Australia to introduce new student visa conditions

The Australian Government has announced a fast-tracked change to its testing of International students. As of March 23rd, 2024, the new Genuine Student requirement will replace the Genuine Temporary Entrant test as a means for interviewing students who hold Australian visas. 

This change was suggested back in December 2023 when the Australian Government announced a new migration strategy. Its conception, was in place quicker than many industry professionals believed so.

With targeted questions taking over from a 300-word declaration, The Department of Home Affairs is hoping to “provide visa decision makers with an overview of the applicant and their reasons for wanting to study in Australia”.

Questions include details of current circumstances, including ties to family, community, employment, and economic circumstances; an explanation for the choice of course and Australia as a destination; and what benefits the course provides.

In conjunction with this change, concurrent enrolment streams have been shut down, increased savings amounts are required to apply for student visas and a harsher lens towards "ghost" colleges has been implemented already. 

Since September 2023, such actions have led to a 35% decrease in recent international student visa grants on the previous year.

Additionally, the Government announced a raise in the English language requirements for Student and Temporary Graduate visas. 

The minimum test score for the English proficiency requirement for a Student visa increases from the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) 5.5 to 6.0 (or equivalent).

Meanwhile, for Temporary Student Visas, The minimum score required increases from IELTS 6.0 to 6.5, with a minimum score of 5.5 for each component of the test (reading, writing, speaking, and listening).

The Department of Home Affairs has said "Students with strong English proficiency are better placed to live independently in Australia and engage with the broader community. They can also better understand their workplace rights, which reduces their risk of exploitation."

For more information check out the government website: https://www.studyaustralia.gov.au/en/tools-and-resources/news/english-language-requirements-changes