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STUDENT VISA CHANGES FROM 1 FEB 2018
Alice Maclean, Director of Student and Graduate Visas told that ‘the Department is currently concentrating on managing the peak lodgement period. Between now and April 2018, it is expected that a large number of student visa applications will be lodged. Given the growth in the program, it is important you continue to submit complete applications at least six weeks before course commencement.’
Attach documents upfront (Important)
The Department can make a decision on a student visa application with the information provided, there is no requirement to request more information. Student visa applicants subject to regular evidentiary requirements must attach evidence of financial capacity, including evidence of genuine access to those funds. Evidence of English proficiency or being exempt must also be attached. Failure to provide these documents may lead to a visa refusal.
The ‘Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statements’ should provide sufficient information and the supporting documentation must be attached to the application. The applicant should explain any gaps in study or employment and, where relevant, address the reasons the student is studying in a field unrelated to their previous study or employment. The applicant must explain how completing the study will help them fulfil their future plans. The statement must reflect the student’s circumstances, generic statements will not be weighed heavily in the GTE assessment.
Cost of annual living amounts to increase
From 1 February 2018, the cost of annual living amounts will increase in line with Australia’s consumer price index. From this date, every application where evidence of funds is required should include the updated cost of living amounts in their calculation of funds:
| Current | From 1st Feb 2018 | |
| Student or guardian: | $19,830 | AUD$20,290 |
| Partner or spouse: | $6,940 | AUD$7,100 |
| Child: | $2,970 | AUD$3,040 |
If you are lodging student visa by yourself – here are two tips for you.
TIPS:
1. If you receive a ‘Request for Information’ from the Department, you must upload the documents to the application in ImmiAccount. The documents will attach to the application. Do not email the documents to the Department or contact us to advise they have been uploaded. Emailing us in these circumstances is unnecessary and can delay visa processing.
2. Make sure that you declare any previous visa refusals or cancellations from any country for themselves and family members, even if the family members are not intending to travel to Australia. Remember that a visa refusal may be called something different in other countries, like a rejection, denial or a visa declined. If the information provided in response to this question is incorrect, it may lead to refusal under PIC 4020.
Reference from the Agent Digest – Student Visa Program from the Department of Home Affairs. Please note that the Department of Immigration and Border Protection is now known as the Department of Home Affairs.
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