Australian Government Introduces Genuine Student Requirement for Student Visa Applicants.

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EDUCAST, In a significant move aimed at enhancing the integrity of the Australian student visa system, the Australian Government has announced the replacement of the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement with a Genuine Student (GS) requirement, effective from 23 March 2024.

Under the new GS requirement, which will apply to Student visa applications lodged on or after 23 March 2024, applicants will be assessed based on their genuine intention to obtain a quality education in Australia, without any reference to future migration intentions. The GTE requirement will continue to apply for Student Guardian visa applicants.

Through extensive consultation with representatives of the education sector, the Australian Government has developed targeted questions to replace the 300-word statement in the Student visa application form. These questions will provide visa decision-makers with a comprehensive overview of the applicant’s background and reasons for choosing Australia as their study destination.

Key aspects covered by the intended questions include details of the applicant’s current circumstances, ties to family, community, employment, and economic circumstances, as well as their choice of course and reasons for studying in Australia. Applicants will also be required to provide information about their study history in Australia, if applicable, and reasons for applying for a Student visa if they hold a visa other than a Student visa.

Additionally, amendments will be made to the Student visa declaration to ensure that applicants understand the implications of being a genuine student, commit to complying with visa conditions, and acknowledge the limited eligibility for post-study pathways to permanent migration.

Ministerial Direction No. 69 will be revoked and replaced by two new ministerial directions to reflect the implementation of the GS requirement from 23 March 2024. Applications lodged before this date will continue to be assessed under the existing GTE requirement.

Furthermore, changes to English language requirements for Student and Temporary Graduate visa applicants are also being considered, with updates to be communicated as consultation with stakeholders concludes.