Australia Implements Stricter Visa Rules for International Students

Australia is set to enforce new visa regulations for international students starting March 23, replacing the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement with the Genuine Student (GS) requirement. This change, similar to measures adopted by Canada and the UK, aims to tighten immigration regulations concerning study visas. The decision, announced on December 11, will only apply to visa applications submitted after March 23, 2024.

Under the new regulations, several key changes are being introduced:

Higher English Language Proficiency Standard: The required IELTS score for eligibility for a Temporary Graduate visa will increase from 6.0 to 6.5, and for student visas, it will rise from 5.5 to 6.0.

Reduced Validity Window for English Language Tests: The validity window for English Language tests for Temporary Graduate visas will be reduced from 3 years to 1 year. Applicants must provide evidence of completing an English Language test within 1 year before the visa application date.

Introduction of Genuine Student Test: A new genuine student test will be implemented for all international students, replacing the existing GTE requirement. This test aims to assess the genuine intention of students to study in Australia.

Scrutiny of High-Risk Applications: High-risk student applications will undergo thorough scrutiny to ensure compliance with the new regulations and maintain the integrity of the visa system.

Moreover, the financial requirements for international students seeking a student visa have been raised, with applicants now required to demonstrate savings totaling $24,505.

The GS requirement focuses on assessing the student’s genuine intention to study in Australia, considering factors such as the applicant’s circumstances, evidence of course progression, immigration history, compliance with visa conditions, and other relevant matters.

In 2022, there were 100,009 Indian students studying in Australia, according to government data. Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of Indian students in Australia has seen fluctuations over the years, with significant numbers traveling to the country on student visas in previous years.