The recent COVID-19 pandemic has largely affected international travel. Governments had to keep their airports closed for international tourists for many months to break the spreading chain of the virus. The international student community across the world was the most affected because of this travel ban.
However, after almost two years, with people receiving vaccines in most countries, these restrictions are gradually lifted. The good news is that Western Australia has also decided to allow international students from early next year. Read this blog to know all the details.
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What Is The Most Recent Improvement Made By The Government?
According to recent developments, the Western Australian Government is ready to welcome overseas students from 5 February 2022. Not only that, but they will also provide the necessary support to the newcomers in every step. However, it is important to check important visa information before you leave your home country.
For example, you may want to apply for a Student Visa 500 to study at a Perth institute. In that case, you must check whether any changes have been made due to the pandemic situation as it is still not completely over.
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Here Are Some Frequently Asked Questions By International Students
Here we discuss some frequently asked questions to will give you the most current available information.
1- When will overseas students be able to return to Western Australia?
Overseas completely vaccinated students can return to Western Australia from Saturday, 5 February 2022 at 12:01 AM. The good news is that as you are fully vaccinated, you will not need to stay in quarantine. This date is chosen because it is expected that by this date, 90% of the local population (aged more than 12) will receive full vaccination.
In addition, the Federal Government has announced that once the students return to Australia, they will receive full support. Support measures include:
- Post-study work rights.
- Changes to visa entitlements.
- The Temporary Graduate Visa 485 extension.
2- Will Overseas Students be required to have a COVID-19 vaccination before visiting Western Australia?
If you need to come to Australia, make sure you are fully vaccinated with a TGA-approved vaccine. ‘TGA’ stands for Therapeutic Goods Administration, which is a part of the Health Department of the Australian Government and regulates therapeutic goods like vaccines, serums, prescription medicines, etc. The vaccination doses should have been completed by the time you board your flight.
The same rule applies to those who want to move to Western Australia. It aims to protect the safety of not only the Western Australian community but also the students who are returning.
Currently, you will also need to have a negative COVID-19 PCR test report issued 72 hours before your departure flight.
3- If I arrive in another Australian city, may I travel to Western Australia without being quarantined?
Suppose you are fully vaccinated with a TGA-recognised vaccine and have a negative COVID-19 certificate. In that case, you can happily enter another Australian city if the border of that state has already reopened. When the border of Western Australia reopens, you can move there without any restrictions.
For more details on recent entry criteria, you can check the G2G website of the WA Government.
4- Will Overseas Students be subjected to quarantine upon their arrival in Western Australia?
A student fully vaccinated with a TGA-approved vaccine can enter Western Australia without restrictions and will not be subjected to quarantine after their arrival.
International students who have not received both vaccine doses cannot enter the state.
5- Will I need to return to Australia with my existing Student Visa?
Yes, holding a valid student visa for Australia is mandatory to enter the country. Before you book your flight tickets, you can open your ImmiAccount or check VEVO to know your visa expiry date and current status.
If your visa is close to expiry or has already expired, you can apply for a new student visa. As you still have your ImmiAccount, you can make an online application. All the necessary visa details can be found on the Australian Department of Home Affairs website.
6- What documentation do I need to prove that I’ve gotten all of my Vaccinations?
Usually, people have to show their digital COVID-19 vaccination certificates to prove that they are fully vaccinated. If the certificate is in any language other than English, you must get it translated. For any updated information, check the official website of the WA Government.
7- Will International Students be permitted to return to Western Australia?
You may arrive in any other Australian state once its travel bans are lifted, and you intend to move to Western Australia later. Travel between different states in Australia will depend on various factors like travel restrictions, quarantine and testing requirements, etc. For the most current entry requirements, we recommend checking the well-designed G2G website of the state government.
One thing to note here is that the Western Australia Government will not lift its border restrictions before Saturday, 5 February 2022, 12:01 AM. Also, students not fully vaccinated are permitted to come to this state after this date.
However, if you have to travel to Western Australia before this border reopening date, you must obtain an approved G2G pass. These passes provide temporary travel permits to holders.
8- Is it still necessary for me to obtain a travel exemption in order to visit Australia?
From 15 December 2021, eligible visa holders with both vaccination doses have obtained their permission to travel to Australia, and there is no need to apply for a travel exemption. However, the WA border restrictions are still there and will only be removed from 5 February 2022. For more information, check the official website of the Australian Immigration Department.
9- Who will notify existing overseas students about their eligibility to return to Western Australia?
As you are a student returning to a Western Australia institute to continue your studies, it will be the institute’s responsibility to notify the students. The authority will contact you directly and provide the necessary information required at every step of the whole procedure.
The information you will receive from them will ensure that you understand all your obligations and responsibilities regarding your arrival and travel to Western Australia. Various education consultancies, education providers, and the Government of Western Australia provide enormous support to international students returning after a pandemic. Your institute authority will let you know everything.
10- Who is paying for overseas student returns?
As per Australian migration laws, visa holders have to bear the costs independently. For this case also, all travel-related expenses must be borne by returning prospective and current international students. The beneficial factor of no quarantine being involved is that no additional costs will be required.
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Contact Immigration Agent Perth for help
Considering all the travel restrictions and other entry requirements, Immigration Agent Perth can be the best option for smooth and easy Immigration Perth. They are one of the leading firms in Perth that have served their clients for a long time. They will assign you the best migration agent in Perth to guide you about travel obligations and available visa options whenever you contact them.
In addition to it, you can also ask them to get you in touch with an education agent in Perth for information about the most suitable study options in the city.
