AUSTRALIAN VISAS - STUDENT VISA CHANGES AS OF 1st JULY 2016

By Linking Solutions

STUDENT VISA CHANGES AS OF 1st JULY 2016 

Brief update. Full description will be prepared and uploaded to Immigration Information Album.

(1) Only 2 subclasses as of 1/7/16: 500 (Student) and 590 (Student Guardian)

Subclasses 570, 571, 572, 573, 575 and 580 removed (holders of these visas will maintain their visa until its expiry).

(2) Assessment Levels removed. All applicants one assessment level.

(3) Holders of subclasses 426, 402, 995 and 600 Visitor visa (ONLY Sponsored Family Stream and Approved Destination Stream) added to those not eligible to apply for a student visa on shore.

(4) Financial capacity required for grant of visa, increased for primary applicant and accompanying family members. Evidence required for all applicants.

(5) Minimum English language test scores (e.g. IELTS, TOEFLiBT, etc) required for ALL studies, except registered ELICOS courses. Visas for courses packaged with ELICOS also require minimum English language test scores. Exemptions apply for applicants who have completed studies in specific “English speaking” countries.

English language test scores validity 2 years.

Further updates on matters reflected in the changes to take effect as of 1 July 2016.

Under the new simplified student visa framework:

Level of evidence for financial capacity and English language proficiency that a student is required to provide with their visa application will be based on the immigration risk outcomes associated with the student’s education provider and country of citizenship.

Risk ratings will NOT be published, but an online tool is intended to go live on 1 July 2016 and education providers, students and agents will be able to access the online tool at any stage of the visa application process.

Applicants who have completed a substantial component of a course leading to an AQF qualification at the CIV level or higher, conducted in Australia in English while holding a student visa MAY be exempted from the English proficiency evidenciary requirement.

Please note the above are NOT the only required criteria to be met.

All applicants will continue to have to meet all other core visa criteria, such as the Genuine Temporary Entrant requirement and health and character criteria.

At Linking Solutions we know the facts, the requirements, the procedures.

As Registered Migration Agents we are bound by and respect the RMA Code of Conduct.

As people we respect your goals & dreams you trust with us.