Australian Immigration News

Australia to Simplify Visa Application Process for International Students

The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Chris Bowen MP, last week announced the Government would make the visa application process easier for students from 29 countries by reducing assessment levels across a range of student visa subclasses from 24 March.

According to Mr Bowen, the minimum evidentiary requirement for the grant of an Australian student visa for selected countries and visa subclasses will be lowered. The change is expected to help around 10,500 prospective students coming to Australia every year.

It is the Federal Government's latest move to ensure that Australia remains an attractive destination for students from around the world. The changes are in response to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship's (DIAC) 2011 review of Australian student visa assessment level settings, which recommended that a number of assessment levels be changed.

"The reduction in assessment levels builds on the measures implemented as a result of the Strategic Review of the Student Visa Program, undertaken by the Hon Michael Knight AO, to ensure Australia remains an attractive study option for overseas students," Mr Bowen said.

Assessment levels are an important tool in managing the student visa program, as they ensure the efficient delivery of services to a diverse range of students while supporting the integrity of Australia's immigration program. Assessment levels are regularly reviewed and amended to accurately reflect and align visa requirements to the immigration risk posed by students from every country and in each education sector.

He also indicated that these changes will particularly benefit the Australian postgraduate research sector, English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS) and vocational education and training (VET) providers. For example, South Koreans studying VET and ELICOS courses and postgraduate research students from China, India and Indonesia will now find it easier to apply for Australian visas.

Where an increase in assessment levels was recommended, the countries and sectors will be placed on notice and reviewed as part of any future reform to the visa risk management framework, added Mr. Bowen.