Australian universities have called for a hard reset of the visa procedure for international graduates.

In a report proposed to a parliamentary committee examining the migration system, the peak body representing Australia's tertiary educators said the existing complicated system was seeing the nation fall behind the rest of the world, says Xinhua news agency.

Catriona Jackson, Universities Australia's chief executive, said there are over 100 visa subclasses, defining the system as not suited for the objective.

Australian universities are among the world captains in international student digits.

Nevertheless, according to Universities Australia, less than a third of international graduates utilize their post-study work permits, and only 16 percent become permanent residents of the country.

Jackson said in the report that this is not surprising when our system has more hindrances than gateways, including extended wait times, a shortage of visibility around the application status, and certainty in general for forthcoming students and staff.

"Meanwhile, our international competitors are extending the digit of international graduates in their migration mix in recognition of the considerable contribution they make. Australia is slipping behind, Jackson added.

The body made five suggestions for change in its report, including automatically giving temporary visas to all international students who graduate from Australian universities and elevating reporting procedures to deliver applicants with the latest information on their visa status.

It also called for a priority approach similar to the US Green Card to authorize priority workers to acquire fast-tracked permanent residency.

The comprehensive review, launched by Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil, is anticipated to hand down its final report in February 2023.

News Source: Economic Times