Australian student visa new rules

The Australian government has introduced several changes to the student visa program in recent years. Here are some of the key changes and new rules:

Changes to the Student Visa Program (2020)

  1. Streamlined Student Visa Process: The Australian government introduced a new streamlined student visa process, which aims to reduce processing times and make it easier for international students to apply for a student visa.
  2. Increased English Language Requirements: The government increased the English language requirements for student visa applicants, requiring a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 in each band (reading, writing, listening, and speaking).
  3. New Requirements for Student Visa Applications: The government introduced new requirements for student visa applications, including:
    • A valid passport with at least six months' validity
    • A completed and signed application form
    • Payment of the visa application charge
    • Evidence of sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay in Australia
    • Health insurance that covers them for the duration of their stay in Australia
  4. Changes to the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Requirement: The government introduced changes to the GTE requirement, which aims to ensure that student visa applicants have a genuine intention to study in Australia and not to stay permanently.
  5. New Requirements for Student Visa Holders: Student visa holders are now required to:
    • Report any changes to their address or contact details to the Department of Home Affairs
    • Maintain their health insurance for the duration of their stay in Australia
    • Not engage in any work or study that is not authorized by their student visa

New Rules for Student Visa Applications (2022)

  1. Increased Visa Application Charge: The visa application charge for student visas has increased to AUD 1,020 (approximately USD 700).
  2. New Requirements for Student Visa Applications: The government has introduced new requirements for student visa applications, including:
    • A valid passport with at least six months' validity
    • A completed and signed application form
    • Payment of the visa application charge
    • Evidence of sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay in Australia
    • Health insurance that covers them for the duration of their stay in Australia
    • A police certificate from their home country or a country where they have lived for the past 12 months
  3. Changes to the English Language Requirements: The government has introduced changes to the English language requirements for student visa applicants, requiring a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 in each band (reading, writing, listening, and speaking).
  4. New Requirements for Student Visa Holders: Student visa holders are now required to:
    • Report any changes to their address or contact details to the Department of Home Affairs
    • Maintain their health insurance for the duration of their stay in Australia
    • Not engage in any work or study that is not authorized by their student visa

Important Notes