Zealand qualification, study full-time, and apply within the given time frame. The New Zealand government recent updates made it possible for students who did a 30-week Postgraduate Diploma and soon after, switched to a Master’s degree, without fulfilling the 30-week master’s enrolment requirement. New Zealand allowed them to apply for the PSW visa based on their Postgraduate Diploma. How does this help the students? This policy change gives more flexibility while maintaining eligibility for post-study work opportunities. Moreover, new rules align PSW visa qualifications with the green list. Secondary/Middle school teaching roles do not require a bachelor’s degree that specializes in mathematics, science, technology, or Pacific languages. The Teaching Council’s criteria are now applicable to Graduate Diploma holders for a PSW visa to teach in primary or intermediate schools. Another change in New Zealand’s education system is the addition of Mechanical Engineering which can now qualify for a PSW visa. Study In New Zealand with RBS Intellect Grab the opportunity before it slips away. New Zealand’s growing education sector might be the boost you need, especially if you are willing to pursue engineering. Contact our study-abroad experts to know if it truly is meant for you in our 1:1 counseling session. Contact RBS Intellect, your trusted study-abroad partner.