Immigration (Education) Amendment (Expanding Access to English Tuition) 2020

# Immigration (Education) Amendment (Expanding Access to English Tuition) 2020 ## What it does This law changes who can access free or subsidised English language courses under Australia's immigration system. It replaces the old requirement for "functional English" with a new standard called "vocational English" that course providers will assess. It also expands eligibility to include more temporary visa holders, not just permanent residents. ## Why it matters English language skills affect migrants' ability to work and integrate into Australian communities. Broadening access to tuition courses means more people on temporary visas — like skilled workers or student visa holders — can get language support, which could improve their job prospects and settlement outcomes. ## Key details - **The "vocational English" standard**: Instead of a fixed definition, course providers (approved by the government) now decide whether someone meets the standard using procedures the Minister sets out. This makes it flexible but puts more power in providers' hands. - **Temporary visa holders included**: The law now lets the Minister specify which temporary visa classes can access these courses — previously only permanent visa holders qualified. This gives government control over which groups get access. - **Implementation delayed**: The actual changes don't kick in until the Minister proclaims a start date, with a 6-month deadline after the law passes. This gives time to set up the new assessment procedures.

🔒 Voting closed — this bill has been decided by parliament