In June 2015, the Department of Immigration and Border Protection announced a number of changes to the Australian Student visa framework that are designed to make the entire application and approval process easier and less stressful.
The major changes include:
- A reduction of student visa subclasses from 8 to just 2
- Introducing a “simplified single immigration risk framework for all international students
The main reason for this change is to make it easier for genuine students to apply for a study position in Australia, as well as creating a level playing field for all education institutions. These changes will also help to create a targeted approach to immigration integrity.
Currently, prospective students are required to apply for a visa subclass based on their intended level of study. Once these new changes come into effect, there will be only one subclass of visa they need to apply for (with the other subclass applying to student guardians). All student visa applicants will also be assessed under the same framework.
These changes will not affect International students in Australia who currently possess an Australia student visa, only new applications will be affected by the change.
The good news for new visa applicants though, is that the visa application process is likely to become easier, faster and less stressful!
We will keep you updated on any further changes as they come through.
