International education is Australia’s largest services export. International education activity arising from international students studying and living in Australia generated $18.8 billion in 2015. The total export income generated by all international education activity was $19.4 billion. The Australian student visa program plays a pivotal role in Australian immigration and in supporting this sector by facilitating the mobility of international students to Australia.
On 16 June 2015, the Department of Immigration and Border Protection announced their intention to simplify the Student Visa Framework. On 1 July 2016 the new student visa framework came into effect. This means that no new applications for the previous visa subclasses 570 to 576 will be accepted.
One Student visa subclass
The new framework sees a reduction from eight visa subclasses to one student (subclass 500) and one student guardian visa (subclass 590); as well as implementation of a combined country of passport and education provider factors used to determine the risk level of an application. Students can now apply for a single Student visa subclass 500 regardless of their chosen course of study. The aim being to simplify the Australian visa application process.
Risk level assessment
The internal risk level assessment outcome will determine the criteria with regards to financial and English language level required for each application. The assessment outcome will determine whether an application will be assessed under the streamlined evidentiary requirements or the regular evidentiary requirements. However, assessing officers still retain the discretion to request additional documentation in some cases. Core visa requirements will remain unchanged and will apply to all applicants. The immigration risk ratings will be updated every six months to ensure accuracy of the risk assessment process.
Electronic lodgement
The intention of the Department of Immigration and Border Protection is to simplify the visa process and cut the red tape for student visa applicants, registered migration agents, education providers and immigration processing officers. Under the new framework, all applications must be lodged electronically, except in very few circumstances.
Location of applicants
The new changes also permit applications with a combination of applicants who may be in or outside Australia when lodging the application. For example, a primary applicant may be in Australia, while their included dependants may be outside of Australia in a combined application lodged in Australia.
Student Guardian visa
The country of passport and education provider risk model does not apply to the Student Guardian visa applications. All Student Guardians applications must provide evidence of funds. Any dependent child must be included in a combined application with the Student Guardian. Dependent children will not be eligible to apply as a subsequent entrant after the Student Guardian visa is issued.
Existing student visa holders
Pending student visa applications under the old framework will continue to be assessed as per the existing criteria as at the time of lodgement. Existing student visa holders of subclass 570 to 576 will continue to hold their visas as per their visa validity.
At Forward Migration, we provide specialised immigration advice and assist with the preparation, lodgement and management of immigration visa applications. For an initial free assessment of your visa eligibility and options, please contact us on info@forwardmigration.com.au or visit us at www.forwardmigration.com.au.
Sources: Department of Education and Training and Department of Immigration and Border Protection
