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What's New for Students
Visa Application Charges rise in line with budget
From 1st July 2017, the Government announced a number of changes to existing Visa Application Charges (VACs) as part of the 2017-18 Budget. This means the Student Visa charge has risen slightly from $550 to $560. For more information on the latest Visa Application Charges, please see the link below:
Future directions for streamlined visa processing
On 16 June 2015 the Australian Government released the Future directions for streamlined visa processing (2MB PDF) report and announced the introduction of a simplified international student visa framework (SSVF) to support Australia’s education services sector.
The release of the report follows a period of extensive stakeholder consultation which included the release of a discussion paper to members of the Education Visa Consultative Committee and other key international education stakeholders. Thirty-two formal submissions were received in response to the discussion paper.
Key changes under the SSVF are:
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a reduction in the number of student visa sub-classes from eight to two; and
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the introduction of a simplified single immigration risk framework for all international students
A working group comprising peak bodies and relevant commonwealth and state government agencies has been established to support implementation of the eight recommendations from the report.
These changes will simplify the student visa framework, significantly reduce red tape, create a level playing field for all education providers and deliver a more targeted approach to immigration integrity.
Subject to the legislative change process the Department intends to implement the review recommendations by mid-2016.
Extension of student visa streamlined visa processing arrangements to non-university education providers from March 2014
It is proposed that streamlined visa processing arrangements will be available to certain low immigration risk non-university education providers who offer Bachelor, Masters and Doctoral degree courses. This would be an extension of the arrangements that have been available to the university sector since March 2012.
Proposed simplification of the student visa Assessment Level Framework from early 2014
It is proposed that the student visa Assessment Level Framework would be reduced from five assessment levels to three (AL1 to AL3). Currently no country or education sector is subject to AL5. It is proposed that countries and education sectors currently subject to AL4 would be reduced to AL3.
It is also proposed that the financial requirements for an AL3 student visa applicant would be reduced from the current 18 months to 12 months. These funds must be provided by a close relative of the student visa applicant.
These proposed changes would lower the minimum evidentiary requirements needed for the grant of a Student visa for AL3 countries and education sectors, providing a benefit to prospective students.
Release of the Review of the Student Visa Assessment Level Framework – 29 October 2013
On 29 October 2013, the Minister for Immigration and Border Protection publicly released the final report of the Review of the Student Visa Assessment Level Framework.
The review considered how the student visa risk management framework could be reformed to achieve enhanced integrity in the student visa program while at the same time facilitating the competitiveness of Australia’s international sector. Consideration of how the student visa risk management framework could be informed by a provider-based risk approach was a key issue for the review.
The review also examined whether the student visa risk framework was appropriately responsive to differences within countries and between education providers, what eligibility thresholds should apply, and how the framework will be reviewed to ensure future immigration risks are identified and managed.
Changes to Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) visa – effective 1 July 2013
Effective 1 July 2013, the processing of Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa will transfer from General Skilled Migration to Temporary Visas in Brisbane and Adelaide. There will be minimal impact to clients who have already lodged an application or who will lodge an application in the future.
On 23 March 2013, the Skilled - Graduate (Subclass 485) visa was renamed the Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) and amended to include new post-study work arrangements. Amendments to the visa included new health insurance requirements for Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) applicants.
Applicants must now provide evidence that they have adequate health insurance arrangements in Australia at the time the application is lodged. The health insurance arrangements must commence before the applicant has lodged their application and must remain in effect for the duration of their stay in Australia on the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485).
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is acceptable for the purposes of applying for a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) if the applicant is still on a Student visa at the time the application is lodged.
Changes to the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) from 23 March 2013
From 23 March 2013, in response to recommendations four and eight of the Strategic Review of the Student Visa Program 2011 (the Knight Review), new post-study work arrangements will be introduced for graduates of an Australian Bachelor Degree, Masters Degree or Doctorate. The post-study work arrangements are being introduced as a new stream of the existing Temporary Skilled Graduate (subclass 485), which will be renamed the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485).
Cessation of automatic and mandatory student visa cancellations
From 13 April 2013 student visa holders will no longer be subject to automatic or mandatory visa cancellation if they breach their visa conditions. This change will provide fairer outcomes for students by allowing DIAC to take into account the individual circumstances of a student when considering a breach of visa conditions.
Changes to Student Visa Living Cost Requirement from 1 July 2012
From 1 July 2012, as part of stage two of the Knight changes to the student visa program, the funds required for prospective Student visa applicants to demonstrate their ability to meet living costs in Australia is increasing from $18 000 to $18 610 per year.
Commencement of streamlined visa processing for student visas and other stage two Knight Review changes on 24 and 26 March 2012
On 24 March 2012, a number of key stage two Knight Review changes to the student visa program commenced. These included streamlined visa processing for certain prospective university students and changes to make English language study more accessible.
From 26 March 2012 more flexible work conditions were introduced for student visa holders.