Student Visa Changes
The strategic review of the student visa program was completed by Mr Michael Knight in mid 2011. Following this review the Australian government has accepted all of Mr. Knight’s 41 recommendations. These recommendations will be implemented together with some modifications and additional changes in order to enhance the performance of the sector and safeguard the integrity of the visa system.
The following changes have come into effect:
- The implementation of the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion for all student visa applicants
- The abolition of the Pre-Visa Assessment (PVA) process
- The reduction of financial requirements for AL3 and AL4 student visa applicants
- The introduction of the Fraud PIC, enabling decision makers to refuse an application on the basis of fraudulent information and resulting in a three year application bar for applicants involved in fraudulent activity
- The acceptance of additional English language tests in addition to IELTS, including TOEFL, Pearson and Cambridge (CAE)
- The acceptance of formal pre-paid home-stay fees as part of the living cost assessment
- Changes to granting arrangements for subclass 574 applicants to enable them to remain in Australia during the marking of their thesis
- Changes to English language requirements for ELICOS students
- Streamlining of certain university applications
Further changes will be implemented over the course of the next two program years. Full details regarding Mr. Knight’s review and recommendations, including relevant fact sheets and FAQs are available below.
See: Government Response to Knight Review
For more information on student visa options and how to apply, see: Student Chooser
For the latest information on Student visas see: What’s New