Changes for Student Visa Applications Lodged on or after 5 November 2011
www.immi.gov.au/students/_pdf/stage-one-knight-review-changes-fact-sheet.pdf
In response to the recent review of the Australian student visa program undertaken by Hon Michael Knight AO, the Australian government will be introducing the first tranche of changes on 5 November 2011. For applications lodged in Colombo, Sri Lanka the following changes will come into effect on 5 November 2011:
• All applications will need to satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant test.
See: www.immi.gov.au/students/_pdf/2011-genuine-temporary-entrant.pdf
• Pre Visa Assessment will cease. All applications should now provide a COE when the application is lodged.
See: www.immi.gov.au/students/_pdf/2011-visa-processing-improvements.pdf
• Students planning to study only ELICOS will not be required to provide evidence of current English capability.
See: www.immi.gov.au/students/_pdf/2011-elicos.pdf
• Prepaid fees for formal homestay arrangements through education providers will be included in the financial requirements assessment for a student visa.
See: www.immi.gov.au/students/_pdf/2011-vet-schools-non-award.pdf
• Financial requirements for Assessment Level (AL) 4 will now need to demonstrate funds for costs for the first 24 months of study and if held in a savings account to be held for at least 3 months prior to date the application is lodged. Evidence of funds for Assessment Level 3 applicants would be reduced from 24 to 18 months.
See: www.immi.gov.au/students/_pdf/2011-vet-schools-non-award.pdf
• Increasing the visa period of all new Postgraduate Research (subclass 574) visa grants by six months to allow for interactive marking of a thesis.
See: www.immi.gov.au/students/_pdf/2011-higher-degree-by-research.pdf
• English language test results from the following alternative tests to the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) for Student visa purposes taken in any country:
o Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based test (TOEFL iBT)
o Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic
o Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) test (also known as Certificate in Advanced English)
See: Frequently Asked Questions – Alternative English Language Tests for Student Visas
• To meet the equivalency to year twelve in Australia, applicants will need to demonstrate three Sri Lanka or three London Advance level passes or; have undertaken a Australian University Foundation Program delivered as a strict pathway to an Australian registered education provider being 12 months in duration and approved by the AHC Colombo.
• The introduction of the Public Interest Criterion 4020 enabling the refusal of a student visa application when an applicant provides ‘bogus document’ or information that is false or misleading.