The Australian government introduce a new Genuine Student requirement on March 23, 2024 to replace the earlier Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement for student visa applications.
This requirement aims to certify that applications come from genuine students by having applicants provide proof of their intent to study in Australia.
What does this mean for you?
- If you submit your student visa application on or after March 23, 2024, you’ll be subject to the new Genuine Student requirement. This means demonstrating a genuine intention to pursue quality education in Australia.
- Applications submitted before March 23, 2024 will be assessed under the existing GTE criteria.
The Genuine Student Requirement Explained
This new requirement aims to streamline the application process and focus on your commitment to studies in Australia. Here’s what you can expect:
- Targeted Questions: Replacing the 300-word statement, you’ll answer specific questions about your background, course selection, motivations for studying in Australia, and future career goals.
- Streamlined Application: This format provides a clearer picture of your intentions and allows visa officers to efficiently assess your application.
Student Visa Declaration Updates
The student visa declaration will also be revised to ensure you understand:
- Your obligations as a genuine student in Australia.
- The importance of adhering to visa conditions and notifying the Department of Home Affairs of any changes in your circumstances.
- While post-study pathways to permanent residency exist, eligibility is limited.
Stay Informed
Further details on the Genuine Student requirement (GS) and potential changes to English language requirements for student visas closer to the implementation date. Keep an eye on our website Achieve Migration and social media channels for updates.
FAQs on the New Genuine Student Requirement
The new Genuine Student (GS) requirement is a policy introduced by the Australian government to ensure that student visa applicants are genuine students. It assesses applicants’ academic background, career aspirations, and the relevance of their intended course of study to their future career prospects.
The new Genuine Student requirement focuses on the applicant’s academic sincerity and pursuing relevant career pathways. In contrast, the GTE requirement was more about temporarily ensuring the applicant’s intention to stay in Australia for education.
Applicants must demonstrate the relevance of their chosen course to their past studies or work experience, articulate their career goals, and show how studying in Australia will help them achieve these goals. Supporting documents may include academic records, evidence of English language proficiency, financial documents, and a personal statement.
The new Genuine Student requirement will not affect current students already studying in Australia on a valid student visa. It applies to new student visa applications submitted on or after March 23, 2024.
The provided sources need to detail specific exemptions to the new Genuine Student requirement. However, visa requirements typically have exemptions based on individual circumstances, which the Department of Home Affairs would assess on a case-by-case basis.
The Australian government has adjusted post-study work rights, including reducing visa durations for certain qualifications and introducing new age limits for applicants. These changes are part of a broader strategy to ensure that graduates move into roles matching their skill levels.
Applicants should prepare by demonstrating their genuine intention to study in Australia, the relevance of their chosen course to their career goals, and their financial capacity to support their studies in Australia. They should also be ready to provide all required documentation and evidence to support their application.
The minimum English language requirements have been increased. The required International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score for student visas has risen from 5.5 to 6.0. For temporary graduate visas, the required IELTS score will move from 6.0 to 6.5.
The new Genuine Student requirement is designed to attract genuine students interested in contributing to Australia’s skilled workforce. It aims to discourage practices that undermine the integrity of the visa system, such as visa-hopping or using the student visa program for motives other than gaining a quality education.
The new GS requirement encourages students to show their intention to be a part of Australia’s growing international student community. By carefully preparing for this new requirement and process, students can have a chance to reach their academic goals and enjoy Australian culture.
This policy is not just an obstacle but an opportunity to prove your dedication to learning and contributing to Australia’s vibrant education.
