Australia

Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500):

Effective March 23, 2024, Australia is tightening student visa rules to reduce student intake, particularly for international students and low-skilled workers. As of October 1, 2023, international student visa applicants must demonstrate savings of 24,505 AUD (13.23 lakhs INR) to cover the high cost of living during their stay. Additionally, the Australian government has closed a loophole allowing students to enroll in cheaper vocational courses upon arrival, aiming to prevent students from leaving university programs permanently for less expensive options.

Benefits for Indian Graduates: Starting July 1, 2023, Indian graduates from Australian universities can apply for up to 8 years of work in Australia. Work hours for international students have also increased from 40 to 48 hours per fortnight, providing flexibility for employment while studying.

Application Process and Requirements: To apply for an Australian Student Visa, applicants must fill out a visa application form, pay a fee of 710 AUD (38,300 INR), and attend an interview. Additionally, applicants must be at least 6 years old, and if under 18, they must provide evidence of a welfare arrangement. Before applying, applicants must obtain a Confirmation of Enrolment (COE) or a Letter of Offer confirming acceptance into a program listed on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions of Courses. It’s important to note that international students cannot extend their stay in Australia by extending the duration of their visa; they must apply for a new visa to remain and study in the country.

Acquiring the Subclass 500 student visa comes with several benefits. Notably, it permits you to bring family members to Australia, engage in eligible courses of study, and apply conveniently online from either within or outside Australia for your chosen program.

To obtain the Subclass 500 student visa, international students must meet the following criteria:

1. Enroll in a full-time on-campus program in Australia.
2. Have an OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) or qualify for one of the exempt categories.
3. Be at least 6 years old.
4. Provide proof of a welfare arrangement if under 18 years old.

Here are the different types of visas applicable for students in Australia:

1. Student Visa (subclass 500): Allows up to 5 years of study.
2. Visitor Visa (subclass 600, 601, 651): For a maximum of 3 months of study.
3. Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417 and 462): Allows for a maximum of 4 months of study.
4. Student Guardian Visa (subclass 590): Intended for guardians accompanying international students in Australia, permitting 3 months of study or participation in an ELICOS course for 20 hours per week for the duration of the visa.
5. Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485): For students completing Australian education to stay and gain work experience for 18 months to 4 years.
6. Training Visa (subclass 407): Designed for individuals seeking temporary entry to Australia for occupational training or professional development purposes.

Here’s the breakdown of visa fees for various subclasses in Australia:

• Student Visa (subclass 500):
  • Base Application Charge: 710 AUD
  • Additional Charge for age 18 And Over: 530 AUD
  • Additional Charge for age Under 18: 175 AUD
  • Non-Internet Application Charge: N/A
  • Subsequent Temporary Application Charge: 700 AUD
• Visitor Visa (subclass 600):
  • Base Application Charge: 190 AUD
  • Additional charges: Not applicable
• Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417):
  • Base Application Charge: 635 AUD
  • Additional charges: Not applicable, but there is a Non-Internet Application Charge of 80 AUD.
• Student Guardian Visa:
  • Base Application Charge: 710 AUD
  • Additional charges: Not applicable
  • Subsequent Temporary Application Charge: 700 AUD
• Temporary Graduate Visa:
  • Base Application Charge: Ranges from 745 to 1,895 AUD
  • Additional Charge for age 18 And Over: Ranges from 375 to 950 AUD
  • Additional Charge for age Under 18: Ranges from 190 to 475 AUD
  • Non-Internet Application Charge: 80 AUD
• Training Visa:
  • Base Application Charge: 405 AUD
  • Additional Charge for age 18 And Over: 405 AUD
  • Additional Charge for age Under 18: 105 AUD
  • Non-Internet Application Charge: Not applicable
  • Subsequent Temporary Application Charge: 700 AUD

Here are the requirements for obtaining a student visa in Australia:

1. Enroll in a course of study and Provide Evidence:

You must provide evidence of enrollment, which can be in the form of:

2. CoE or Confirmation of Enrollment: Provided for full-time courses registered on CRICOS.
3. Packaged courses & CoEs: If applying for multiple courses, include all CoE codes.
4. Letter of Support: For full-time study funded by specific scholarship schemes.
5. Acceptance Advice of Secondary Exchange Students (AASES): For exchange degree students.
6. Letter from Educator: Required for postgraduate students staying in Australia for thesis marking.
7. Course Duration and Gap Period:

The gap between the commencement of two courses should not exceed two months.

Exceptions apply when the first course ends at the end of the academic year and the following course starts with the upcoming academic year.

These requirements ensure that international students meet the necessary criteria for enrollment and documentation, facilitating a smooth visa application process.

To meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, you must submit a statement, preferably in English, detailing your genuine intentions for studying in Australia. The GTE statement is evaluated to ensure that applicants are genuinely pursuing education and not using the student visa as a means to achieve other objectives, such as permanent residency in Australia. Therefore, crafting a sincere and convincing GTE statement is crucial.

Here are the key components that should be included in your GTE statement:

1. Previous Study: Provide details of your academic background, including transcripts, the name of the educational institution, duration of study, and certificates earned.
2. Gap in Study: Explain any gaps in your education history, providing reasons for interruptions in your studies.
3. Current Employment: Describe your current employment situation, including your employer’s name, address, your job title, duration of employment, and contact details of references if required.
4. Ties to Home Country: Articulate your ties to your home country, demonstrating your intent to return after completing your studies. This may include family connections, financial commitments, and social ties.
5. Economic Situation in Home Country: Provide evidence of your financial situation in your home country, such as income tax returns, bank statements, potential job offers, or details of your business or employment for the past 12 months.
6. Employment in Third Country: If applicable, include details of any potential job offers or employment opportunities in a third country, along with information about salary and other incentives.

By addressing these aspects in your GTE statement, you can present a compelling case for your genuine intention to study in Australia and return to your home country upon completion of your studies.

It is essential for the student visa applicant and their family to possess and sustain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). This cover can be obtained by selecting an authorized insurance provider in Australia and purchasing the preferred policy. Upon arrival in Australia, if any family member joins you, their OSHC must also be presented to the immigration department. This health insurance is required to ensure coverage for your health needs throughout your intended stay duration in Australia.

For applicants required to demonstrate English language proficiency, specific test scores approved by the department can be submitted.

Ensuring you have adequate funds

To support your stay in Australia is a crucial requirement for your visa application. The expenses can vary depending on factors such as the duration of stay and the chosen program. Here’s what you need to know about demonstrating financial capability:

• Provide evidence of financial resources, including:
  • Deposits in a financial institution
  • Loan approvals or other financial support documents
  • Scholarships or similar financial assistance for studying in Australia
• You must demonstrate a minimum overall income of 72,465 AUD (39 lakhs INR) in the 12 months leading up to your visa application.
• If you are bringing family members, you must reflect the costs, which amount to 84,543 AUD (45 lakhs INR).
• Consider the expenses required, covering:
  • Cost of living
  • Tuition fees and related academic expenses
• For bachelor’s programs, anticipate costs ranging from 27,390 AUD to 61,632 AUD (14 lakhs-33 lakhs INR).
• For master’s programs, anticipate costs ranging from 30,138 AUD to 68,490 AUD (16 lakhs-36 lakhs INR).
• The cost of living for a single student is approximately 21,041 AUD per year (11 lakhs INR). If accompanied by a partner, an additional 7,362 AUD (3 lakhs INR) is required, and for a child, an additional 3,152 AUD (1.7 lakhs INR) is necessary.

Please note that the mentioned program and living costs are approximate figures, and each applicant should ensure they have the exact funds required for their visa application.

Meeting the character, health, and values requirements is essential for obtaining a student visa for Australia. Here’s what you need to know:

Character Requirements:

• If you are 16 years old or older, you must fulfill character requirements, including:
  • Providing a complete declaration of any criminal conduct you have been involved in.
  • Providing truthful answers to all questions asked.
  • Supplying all requested information to the Ministry of Home Affairs.
• Additional documents may be requested, such as:
  • Police certificate
  • Form 80 personal particulars for character assessment
  • Character statutory declaration
  • Letter of conduct from an employer
  • Military certificate

Health Requirements:

• You must be free from any disease that poses a threat to public health, requires major healthcare or community services, or places a demand on services in short supply.

Australian Values Statement:

• Signing the Australian Values Statement confirms your commitment to abide by and respect Australian laws. You are also required to have read the Life in Australia booklet.

Required Documents for Australian Student Visa Application:

• Passport or Birth Certificate
• Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE) or Offer Letter from your educational institution
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) or insurance
• Evidence of financial capacity for a 12-month stay and return airfare (minimum $20,000 excluding tuition costs)
• Proof of Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE)
• English Language Test Scores, with exemptions available for students completing five years of study in certain countries, including the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, and the Republic of Ireland.
• Other exemptions apply for students from New Zealand studying at Australian Universities, as their study costs are equivalent to those of domestic students, and for foreign students from Belgium or Norway, who are not required to purchase Overseas Student Health Cover.

Here’s a concise overview of the process for obtaining a student visa for Australia:

Step 1: Preparing to Apply

• Arrange necessary health exams.
• Seek assistance with your visa application process.
• Ensure you have a valid passport.

Step 2: Required Documents

• Gather the following documents for your Australian student visa application:
  • Proof of Identity
  • Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE), letter of acceptance, and support
  • Evidence of sufficient funds for your stay
  • Proof of genuine access to funds
  • Evidence of any visa application charge exemptions
  • Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
  • Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) documents
  • Partner documents (if applicable)
  • Documents for dependents and children (if applicable)
  • Use the Document Checklist Tool to determine specific requirements.

Step 3: Visa Application

• Apply online for your student visa via ImmiAccount.
• Attach the required documents, ensuring each file is within the size limit.
• Pay the visa application fees using various payment methods.

Step 4: Post-Application

• Complete additional steps through ImmiAccount after submitting your application:
  • Provide biometrics.
  • Undergo health examinations and obtain any necessary medical referral letters.
  • Submit any requested additional information.

Step 5: Visa Decision

• Await the outcome of your student visa application, which will be communicated in writing.
• If approved, your letter will include your visa grant number, expiry date, and any visa conditions.

Processing Time:

• Typically, student visa applications in Australia are processed within a month, though the maximum processing time can be up to 13 months.
• Between April 1, 2023, and June 30, 2023, approximately 50% of visa applications within Australia were approved within 26 calendar days, and the same percentage of primary student visa applications outside Australia were processed within 12 calendar days.

Reasons for Student Visa Australia Rejection

While Australia warmly welcomes international students to its universities, there are instances where student visa applications may be rejected. Some common reasons for rejection include:

1. Incorrect or incomplete submission of documents.
2. Possession of an invalid passport.
3. Selecting a course that is unrelated to previous academic studies.
4. Failure to demonstrate financial capacity to cover tuition, living expenses, and other costs in Australia.
5. Insufficient proficiency in the English language.
6. Health issues that may pose a risk to public health or strain healthcare services.
7. Inability to convincingly demonstrate Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) intentions.
8. Previous criminal records, if applicable.
9. Failure to meet academic requirements specified by the chosen institution.
10. Suspicions regarding intentions to remain in Australia permanently without abiding by visa conditions.

Note: If your student visa application is denied while outside Australia, you have the option to reapply for the same or a different visa at any time. However, the success of your application hinges on the accuracy and completeness of the information and documents provided. Therefore, it is crucial to carefully review all requirements and plan accordingly.

In conclusion, obtaining a student visa for Australia necessitates meticulous attention to detail regarding eligibility and requirements. Treat your visa application as a critical step toward studying in Australia, ensuring adherence to all parameters and the accuracy of submitted documents to maximize your chances of approval.